Search

Nonpowder (ball-bearing and pellet) weapons derive their source of energy from compressed air or carbon dioxide. Such weapons are dangerous toys that cause serious injuries and even death to children and adolescents. A retrospective chart review study was undertaken to describe nonpowder gun injuries at a southwestern US urban level I adult and pediatric trauma center. Specific emphasis was placed on intracranial injuries. Over the past 6 years, a total of 29 pediatric and 7 adult patients were identified as having nonpowder firearm injuries. The patient population was overwhelmingly male (89.7%; mean age, 11 years). Overall, 17 out of 29 pediatric patients (56.8%) sustained serious injury. Nine patients (30.0%) required operation, 6 (20.7%) sustained significant morbidity, and there were 2 deaths (6.9%). Injuries to the brain, eye, head, and neck were the most common sites of injury (65.6%). Specific intracranial injuries in 3 pediatric patients are described that resulted in the death of 2 children. We suggest that age warning should be adjusted to 18 years or older for unsupervised use to be considered safe of these potentially lethal weapons. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present the results of transcallosal surgical resection of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) in 26 patients with refractory epilepsy in a prospective outcome study. Methods: Patients with refractory epilepsy symptomatic to HH were referred for surgical resection of their HH (mean age, 10.0 years; range, 2.1–24.2 years). A transcallosal, interforniceal approach was used to remove and/or disconnect the hamartoma. Volumetry was obtained on pre- and postoperative brain MRI scans to determine percentage of resection. Outcome assessment included determination of postoperative seizure frequencies in comparison to baseline and the incidence of postoperative complications. Postoperative changes in cognitive and behavioral functioning, in comparison to baseline, were elicited by parental report. Results: The average postoperative follow-up interval was 20.3 months (range, 13–28 months). Fourteen (54%) patients were completely seizure free, and nine (35%) had at least a 90% improvement in total seizure frequency. Parents reported postoperative improvement in behavior in 23 (88%) patients and in cognition in 17 (65%) patients. Transient postoperative memory disturbance was seen in 15 (58%) patients, but persisted in only two (8%). Two (8%) patients had persisting endocrine disturbance requiring hormone replacement therapy (diabetes insipidus and hypothyroidism in one each). With univariate analysis, the likelihood of a seizure-free outcome correlated with younger age, shorter lifetime duration of epilepsy, smaller preoperative HH volume, and 100% HH resection. Conclusions: Refractory epilepsy associated with HH can be safely and effectively treated with surgical resection by a transcallosal, interforniceal approach. Short-term memory deficits appear to be transient for most patients, and family perception of the impact of surgery on cognitive and behavioral domains is favorable. Complete resection yields the best result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The failure rate for the closed/non-surgical treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body fractures (TLVBF) in trauma patients has not been adequately evaluated utilizing computed tomography (CT) studies., Methods: From 2007 to 2008, consecutive trauma patients, who met inclusion criteria, with a CT diagnosis of acute TLVBF undergoing closed treatment were assessed. The failure rates for closed therapy, at 3 months post-trauma, were defined by progressive deformity, vertebral body collapse, or symptomatic/asymptomatic pseudarthrosis. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification was utilized to classify the fractures (groups A1 and non-A1 fractures) and were successively followed with CT studies., Results: There were 54 patients with 91 fractures included in the study; 66 were A1 fractures, and 25 were non-A1 fractures. All had rigid bracing applied with flat and upright X-ray films performed to rule out instability. None had sustained spinal cord injuries. Thirteen patients (24%) failed closed therapy [e.g. 13 failed fractures (14%) out of 91 total fractures]. Five failed radiographically only (asymptomatic), and eight failed radiographically and clinically (symptomatic). A1 fractures had a 4.5% failure rate, while non-A1 fractures failed at a rate of 40%., Conclusion: Failure of closed therapy for TLVBF in the trauma population is not insignificant. Non-A1 fractures had a much higher failure rate when compared to A1 fractures. We recommend close follow-up particularly of non-A1 fractures treated in closed fashion using successive CT studies., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

This case-series describes the 6 human infections with Onchocerca lupi, a parasite known to infect cats and dogs, that have been identified in the United States since 2013. Unlike cases reported outside the country, the American patients have not had subconjunctival nodules but have manifested more invasive disease (eg, spinal, orbital, and subdermal nodules). Diagnosis remains challenging in the absence of a serologic test. Treatment should be guided by what is done for Onchocerca volvulus as there are no data for O. lupi. Available evidence suggests that there may be transmission in southwestern United States, but the risk of transmission to humans is not known. Research is needed to better define the burden of disease in the United States and develop appropriately-targeted prevention strategies., (Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2015. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.)

Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor with myxoid and microcystic features. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection of microcystic meningioma. Between December 1985 and October 2000 we treated 25 microcystic meningioma patients with surgical resection. We retrospectively analyzed the results including the long-term follow-up of this patient population. We identified 15 women and 10 men with a mean age of 53.8 years (24-76 years) who had microcystic meningiomas treated with surgery. Based on the Simpson grade, we found four Grade I (16%), 16 Grade II (64%), three Grade III (12%) and two Grade IV (8%) resections. The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score was 80.3 (range 60-100). The mean postoperative KPS score was 90.4 (range 60-100). At a mean follow-up of 101.7 months (range 16-221) the KPS score improved to a mean of 93.8. The recurrence/progression free survival (RFS/PFS) rates at 3 and 5 years were 96% and 88%, respectively. The 3 and 5 year RFS/PFS rates based on the Simpson grade were evaluated. The 3 year RFS/PFS rates for Grade I, II, III and IV were 100%, 100%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. The 5 year RFS/PFS rates were 66.6%, 90%, 66.6% and 100%, respectively. Microcystic meningioma is a rare tumor, which is characterized by extracellular microcystic spaces filled by edematous fluid and peritumoral edema. Following surgical resection these tumors have a positive prognosis with a benign course. The surgical outcomes seem to be associated with the risks related to the surgical procedure., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intrathecal therapy with cytarabine is widely used in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia. We report the first case of accidental intrathecal cytarabine overdose in an adult patient. Overdose of intrathecal chemotherapy has been reported to cause severe neurological damage including seizures, coma and death. Methotrexate levels can help guide intrathecal dosing of methotrexate, but no such test is commercially available for cytarabine. There are no standardized treatment recommendations for the management of this medical emergency. Intrathecal methotrexate overdose has been variously treated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage or exchange. Ventriculo-lumbar perfusion, steroids and leucovorin have also been used. It seems crucial to quickly remove as much drug as possible from the cerebrospinal fluid. Our patient was successfully treated with large-volume cerebrospinal fluid aspiration through an Ommaya reservoir. She did not suffer any significant immediate or late complications at 4 months of follow-up.

We sought to quantitate the effect of extensions of transbasal approaches (TBAs) on midline and paramedian targets of the cranial base. Eight silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected with extensions of TBA level I removal of the orbital bar. Objective measures were the comparisons of the accessibility of midline and paramedian targets with progressive dissections by level II detachment of the medial canthal ligaments and removal of the nasal bone and by level III removal of the lateral orbital walls with lateral orbital retraction. Mean areas of freedom increased for most targets with progressive bone removal. For midline targets, the most effective freedom increment was at the pituitary gland (level II: 28.8%, p = 0.05; level III: 107.1%, p < 0.001). For paramedian targets, the best freedom increment was for the foramen rotundum (level II: 56.4%; level III: 134.5%, all p < 0.001). Extensions of the TBA can increase the surgical corridor to midline and paramedian structures, especially for pituitary and maxillary regions. Level II exposure offers no clear benefit for most targets except the foramen rotundum. With level III exposure, all targets are effectively exposed compared with levels I and II.

The rate of symptomatic improvement of visual symptoms associated with hematogenous metastases to the sella and pituitary was evaluated retrospectively in seven patients (five men, two women; mean age, 52.3 years) with primarily visual symptoms (diplopia alone in three, diplopia with blurred vision in one, blurred vision alone in one, loss of peripheral vision in one, and unilateral complete blindness in one). Symptom duration ranged from 0.5 to 2 months. The primary diseases were non-small cell lung cancer in two patients, renal cell carcinoma in two patients, prostate cancer in two patients, and medullary thyroid carcinoma in one patient. All patients had widespread metastatic disease. Three patients had a suprasellar tumoral component. One patient had a clival extension, and one patient had extension into the cavernous sinus. All underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery to correct visual symptoms. Gross total resection was achieved in three patients. Subtotal resections and a partial resection were performed in three patients and one patient, respectively. Surgical blood loss averaged 282 mL. One patient died from sepsis. Five patients developed complications (cerebrospinal fluid leakage in three, diabetes insipidus in two, anterior pituitary dysfunction in two, and colitis in one). At a mean follow-up of 15 months, three patients were alive. Visual symptoms improved in five patients and were unchanged in two. Trans-sphenoidal surgery helped improve visual symptoms in most patients. The morbidity rate was high and likely related to the locally destructive and extensive nature of the lesions in overall morbid patients with widespread metastatic disease. Unless nonoperative measures can provide equal results, however, this approach provides reasonable palliation.

The transbasal approach offers extradural exposure of the anterior midline skull base transcranially. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including trauma, craniofacial deformity, and tumors. This approach has been modified to enhance basal access. This article reviews the principle differences among modifications to the transbasal approach and introduces a new classification scheme. The rationale is to offer a uniform nomenclature to facilitate discussion of these approaches, their indications, and related issues.

Multiple treatment options are available for patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) including the frontotemporal approaches, the anterior transcallosal transseptal interforniceal approach, the transventricular endoscopic approach, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Relatively large patient series of the transcallosal resection/disconnection from Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ, show, respectively, that 52% to 54% are 100% seizure free, and 24% to 35% have >90% seizure reduction. However, there appears to be an 8% to 14% risk of persisting memory problems. The surgery should ideally be performed in the early years of childhood before secondary generalized epilepsy develops and developmental delay and behavioral problems are established. Radiosurgery may be a preferable option for higher-functioning adolescent or adult patients with HH. The choice of treatment must be individualized depending on the age and clinical circumstances of the patient and the size and anatomic relationships of the hamartoma. The transcallosal resection of HH is an effective and safe treatment, but there is a small risk of short-term memory impairment. The endoscopic approach is an alternative to the transcallosal approach for smaller HH.

Introduction: There is increasing evidence that removal or disconnection of hypothalamic hamartomas can lead to seizure control and improvement in behavior. The purpose of this study is to report our experiences with endoscopic removal of these hamartomas., Methods: This is a prospective review of the early outcome of 44 patients undergoing endoscopic resection utilizing frameless stereotaxis and a micromanipulator., Results: All patients had normal-sized ventricles. Complete removal was possible in 14 patients, 13 of whom were seizure free at follow-up. Four patients suffered complications that have persisted for more than 3 months: One had significant hemiparesis and three had persistent difficulties with short-term memory. Postoperatively, no patient suffered a permanent hormonal deficiency. In one patient who had undergone a previous attempt at transcallosal resection, the procedure was abandoned because of the lack of internal anatomic landmarks. In a second patient, insufficient mass could be removed due to the size of the lesion and the distorted anatomy. Consequently, 1 week later, the patient underwent a transcallosal approach., Conclusion: In appropriately selected patients, sessile hypothalamic hamartomas can be removed completely or they can be completely disconnected from the hypothalamus with an acceptable risk. At least a year after surgery is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure in terms of control of seizures and improvements in behavior and emotional ability.

Background: An alternative approach for the treatment of the degenerative or unstable lumbar spine using retroperitoneal lateral LIF with anterolateral screw-plate or screw-rod fixation is introduced. Special attention is given to application of this procedure in patients who have undergone prior lumbar surgery., Methods: Between 1998 and 2001, 14 patients underwent lateral LIF with anterolateral instrumentation to treat degenerative foraminal stenosis or spondylolisthesis. Eleven patients (79%) had undergone prior posterior lumbar surgery, 7 of whom were also fused at that time. All patients first presented with mechanical back pain, radicular pain, or both. The mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 8 to 36 months)., Results: Radicular pain and mechanical back pain significantly improved in 71% and 54% of patients, respectively. Of the 9 patients with preoperative neurological deficits, 7 were intact or had improved at their follow-up examination. One patient developed postoperative radiculopathy contralateral to his original symptoms. Radiography confirmed good positioning of the hardware and evidence of fusion in all 14 patients. No major complications occurred., Conclusions: Retroperitoneal lateral LIF with anterolateral instrumentation is an attractive alternative for the treatment of the degenerative or unstable lumbar spine in the absence of significant spinal stenosis. This approach is particularly useful for treating spondylolisthesis or degenerative foraminal stenosis in the postoperative lumbar spine.

Background: Although the bedside twist drill craniostomy is used to treat chronic subdural hematomas, the efficacy of this technique has not been compared with that of standard treatments (operative bur hole or craniotomy)., Methods: Twist drill craniostomy was compared with operative bur hole or craniotomy in a prospective nonrandomized trial. The inclusion criteria were computed tomographic evidence of chronic subdural hematoma (isodense or hypodense compared with brain) and symptoms indicating the need for drainage. Selection of the procedure depended on the on-call surgeon's preference. Clinical success of the procedure, recurrence, length of hospitalization, complications, and neurologic outcome were compared., Results: Between August 2001 and October 2002, 79 consecutive patients with 91 chronic subdural hematomas were treated (67 unilateral and 12 bilateral) at our institution. Fifty-five patients were treated with twist drill craniostomy and 24 with bur hole or craniotomy. There were no differences in the mean age of presentation, thickness of hematoma, length of hospitalization, reoperation rate, mortality rates, or ability to be discharged to home between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the neurologic outcomes in the 57 of the 79 patients available for follow-up., Conclusions: Twist drill craniostomy performed at the bedside is just as effective in treating chronic subdural hematomas as bur holes or craniotomy in the operating room. This procedure can most often be the first line of treatment in patients with symptomatic chronic subdural hematomas.