scholarly journals Arachnoid cysts: case series and review of the literature

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Pradilla ◽  
George Jallo

Object Arachnoid cysts are commonly encountered fluid collections in the central nervous system. Recent advances in neuroimaging have translated into an increased detection of these cysts; that is, diagnoses can be made more frequently at earlier stages. Significant advances have also been made in the surgical management of these lesions. The authors report on a case series that illustrates the diverse forms of presentation and the treatment modalities commonly used for arachnoid cysts. Methods Between January 2002 and December 2006, 20 patients with arachnoid cysts underwent surgery performed by the senior author at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Seventy percent of the cysts were supratentorial, 5% infratentorial, and 25% spinal. All diagnoses were confirmed on neuroimaging, surgery, and histological examination. Included in the study were 12 male (60%) and eight female (40%) patients, ranging in age from 2 weeks to 39 years (mean age 10.9 years) at the time of surgery. Symptoms at presentation included headache (41%), weakness (23%), seizure (14%), hydrocephalus (9%), scoliosis (4%), cognitive decline (4%), and visual loss (4%). Twenty-five percent of the cysts were sylvian, 20% intraventricular, and 20% suprasellar. Supratentorial cysts were treated endoscopically in 73% of patients and with open resection in the remaining 27%. Complications included spasticity, hemiparesis, cerebrospinal fluid leak, hydrocephalus, and subdural hygroma. On follow-up evaluation, 60% of patients had stable cysts and improved symptoms, 13% complete symptom resolution, and 13% stable symptoms. All patients with spinal cysts underwent laminectomies and fenestration, and one cystosubarachnoid (CS) shunt was placed. Cyst reaccumulation occurred in three patients; two patients required cystoperitoneal (CP) and CS shunts. No deaths occurred. Conclusions Most arachnoid cysts are found incidentally and can be managed conservatively. Symptomatic patients are surgical candidates. Treatments include CP shunt placement, craniotomy, or endoscopic fenestration, and stereotactic aspiration. Recent advances in neurosurgical techniques and neuroendoscopy continue to favor fenestration over shunt insertion as the method of choice for initial cyst decompression.

2012 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons61-ons66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott L. Parker ◽  
Ryan M. Kretzer ◽  
Pablo F. Recinos ◽  
Camilo A. Molina ◽  
Jean-Paul Wolinsky ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Osteoplastic laminoplasty is a well-described technique that may decrease the incidence of progressive kyphosis when used in the setting of intradural spinal cord tumor resection. OBJECTIVE: The BoneScalpel by Aesculap (Central Valley, Pennsylvania) is an ultrasonic osteotome that precisely cuts bone while preserving the underlying soft tissues, potentially reducing the risk of dural laceration during laminoplasty. By producing osteotomies as narrow as 0.5 mm, the device may also facilitate postoperative osteointegration. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 40 patients (mean age, 38.0 years; range, 4.0-79.7 years) who underwent osteoplastic laminoplasty using the BoneScalpel for the treatment of intradural spinal pathology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2009 and December 2011. After lesion resection, titanium plates were used to reconstruct the lamina in all cases. The technical results and procedure-related complications were subsequently noted. RESULTS: Successful laminoplasty was carried out in all 40 patients. Intraoperatively, 1 case of incidental durotomy was noted after use of the device, which was repaired primarily without neurological or clinical sequelae. During the follow-up period (mean, 195 days; median, 144 days), there were 2 complications (1 cerebrospinal fluid leak, 1 seroma) and no cases of immediate postoperative instability. CONCLUSION: The BoneScalpel is a safe and technically feasible device for performing osteoplastic laminoplasty.


Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽  
Nada G. AlQadri ◽  
Ghada AlHayaza

Abstract Introduction Herpetic whitlows in infants are rare. Previous authors only reported individual case reports. We present a case series of six infants. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of six cases of herpetic whitlows in infants seen by the senior author (MMA) over the past 23 years (1995–2017 inclusive). The following data were collected: age, sex, digit involved in the hand, mode of transmission, time of presentation to the author, clinical appearance, presence of secondary bacterial infection, presence of other lesions outside the hand, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results All six infants initially presented with classic multiple vesicles of the digital pulp. In all cases, there was a history of active herpes labialis in the mother. Incision and drainage or deroofing of the vesicles (for diagnostic purposes) resulted in secondary bacterial infection. Conclusion The current report is the first series in the literature on herpetic whitlows in infants. We stress on the mode of transmission (from the mother) and establishing the diagnosis clinically. In these cases, no need for obtaining viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction; and no medications are required. Once the vesicles are disrupted, secondary bacterial infection is frequent and a combination of oral acyclovir and intravenous antibiotics will be required.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 1041-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Zahid Hussain ◽  
Zhuanqin Ren

Background:Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a critical brain disorder in which excess Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is accumulated in the brain’s ventricles causing damage or disruption of the brain tissues. Amongst various signs and symptoms, difficulty in walking, slurred speech, impaired decision making and critical thinking, and loss of bladder and bowl control are considered the hallmark features of NPH.Objective:The current review was aimed to present a comprehensive overview and critical appraisal of majorly employed neuroimaging techniques for rational diagnosis and effective monitoring of the effectiveness of the employed therapeutic intervention for NPH. Moreover, a critical overview of recent developments and utilization of pharmacological agents for the treatment of hydrocephalus has also been appraised.Results:Considering the complications associated with the shunt-based surgical operations, consistent monitoring of shunting via neuroimaging techniques hold greater clinical significance. Despite having extensive applicability of MRI and CT scan, these conventional neuroimaging techniques are associated with misdiagnosis or several health risks to patients. Recent advances in MRI (i.e., Sagittal-MRI, coronal-MRI, Time-SLIP (time-spatial-labeling-inversion-pulse), PC-MRI and diffusion-tensor-imaging (DTI)) have shown promising applicability in the diagnosis of NPH. Having associated with several adverse effects with surgical interventions, non-invasive approaches (pharmacological agents) have earned greater interest of scientists, medical professional, and healthcare providers. Amongst pharmacological agents, diuretics, isosorbide, osmotic agents, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, digoxin, and gold-198 have been employed for the management of NPH and prevention of secondary sensory/intellectual complications.Conclusion:Employment of rational diagnostic tool and therapeutic modalities avoids misleading diagnosis and sophisticated management of hydrocephalus by efficient reduction of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) production, reduction of fibrotic and inflammatory cascades secondary to meningitis and hemorrhage, and protection of brain from further deterioration.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (16) ◽  
pp. 1464-1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng He ◽  
Wenbo Zhou ◽  
Mingyao Liu ◽  
Yihua Chen

The great clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) and PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor therapies suggests the drawing of a cancer immunotherapy age. However, a considerable proportion of cancer patients currently receive little benefit from these treatment modalities, indicating that multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms exist in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we mainly discuss recent advances in small molecular regulators targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) that are associated with oncology immunomodulation, including chemokine receptors, purinergic receptors, prostaglandin E receptor EP4 and opioid receptors. Moreover, we outline how they affect tumor immunity and neoplasia by regulating immune cell recruitment and modulating tumor stromal cell biology. We also summarize the data from recent clinical advances in small molecular regulators targeting these GPCRs, in combination with immune checkpoints blockers, such as PD-1/PDL-1 and CTLA4 inhibitors, for cancer treatments.


Author(s):  
Robert Power ◽  
Philip Smyth ◽  
Noel E Donlon ◽  
Timothy Nugent ◽  
Claire L Donohoe ◽  
...  

Summary Background Chyle leakage is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication following esophageal resections. The optimal management strategy is not clear, with a limited evidence base. Methods Searches were conducted up to 31 December 2020 on MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized trials or retrospective studies that evaluated the management of chyle leakage following esophageal resection. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed for bias. The protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD: 42021224895) and reported in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Results A total of 530 citations were reviewed. Twenty-five studies, totaling 1016 patients met the inclusion criteria, including two low-quality clinical trials and 23 retrospective case series. Heterogeneity of study design and outcomes prevented meta-analysis. The overall incidence of chyle leak/fistula was 3.2%. Eighteen studies describe management of chyle leaks conservatively, 17 by surgical ligation of the thoracic duct, 5 by pleurodesis, and 6 described percutaneous lymphangiography with thoracic duct embolization or disruption. Conclusions The evidence base for optimal management of chyle leakage postesophagectomy is lacking, which may be related to its low incidence. There is a paucity of high-quality prospective studies directly comparing treatment modalities, but there is some low-certainty evidence that percutaneous approaches have reduced morbidity but lower efficacy compared with surgery. Further high-quality, prospective studies that compare interventions at different levels of severity are needed to determine the optimal approach to treatment.


2016 ◽  
Vol 158 (9) ◽  
pp. 1813-1819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Craven ◽  
Ahmed K. Toma ◽  
Akbar A. Khan ◽  
Laurence D. Watkins

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
Andrea Cunningham ◽  
Dipali Patel ◽  
Zahra Sheriteh

This case series describes a number of different treatment modalities used in the management of impacted mandibular second molars (MM2s). A variety of cases is used to illustrate a number of ways in which these teeth can be managed, and to demonstrate that each case should be managed on an individual basis, taking into account the overall malocclusion. The importance of early diagnosis and management is highlighted throughout. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case series highlights the difficulties and challenges in managing patients who present with impacted lower second molars (MM2s), and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.


Author(s):  
Pooja Gupta ◽  
Renuka Malik

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a pregnancy discomfort that causes pain and limitation of mobility and functioning in any of the three pelvic joints. The patient usually presents antenatally with persistent suprapubic pain which is exaggerated during moving, walking or climbing stairs. Intrapartum, this could be associated with disruption of sacroiliac joint, hematuria and bladder dysfunction in severe cases. Pelvic X-rays, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging aid in confirmation of diagnosis by measuring the degree of separation of symphysis. Treatment modalities range from conservative management to orthopedic interventions in form of pelvic strapping, open reduction and internal fixation. Postpartum pain often masks clinicians to make the diagnosis of pubic symphysis diastasis. A case series of three cases which were diagnosed and confirmed with ultrasound and managed with orthopedic consultation. till their delivery and in post-partum period till recovery. Although there is still no specific consensus on treatment guideline, management generally of conservative management to surgical in the form of pelvic bracing or strapping. Awareness of this rare condition can help in management of pain and associated disability which improves post-delivery.


2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (04) ◽  
pp. 347-351
Author(s):  
Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho ◽  
Vitor César Machado ◽  
Flávio Ramalho Romero ◽  
Luis Gustavo Ducati ◽  
Marco Antônio Zanini ◽  
...  

AbstractBrain metastases are the most common tumors within the central nervous system. Recent advances on diagnosis and treatment modalities have allowed for longer survival. In this paper we review the indication of each modality of treatment: surgery, whole brain radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, as also recent advances on the knowledge of brain metastases biology that may improve the use of medical treatment and chemotherapy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document