Predictors of Delayed Hyponatraemia After Surgery for Pituitary Tumour.

Delayed hyponatraemia(DH) is a common complication following trans-sphenoidal surgery(TSS) for pituitary tumour. We evaluated the prevalence of DH following TSS, and assessed the factors associated with DH, including early post-operative diabetes insipidus(EPDI). This retrospective study included 100 TSS for pituitary tumours in 98 patients, over a period of 26 months. Subjects were divided into two groups: those who developed hyponatraemia and those who did not develop hyponatraemia, during post-operative days 4 to 14. The clinical characteristics and peri-operative parameters were compared between the two groups, to identify factors predicting DH. The mean age of the patients was 42.0±13.6 years, 58 (59%) were females and 61 (61%) had functional tumours. Thirty-six patients(36%) developed DH following TSS of whom majority(58%) were diagnosed on post-operative days 7 and 8; only 8/36 (22%) were symptomatic. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion(SIADH) was found to be the most common aetiology of DH. On logistic regression analysis, intra-operative cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) leak (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.9-13.8; p=0.002), EPDI (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.3-9.2; p=0.015) and peri-operative steroid use (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.3-9.8; p=0.014) were found to be significantly associated with DH. In conclusion, EPDI, intra-operative CSF leak and peri-operative steroid use were significant predictors of DH. EPDI predicts moderate to severe hyponatraemia with 80% specificity but has low sensitivity(47%). As most patients have asymptomatic hyponatraemia, serum sodium measurement on POD 7 to 10 would be helpful to identify DH in patients at increased risk.

Clinical Profile and Mutations Associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia-Type1 (MEN1) and Their First-Degree Relatives at Risk of Developing MEN1: A Prospective Study.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type-1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a combined occurrence of tumours of parathyroid glands, pancreatic islets, and anterior pituitary. About 90% of these patients carry mutations in the MEN1 gene, though the spectrum is not well defined in India. Forty clinically suspected cases of MEN1 were enrolled prospectively over six years; 32 patients (23 index-cases and nine affected relatives) with≥2 classical endocrine tumours of MEN1 were considered definite, and eight were categorised as 'MEN1-like'. Details of their clinical presentation, treatment and mutational analysis including MEN1 gene, 3' and 5' untranslated regions (UTR) of MEN1, CDKN1B, and CaSR genes were collated. Asymptomatic first-degree relatives were also screened. Among the 32 definite MEN1 patients, all had primary hyperparathyroidism, 22 (68.7%) had gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, and 21 (66%) had pituitary adenoma. Of the 23 definite index-cases, 13 (56.5%) carried mutations in the MEN1 gene. Five of nine affected first-degree relatives (55.5%), and four of 10 asymptomatic relatives (40%) also had MEN1 mutations. Seven of 10 MEN1 mutation-negative definite index-cases harboured p.V109G polymorphism in the CDKN1B gene. All eight MEN1-like cases were negative for mutations and large deletions in MEN1, mutations in 3' and 5' UTR of MEN1, CaSR and CDKN1B genes. The study has helped to clearly document the pattern of mutations among Indian MEN1 patients. However, the absence of MEN1 mutation in ~44% of cases and the presence of p.V109G polymorphism in CDKN1B gene raise the question whether such polymorphisms could independently contribute to pathogenesis.

Neuroimaging of pediatric infratentorial tumors and the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in determining tumor grade.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) provides information about the cellular density of tumors. This feature is useful in grading and identifying different tumor types. PURPOSE: To assess the value of diffusion restriction and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in differentiating pediatric infratentorial tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 82 children (age range 1-16 years) with infratentorial tumors. Histopathological grading after surgical excision/biopsy was categorized as low grade (WHO grades I and II) (n = 31; 29 pilocytic astrocytomas, 2 ependymomas) and high grade (WHO grade III and IV) (n = 51; 40 medulloblastomas, 8 anaplastic ependymomas, 1 anaplastic astrocytoma, 2 atypical rhabdoid teratoid tumors [ATRT]). MRI features and ADC values were compared among tumor types and grades using a two-tailed t test, Mann-Whitney U test for continuous data and Chi-square test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Diffusion restriction and low ADC value was a feature of high-grade tumors (P<0.001). The mean ADC values of the low-grade and high-grade tumors were 1.567 × 10-3mm2/s and 0.661 × 10-3mm2/s, respectively. Using 0.9 × 10-3mm2/s as the cut-off value, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for differentiating the grades was 87%, 100%, 100%, and 81.8%, respectively. Significant differences were found between the mean ADC values of the individual tumor types (P<0.05), except between medulloblastoma and ATRT. CONCLUSION: ADC values and visual assessment of diffusion restriction are useful in tumor grading. The individual tumor types can be identified by an algorithmic approach, using DWI in conjunction with other described MRI features.

Long-term outcomes following maximal safe resection in a contemporary series of childhood craniopharyngiomas.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of pediatric craniopharyngiomas remains controversial. This study aimed to characterize long-term outcomes in a contemporary cohort of children undergoing surgery for craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 37 consecutive children who underwent surgery for craniopharyngioma with a median follow-up duration of 79 months (range 5-127 months). Patients were stratified by extent of resection (EOR) and need for adjuvant radiation therapy (RT). Imaging studies were reviewed to grade extent of hypothalamic involvement. Data on functional outcomes, pituitary function, and obesity were analyzed. RESULTS: Gross total resection was achieved in 16 patients (43.2%), near total resection in six patients (16.2%), and subtotal resection (STR) in 15 patients (40.5%). The recurrence-free survival rate was 81.1% and 70.3% at 5- and 10-year follow-up, respectively. Survival analysis showed superior disease control in patients undergoing STR + RT (p = 0.008). Functional outcomes were independent of EOR, postoperative RT or recurrence. Diabetes insipidus was present in 75% and 44.4% of patients required >2 hormone replacements at last follow-up. Obesity was present in 36.1% patients after treatment, and was associated with preoperative obesity (p = 0.019), preoperative hypothalamic involvement (p = 0.047) and STR + RT (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Gross or near total resection may be achieved safely in almost 60% of cases; however, radical surgery does not eliminate the risk of recurrence. Over long-term follow-up, STR + RT offers the best disease control rates. Patients with preoperative hypothalamic involvement, obesity, and those with tumors not amenable to radical resection are at risk for developing obesity on long-term follow-up.

Adapting management strategies for sellar-suprasellar lesions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a pragmatic approach from the frontline.

PURPOSE: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, endonasal surgeries for sellar-suprasellar lesions were discouraged due to the risk of transmission of the disease. We reviewed the changes in our management protocol for these lesions as our disease understanding and preparedness evolved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study including patients with sellar-suprasellar and clival lesions presenting to us between March and October 2020. Management protocols were divided into three phases based on the prevalence of the disease and the number of mandatory preoperative COVID-19 tests being conducted. The surgical approach used was analyzed in relation to the preferred approach during pre-COVID times, and surgical outcomes and complications were noted. RESULTS: A total of 31 cases were operated during this period. During Phase I (low prevalence; no preoperative COVID testing) endonasal surgeries were largely abandoned in favor of transcranial approaches. In Phase II (medium prevalence; one preoperative COVID test) we gradually resumed endonasal surgeries for 'emergent' and 'essential' cases, and subsequently in Phase III (high prevalence; two preoperative COVID tests), we had no hesitation in performing 'elective' endonasal surgeries with additional barriers for prevention of aerosol transmission. No patient developed COVID-19 infection postoperatively. Eight HCWs in our department acquired the disease during this period, none of whom were directly involved in the surgeries for the above cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: With a strict preoperative COVID testing protocol, adherence to proper drilling techniques and using additional barriers to prevent droplet and aerosol spread, endonasal surgeries for sellar-suprasellar lesions are safe during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Dynamic imaging of the craniovertebral junction is mandatory in patients with posterior circulation strokes.

INTRODUCTION: The course of the vertebral artery after exiting from the C1 foramen transversarium and prior to entering the dura lends itself to compression in C1-2 instability. However, atlantoaxial dislocation presenting with vertebrobasilar insufficiency and posterior circulation stroke (PCS) is rare. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we identified 96 patients with PCS who had complete radiological data. Ten (10.4%) patients had craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies, of which six underwent surgery and four were managed conservatively. The clinical and functional outcomes were measured in the two groups. RESULTS: Left-sided strokes were seen in 7/10 patients, the majority of whom had left dominant vertebral arteries. The mean age at presentation in those with CVJ anomalies was 27.2 ± 12.8 years that was significantly lower than those without CVJ anomalies, 52.2 ± 14.5 years (p ≤ 0.001). The etiologies of PCS in those < 50 years were CVJ anomalies (30%), atherosclerosis (30%) and vasculitis (27%); however, the overwhelming majority of strokes in the > 50 year age group was atherosclerosis (91%). Postoperatively, there were no recurrent strokes in the operated patients, who also obtained significant clinical improvement on the modified Rankin Scale, Nurick Scale and modified McCormick Scale as compared to those who did not undergo surgery. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of CVJ instability prevent recurrent strokes and improve outcomes in patients with PCS. Physicians and spine surgeons need to be sensitized regarding CVJ anomalies as a cause of PCS enabling early diagnosis with dynamic imaging particularly in the younger age group. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

A randomized controlled trial to determine the role of intraoperative lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a frequent cause of morbidity in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery. This prospective study was performed to examine the impact of intraoperative lumbar subarachnoid drainage (LSAD) on the incidence of this complication and on the extent of resection in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a single large academic medical center. All patients with pituitary adenomas who had not undergone prior transsphenoidal surgery were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo transsphenoidal surgery with intraoperative lumbar drain insertion (LSAD group) or no lumbar drain insertion (no LSAD group). An otolaryngologist independently determined the occurrence of an intraoperative CSF leak. Extent of tumor resection was determined by volumetric analysis of postoperative magnetic resonance images in patients with nonfunctional tumors or functional adenomas with a large suprasellar component. RESULTS: Sixty patients were eligible for inclusion, of which 30 were assigned to the LSAD group and 30 to the no LSAD group. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics, tumor pathology, or radiology between the two groups. The LSAD catheter was successfully inserted in all patients in the LSAD group. Intraoperative CSF drainage significantly reduced the incidence of CSF leak from 46.7% in the no LSAD group to 3.3% in the LSAD group (P < 0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative CSF rhinorrhea between the two groups. There were no major catheter-related complications. There was no statistically significant difference in the extent of resection between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Controlled intraoperative CSF drainage significantly reduces the incidence of intraoperative CSF leakage in patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

Three-dimensional computed tomography angiographic study of the vertebral artery in patients with congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies.

PURPOSE: To describe vertebral artery (VA) course at the C0-C1-C2 complex in patients with congenital bony craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies. METHODS: We studied the course of 169 VAs in 86 patients with congenital bony CVJ anomalies [basilar invagination (42), os odontoideum (33), and irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (11)]. Occipitalized atlas occurred in 41 patients (30 complete and 11 partial). Using axial, coronal and sagittal three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiograms, we traced the VA bilaterally at the CVJ and correlated the course to the presence or absence of occipitalization of the atlas. RESULTS: Of the 73 arteries associated with occipitalization of atlas, all had an abnormal course-58 (78.4 %) coursed through a canal within the C0-C1 fused complex and 15 (20.3 %) coursed below the C1 posterior arch, and it was absent unilaterally in one patient. There were 96 arteries associated with a non-occipitalized atlas and only 15 (15.3 %) were abnormal-eight coursed below the C1 posterior arch, four coursed above the C1 arch in the absence of a C1 foramen transversarium, one passed through a canal in C0-C1 and two arteries were absent unilaterally. Sixty vertebral arteries (34 on the right and 26 on the left side) had a redundant loop situated at a distance of ≥5 mm from the C1 lateral mass in patients with os odontoideum and irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: In occipitalization of the atlas, the VA course is usually abnormal-typically passing through a canal within the C0-C1 fused complex or below the C1 arch. A redundant VA loop is more likely to be seen in os odontoideum and irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. Careful study of the vertebral artery course with 3D CT angiography is mandatory while contemplating CVJ realignment surgery in congenital anomalies of the CVJ.

Implications of the World Health Organization definition of atypia on surgically treated functional and non-functional pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines atypical pituitary adenomas as tumours with a MIB-1 labelling index ≥3%, p53 positivity and increased mitotic activity. Although a few reports have described the clinical and radiological correlates of atypia in pituitary adenomas, its impact on postoperative outcomes is not clearly defined. METHOD: We reviewed preoperative and postoperative records of patients undergoing surgery for pituitary adenomas. Postoperative outcomes for functional adenomas (FPAs) were assessed according to contemporary definitions of remission and recurrence. For non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs), extent of resection and disease progression were defined on the basis of postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Of 394 patients included for analysis, 29 cases (7.4%) fulfilled criteria for atypia. Patients with atypical tumours were significantly younger than those with typical adenomas. Remission was possible in 47.4% of FPAs, and was unrelated to the presence of atypia. In NFPAs, local invasiveness was negatively associated with extent of resection (OR, 0.255; 95% CI, 0.086-0.753; p < 0.001). In 93 NFPAs followed postoperatively with serial imaging over a mean duration of 37.5 months, disease progression/recurrence was significantly associated with the presence of atypia (OR, 5.058; 95% CI, 1.273-20.098; p = 0.021) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with atypical non-functional pituitary adenomas are at risk for postoperative recurrence and disease progression, suggesting a need for adjuvant therapy. However, only a small fraction of pituitary tumours demonstrate atypia, as defined by the WHO, limiting its clinical utility.

Pure endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for functional pituitary adenomas: outcomes with Cushing's disease.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to examine patient outcomes following pure endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for Cushing's disease (CD). METHOD: We studied 64 consecutive patients who underwent 69 endoscopic transsphenoidal procedures. Radiological evaluation comprised detailed examination of preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI), including positron emission tomography (PET) for select cases. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was not performed for any patient. Remission was defined by the presence of hypocortisolemia with requirement for steroid replacement therapy or eucortisolemia with suppression to <1.8 µg/dl after 1 mg dexamethasone on evaluation at least 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Preoperative MRI was abnormal in 87.5 % of cases and included 11 macroadenomas (17.2 %). PET was used to localize the adenoma in four cases. For microadenomas, operative procedures executed were as follows: selective adenomectomy (n = 15), enlarged adenomectomy (n = 21) and subtotal/hemihypophysectomy (n = 17). Overall, pathological confirmation of an adenoma was possible in 58 patients (90.6 %). Forty-nine patients (76.6 %) developed hypocortisolemia (<5 µg/dl) in the early postoperative period. Mean follow-up was 20 months (range 6-18 months). Remission was confirmed in 79.7 % of the 59 cases followed up for >3 months and was superior for microadenomas (86.4 %) versus macroadenomas (55.6 %) and equivocal MRI adenomas (66.7 %). Postoperative CSF rhinorrhea occurred in five patients, and new endocrine deficits were noted in 17.1 % patients. A nadir postoperative cortisol <2 µg/dl in the 1st week after surgery was highly predictive of remission (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: ETS allows for enhanced intrasellar identification of adenomatous tissue, providing remission rates that are comparable to traditional microsurgery for CD. The best predictor of remission remains induction of profound hypocortisolemia in the early postoperative period.

An analysis of granulation patterns, MIB-1 proliferation indices and p53 expression in 101 patients with acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: Despite the wide spectrum of adenoma behavior in patients with acromegaly, the ability of most pathological markers to predict clinical and radiological behavior remains controversial. The authors sought to comprehensively examine clinical and radiological correlates of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas with regard to several commonly used immunocytochemical techniques in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly. METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of histopathological findings in 101 surgically resected GH adenomas. Tumors were assessed radiologically for different patterns of extension. Each tumor specimen was subject to immunocytochemical analysis, including assessments of granulation patterns, MIB-1 labeling indices, prolactin cosecretion, p53 expression and mitotic activity. Endocrinological outcome was assessed in 93 patients, with remission defined by the 2010 consensus criteria. RESULTS: Most tumors were macroadenomas and almost half were invasive. When compared to densely granulated tumors, sparsely granulated adenomas were associated with a younger age at presentation, higher preoperative IGF-1 levels, elevated MIB-1 index and pure GH immunostaining, but did not differ significantly in terms of extrasellar invasion or outcome. Increased mitotic activity and p53 expression were also associated with higher proliferation indices and a younger age at presentation. Mixed GH/prolactin tumors demonstrated significantly higher remission rates, independent of variations in extrasellar growth. MIB-1 indices did not correlate with the preoperative GH/IGF-1 levels, adenoma size or Knosp grade. CONCLUSION: The pathobiology of acromegaly is complex, and the clinicoradiological significance of subtyping on the basis of the markers employed in this study is debatable. Further investigation of newer molecular markers is warranted.

Transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly: predicting remission with early postoperative growth hormone assays.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of residual disease may benefit management strategies in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly. This requires establishing objective thresholds for early postoperative growth hormone (GH) assays, and incorporating these parameters into a scale for outcome prediction. METHOD: We analyzed a database containing the records of 86 patients who had undergone gross total transsphenoidal resection of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Early postoperative biochemical testing included a morning fasting basal GH assay on the first postoperative day (POD1) and a second GH assay following suppression with 100 g of oral glucose on the seventh postoperative day (POD7). Remission was defined as a normal IGF-1 with either a GH nadir <0.4 ng/ml following suppression with oral glucose or a basal fasting GH <1 ng/ml on follow-up dated >3 months after surgery. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves identified optimal thresholds for all biochemical parameters. Logistic regression analysis assessed the statistical significance of factors associated with cure. A point system was developed, employing regression coefficients obtained from the multivariate statistical model to quantify the impact of each predictor on cure. RESULTS: Remission was achieved in 34.6 % of patients and was associated with smaller, non-invasive tumors with lower preoperative, POD1 and POD7 GH levels. Optimal thresholds obtained from the ROC analysis suggested that lower POD1 and POD7 GH values provided good sensitivity and specificity for cure, despite modest predictive values. The model with the best ability to predict outcome included size, POD1 GH and POD7 GH levels, with a score of ≥95 demonstrating high specificity for prediction of remission. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative GH assays are highly sensitivity and specific. The scoring system that we propose provided excellent predictive value and requires further validation in larger cohorts and in different populations. The model may help guide the intensity of follow-up and enable early identification of residual disease.

Radiation-induced opticochiasmatic glioblastoma multiforme following conventional radiotherapy for Cushing's disease.

We report the rare occurrence of an opticochiasmatic glioblastoma multiforme 6 years following conventional radiotherapy for Cushing's disease. This article highlights the risks of collateral damage to the optic apparatus when irradiating the sellar region.

Decompressive craniectomy in cerebral venous thrombosis: a single centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an important cause for stroke in the young where the role for decompressive craniectomy is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the outcome of CVT patients treated with decompressive craniectomy. METHODS: Clinical and imaging features, preoperative findings and long-term outcome of patients with CVT who underwent decompressive craniectomy were analysed. RESULTS: Over 10 years (2002-2011), 44/587 (7.4%) patients with CVT underwent decompressive craniectomy. Diagnosis of CVT was based on magnetic resonance venography (MRV)/inferior vena cava (IVC). Decision for surgery was taken at admission in 19/44 (43%), within 12 h in 5/44 (11%), within first 48 h in 15/44 (34%) and beyond 48 h in 10/44 (22%). Presence of midline shift of ≥ 10 mm (p<0.0009) and large infarct volume (mean 146.63 ml; SD 52.459, p<0.001) on the baseline scan influenced the decision for immediate surgery. Hemicraniectomy was done in 38/44 (86%) and bifrontal craniectomy in 6/44 (13.6%). Mortality was 9/44 (20%). On multivariate analysis (5% level of significance) age <40 years and surgery within 12 h significantly increased survival. Mean follow-up was 25.5 months (range 3-66 months), 26/35 (74%) had 1 year follow-up. Modified Rankin Scale (mRs) continued to improve even after 6 months with 27/35 (77%) of survivors achieving mRs of ≤ 2. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series on decompressive craniectomy for CVT in literature to date. Decompressive craniotomy should be considered as a treatment option in large venous infarcts. Very good outcomes can be expected especially if done early and in those below 40 years.

A Negative-Pressure Face-Mounted System Reduces Aerosol Spread during Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery.

Purpose Due to the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission during endonasal surgery, we studied methods to reduce droplet and aerosol generation during these procedures. Methods Droplet spread was assessed using ultraviolet light and a camera that detected fluorescence in the operative field and surgeon's personal protective equipment. Density of aerosols sized <10 µm was measured using a photometric particle counter. We designed a face-mounted negative-pressure mask placed on the patients' face during endoscopic endonasal surgery. Sixteen patients were recruited between October 2020 and March 2021 and randomly assigned to the mask and no-mask groups. We compared droplet spread and aerosols generated in both groups, with copious irrigation and continuous suction during drilling forming the mainstay of surgical technique in all cases. Results Droplet contamination due to direct spillage of fluorescein from the syringe was noted in two patients. Aerosol density rose during sphenoid drilling in both groups, with no significant difference when continuous suction and irrigation were employed (1.27 times vs. 1.07 times the baseline, p = 0 .248 ). Aerosol density rose significantly when suction and irrigation were interrupted in the no-mask group (44.9 times vs. 1.2 times, p = 0 .028) , which was not seen when the mask was used. Conclusion Aerosol generation increases during drilling in endonasal procedures and is a concern during this pandemic. The use of a rigid suction close to the drill along with copious irrigation is effective in reducing aerosol spread. The use of a negative pressure mask provides additional safety when inadvertent blockage of suction and inadequate irrigation occur.

Multilevel oblique corpectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy preserves segmental motion.

PURPOSE: To document the neurological outcome, spinal alignment and segmental range of movement after oblique cervical corpectomy (OCC) for cervical compressive myelopathy. METHODS: This retrospective study included 109 patients--93 with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 16 with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament in whom spinal curvature and range of segmental movements were assessed on neutral and dynamic cervical radiographs. Neurological function was measured by Nurick's grade and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores. Eighty-eight patients (81%) underwent either a single- or two-level corpectomy; the remaining (19%) undergoing three- or four-level corpectomies. The average duration of follow-up was 30.52 months. RESULTS: The Nurick's grade and the JOA scores showed statistically significant improvements after surgery (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative segmental angle in the neutral position straightened by 4.7 ± 6.5°. The residual segmental range of movement for a single-level corpectomy was 16.7° (59.7% of the preoperative value), for two-level corpectomy it was 20.0° (67.2%) and for three-level corpectomies it was 22.9° (74.3%). 63% of patients with lordotic spines continued to have lordosis postoperatively while only one became kyphotic without clinical worsening. Four patients with preoperative kyphotic spines showed no change in spine curvature. None developed spinal instability. CONCLUSIONS: The OCC preserves segmental motion in the short-term, however, the tendency towards straightening of the spine, albeit without clinical worsening, warrants serial follow-up imaging to determine whether this motion preservation is long lasting.

Transient cortical blindness following a Hangman's fracture: a case report and review of literature.

We describe a case with transient cortical blindness after trauma with no obvious structural damage to the vertebral artery in the presence of a C2 spondylolisthesis. A patient complaining of blindness in a setting of polytrauma should always alert the possibility of a cervical spine injury with vertebral artery ischaemia.

Status of O6 -methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase [MGMT] gene promoter methylation among patients with glioblastomas from India.

BACKGROUND: O6 -methylguanine DNA methyltransferase [MGMT] gene promoter methylation has emerged as a promising marker in determining resistance to temozolomide, used in the treatment of patients with glioblastomas. AIM: To determine the frequency of MGMT promoter methylation among patients with glioblastomas using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) and compare it to the results obtained by bisulfite sequencing of a subset of samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA obtained from the frozen tissue of 27 samples of glioblastomas and three other gliomas, were analyzed for MGMT promoter methylation using a nested MSP assay. Sixteen samples were also subjected to bisulfite sequencing to determine the methylation status of 27 CpG sites within the sequenced region of the MGMT promoter. Data with respect to radiation, chemotherapy and survival outcome was also collected. RESULTS: MGMT promoter methylation was seen in 67% of the cases included in the study using frozen tissues by MSP analysis, while 62% were methylated among glioblastomas alone. There was a 100% concordance between the results obtained by MSP analysis and bisulfite sequencing. Clinical outcome was known among 67% of cases and methylation was higher among those patients who had no recurrence, though it was not statistically significant [P=0.44]. CONCLUSION: The frequency of methylation seen in this study concurs with that reported earlier from the country. MSP was easy to perform and interpret. However, the utility of this testing system in a routine diagnostic setting is still being debated.

Impact of Grade on Survival in Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma and Low Prevalence of BRAF V600E Mutation.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of BRAFV600E mutations in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 2 and PXA WHO Grade 3 reported varies from 60% to 80%, yet the prognostic implications remain unclear. METHODS: We reviewed the demographic and clinicoradiologic data of 20 PXAs WHO Grade 2 and 13 PXAs WHO Grade 3, operated between 2007 and 2020, to ascertain extent of excision, recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). PXAs WHO Grade 3 were defined by the presence of >5 mitoses/high-power field. PXAs WHO Grade 3 received adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy whereas PXAs received radiation therapy if subtotally excised. All samples were analyzed for the presence of BRAFV600E mutation using DNA obtained from paraffin blocks using droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The median patient age at diagnosis was 22 years with a male preponderance. BRAFV600E mutations were noted in 30% of tumors; 8 PXAs WHO Grade 2 and 2 PXAs WHO Grade 3. Recurrence occurred in 6 of 13 PXA WHO Grade 3 (55%) and 1 of 20 PXAs WHO Grade 2 (5%). At median follow-up of 45 months, the OS was 54 months and 33 months in the PXA WHO Grade 2 and PXA WHO Grade 3 groups, respectively (P = 0.02). OS and PFS did not differ between BRAF-mutated and BRAF-negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS: BRAFV600E mutations are less frequent in our population than reported in the literature. The BRAF mutation does not significantly impact OS and PFS. PXAs WHO Grade 3 are a distinct clinical entity, associated with worse PFS and OS than PXAs WHO Grade 2.

Middle fossa extradural repair of sphenoidal encephaloceles.

Sphenoidal encephaloceles are uncommon but potentially dangerous pathological conditions that present with CSF rhinorrhea. Careful radiological evaluation and localisation of the sphenoid defect are critical in defining the surgical approach. We used the middle fossa extradural approach in two patients with sphenoidal encephaloceles in whom previous endoscopic transnasal repairs had failed.