Chondrosarcoma of Cranial Vault: Case Report and Review of Literature

Background and Importance: Chondrosarcoma is a rare malignant cartilage forming tumor, usually arising from long bones and rarely observed in the cranium. In the cranium, it commonly arises from the skull base with the skull vault being a highly unusual site. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 30-year female presenting with complaints of headache for 6 months. The patient was found to have large chondrosarcoma in the right frontoparietal region, which is an extremely rare location. The final diagnosis was based on histological examination, suggestive of well-differentiated chondrosarcoma [the World Health Organization (WHO); grade I]. Conclusion: Cranial vault chondrosarcoma is an uncommon histological diagnosis with surgery as the primary treatment option; however, adjuvant radiotherapy plays a definitive role, especially in aggressive or incomplete removed cases.

The Skull’s Girder: A Brief Review of the Cranial Base

The cranial base is a multifunctional bony platform within the core of the cranium, spanning rostral to caudal ends. This structure provides support for the brain and skull vault above, serves as a link between the head and the vertebral column below, and seamlessly integrates with the facial skeleton at its rostral end. Unique from the majority of the cranial skeleton, the cranial base develops from a cartilage intermediate—the chondrocranium—through the process of endochondral ossification. Owing to the intimate association of the cranial base with nearly all aspects of the head, congenital birth defects impacting these structures often coincide with anomalies of the cranial base. Despite this critical importance, studies investigating the genetic control of cranial base development and associated disorders lags in comparison to other craniofacial structures. Here, we highlight and review developmental and genetic aspects of the cranial base, including its transition from cartilage to bone, dual embryological origins, and vignettes of transcription factors controlling its formation.

Decompressive Craniectomy and Cranioplasty: A Review of the Literature on Evolution, Indications, Surgical Techniques, and Complications

Decompressive craniectomy refers to removal of a portion of the skull without subsequent replacement, and cranioplasty involves subsequent repair of the skull vault defect. Over the past 3 decades, there has been considerable interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy as part of a second-level measure in the management of refractory raised intracranial pressure. Raised intracranial pressure can be secondary to various causes, including severe head injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, infection, and acute ischemia. Although the procedure is thought to be effective, several factors should be taken into consideration, including patient selection, optimal time for intervention, risk of associated complications, and patient outcomes. After a craniectomy, patients may subsequently undergo cranioplasty for various reasons, including cosmetic improvement, protection of brain tissue, and as treatment for syndrome of the trephined. Several different materials have been trialed over the years, including biologic and nonbiologic substitutions. Perioperative imaging evaluation plays an important role in the management and follow-up of these patients. The focus of this article is on the expected radiologic appearances in the perioperative period as well as the complications that may arise. Surgical techniques, cranioplasty materials, and historic evolution of decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty will also be discussed.Learning Objective: To understand the rationale for decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty as well as recognize the expected postoperative radiologic appearances and their associated complications.