Cerebellopontine angle epidermoid with ipsilateral external ear atresia: an embryological association or a coincidence?

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is the most common site for intracranial epidermoids. They may have varied presentations viz facial pain, hemifacial spasms, headache and uncommonly features of raised intracranial pressure. Their association with external ear atresia has not been reported in literature to date. We present a very rare case of CPA epidermoid with ipsilateral external ear atresia.

Post-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: A review.

Head injury has been the leading cause of death and disability in people younger than 40 years and the incidence is rising continuously. Anticipation of the pathological consequences of post-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) and an outcome-oriented management are very important in these cases. To encounter the complications pertaining to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and tSAH, various classifications have been proposed and goal-oriented screening strategies have been offered. The role of serial computed tomography (CT) scans, perfusion studies, transcranial Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiographic studies as diagnostic tools, has been described. Recently, MRI fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), gradient reversal echo (GRE), and susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) have emerged as excellent complimentary MRI sequences, and the authors of this article have evaluated their role in the diagnosis and prognostication of patients with tSAH. Numerous studies have been conducted on the various complications associated with tSAH such as vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and electrolyte disturbances and their management. This article discusses these aspects of tSAH and their management nuances.

3D Printing-Assisted Skull Base Tumor Surgeries: An Institutional Experience.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in neurosurgery has gained popularity nowadays. Skull base contains many major neurovascular structures in a confined space, along with anatomical variations making surgical approaches to this region challenging. 3D-printed model of skull base tumors consists of the patient's bony skull base, actual tumor dimensions, and surrounding major neurovascular structures. We included a total number of five patients with skull base tumors (one case of planum sphenoidale meningioma, two cases of sellar tumor with suprasellar extension, and two cases of cerebellopontine angle tumor) and 3D-printed tumor model of each of them. These models were used for preoperative simulation and served as very true to life training tool. These help in increasing the efficacy of the surgeon, improves surgical safety and ergonomics. They were also used for patient counselling, educating about the disease, the surgical procedure, and associated risks.

Role of Three-dimensional Printing in Neurosurgery: An Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the field of neurosurgery have given a newer modality of management for patients. In this article, we intend to share our institutional experience regarding the use of 3D printing in three modalities, namely, cranioplasty using customized 3D-printed molds of polymethylmethacrylate, 3D-printed model-assisted management of craniovertebral (CV) junction abnormalities, and 3D model-assisted management of brain tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 55 patients were included in our study between March 2017 and December 2019 at S. M. S Medical College, Jaipur, India. 3D-printed models were prepared for cranioplasty in 30 cases, CV junction anomalies in 18 cases, and brain tumors in 7 cases. Preoperative and postoperative data were analyzed as per the diagnosis. RESULTS: In cranioplasty, cranial contour and approximation of the margins were excellent and esthetic appearance improved in all patients. In CV junction anomalies, neck pain and myelopathy were improved in all patients, as analyzed using the visual analog scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale score, respectively. Our questionnaire survey revealed that 3D models for brain tumors were useful in understanding space interval and depth intraoperatively with added advantage of patient education. CONCLUSION: Rapid prototyping 3D-printing technologies provide a practical and anatomically accurate means to produce patient-specific and disease-specific models. These models allow for surgical planning, training, simulation, and devices for the assessment and treatment of neurosurgical disease. Expansion of this technology in neurosurgery will serve practitioners, trainees, and patients.

Peripheral Inflammatory Blood Markers in Diagnosis of Glioma and IDH Status.

Objective Gliomas are the most common intracranial tumors. Histopathology and neuroimaging are the main modalities used for diagnosis and treatment response monitoring. However, both are expensive and insensitive methods and can cause neurological deterioration. This study aimed to develop a minimally invasive peripheral inflammatory biomarker for diagnosis of glioma, its grade, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status. Materials and Methods Patients undergoing surgery for glioma, acoustic neuroma, and meningioma between January 2019 and December 2019 were included. Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), eosinophil/lymphocyte ratio (ELR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were calculated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were done postoperatively. Results A total of 154 patients of glioma, 36 patients of acoustic neuroma, 58 patients of meningioma, and 107 healthy controls were included. dNLR showed the maximum area under the curve (AUC) (0.656639) for diagnosis of glioma from other tumors and among combinations. dNLR +NLR showed the maximum AUC (0.647865). Maximum AUC for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) versus other grades and among combinations was shown by NLR (0.83926). NLR + dNLR had the maximum AUC (0.764794). NLR showed significant p value in differentiating IDH wild from IDH mutant GBM. Conclusion dNLR has the maximum diagnostic value in diagnosing glioma from other tumors. NLR (AUC = 0.83926) showed the highest accuracy for GBM diagnosis and may be a parameter in predicting the grade of glioma; also, it has maximum diagnostic value in differentiating IDH wild GBM from IDH mutant GBM. These peripheral inflammatory parameters may prove to be sensitive and cost-effective markers for glioma diagnosis, predicting grade of glioma, monitoring of treatment response, and in predicting recurrence.

Three-Dimensional-Printed Model-Assisted Management of Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities: An Institutional Experience with Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility and limitations of using three-dimensional (3D)-printed models for the management of craniovertebral (CV) junction abnormalities. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: In comparison to other bony and vascular anomalies, CV junction abnormalities are difficult to treat. For cases of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), posterior reduction and stabilization have replaced anterior decompression as the standard management protocol. The use of 3D models, such as those described herein, can provide surgeons with in-depth knowledge of the vertebral artery course and bony anomalies associated with CV junction abnormalities. METHODS: Clinical and radiological features of 18 patients with CV junction abnormalities were analyzed between March 2017 and February 2019 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, India. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) of the CV junction and CT angiographies of the neck with respect to the vertebral artery course at the C1-C2 joints were obtained and studied. Customized 3D models of the CV junction were then made based on the CT data, and rehearsal of the surgical procedure was performed using the 3D model one day prior to performing the actual procedure. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had congenital-type AAD, whereas one patient had posttraumatic AAD. Improvements in neck pain and myelopathy were seen in all patients at the follow-up, as analyzed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale score, respectively. There were no cases of malpositioning of screws or any direct vertebral artery injury, although in one patient, the distal flow in the dominant vertebral artery was cut off as it got compressed between the bony arch and the screw head. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to computer-generated images, 3D-printed models are a more practical approach for dealing with complex CV junction abnormalities. They provide surgeons with deep insights into the complex bony anomalies as well as variations in the vertebral artery courses, thereby improving surgical outcomes.

Primary Spinal Cord Melanoma of Intradural Extramedullary Origin.

Primary malignant melanoma is the very rare entity of the central nervous system. It accounts only 1% of all melanoma cases. A 67-year-old patient presented to us with lower back pain radiating to the left lower limb and progressive weakness of both lower limbs. She underwent magnetic resonance imaging scan of lumbosacral region that suggested T1 hyperintense, T2 hypointense, extramedullary altered signal intensity lesion at L1 and L2 vertebral level compressing terminal spinal cord, and cauda equine region. On histopathological examination, findings were suggestive of malignant melanoma that was confirmed with immunohistochemistry examination (positive for S-100, Melan-A, and HMB-45). Here, we are discussing an unusual case of primary malignant melanoma of conus and cauda equine region with comprehensive review regarding management and prognosis of the tumor.

Preoperative Diffusion Tensor Imaging: A Landmark Modality for Predicting the Outcome and Characterization of Supratentorial Intra-Axial Brain Tumors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In view of the few large prospective studies available on the role of preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and the potential of DTI in showing the relationship between tumor and white matter tracts, we studied the role of preoperative DTI in planning a safe surgical corridor, predicting the neurologic and surgical outcome and tumor characterization in supratentorial intra-axial brain tumors. METHODS: We included 128 cases. Preoperative neurologic status and tumor volume were assessed. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based surgical plan was decided and reviewed for changes after DTI (site of corticotomy or limit of resection) by senior faculty of neurosurgery and neuroradiologist. Tracts were classified as displaced, infiltrated, or disrupted. Postoperative neurologic and surgical outcome was assessed along with evaluation of association of DTI with tumor type. RESULTS: DTI-based change in surgical corridor was seen in 60 patients (47%). Sixty-six patients harbored low-grade gliomas, 48 had high-grade gliomas, and 14 had metastastic lesions. Resectability (maximum safe resection) was higher in patients with displaced fibers and lower in those with disrupted/infiltrated fibers, which was statistically significant. Fewer patients had neurologic deterioration in the displaced category (7.1%) compared with the disrupted/infiltrated category (13.9%). Although no significant association could be established between neurologic outcome and fiber type, displaced fibers were associated mainly with low-grade glioma (71%), whereas disrupted/infiltrated fibers were associated mainly with high-grade glioma (66%); this correlation was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative DTI is a landmark tool for planning a safe surgical corridor and predicting the tumor type along with neurologic and surgical outcome of patients.

Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Brain Tumor Surgery.

OBJECT: The objective is to evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in intra-axial brain tumor cases (gliomas and metastasis). To preoperatively assess the integrity and location of white matter (WM) tracts and plan the surgical corridor to cause least damage to the WM tracts with minimum postoperative new neurological deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients were included in this study. Pre-operative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and DTI scans of the patients were taken into consideration. Pre- and post-operative neurological examinations were performed and the outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Preoperative planning of surgical corridor and extent of resection were planned so that maximum possible resection could be achieved without disturbing the WM tracts. DTI indicated the involvement of fiber tracts. A total of 21 (61.7%) patients had a displacement of tracts only and they were not invaded by tumor. A total of 11 (32.3%) patients had an invasion of tracts by the tumor, whereas in 4 (11.7%) patients the tracts were disrupted. Postoperative neurologic examination revealed deterioration of motor power in 4 (11.7%) patients, deterioration of language function in 3 (8.82%) patients, and memory in one patient. Total resection was achieved in 11/18 (61.1%) patients who had displacement of fibers, whereas it was achieved in 5/16 (31.2%) patients when there was infiltration/disruption of tracts. CONCLUSION: DTI provides crucial information regarding the infiltration of the tract and their displaced course due to the tumor. This study indicates that it is a very important tool for the preoperative planning of surgery. The involvement of WM tracts is a strong predictor of the surgical outcome.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Capability of Newer Magnetic Resonance Imaging Brain Sequences in Diffuse Axonal Injury Patient.

OBJECTIVES: Diffuse axonal injury is one of the major causes of unconsciousness, profound neurologic deficits and persistent vegetative state after head trauma. In recent years, MR imaging has been gaining popularity as an adjunctive imaging method in patients with DAI. Our study aims to assess the relative diagnostic and prognostic capability of various MRI sequences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study done in 1 year duration on 30 DAI patients. Clinical assessment done with GCS at admission and GOS at 6 month. MRI Brain FLAIR, DWI, T2*GRE AND SWI sequences taken. DAI grade were evaluated for different MRI sequences. Prognosis was correlated to total number of lesion/locations and DAI grade of patients. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistical software (ver.20.0.0) and XL-Stat and ANOVA one way test, post hoc test (Turkey test) and Chi square test. RESULT: We studied 30 male patients, mean age 32.57±8.72 ranges. The commonest mode of injury is RTA-80%, fall-16% followed by assault-3.33%. Out of 30 patients, 17 patients (56.67%) had GCS <=8, 13 patients (43.33%) had GCS between 9 and 12 and no patient had a GCS score between 13 and 15. The mean GCS score was 8.47±1.50. At a 6 month follow up, out of a total of 30 patients, 2 patients (6.66%) expired (GOS-1), 3 patients (10%) remained in persistent vegetative state (GOS-2), 11 patients (36.67%) and 10 patients (33.33%) were found to be severely (GOS-3) and moderately (GOS-4) disabled respectively and 4 patients (13.33%) showed good recovery (GOS-5). Mean GOS is 3.37+/-1.06. Newer imaging -SWI able to detects lesion better (diagnosis of DAI) as compared to other older sequences like FLAIR,DWI,T2*GRE. But no statistically significant found between total number of lesion/locations to the outcome and also newer imaging do not change the grade of DAI patients. CONCLUSION: Although advanced imaging in head injury, SWI helps in diagnosing the diffuse axonal injury more efficiently than other imaging sequences, but it is the grade of patients at admission that predicts the outcome best.

Choroidal Type of Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation in Adult Patient with Unusual Presentation of Orthostatic Headache.

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) are rare vascular malformations occurring commonly in the pediatric age group. They comprise only 1% of all intracranial vascular malformations, but in pediatric population, they represent 30% of all intracranial vascular malformations. They are of two types-mural and choroidal. Choroidal type of VGAM is more primitive and most severe form of disease. It usually causes high cardiac output failure in newborn period because of multiple high flow fistulas. Adult presentation of choroidal type VGAM is very rare, and only few cases have been reported in literature so far. A 21-year-old female patient presented with an orthostatic headache. Neuroimaging showed the choroidal type of VGAM. Staged embolization was planned through transarterial route. Partial embolization was done in the first stage. Patient's symptoms were disappeared thereafter. As per our knowledge, orthostatic headache has not been described previously in literature. With a very few existing case reports of adult true vein of Galen malformations, we believe that this case can help in understanding the natural history of vein of Galen malformations and the pathophysiology of its development.

Prehospital Care in Traumatic Brain Injury: Factors Affecting Patient's Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of deaths worldwide. The morbidity and mortality due to TBI are related to both primary as well as secondary insults. The patients who survive from the primary insults, some may still have long-term disabilities. Most of these outcomes are related to the high incidence of prehospital secondary brain insults. Knowledge of these variables and timely management of the disease at the prehospital level can significantly improve the outcome and decrease the mortality. AIMS: The present study is aimed to evaluate the current status of prehospital care, prehospital factors, epidemiological characteristics, and outcome of TBI patients at a Level 1 trauma center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a prospective observational study of 830 cases of TBI, done from November 15, 2015, to March 15, 2016, in the Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Traumatology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. RESULTS: Analysis of data revealed that the incidence of TBI in males is four times higher than females. Most patients are in the age group of 21-30 years (30.24%) followed by 31-40 years (18.55%). Road traffic injury (69.52%) is the most common mode of injury in the age group of 21-30 years followed by injury due to fall (22.77%) which mostly affects the age group of 0-10 years (72.64%) and 61-70 years (38.6%). Analysis of different factors revealed that age is significantly correlated with the outcome having P = 0.016. Glasgow Coma Scale, saturation of peripheral oxygen, systolic blood pressure at admission are also significantly correlated with the outcome having P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSION: It is evident from the study that the factors which affect the outcome of a TBI are influenced by prehospital care, and thus prehospital management of the TBIs can definitely improve the outcomes.

Comparative Study of Derangement of Coagulation Profile between Adult and Pediatric Population in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Trauma Center.

OBJECT: Coagulopathy is a common occurrence following traumatic brain injury (TBI). There are various studies showing incidence and risk factors of coagulopathy and their correlation with poor outcome in adult as well as paediatric age groups. Exact incidence, associated risk factors, treatment guideline for coagulopathy and its impact on outcome are still lacking. In our study we compared the adults and paediatric age groups TBI patients for incidence and risk factors of coagulopathy and its impact on outcome. METHODS: Prospective study of 200 patients including 152 adult patients (age > 18 years) and 48 paediatric (Age < 18 years) patients of TBI admitted in intensive care unit of trauma centre of a tertiary care centre was performed from august 2015 to march 2016. Both population were further subdivided into moderate TBI and severe TBI as per Glasgow coma score (GCS). Patient with long bone injury, chest injury and abdominal injuries, coagulation disorder, liver disease, medical disease like diabetes mellitus and hypertension were excluded from study. Coagulation profile were compared in the both groups (Adult and paediatric) and correlated with the outcome. Chi- Square test, student t test and Odds ratios were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Mean age among the adult and paediatric population were 37.89 ± 11.88 years and 11.41 ± 5.90, respectively. Among the patient with moderate TBI, coagulopathy was seen in 30% patients of adult TBI whereas it was 12.5% among the paediatric TBI (P = 0.185). Among the severe TBI group coagulopathy was observed in 68.03% and 37.5% of adult and paediatric age group respectively (P = 0.0016). There was significant correlation found between midline shift and coagulopathy in the paediatric age group (P = 0.022; OR - 4.58). E. There was significant association of coagulopathy and contusion on CT scan among the adult population (P = 0.007; OR - 3.487) found whereas no such correlation were observed in paediatric population. CONCLUSION: Coagulopathy was significantly higher among the adult patient with severe TBI as compare to paediatric patient with severe TBI. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality among patients of both the age groups with coagulopathy.