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Objective: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) stands out as an important option in the treatment of hydrocephalus without shunts. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become more popular due to recent technical developments in endoscopic systems. But the urge of the physician, to provide a shuntfree survival for his patients, leads to performing the procedure in a unsuitable group of patients. Compared with shunt surgery, ETV presents a more physiological solution for the treatment of hydrocephalus. ETV is accepted as the first-line treatment method in many centers in appropriate cases in the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. The aim of this study is to examine the results of patients under the age of two underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Methods: 79 patients who underwent ETV between 2011 and 2020 in our clinic and who were under 2 years of age at the time of operation were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 45 of 79 patients were male babies and 34 were female babies. The average age of the patients is 7 months (1 day - 22 months). In 39 (49.3%) patients, there was no need for repeat surgery in their follow-up after ETV. ETV procedure was repeated in 5 (6.3%) patients, and ventriluloperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery was performed in 2 (2.5%) patients. In 13 patients, ventriculoperitoneal shunt was applied from the anterior and presented with shunt dysfunction. VPS surgery was not performed again after ETV in 3 (23%) of 13 patients after ETV. Conclusions: ETV can also be applied to patients younger than two years of age, and this treatment can give patients the chance to live a life independent of shunt.

Objective: Health workers are on the frontlines in the fight against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are unfortunately the occupational group with the highest risk of infection. For this reason, as in all surgical branches, neurosurgery organisations have recommended postponing or limiting surgeries during the pandemic to reduce the risk of transmission. In our literature review, no study reported the number of neurosurgeons infected with COVID-19 following surgeries performed during the first 3 months of the pandemic. This study examined surgeries performed during the first 3 months of the pandemic in Turkey and COVID-19 transmission to neurosurgeons involved in these cases. Methods: Records of 188 patients who underwent surgery in our neurosurgery clinic during the first wave of the pandemic in Turkey (March 11-31 May 2020) were examined retrospectively. Characteristics of the operations performed, COVID-19 tests performed and results, intraoperative measures taken and frequency of COVID-19 symptoms among neurosurgeons after the surgery were determined. Results: Of the 188 patients included in the study, none had a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 at the time of surgery. However, 25 patients (13.29%) had a history of unsafe contact or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Moreover, 9 (36%) patients had a positive result from the COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test. A total of nine neurosurgeons who participated in surgeries were included in the study and none of them exhibited COVID-19 symptoms during the 3-month pandemic period. Conclusion: Although many surgeries were performed during the first wave of the pandemic in Turkey, with some simple precautions, none of the neurosurgeons developed COVID-19. We think that this is a pioneering study since this quantitatively demonstrates the extent of COVID-19 transmission to neurosurgeons during surgery.

Symptomatic Chiari type 1 malformation (CIM) patients may elect to be treated; however, choosing the optimum surgical method remains problematic: posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty (PFDD) or without duraplasty (PFD). Many studies have compared these surgical methods from several perspectives. We looked at soft tissue density (STD) at the foramen magnum to add another perspective to the comparison of PFD with PFDD.Eighty-six patients who underwent surgery in our clinic were included in the study. We examined preoperative and postoperative MR images taken in the 1st year. We obtained the foramen magnum area (FMA) and soft tissue at the level of the foramen magnum. The STD within the foramen magnum was calculated as the percentage ratio of soft tissue area (STA) to FMA. Anteroposterior diameters of the syrinx cavities in sagittal T2 sections were measured preoperatively and at 1-year postoperatively. Measurements were double-blind and were performed by the neurosurgeon and by the neuroradiologist.There was no statistically significant difference between the postoperative FMA increases, STA changes, STD changes in patients who underwent PFD and PFDD. In this study, there was no statistically significant difference between PFD and PFDD in terms of syrinx changes.The medium-term anatomical outcome following craniovertebral decompression for CIM, is no different whether performed PFD or PFDD.

Background and purpose Meningiomas and schwannomas are common extra-axial brain tumors. Discrimination is challenging in some locations when characteristic imaging features are absent. This study investigated the accuracy of percentage signal recoveries obtained from dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion imaging (DSC-PI) in discriminating meningiomas and schwannomas. Material and methods Retrospective database research was conducted. Sixty nine meningioma and 15 schwannoma having DSC-PI between January 2016 and February 2020 were included. Time to signal intensity curves (TSIC) were analyzed and grouped as T1-dominant leakage, T2*-dominant leakage and return to baseline. Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), relative mean transit time (rMTT), percentage signal recovery 1 (PSR 1) and PSR 2 values were calculated. The differences between the groups were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were operated. Results rCBV, rMTT, PSR 1 and PSR 2 values were statistically different between meningiomas and schwannomas. PSR 2 provided the best discrimination. With the cut off value of 1.08 for PSR 2, meningiomas and schwannomas were differentiated with 95.7% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity. TSICs were also different between two groups. Most of meningiomas showed T2*-dominant leakage (78.2%), whereas most of shwannomas showed T1-dominant leakage (93.3%). Conclusion DSC-PI is a useful imaging tool for non-invasive discrimination of meningiomas and schwannomas. Particularly, percentage signal recoveries discriminates meningiomas and schwannomas with high sensitivity and specificity.

Arachnoid cysts are usually asymptomatic lesions. However, they can sometimes cause intracranial hypertension, headache, seizures, focal neurological deficits, and bleeding. The most commonly used surgical techniques are microsurgical cyst fenestration/excision/drainage, cyst shunting, and endoscopic procedures. We aimed to investigate the success of different surgical techniques.Between 2000 and 2021, patients with Sylvan fissure arachnoid cysts who received treatment via an endoscopic approach chosen as the first-line treatment in three centers were enrolled. All case notes and radiological studies were evaluated retrospectively.The study included 131 (female, n = 28; male, n = 103) patients with a mean age of 87.04 ± 66.76 (range, 0-216) months. Of the patients, 25 had Galassi type II left-sided arachnoid cysts, 33 had Galassi type II right-sided arachnoid cysts, 40 had Galassi type III left-sided arachnoid cysts, and 32 had Galassi type III right-sided arachnoid cysts. No difference was found between patients who underwent single and multiple fenestrations in terms of Galassi type, side, clinical outcome, and cyst size (p 0.05). On the contrary, the rate of additional surgical intervention was lower in patients with multiple fenestrations than in those with single fenestration (36.10% vs. 5.30%; p 0.001).Endoscopic fenestration of Sylvian fissure arachnoid cysts is a good alternative to open surgery or cystoperitoneal shunting, and the number of fenestrations made during this surgery decreases the need for a second surgical procedure.

Background: Medulloblastoma is the most common central nervous system tumor in childhood. This study aims to evaluate the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma Materials and Method:Between 2006 and 2019, the medical records of children with medulloblastoma were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who died after surgery, before chemotherapy or radiotherapy were not included in the survival analysis Results: During the study period, 38 children were diagnosed with medulloblastoma. Twenty-one of the patients were male (55.3%) and 17 were female (44.7%). The ages of the children ranged from 3 months to 17 years (median age 8 years). The ages of five patients were under 3 years (13.1%). The most common complaints were headache (n: 26, 68.4%), imbalance (n: 21, 55.3%), and vomiting (n: 20, 52.6%). The mass sizes ranged between 3 and 6 cm in 32 patients (84.2%). At the time of diagnosis, 5 patients had seeding metastasis (13.1%). The most commonlyused chemotherapy protocol included vincristine, cisplatin, etoposide (60.5%). Five patients died after surgery without any chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Of the 33 patients included in the life analysis, 12 died (36.4%). Follow-up times ranged from 2 months to 14 years (median, 44 months). The overall survival rate was 59.1%. Eight patients had relapsed (24.2%). Late relapse was detected in 3 of the relapsed patients (relapse times were the 91st, 69th, and 72nd months). Conclusions: It is possible to achieve satisfactory treatment results in children with medulloblastoma using international treatment guidelines and recommendations, with an experienced professional team dedicated to pediatric neurooncology.

To explore the ability of dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion imaging (DSC-PI) to detect isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene mutation in gliomas.Preoperative DSC-PI data on histopathologically proven gliomas obtained between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed using a 1.5-T scanner. The maximum relative cerebral blood volume (rCBVmax), percentage signal recovery (PSR), and normalized PSR of tumor cores were calculated. Differences in these values between IDH-mutant and wild-type gliomas were compared, and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated.The patients (32 females, 47 males) were aged 21-76 years (mean 50.7 ± 15 years). The rCBVmax and all PSR values differed significantly between patients with IDH-mutant and those with wild-type tumors (p0.01 for all comparisons).The rCBVmax and PSR values obtained by DSC-PI may facilitate noninvasive detection of the IDH mutation status of gliomas. PSR provided more reliable values for differentiation of IDH-mutant gliomas from wild-type gliomas.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, treatment approaches, and outcomes of glial tumors in children. Material and methods Files (2006 to 2020) of children diagnosed with glial tumors and followed-up were reviewed retrospectively. Information regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes were retrieved from the patients\' files. Results Of the total of 180 pediatric patients diagnosed with brain tumors, 73 (40.6%) had glial tumors. The children with astrocytoma were in the age range of 2-18 years (median age: 8.7 years), while the ages of children with ependymoma ranged from three months to 10 years (median age: 3 years). This difference was statistically significant (p 0.0001). The male to female ratio was 1.6. The most common symptoms or signs were headaches (n = 34, 46.6%), abnormal gait or coordination (n = 22, 30.2%), vomiting (n = 21, 28.8%), and cranial nerve palsies (n = 20, 27.4%). The pathological diagnoses were astrocytomas (n = 53, 72.6%), oligodendroglial tumors (n = 2, 2.7%), ependymoma (n = 15, 20.7%), and other glial tumors (n = 3, 4.1%). The most common tumor location was supratentorial (n = 42, 57.5%), while midline glioma was detected in seven patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of all glial tumors, astrocytoma, and ependymoma was 42%, 40%, and 55%, respectively. The 5-year OS rate of the tumor Grade I, II, III, and IV was 77.2%, 45%, 32%, and 0%, respectively (p 0.0001). The 5-year OS rate of supratentorial, infratentorial, and spinal tumors was 25.6%, 63.6%, and 50%, respectively (p = 0.021). In Cox regression analysis, it was found that the tumor resection and grade had an effect on the tumor prognosis. Conclusion Treatment results are not satisfactory in high-grade astrocytomas. There is a need for new treatment approaches that would take cognizance of molecular features and adopt multidisciplinary approaches.

In humans, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a variable presentation ranging from mild self-limiting respiratory tract infections to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: We present the case of a patient who developed acute epiglottitis after surgery for an intracranial tumour and was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19.A 58-year-old female patient developed acute-onset respiratory distress on day 6 after intracranial surgery. Neck computed tomography revealed near-total airway obstruction due to severe edoema of the epiglottis and periepiglottis. The patient's SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test was positive. Viral respiratory tract panel and sputum and blood cultures were negative. She completed the antiviral and antibacterial treatment regimens recommended by the chest disease department.We conclude that epiglottitis can be an unusual manifestation of COVID-19.

Very few studies have focused exclusively on pediatric calvarial tumors. These studies have primarily addressed the similarities of the cases with those reported in the literature, as opposed to their distinctive features. In contrast, the present study is the most detailed study conducted in the last 10 years that includes only pediatric calvarial tumors and highlights their differences according to the literature. A total of 31 patients with pediatric calvarial tumor surgically treated in our center between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. The patients' files were analyzed retrospectively and 17 different preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were determined and compared with previous studies. Except for the tumors causing lytic or sclerotic lesions, there was at least one distinguishing aspect of our series in all parameters. Despite the many distinctive features, the consensus in the treatment of calvarial tumors is to perform complete resection of the tumor and, if possible, remove some of the adjacent healthy bone. Considering the age factor, however, closure of the resulting bone defects with cranioplasty to address issues of cosmesis and intracranial pressure is yet another aspect of pediatric calvarial tumors, because pediatric cranioplasty has its own specific complications. Using intraoperative neuronavigation and performing tumor resection alone without additional craniectomy are also methods the authors use to prevent major bone defects.

WOS: 000414649900014, PubMed: 25690859, Hamartoma and choristoma are terms that describe non-neoplastic, mass-forming malformative lesions. Although each lesion has a different composition, they have been used interchangeably in many reports, especially for malformative lesions containing ectopic or heterologous elements. We report a three month-old girl who was brought to the clinic with a mass lesion at the posterior fontanel, composed of predominantly osteo-cartilaginous tissue admixed with skeletal muscle, peripheral nerve tissue, and ganglion. The mass was resected completely. The composition of this benign lesion with ectopic elements was consistent with an osteo-cartilaginous hamartoma. We discuss the biological and clinical aspects such malformative lesions within the skull to highlight the inconsistencies of the nomenclature used in the literature.

AIM To define the natural course of kyphosis, and to evaluate the efficiency of a new technique in surgical correction of kyphosis seen in myelomeningocele(MM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our patients with MM. The rate of kyphosis, mean angle of progression and mean angle of surgical correction were evaluated. Surgical correction was achieved with the same technique in all patients; kyphectomy, short segment instrumentation with plate system and long segment instrumentation with screw-rod system. RESULTS A total of 14 patients were treated surgically and the mean age at the surgery was 39 months. The incidence of kyphosis rate was %21 in this study. The mean angle of kyphosis was 85.8°. Average angle of progression was 15.7° whereas it was 6.3° degree in patients whose kyphosis angle ?90 and > 90 degree, respectively, at birth. 14 patients were treated surgically and the mean age at the surgery was 39 months. The mean angle of correction of kyphosis was 86 degree. The most common complications were wound dehiscence and cerebro-spinal fluid leak. One patient died 3 months after surgery, and one patient was reoperated due to pull-out of screws. CONCLUSION Effective surgical correction of kyphosis in MM patients can be achieved with the described surgical technique even in younger ages. Prospective studies in larger study population are necessary for more accurate definition of natural history of kyphosis in MM patients.

AIM To analyze the correlation of clinicopathologic prognostic parameters with atypical meningiomas (AMs) and recurrence development as well as progression-free survival (PFS). MATERIAL AND METHODS The neuropathology archive and hospital records of 75 patients with AM who underwent surgery in our institution between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The pathological revision was performed according to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Other clinicopathological parameters, such as age, gender, tumor location, preoperative tumor size, degree of resection, Psammoma body, nuclear atypia, main histological pattern, Ki67 labeling index (LI), radiotherapy, and dura and bone invasion, were also analyzed. Statistically, univariate and multivariate analyses were assessed to determine their potential impact on recurrence-related prognostic factors. RESULTS Recurrence occurred in 20 patients. The mean PFS and follow-up time were 38.9 and 44.8 months, respectively. In univariate analysis, clinical and pathological features such as age of ?55 years, female sex, skull base tumor location, larger preoperative tumor size, increased mitotic count, small cells, hypercellularity, sheeting, necrosis, and dura and bone invasion were remarkable in patients with recurrence, but were not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, increased mitotic activity and brain invasion either considered alone or combined were significantly associated with PFS. Nuclear atypia was also not associated with both tumor recurrence and PFS. However, clinical features did not significantly influence the PFS. CONCLUSION This study found that recurrence could not be predicted by the presence of any of the clinicopathological features of AMs. We believe that molecular variables determined through routine neuropathological analysis will be needed in the future.

Microcystic meningiomas are extra axial masses that are extremely rare in the pediatric population. Intraventricular meningiomas are also rarely seen. CASE PRESENTATION: This case reports an 18-year-old boy who had an intraventricular mass on magnetic resonance imaging at the age of 12 years and had shown growth at a 6-year follow-up after subtotal resection. The mass was removed by total resection and pathological examination indicated microcystic meningioma.The present case is the first pediatric intraventricular microcystic meningioma in the literature. We believe that this unique case presented with its radiological, pathological and clinical features will contribute to the literature.

WOS: 000476514800017, PubMed: 31115645, Purpose To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of strabismus in patients with hydrocephalus. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients with strabismus and hydrocephalus is performed in the Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology between 2012 and 2018. Results Seventeen patients between the ages of 6 months and 13 years met the criteria of strabismus and hydrocephalus. Although all had developmental delay, five patients out of 17 were premature (lower than 36 weeks of gestation). All patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for congenital hydrocephalus. Three patients had exotropia, whereas 14 had esotropia. Glasses were prescribed to 13 patients: hyperopic correction in 12 and myopic correction in one patient. Surgical correction with bimedial recession was performed in five patients. Four of them achieved successful ocular alignment. Conclusions Children with hydrocephalus most likely have esotropia. Although good ocular alignment is achieved with surgical correction in some patients, some patients may benefit from glasses.

Spinal cord metastasis from rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is extremely rare, with three cases reported to date. Herein, we report an aggressive case of RMS of the infratemporal fossa who which developed spinal cord metastases during treatment. A 6-year-old girl presented with an enlarging painless mass around her right ear for 3 months. An enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 5 × x4 × x4.5 5 cm mass on her right infratemporal fossa. A tru-cut biopsy was performed, and histopathologic examination revealed the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma. At the time of the diagnosis, cerebrospinal fluid cytology was negative for malignant cells. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy. There was minimal response to chemotherapy, and the patient underwent curative radiotherapy. However, by 12th fraction of RT, the patient developed a progressive weakness on her lower extremity. Spinal MRI revealed multiple gross masses in different parts of the spinal cord. The local radiotherapy was changed toas craniospinal radiotherapy. However, two 2 weeks after the completion of the RT, the patient developed sepsis and expired because of septic shock. Parameningeal RMS is a peculiar subgroup of RMS, which needs an aggressive approach. Despite aggressive approach, meningeal spread is the most important cause of the treatment failure. We should keept in mind that during the treatment, there can be meningeal spread towards to either the brain or spinal cord; therefore, we should follow -up the patients closely from this aspect.

WOS: 000460303600019, PubMed: 30649827, AIM: To assess reliability by comparing the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) scores and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) values assigned by specialists from two different fields to patients in the Anesthesiology and Reanimation and Neurosurgery intensive care units. MATERIAL and METHODS: This study was conducted between March 2017 and June 2017 at Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Anesthesiology and Reanimation and Neurosurgery. Seventy-nine patients aged 18-65 years who were treated for at least 24 hours in the intensive care unit were independently assessed by two raters, an anesthesiologist and a neurosurgeon,using FOUR and GCS. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was applied for continuous variables, and SPSS 20.0 version software was used for data analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between FOUR scores and GCS values given by the two raters. The mortality rate among patients with low scores on both FOUR and GCS was higher than the hospital mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Considering that FOUR score allows a more detailed neurological evaluation than GCS, and our findings suggest that FOUR score is more useful for patients who are unconscious or dependent on mechanical ventilation.

Aim To determine the clinical and radiographical aspects of six patients diagnosed with pericallosal lipomas (PCL). Material and methods A retrospective analysis of patients who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient clinics of Selcuk Faculty of Medicine between 2009 and 2019, revealed that six patients were diagnosed with PCL. The clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained by reviewing patients? records. Results A total of six patients (two girls and four boys), with a mean age of 53.8 months (38?72 months), were included in this study. They were followed up for a mean period of 36.5 months (32?41 months). PCL were detected on MRIs, which were obtained to investigate headache in two patients, epilepsy in one patient, frontal dermal sinus tract and left frontal epidermoid tumor in one patient, and subcutaneous lipoma associated with PCL in one patient. Five patients displayed tubulonodular lipomas and one patient displayed curvilinear lipomas. Agenesis or dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (CC) was observed in four (66%) patients. Two patients received surgical treatment for cosmetic skin problem. Conclusion Because of the benign course of PCL, i.e. no growth or very slow growth, and close proximity to the surrounding neurovascular structures, surgical removal should be considered only in symptomatic PCL. Furthermore, other malformations and anomalies may accompany PCL.

WOS: 000466491700217, PubMed: 30797924, BACKGROUND: Vascular injury complications during lumbar discectomy are rare but potentially life-threatening. Therefore, an early diagnosis and effective treatment management is required for these complications. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old female patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic with severe back and right leg pain. She underwent surgery for right L4-5 extruded disc herniation with general anesthesia. Sudden arterial hemorrhage occurred during discectomy performed with straight disc forceps and was controlled using hemostatic materials, with no significant decrease in blood pressure. However, the patient became hypotensive near the end of the operation. The incision was quickly closed, and she was turned to supine position. Emergency abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography, and computed tomography angiography revealed an injury of the left main iliac artery, which was repaired by endovascular stenting. Laparotomy and Bogota bag were applied because of increased intrabdominal pressure at 3 hours postoperative. In addition, a retroperitoneal catheter was placed into the area of the right retroperitoneal hematoma on the first postoperative day. Tissue plasminogen activator was administered through the catheter. On postoperative day 3, the Bogota bag was removed, and the abdomen was closed. The patient was discharged without neurodeficit on day 27. Her abdominal fascial defect was closed with a synthetic graft after 5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although lumbar discectomy is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures, the routine rules of discectomy should not be neglected. Early detection and a multidisciplinary approach can help prevent mortality in the event of vascular injury.

WOS: 000505082400055, Background: Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt is a type of treatment commonly used in the surgical treatment of pseudotumor cerebri, comorbid hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. Despite the promising results of the LP shunt blockage of %7 and %14 migration rate of complications have been reported. Migration can be rarely observed in the spinal subarachnoid space or even in the intracranial area. We report a case where the LP shunt migrated upward to the cerebellomedullary cisterns. Case Description: A 37-year-old female patient underwent lumboperitonel shunt surgery for pseudotumor cerebri. After the LP shunt surgery, the patient's complaints of headache and blurred vision disappeared. The patient admitted to polycyclic at the postoperative first month with neck pain and neck sucking sensation. Cerebellomedullar cysterna shunt tip was seen in brain CT. The patient was operated again and the proximal end of the shunt was lowered to Lumbar 1 level under C-Arm Scope device control. Then, we fixed the subcutaneous tissue of the shunt of the LP shunt with the help of a non-resorbable suture and stitches. Conclusions: LP shunt distal migration is more common, such proximal migrations are rarely reported in the literature. LP shunt displacement must be due to defective or insufficient anchoring devices of the LP shunt tube. We think that great care must be taken to fix the LP shunt properly with the help of suture collars with an unresorbable suture at three places to the subcutaneous tissue.

WOS: 000456311300029, PubMed: 30094495, BackgroundGaucher disease is a rare hereditary glycolipid storage disease. One of the rare complications is neurodeficits due to vertebral involvement.Case presentationAn 18-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient clinic with cauda equina syndrome due to sacral involvement of type 1 GD. Bilateral laminectomy via posterior approach without posterior stabilization was performed.ConclusionMaximum excision of the mass avoiding destabilization of the spinal column can provide long-term vertebral stability and improvement in neurodeficits.

WOS: 000435231900013, PubMed: 28585673, AIM: Dysnatremic cases are frequently faced in clinical practice. Its macroscopic effects and consequences are well known, but microscopic effects are not well defined. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of dysnatremia at the cellular level. MATERIAL and METHODS: By using an action potential simulation, the effects of extracellular sodium (Na) concentration on the Na ion channel kinetics were studied. The experimental sets were chosen to mimic hypo/hypernatremic conditions and, in both cases, the degree of the severity was varied. RESULTS: Hyponatremic situations through modifying the axonal Na+ channels kinetics result in the rundown of the sodium current (INa). The degree of the hyponatremia-dependent effect seen in the Na ion channel is severity dependent, which is more effective in the recovery phase of the ion channel. Hypernatremic conditions, on the other hand, have also affected the Na ion channel activity through modifying the kinetics of the channel. Unlike hyponatremia, the effect seen in hypernatremic conditions was through decreasing the response time of the channel. The degree of the significance of the effect seen on the Na ion channel in the case of the hypernatremia was found to be less destructive compared to the hyponatremic condition. CONCLUSION: The Na channels are susceptible to the changes of the extracellular Na concentrations. Thus, the underestimation of hypo/hypernatremic conditions can put patients in danger and close monitoring of serum Na level might be required.

WOS: 000423394400021, PubMed: 27759873, AIM: Neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) usually results in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). This multicenter study describes the approach of early neuroendoscopic ventricular irrigation for the treatment of IVH/PHH and compares the results with the cases that have been initially treated only with conventional temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion techniques. MATERIAL and METHODS: The data of 74 neonatal PHH cases, that have been treated at three pediatric neurosurgery centers, were retrospectively analyzed. 23 neonates with PHH underwent early endoscopic ventricular irrigation (Group-A). 29 neonates were initially treated with conventional methods (Group-B). 22 neonates underwent ventriculosubgaleal shunt placement (Group-C). Complications, shunt dependency rates, incidence of multiloculated hydrocephalus and incidence of CSF infection were evaluated and compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Group-A, Group-B and Group-C cases did not differ significantly regarding gestational age and birth weight. In Group-A, 60.8% of the patients required a later shunt insertion, as compared with 93.1% of the cases in Group-B and 77.2% of the cases in Group-C. Group-A patients were also associated with significantly fewer CSF infections as well as significantly lower incidence for multiloculated hydrocephalus development as compared with Group-B and Group-C. CONCLUSION: Early removal of intraventricular blood degradation products and residual hematoma via neuroendoscopic ventricular irrigation is feasible and safe for the treatment of PHH in neonates with IVH. Neuroendoscopic technique seems to offer significantly lower shunt rates and fewer complications such as infection and development of multiloculated hydrocephalus in those cases.

AIM To assess the feasibility of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) in determining the amount of vasoactive support and its relationship with the mortality rate and characteristics of the patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was conducted with a retrospective design involving the years 2013-2018 in a university hospital which provides tertiary intensive care service. A total of 102 patients who were admitted in the ICU with the diagnosis of severe TBI, and also were followed by neurosurgery service and who received vasoactive and inotropic support were analyzed concerning VIS value. RESULTS The median age of the patients was 34 years, and 69.6% of the patients were male. Mortality rate was 43.1%. In the group with mean VIS≥10, the admission duration in the ICU and hospital were shorter (p < 0.0001) whereas mortality rates were higher (81.1% vs 21.5% and p < 0.0001). Besides, the number of patients with a VIS score of ≥10, ≥15 and ≥20 were higher in the group of patients who died (p < 0.0001). The results of the multivariate analysis such as VIS≥10 were significant. CONCLUSION We can conclude that VIS, which is used to determine the amount of vasoactive and inotropic medicines during cardiac surgery and in sepsis patients, may be useful in predicting mortality in TBI patients.

The surgical management of giant pituitary adenomas is challenging. Although most pituitary adenomas, even those with suprasellar extension, can be resected using the transsphenoidal surgery alone, the transcranial approach is still needed for approximately 1% to 4% of these tumors. The transcranial approach is usually used in large adenomas with hourglass configuration and adenomas with firm consistency impeding the adjunctive measures, which are used for delivering the suprasellar part of the tumor into the sellar area and thereby obscure the tumor resection by transsphenoidal route. In this report, we describe the successful use of transventricular endoscope as an adjunctive measure to remove giant pituitary adenoma from transsphenoidal route and discuss the limitations of this new technique. We concluded that this technique would be used safely in selected cases. Case selection and surgical strategies should be based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging findings, ventricular size, and the availability of experienced surgeons.

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 1,218 pedicle screws for accuracy, with postoperative computed tomography (CT), in 198 patients who were operated on between March 2004 and September 2012.To determine the incidence of screw misplacement in patients who received a transpedicular screw fixation, with intraoperative fluoroscopy in the lateral and lateral with anteroposterior (AP) positions. The results are compared between the two groups.Retrospective comparative study of accuracy of pedicle screw placement in thoracic and lumbar spine.The sample consists of 198 consecutive patients who underwent transpedicular screw fixation.Accuracy of screw placement was evaluated by postoperative CT scan. Misplacement was defined in cases where more than 25% of the screw size was residing outside the pedicle.The indications for hardware placement, radiologic studies, patient demographics, and reoperation rates were recorded. Five hundred twenty-eight screws (Group A, n=81) were inserted into the vertebral body with the assistance of lateral fluoroscopy only, whereas 690 screws (Group B, n=117) were inserted with the assistance of lateral fluoroscopy, and the final positions of the screws were checked with AP fluoroscopy.A total of 1,218 screws were analyzed, with 962 screws placed at the lumbosacral region and 256 screws at the thoracic region. According to the postoperative CT scan, 27 screws (2.2%) were identified as breaching the pedicle. Nineteen of them (3.6%) were in Group A, whereas 8 (1.16%) were in Group B. The rate of pedicle breaches was significantly different between Group A and B (p=.0052). In Group A, the lateral violation of the pedicle was seen in 10 screws (1.9%), whereas medial violation was seen in 9 screws (1.7%). In Group B, the lateral violation of the pedicle was seen in six screws (0.87%), whereas medial violation was seen in two screws (0.29%). The medial and lateral penetration of screws were significantly different between Groups A and B (p.05). A pedicle breach occurred in 21 patients, and 15 of them underwent a revision surgery to correct the misplaced screw. Of these patients, 11 (13.6%) were in Group A, and 4 (3.4%) were in Group B (p=.0335).In this study, we evaluated and clarified the diagnostic value of intraoperative fluoroscopy in both the lateral and AP imaging that have not yet been evaluated in any comparative study. We concluded that the intraoperative use of fluoroscopy, especially in the AP position, significantly decreases the risk of screw misplacement and the results are comparable with other advanced techniques.

Object In this study the authors compare the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus CSF shunting for resolution of papilledema in hydrocephalus. Methods This comparative case series study recruited 12 patients (24 eyes) with hydrocephalus who underwent either an ETV (Group 1, 6 patients [12 eyes]) or CSF shunt treatment (Group 2, 6 patients [12 eyes]). A complete ophthalmological examination including retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) evaluation by optical coherence tomography was provided for all patients before surgery and in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month postoperatively. The 2 groups were compared for quantitative changes in RNFL thickness and, thereby, resolution of papilledema. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test with the aid of SPSS version 16.0. Results The mean preoperative RNFL thickness was 259.7 ± 35.8 μm in Group 1 and 244.5 ± 53.4 μm in Group 2 (p = 0.798). The mean decrease in RNFL thickness was 101.3 ± 38.8 μm, 141.2 ± 34.6 μm, and 162.0 ± 35.9 μm in Group 1 versus 97.0 ± 44.6 μm, 143 ± 45.6 μm, and 130.0 ± 59.8 μm in Group 2 for the postoperative 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to decrease in RNFL thickness during the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month (p = 0.563, p = 0.753, and p = 0.528, respectively). Conclusions This is the first study to quantitatively evaluate papilledema in assessing the success of ETV and CSF shunting. The authors' results indicated that ETV is as effective as CSF shunting with respect to decreasing intracranial pressure and resolution of papilledema.

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors. They are usually benign and slowly growing; however, they may show histologically malignant features categorizing them into grade II or III of World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Rhabdoid meningioma (RM) is an uncommon meningioma variant categorized as WHO grade III. The clinical course of RM is determined by local recurrences, invasion of adjacent brain and/or dura, widespread leptomeningeal dissemination, remote metastases and fatal clinical outcome. Herein we report a case with recurrent aggressive left occipital parasagittal region RM in which the patient initially declined radiation treatment. The tumor was resected four times in 5 years. Histopathological examination revealed a rhabdoid meningioma with metaplastic, papillary and chordoid differentiation. Six months after her fourth operation the patient died of progressive disease. RM is a rare subtype of malignant meningioma and the role of different adjuvant therapeutic options are still unknown. Clinical presentation, radiological features and pathologic findings of this uncommon tumor are discussed.

Duru, Soner/0000-0002-3449-4673; WOS: 000332319200024 PubMed: 24013264 The Currarino syndrome is regarded as a developmental disorder based on its recognized etiological heterogeneity. This syndrome is thought to result from abnormal separation of the neuroectoderm from the endoderm. Our aim was to report the neurosurgical management of Currarino syndrome in children and adults and to describe what clinician could do if the Currarino triad was suspected. We present five cases of Currarino triad who underwent surgical intervention. All patients had sacral bony deformity, anorectal malformations, and anterior sacral meningocele. A 40-year-old-male had chronic constipation. He was incidentally diagnosed with Currarino syndrome. A 19-year-old-female suffered from a slight weakness in lower extremities and urinary incontinence. Her past medical history was remarkable for anal atresia. The other three cases were children. When an anterior sacral meningocele is encountered, Currarino syndrome should be taken into consideration. Although it is rarity, the Currarino syndrome might be one of the causes of chronic constipation. Endoscopic or endoscope-assisted surgery via a posterior sacral route can be feasible for treatment of some of the patients with anterior sacral meningocele. Anterior meningocele pouch associated with Currarino syndrome will regresses over time following transdural ligation of its neck.

Introduction Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children. The major cause of death from this cancer is metastasis of tumors, and metastasis can be seen in different areas of the body. Metastasis of NB occurs by hematogenous and lymphatic routes. Generally, brain metastases have been reported in only one area of the brain parenchyma. Case report A 4-year-old male patient was treated in our clinic due to the NB that settled in the intra-abdominal region, but the patient presented with headache and nausea approximately 5 months after completion of the treatment. Whereupon, cranial imaging was performed and two masses were detected in the bilateral frontal lobe, and then the patient underwent surgery. Metastatic NB diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. The patient’s chemotherapy treatment is still ongoing. Conclusion We report the case of a male patient with two separate metastatic masses in the brain parenchyma, which occurred in two different areas at the same time.

Objectives/Hypothesis: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical intranasal fluorescence application together with high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance cisternography for the preoperative diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and for intraoperative localization of CSF fistulas. We also assessed postoperative recurrence. Study Design: Descriptive study. Methods: Twenty-four cases underwent endonasal endoscopic repair for CSF leakage. Following intranasal topical application of fluorescein 10% to the middle turbinate-cribriform plate region and anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus, a color change of the fluorescein from yellow-brown to green was accepted as evidence of CSF leakage. A nasoseptal flap, collagen matrix, or fascia lata and septal cartilage graft were used for reconstruction of the CSF fistula. Results: The use of topical fluorescein application was helpful in diagnosing CSF rhinorrhea preoperatively and locating the CSF fistula intraoperatively. One case had both ethmoid roof and sphenoid sinus defects, and this case underwent a second operation for closure of the sphenoid defect. All CSF leakages were successfully repaired by endoscopic endonasal surgery using a nasoseptal flap. Conclusions: Cases with traumatic CSF leakage pose a higher risk of meningitis than the cases with spontaneous CSF leakage. Topical application of fluorescein is highly specific and sensitive in identifying preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative CSF leakage. It is a simple, quick, and sensitive technique. The surgeon should be vigilant for multiple defects.

The aim of this study was to examine the results of gamma knife radiosurgery for 13 patients with residual/recurrent or newly diagnosed solid hemangioblastomas. The 13 patients had 34 solid hemangioblastomas, and all patients underwent gamma knife radiosurgery. Seven patients had von Hippel-Lindau disease and six had sporadic disease. When individual lesions were considered, the overall mean dose at the tumor periphery was 15.8 Gy (range: 12-25 Gy) and the average maximum tumor dose was 31.6 Gy (range: 24-50 Gy). The mean duration of follow-up with MRI was 50.2 months. At the last follow-up evaluation, growth control was achieved for all tumors (partial remission in three tumors [8.8%] and no change in 31 tumors [91.2%]). No radiation-related complications were encountered. Our findings reinforce the view that gamma knife radiosurgery is effective and safe for the management of solid hemangioblastomas with a diameter less than 3 cm, whether they are sporadic or associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease. The high response rate and lack of any radiation-induced side-effects confirms the suitability of the doses used in the present study.

WOS: 000428044700021, PubMed: 27593850, AIM: To evaluate the effect of shunt selection on the rate of shunt revision due to early shunt complications in neonatal myelomeningocele-associated hydrocephalus. MATERIAL and METHODS: The data of 157 neonatal myelomeningocele cases in three pediatric neurosurgery centers (Ankara University, Kocaeli University, Selcuk University) who underwent shunt surgery at the time of myelomeningocele repair between 2000 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical features of the patients, shunt types, and early shunt complications within the first three months were recorded. The patients were classified according to several features of the shunt systems, such as the valve type, valve size/contour and catheter type. RESULTS: Of all patients, 71 (45.2%) underwent early shunt revision surgery due to various complications. Mechanical complications were the most frequent cause of shunt failure, followed by infection. There was no significant difference among the valve types. Also, no significant difference was observed among the catheter types. Only valve contour/size (contoured regular/ultra-small/burr-hole/cylindrical/neonatal) seemed to significantly affect the rate of early complications. The patients with neonatal-design valves or ultrasmall valves had significantly less complications, such as poor wound-healing, wound-dehiscence, cerebrospinal fluid leak or shunt exposure. The infection rate secondary to these complications was found to be lower. CONCLUSION: Myelomeningocele patients with prominent hydrocephalus frequently have a friable skin, due to reduced macrocrania-related subcutaneous tissues. Small-sized (neonatal-design or ultra-small) valves may significantly reduce the early shunt complication rate among this population.

Schilder’s myelinoclastic diffuse sclerosis (Schilder’s disease) is a rare demyelinating disorder. Clinical features and neuroimaging findings of this disease might mimic an intra-cranial mass lesion including an abscess or a tumour. Clinical and radiological findings of two children with the diagnosis of Shilder’s disease are reported, and the role of brain biopsy as a diagnostic tool is discussed.

Three cases of congenital dermal sinus are presented--2 female and 1 male. Frontal, thoracic, and lumbosacral congenital dermal sinuses were explored. All patients presented with skin findings, but no neurologic deficits. The case with frontal localization was associated with a corpus callosum lipoma and dermoid tumor, and the patient presented with recurrent meningitis. The case with sacral localization was associated with an epidermoid tumor. Morphogenetic, clinical, and radiologic aspects of these cases are discussed. The midline should be carefully examined whenever a child suffers from meningitis. Dermal sinus tracts should be excised prophylactically.

Conclusion: Silicone injection of the cadaveric cow brain, based on the anatomical and physiological assessment of the vasculature of the specimen for microanatomical studies, is suggested as an alternative to using human brain specimens.

Conclusion: The aim of this study was to develop an innovative model to create a life-like microneurosurgical training system. This model simulates bifrontal and frontolateral approaches performed on the human brain.

In this study the authors compare the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus CSF shunting for resolution of papilledema in hydrocephalus.This comparative case series study recruited 12 patients (24 eyes) with hydrocephalus who underwent either an ETV (Group 1, 6 patients [12 eyes]) or CSF shunt treatment (Group 2, 6 patients [12 eyes]). A complete ophthalmological examination including retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) evaluation by optical coherence tomography was provided for all patients before surgery and in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month postoperatively. The 2 groups were compared for quantitative changes in RNFL thickness and, thereby, resolution of papilledema. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test with the aid of SPSS version 16.0.The mean preoperative RNFL thickness was 259.7 ± 35.8 μm in Group 1 and 244.5 ± 53.4 μm in Group 2 (p = 0.798). The mean decrease in RNFL thickness was 101.3 ± 38.8 μm, 141.2 ± 34.6 μm, and 162.0 ± 35.9 μm in Group 1 versus 97.0 ± 44.6 μm, 143 ± 45.6 μm, and 130.0 ± 59.8 μm in Group 2 for the postoperative 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to decrease in RNFL thickness during the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month (p = 0.563, p = 0.753, and p = 0.528, respectively).This is the first study to quantitatively evaluate papilledema in assessing the success of ETV and CSF shunting. The authors' results indicated that ETV is as effective as CSF shunting with respect to decreasing intracranial pressure and resolution of papilledema.

Neuroendoscopic approaches to Sylvian arachnoid cysts (SACs) constitute an alternative treatment option to craniotomy for fenestration and shunting procedures. In this study, the authors discuss their experience on pure neuroendoscopic technique in the treatment of SACs in children.The results of treatment of 20 children (range of age, between 7 months and 17 years) with Galassi type II (n, 5) or III (n, 15) SACs who were subjected to pure neuroendoscopic fenestration procedure were presented. It was possible to perform the cystocisternostomy endoscopically in all children with several stomies. The site of the opening was between the optic nerve and the carotid artery in 19, between the carotid artery and the oculomotor nerve in 17, and below the oculomotor nerve in 7. The stomies were enlarged in all cases using the double balloon. Three of the cases required repetition of the operation and two cases required "cystoperitoneal shunt" implantation. There was one minor complication in a patient who had an asymptomatic postoperative subdural effusion, which resolved spontaneously. Of the 18 cases, in which the neuroendoscopic procedures succeeded, 10 showed a reduction in cyst size. The mean follow-up period was 53 months.Our results suggest that "pure neuroendoscopic" approach can be used safely in the management of SACs in children. We recommend at least two fenestration sites for an effective marsupialization of the cyst within the basal cisterns. In pediatric cases, the use of a small diameter rigid endoscope allows to reach safely the planned target areas.