A rare case of inferior vena cava occlusion secondary to abdominal pseudocyst associated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Abdominal pseudocyst (APC) is an uncommon but well-recognised complication of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt. Diagnosis is based on clinical features of shunt malfunction, including headaches, vomiting and drowsiness, and abdominal swelling. APCs can grow to large sizes resulting in compression of abdominal viscera; however, inferior vena cava (IVC) compression is extremely rare, and only one other case associated with VP shunt had been reported. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with a background of open myelomeningocoele repair, kyphoscoliosis and right-sided VP shunt in situ who presented with bilateral lower limb swelling and abdominal distension. She exhibited no features of raised intracranial pressure but had bilateral pitting oedema up to the groin. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan showed a massive septated pseudocyst (20 × 18 × 8 cm) compressing the IVC. The APC was drained, and the shunt was externalised, with conversion to a ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunt 1 week later after cultures of the cystic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid and shunt tube came back sterile. The patient remained well with no recurrence of the abdominal fluid and no VA shunt complication at 36-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: This patient had specific risk factors for development of a massive APC and the subsequent IVC compression, including prior surgeries, spinal deformity, abnormal abdominal anatomy and poor abdominal muscle tone and sensation. Early recognition of this complication and prompt alleviation of the mass effect of IVC compression can prevent long-term neurological and vascular sequalae.

Case series of 100 supraorbital mini-craniotomies in patients with good grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage at a single neurosurgical Centre.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular techniques are becoming more common for cerebral aneurysms, but not all patients are suitable and open surgery is necessary for some. The traditional pterional approach requires a large craniotomy and this carries some morbidity in itself. With the growing expectation for minimally invasive surgery, we present our experience in supraorbital mini-craniotomy for good grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. METHODS: Data on good-grade subarachnoid haemorrhage patients having aneurysms clipped via this approach were collected prospectively. Aneurysms at all anterior circulation sites were included, with the exception of the pericallosal artery, which was not within reach. A long-term follow-up questionnaire was sent to patients who had a supraorbital approach to clip the aneurysm at more than 1 year from hospital discharge. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate mortality of 1% and severe residual disability in 10% of patients. Approach-related complications were low and it was considered that the operating space was not restricted in any of our cases. Return to work was achieved in 70% of patients who were working at the time of their haemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Supraorbital micro-craniotomy is a safe approach for patients with proximal anterior circulation aneurysms, with low mortality and morbidity.

The role of sex genotype in paediatric CNS tumour incidence and survival.

PURPOSE: Evidence exists, in CNS germinomas and medulloblastomas (MB), that patient sex significantly influences incidence and outcome. The role of sex genotype in other paediatric CNS tumours remains unclear. This study sought to examine the role of sex genotype in CNS tumour incidence and overall survival (OS). METHODS: Age-adjusted incidence and OS rates were collected from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result (SEER) registry between 2000 and 2011 for common paediatric (<=19 years) CNS tumours: pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), anaplastic astrocytoma, glioblastoma (GBM), medulloblastoma, supratentorial CNS embryonal tumour, ependymoma, and germinoma. All patients with histologically confirmed, ICD-03 coded, first tumours, were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR). RESULTS: The total cases are as follows: males=3018 and females=2276. Highest incidence was seen in PA (n=2103). GBM displayed the worst OS, whilst PA displayed the best. Higher incidence was observed in males for all tumours, except PA. Females with ependymoma had significantly better OS compared to males, whereas males with germinomas had better OS compared to females. Females <1 year with AA had better OS than males. Increasing age significantly improved male and female survival in ependymoma and medulloblastoma. CONCLUSION: Interrogating population-based registries such as SEER minimises bias and provides credible data. Observed differences in incidence and OS between the sexes for different paediatric CNS tumours provide useful prognostic information for clinicians. Sex genotype was a significant independent prognostic factor in ependymomas and germinomas. Further investigation of possible epigenetic and hormonal differences may provide sex-specific vulnerabilities that may be exploitable for targeted therapy.

Volumetric growth rates of meningioma and its correlation with histological diagnosis and clinical outcome: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Tumour growth has been used to successfully predict progression-free survival in low-grade glioma. This systematic review sought to establish the evidence base regarding the correlation of volumetric growth rates with histological diagnosis and potential to predict clinical outcome in patients with meningioma. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Databases were searched for full text English articles analysing volumetric growth rates in patients with a meningioma. RESULTS: Four retrospective cohort studies were accepted, demonstrating limited evidence of significantly different tumour doubling rates and shapes of growth curves between benign and atypical meningiomas. Heterogeneity of patient characteristics and timing of volumetric assessment, both pre- and post-operatively, limited pooled analysis of the data. No studies performed statistical analysis to demonstrate the clinical utility of growth rates in predicting clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides limited evidence in support of the use of volumetric growth rates in meningioma to predict histological diagnosis and clinical outcome to guide future monitoring and treatment.

Correlation of volumetric growth and histological grade in 50 meningiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Advances in radiological imaging techniques have enabled volumetric measurements of meningiomas to be easily monitored using serial imaging scans. There is limited literature on the relationship between tumour growth rates and the WHO classification of meningiomas despite tumour growth being a major determinant of type and timing of intervention. Volumetric growth has been successfully used to assess growth of low-grade glioma; however, there is limited information on the volumetric growth rate (VGR) of meningiomas. This study aimed to determine the reliability of VGR measurement in patients with meningioma, assess the relationship between VGR and 2016 WHO grading as well as clinical applicability of VGR in monitoring meningioma growth. METHODS: All histologically proven intracranial meningiomas that underwent resection in a single centre between April 2009 and April 2014 were reviewed and classified according to the 2016 edition of the Classification of the Tumours of the CNS. Only patients who had two pre-operative scans that were at least 3 months apart were included in the study. Two authors performed the volumetric measurements using the Slicer 3D software independently and the inter-rater reliability was assessed. Multiple regression analyses of factors affecting the VGR and VDE of meningiomas were performed using the R statistical software with p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 548 patients who underwent resection of their meningiomas, 66 met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen cases met the exclusion criteria (NF2, spinal location, previous surgical or radiation treatment, significant intra-osseous component and poor quality imaging). Forty-two grade I and 8 grade II meningiomas were included in the analysis. The VGR was significantly higher for grade II meningiomas. Using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal threshold that distinguishes between grade I and II meningiomas is 3 cm3/year. Higher histological grade, high initial tumour volume, MRI T2-signal hyperintensity and presence of oedema were found to be significant predictors of higher VGR. CONCLUSION: Reliable tools now exist to evaluate and monitor volumetric growth of meningiomas. Grade II meningiomas have significantly higher VGR compared with grade I meningiomas and growth of more than 3 cm3/year is strongly suggestive of a higher grade meningioma. A larger, multi-centre prospective study to investigate the applicability of velocity of growth to predict the outcome of patients with meningioma is warranted.

Traumatic acute extradural haematoma - Indications for surgery revisited.

Extradural haematomas (EDH) occur in approximately 2% of all head injuries but account for a significant proportion of fatal head injuries with mortality rates ranging from 1.2 to 33%. The expeditious surgical evacuation of EDH is associated with an excellent prognosis and is considered the most cost-effective operation performed by neurosurgeons. The Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) has produced informative guidance on the management of EDH. The criteria laid out for conservative management comprises non-comatose patients with EDH less than 30 cm in volume, less than 15 mm thick and causing less than 5 mm midline shift. The BTF recommends that all patients with an EDH volume of greater than 30 cm(3) should undergo surgical evacuation regardless of Glasgow Coma Scale. This recommendation was based upon early case series and cohort studies from two decades. Within an ageing population, we now see many older patients who may accommodate greater extra-axial blood volumes. With this in mind, we believe the indications for surgical evacuation of EDH merit renewed consideration.

Trampoline-Associated Cranial and Spinal Injuries: A 10-Year Study in a Pediatric Neurosurgery Center.

OBJECTIVE:  There has been an increasing use of trampolines for recreation by children in recent years. Many studies have explored the different types of injuries sustained due to falls from trampolines, but so far none have focused specifically on cranial and spinal injuries. In this study, we describe the pattern of cranial and spinal injuries sustained by pediatric patients that were associated with the use of trampolines and their management in a tertiary pediatric neurosurgery unit over a period of 10 years. METHODS:  This is a retrospective study of all children less than 16 years of age with suspected or confirmed trampoline-associated cranial or spinal injuries, managed by a tertiary pediatric neurosurgery unit from 2010 to 2020. Data collected included the patient's age at the time of injury, gender, neurological deficits, radiological findings, management, and clinical outcome. The data were analyzed to highlight any trends in the pattern of injuries. RESULTS:  A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 8 years (ranging from one year and five months to 15 years and five months) were identified. 52% patients were male. 10 patients (23%) had a reduced Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. In terms of imaging findings, 19 patients (43%) had a radiologically positive head injury, nine (20%) had a craniovertebral junction (CVJ) injury, including the first (C1) and second (C2) cervical vertebrae, and six (14%) had an injury involving other parts of the spine. No patient sustained concurrent head and spinal injuries. Eight (18%) patients had normal radiological findings. Two (5%) had incidental findings on radiology that required subsequent surgery. A total of 31 patients (70%) were managed conservatively. 11 patients (25%) underwent surgery for their trauma, of which seven were cranial. Two further patients underwent surgery for their incidental intracranial diagnoses. One child died from an acute subdural hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS:  This study is the first to focus on trampoline-associated neurosurgical trauma and report the pattern and severity of cranial and spinal injuries. Younger children (less than five years of age) are more likely to develop a head injury, whereas older children (more than 11 years of age) are more likely to develop a spinal injury following the use of a trampoline. Although uncommon, some injuries are severe and require surgical intervention. Therefore, trampolines should be used prudently with the appropriate safety precautions and measures.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion for Refractory Intracranial Hypertension in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a common neurosurgical procedure for control of intracranial pressure (ICP) in the acute phase after traumatic brain injury (TBI), where medical management is insufficient. CSF can be drained via an external ventricular drain (EVD) or, in selected patients, via a lumbar (external lumbar drain [ELD]) drainage catheter. Considerable variability exists in neurosurgical practice on their use. METHODS: A retrospective service evaluation was completed for patients receiving CSF diversion for ICP control after TBI, from April 2015 to August 2021. Patients were included whom fulfilled local criteria deeming them suitable for either ELD/EVD. Data were extracted from patient notes, including ICP values pre/postdrain insertion and safety data including infection or clinically/radiologically diagnosed tonsillar herniation. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were retrospectively identified (ELD = 30 and EVD = 11). All patients had parenchymal ICP monitoring. Both modalities affected statistically significant decreases in ICP, with relative reductions at 1, 6, and 24 hour pre/postdrainage (at 24-hour ELD P < 0.0001, EVD P < 0.01). Similar rates of ICP control failure, blockage and leak occurred in both groups. A greater proportion of patients with EVD were treated for CSF infection than with ELD. One event of clinical tonsillar herniation is reported, which may have been in part attributable to ELD overdrainage, but which did not result in adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented demonstrate that EVD and ELD can be successful in ICP control after TBI, with ELD limited to carefully selected patients with strict drainage protocols. The findings support prospective study to formally determine the relative risk-benefit profiles of CSF drainage modalities in TBI.

Infantile Macrocephaly: Complicated Familial Benign Enlargement of Subarachnoid Space in Twins of Suspected Nonaccidental Injury.

A 3-month-old first of dizygotic male twins, born at 34 + 5 weeks gestational age, presented with a 4-week history of increasing head circumference and vomiting. He had a tense anterior fontanelle and a head circumference above the 97th percentile. Magnetic resonance imaging showed large bilateral subdural collection with hemosiderin deposits suggestive of hemorrhage. Nine days of bilateral subdural drainage reduced the collection size and blood load. On postoperative day 16, magnetic resonance imaging confirmed persistent but smaller subdural collections, unmasking the underlying subarachnoid space enlargement. On day 18, a right subdural-peritoneal valveless shunt was inserted as definitive treatment. As part of a nonaccidental injury investigation, Twin 2 was also found to have macrocephaly secondary to benign enlargement of subarachnoid space, which was managed conservatively. Benign enlargement of subarachnoid space has an assumed autosomal/multifactorial inheritance and predisposes to subdural hemorrhage. Ultimately, no safeguarding issues were raised. Both twins continued to be neurologically stable at 2-year follow-up with head circumferences between the 98th and 99th percentiles.

Photobiomodulation reduces hippocampal apoptotic cell death and produces a Raman spectroscopic "signature".

Apoptotic cell death within the brain represents a significant contributing factor to impaired post-traumatic tissue function and poor clinical outcome after traumatic brain injury. After irradiation with light in the wavelength range of 600-1200 nm (photobiomodulation), previous investigations have reported a reduction in apoptosis in various tissues. This study investigates the effect of 660 nm photobiomodulation on organotypic slice cultured hippocampal tissue of rats, examining the effect on apoptotic cell loss. Tissue optical Raman spectroscopic changes were evaluated. A significantly higher proportion of apoptotic cells 62.8±12.2% vs 48.6±13.7% (P<0.0001) per region were observed in the control group compared with the photobiomodulation group. After photobiomodulation, Raman spectroscopic observations demonstrated 1440/1660 cm-1 spectral shift. Photobiomodulation has the potential for therapeutic utility, reducing cell loss to apoptosis in injured neurological tissue, as demonstrated in this in vitro model. A clear Raman spectroscopic signal was observed after apparent optimal irradiation, potentially integrable into therapeutic light delivery apparatus for real-time dose metering.

Is Image Guidance Essential for External Ventricular Drain Insertion?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the external ventricular drain (EVD) placement accuracy and complication rates, between neuronavigation-guided, ultrasound-guided, and freehand techniques in our single-center cohort, and through an additional meta-analysis of the currently available literature. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent EVD insertion from January 2016 to April 2019 was conducted. Information regarding demographics, indication, Evans index, use of image guidance, accuracy of catheter tip placement, and procedural complications was extracted from electronic records and imaging systems. The accuracy of the EVD tip placement was classified according to the Kakarla grading system into optimal, or suboptimal based on its proximity to the Foramen of Monro and involvement of noneloquent/eloquent structures. RESULTS: In total, 294 patients (median age of 54 years) underwent EVD insertion during the study period. A total of 183 catheters were placed freehand, 66 neuronavigation-guided, and 45 ultrasound-guided; the mean Evans ratios were 0.33, 0.29, and 0.31, respectively. Whilst there was a tendency for lower rates of suboptimal placement were guidance was used, with rates of 10.6% and 15.6% for neuronavigation- and ultrasound-guidance, respectively, compared to 20.8% in freehand placement, this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.168). However, pooling this data with two additional studies on meta-analysis found a significant reduction in the risk of suboptimal placement for image-guided vs. freehand EVDs (odds ratio: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32-0.77, P = 0.002). Surgeon seniority and other procedure-related factors had no significant impact on EVD placement accuracy or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, pooled with those of previous studies, suggest image-guided EVD placement significantly reduced the rate of suboptimally placed EVDs. We conclude in appropriately selected cases that image-guided EVD insertions may improve accuracy of catheter placements and reduce associated complications of the procedure.

Atlantoaxial limited dorsal myeloschisis: A report of two cases and review of literature.

Introduction: Limited dorsal myeloschisis (LDM) is a rare form of spinal dysraphism that is characterised by a distinctive fibroneural stalk connecting the spinal cord to the overlying skin lesion. The skin lesions associated with LDM can appear benign clinically and careful evaluation with an MRI scan is essential for diagnosing LDM and to differentiate this entity from other forms of spinal dysraphism and benign causes of skin lesions. Research question: There is a lack of reported atlantoaxial LDM in the literature. We sought to report the clinical presentation, radiological features and surgical management of the first two reported atlantoaxial LDM. Material and methods: Clinical findings and radiological images of the two cases of atlantoaxial LDM that underwent surgical intervention at our institution were retrieved from the medical notes, operative records and imaging system. Results: Both cases of atlantoaxial LDM (C0-1 and C1-2 respectively) underwent successful resection of the overlying cutaneous lesions and stalks to release the tethered spinal cords. Discussion: The surgical management of LDM have been associated with good outcomes and consists of resecting the fibroneural stalk close to the underlying cord, releasing the tethered spinal cord and removing the overlying cutaneous lesion. Conclusion: These are the first two reported cases of atlantoaxial LDM in the literature. We aim to raise awareness of this pathological entity and highlight the importance of establishing the correct diagnosis to guide definitive management, and report the favourable neurological outcome in these cases despite the rostral location.

Metastatic Colon Cancer in the Pituitary: A Case Report with Review of Literature.

We report a rare case of metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma to the pituitary gland in a 58-year-old who presented with visual decline and panhypopituitarism. He underwent urgent transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery with significant improvement of his vision, followed by adjuvant fractionated radiotherapy to the resection cavity. He made a satisfactory recovery, but regrettably died from COVID-19 9 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal management of this condition due to its rarity and complexity.

Comparison of outcomes of neurosurgical operations performed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected outcomes for all operatively managed neurosurgical patients, not only those positive for SARS-CoV-2. DESIGN: Matched cohort (pairwise method). SETTING: A single tertiary neurosurgical referral centre at a large UK Major Trauma Centre. PARTICIPANTS: During the first COVID-19 wave, 231 neurosurgical cases were performed. These cases were matched to cases from 2019. Cases were matched for age (±10 years), primary pathology and surgical procedure. Cases were excluded from analysis if either the age could not be matched to within 10 years, or the primary pathology or procedure was too unique. After exclusions, 191 cases were included in final analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and postoperative pulmonary complications. Secondary outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) on discharge, length of stay (LoS), operative and anaesthetic times and grade of primary surgeon. An exploratory outcome was the SARS-CoV-2 status of patients. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the pandemic and matched cohorts in 30-day mortality, pulmonary complications, discharge GOS, LoS, operative or anaesthetic times. There was a significant difference in the variation of grade of primary surgeon. Only 2.2% (n=5) of patients had a SARS-CoV-2 positive swab. CONCLUSION: During the first UK wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mortality, morbidity and functional outcomes of operatively managed neurosurgical patients at University Hospitals Birmingham were not significantly affected compared with normal practice. The grade of primary surgeon was significantly more senior and adds to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates how the pandemic has negatively impacted UK surgical training. Mixing COVID-19 positive, unknown and negative cases did not significantly impact on outcomes and indicates that further research is required to support the implementation of evidence-based surgical pathways, such as COVID-light sites, throughout the next stage of the pandemic.

UK Chiari 1 Study: protocol for a prospective, observational, multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Chiari 1 malformation (CM1) is a structural abnormality of the hindbrain characterised by the descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. The management of patients with CM1 remains contentious since there are currently no UK or international guidelines for clinicians. We therefore propose a collaborative, prospective, multicentre study on the investigation, management and outcome of CM1 in the UK: the UK Chiari 1 Study (UKC1S). Our primary objective is to determine the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with a new diagnosis of CM1 managed either conservatively or surgically at 12 months of follow-up. We also aim to: (A) determine HRQoL 12 months following surgery; (B) measure complications 12 months following surgery; (C) determine the natural history of patients with CM1 treated conservatively without surgery; (D) determine the radiological correlates of presenting symptoms, signs and outcomes; and (E) determine the scope and variation within UK practice in referral patterns, patient pathways, investigations and surgical decisions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The UKC1S will be a prospective, multicentre and observational study that will follow the British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative model of collaborative research. Patients will be recruited after attending their first neurosurgical outpatient clinic appointment. Follow-up data will be collected from all patients at 12 months from baseline regardless of whether they are treated surgically or not. A further 12-month postoperative follow-up timepoint will be added for patients treated with decompressive surgery. The study is expected to last three years. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The UKC1S received a favourable ethical opinion from the East Midlands Leicester South Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 20/EM/0053; IRAS 269739) and the Health Research Authority. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed medical journals, presented at scientific conferences, shared with collaborating sites and shared with participant patients if they so wish.

Metastatic Pituitary Carcinoma Causing Cord Compression.

A 39-year-old man with a history of recurrent pituitary tumor, Cushing disease, and Nelson syndrome presented with neck stiffness. He previously had bilateral adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy 27 years ago. He subsequently had repeat pituitary surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy for recurrent pituitary tumor. During follow-up, he was noted to have rising basal adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) level. On examination, he was neurologically intact with no signs of myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed a large intradural extramedullary lesion causing cord compression at the C2-3 level. He underwent a cervical laminectomy and debulking of the lesion under continuous monitoring of motor-evoked and somatosensory-evoked potentials. He remained neurologically intact postoperatively. Histologic analysis revealed a tumor of pituitary origin with synaptophysin and ACTH expression. Pituitary drop metastasis is a rare entity and should raise a high index of suspicion given this clinical presentation. The radiologic appearance can mimic benign lesions such as meningioma or schwannoma.

Obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to odontoid pannus: case report and review of literature.

Odontoid pannus or periodontoid pseudotumour is associated with a variety of rheumatological conditions. We report a case of an 80-year old man who presented with acute hydrocephalus following an emergency operation to amputate his infected left big toe. Imaging revealed a large tissue mass causing severe compression at the cervico-medullary junction and obstruction of CSF flow. The acute hydrocephalus was presumed to be related to neck manoeuvring during general anaesthesia. Following an initial emergency CSF diversion through external ventricular drainage catheter insertion, the patient subsequently underwent ventriculo-peritoneal insertion and posterior spinal decompression and fixation. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of tophaceous gout of the odontoid pannus causing acute hydrocephalus.

Hepatic portal venous gas.

Differentiating hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) and pneumobilia on the CT scan can be accomplished by comparing the pattern of intrahepatic air spread. HPVG can be an indicator of significant intra-abdominal pathology and bowel ischaemia is the most common causative etiology for HPVG.