Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) induced cerebral edema complicating small chronic subdural hematoma/hygroma/ at Zewuditu memorial hospital: a case report

Background While both DKA & CSDH/subdural hygroma/ are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality, there is no a study that shows the role & effect of DKA on CSDH/subdural hygroma/ & vice versa to authors’ best knowledge; hence this work will show how important relation does exist between DKA & CSDH/ hygroma. Case summary This study highlights the diagnostic & management challenges seen for a case of a 44 years old female black Ethiopian woman admitted with a diagnosis of newly diagnosed type 1 DM with DKA + small CSDH/subdural hygroma/ after she presented with sever global headache and a 3 month history of lost to her work. She needed burrhole & evacuation for complete clinical improvement besides DKA’s medical treatment. Conclusion DKA induced cerebral edema on the CSDH/subdural hematoma/ can have a role in altering any of the parameters (except the thickness of CSDH) for surgical indication of patients with a diagnosis of both CSDH +DM with DKA. Hence, the treating physicians should be vigilant of different parameters that suggests tight brain &/ cerebral edema (including midline shift, the status of cisterns, fissures & sulci) and should not be deceived of the thickness of the CSDH/subdural hygroma/alone; especially when there is a disproportionately tight brain for the degree of collection. Whether DKA induced cerebral edema causes a subdural hygroma is unknown and needs further study.

Evaluation and Prediction of Post-stroke Cerebral Edema Based on Neuroimaging

Cerebral edema is a common complication of acute ischemic stroke that leads to poorer functional outcomes and substantially increases the mortality rate. Given that its negative effects can be reduced by more intensive monitoring and evidence-based interventions, the early identification of patients with a high risk of severe edema is crucial. Neuroimaging is essential for the assessment and prediction of edema. Simple markers, such as midline shift and hypodensity volume on computed tomography, have been used to evaluate edema in clinical trials; however, advanced techniques can be applied to examine the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to review current imaging tools in the assessment and prediction of cerebral edema to provide guidance for using these methods in clinical practice.

Bedside detection of intracranial midline shift using portable magnetic resonance imaging

Neuroimaging is crucial for assessing mass effect in brain-injured patients. Transport to an imaging suite, however, is challenging for critically ill patients. We evaluated the use of a low magnetic field, portable MRI (pMRI) for assessing midline shift (MLS). In this observational study, 0.064 T pMRI exams were performed on stroke patients admitted to the neuroscience intensive care unit at Yale New Haven Hospital. Dichotomous (present or absent) and continuous MLS measurements were obtained on pMRI exams and locally available and accessible standard-of-care imaging exams (CT or MRI). We evaluated the agreement between pMRI and standard-of-care measurements. Additionally, we assessed the relationship between pMRI-based MLS and functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale). A total of 102 patients were included in the final study (48 ischemic stroke; 54 intracranial hemorrhage). There was significant concordance between pMRI and standard-of-care measurements (dichotomous, κ = 0.87; continuous, ICC = 0.94). Low-field pMRI identified MLS with a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.96. Moreover, pMRI MLS assessments predicted poor clinical outcome at discharge (dichotomous: adjusted OR 7.98, 95% CI 2.07–40.04, p = 0.005; continuous: adjusted OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11–2.49, p = 0.021). Low-field pMRI may serve as a valuable bedside tool for detecting mass effect.

Chronic subdural hematoma pressure measurement and its correlation with clinical characteristics and postoperative neurological outcome

Background: The pressure of the chronic SDH (subdural haemotoma), the age of the patient, preoperative GCS score and midline shift were considered prognostic dependent factors. The study aimed at the significance of the pressure of chronic SDH in the outcome of patients.Methods: A correlation between subdural hematoma pressure and preoperative and postoperative clinical variables such as hematoma volume, midline shift, age, GCS score and postoperative modified ranking scale score as well as complications were assessed and analyzed.Results: According to the pressure of chronic SDH, 56 patients were grouped into 4 groups. In the pressure group <15 cm/h20 group the mean age was 85 and postoperative ranking score was 3 and the recurrence was 21 % while in high pressure group (>25 cm/h20) the mortality was 14% and no recurrence.Conclusions: The pressure of the chronic SDH has significant prognostic value in chronic SDH surgeries.

Admission Dehydration Status Portends Adverse Short-Term Mortality in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

The impact of dehydration at admission of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on short-term mortality remains ambiguous due to scarce data. All of the consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH, who were referred to our neurovascular center in 2018/19, were assessed for hydration status on admission. Dehydration was defined by a blood urea-to-creatinine ratio > 80. In a cohort of 249 patients, 76 patients (31%) were dehydrated at the time of admission. The following factors were significantly and independently associated with increased 30-day mortality in multivariate analysis: “signs of cerebral herniation” (p = 0.008), “initial midline shift > 5 mm” (p < 0.001), “ICH score > 3” (p = 0.007), and “admission dehydration status” (p = 0.007). The results of the present study suggest that an admission dehydration status might constitute a significant and independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH.

Diagnostic challenges of an incidental finding: case report of definitely-congenital glioblastoma multiforme in a very preterm infant

Background Congenital brain tumors are extremely rare in the neonatal population, and often associated with a poor prognosis. The diagnostic suspicion is often aroused at antenatal scans or postnatally, if clinical signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure become evident. We present a case of definitely congenital glioblastoma multiforme incidentally diagnosed in a preterm infant, aiming to raise clinical awareness on this condition and to highlight the challenges of the related diagnostic work-up. Case presentation This female infant was born at 31 weeks’ gestation after an uneventful pregnancy. No abnormalities were detected at antenatal ultrasound scans and genetic tests. Head circumference at birth was on the 25th centile. A routine brain ultrasound scan performed on day 1 revealed a large, inhomogeneous lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere, with contralateral midline shift, which was confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eye fundus and routine blood exams, including platelets count, coagulation screening and C-reactive protein, were normal. Given the high risk of complications, surgical biopsy of the lesion was temporarily hold and a daily sonographic follow-up was undertaken. Although head circumference growth was steady on the 25th centile, progressive changes of the lesion were detected by cranial ultrasound. The repeat MRI scans showed a significant enlargement of the mass, with contralateral midline shift and signs of intralesional and intraventricular bleeding. In view of this worsening, surgical resection was performed. The histological examination of the lesion biopsy documented a GFAP+ highly cellular neoplasm, with no mutation on SMARCB1 gene. At the molecular analysis, mutations on IDH and H3F3A genes were absent, whereas MGMT promoter was unmethylated. The diagnosis was grade IV glioblastoma IDH wild-type. Conclusions Congenital glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely rare but highly aggressive neoplasm. Since intralesional biopsy is not often feasible in affected neonates, knowledge of the associated clinical and neuroradiological features is particularly important, as they can also add useful information on the neoplasm behavior. Specimens from open surgical resection allow to perform a definite histological analysis and an extended molecular characterization, with relevant prognostic implications.

Prognostic Factors after Acute Subdural Hematoma

Background: Acute subdural hematoma is a lesion caused by traumatic brain injury. Computed topography, hematoma thickness and midline shift analysis are important factors in evaluating its prognosis. Aim: To evaluate the factors involved in prognosis of acute subdural hematoma. Study design: Retrospective study Place and duration of study: Department of Neurosurgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana from 1st October 2020 to 30the June 2021. Methodology: One hundred patients from both genders and between age 18-55 years were enrolled. Clinical examination and radiological complete examination was done in each patient. Zumkeller Index (ZI) was calculated and Glasgow scoring was performed. Results: The mean age were 44.1±15.8 years with 87% males having major reasoning of head injury as a motor cycle accident. Traumatic brain injury was recorded as >3mm ZI in 10 cases. The mean midline shift was 12.4±6.06 mm with a significant difference between three categories. Conclusion: Midline shift and hematoma thickness are useful predictors of prognosis related to acute subdural hematoma. Keywords: Prognostic factor, Acute subdural hematoma, Computed tomography (CT)

Refined Temporal-to-Frontal Horn Shunt for Treatment of Trapped Temporal Horn After Surgery of Peri- or Intraventricular Tumor: A Case Series Study

BackgroundTrapped temporal horn (TTH) is a localized hydrocephalus that can be treated with cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Refined temporal-to-frontal horn shunt (RTFHS) through the parieto-occipital approach is rarely reported in the literature and its effectiveness remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy and outcome of RTFHS for treatment of TTH.Materials and MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 10 patients who underwent RTFHS for TTH after surgical resection of peri- or intraventricular tumors from February 2018 to March 2021. Clinical, radiological, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. The most common underlying pathology was meningioma (n=4), followed by central neurocytoma (n=3), thalamic glioblastoma (n=2), and anaplastic ependymoma (n=1).ResultsThe mean Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score and TTH volume at onset were 54.0 ± 15.1 (range 40-80) and 71.3 ± 33.2cm3 (range 31.7-118.6cm3), respectively. All patients (10/10, 100.0%) presented with periventricular brain edema (PVBE), while midline shift was observed in 9 patients (9/10, 90.0%). RTFHSs were implanted using valveless shunting catheters. No patients developed acute intracranial hemorrhage or new neurological deficit postoperatively. During the follow-up of 17.2 ± 13.7 months (range 3-39 months), all patients showed clinical and radiological improvement. The mean KPS score at the last follow-up was significantly increased to 88.0 ± 10.3 (range 70-100, p&lt;0.0001). RTFHS resulted in significant complete remission in PVBE and midline shift in 8 (80.0%, p=0.0007) and 9 (100.0%, p=0.0001) patients, respectively. As the postoperative follow-up duration prolonged, the mean TTH volume decreased in a consistent, linear trend (p&lt;0.0001). At last follow-up, the mean TTH volume was significantly reduced to 15.4 ± 11.5 cm3 (range 5.6-44.1 cm3, p=0.0003), resulting in a mean relative reduction of 77.2 ± 13.1% compared with the volume of TTH at onset. Over drainage was not observed during the follow-up. No patient suffered from proximal or distal shunt obstruction or shunt related infection, and the revision rate was 0%.ConclusionRTFHS seems to be safe and effective for the treatment of TTH with favorable outcomes. Advantages of this technique could be technically less complex and invasive, cost-effective, avoidance of various intraperitoneal complications, and maintaining a near-physiological CSF pathway.

The Effect of Size of Decompressive Craniectomy on Outcome in Deep Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is one of the most devastating forms of stroke with a mortality of 30 to 40%. We aimed to evaluate the effect of craniotomy size and volume of decompression on surgical outcome, complications, mortality, and morbidity in patients with supratentorial capsuloganglionic bleeds who underwent a decompressive craniectomy (DC) at our institute. Materials and Methods It is a retrospective study done between January 2015 and December 2019. All patients with capsuloganglionic bleeds who had DC and hematoma evacuation were included in the study. Results A total of 55 patients underwent DC for SICH at our hospital during the study period. Mean anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the bone flap was 12.42 cm. The volume of decompression did not influence mortality and morbidity in our study but a larger AP diameter was associated with a higher incidence of hydrocephalus. A smaller craniectomy with an AP diameter of < 12 cm caused a lesser reduction in midline shift (MLS). Persistent postoperative MLS had a significant impact on mortality and its reduction was dependent on the size of craniectomy (p =–0.037) Conclusion DC with a recommended AP diameter of 12 to 13 cm achieves optimal results in terms of reduction in MLS. Larger DC volume carries a higher risk of hydrocephalus and requires close follow-up.