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We report the first quantitative systematic review of cerebrovascular disease in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide occurrence rates and associated mortality. Through a comprehensive search of PubMed we identified 8 cohort studies, 5 case series, and 2 case reports of acute cerebrovascular disease in patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Our first meta-analysis utilizing the identified publications focused on comorbid cerebrovascular disease in recovered and deceased patients with COVID-19. We performed 3 additional meta-analyses of proportions to produce point estimates of the mortality and incidence of acute cerebrovascular disease in COVID-19 patients. Patient's with COVID-19 who died were 12.6 times more likely to have a history of cerebrovascular disease. We estimated an occurrence rate of 2.6% (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.4%) for acute cerebrovascular disease among consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19. While for those with severe COVID-19' we estimated an occurrence rate of 6.5% (95% confidence interval, 4.4-9.6%). Our analysis estimated a rate of 35.5% for in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute cerebrovascular disease. This was consistent with a mortality rate of 34.0% which we obtained through an individual patient analysis of 47 patients derived from all available case reports and case series. COVID-19 patients with either acute or chronic cerebrovascular disease have a high mortality rate with higher occurrence of cerebrovascular disease in patients with severe COVID-19.

Introduction After the official announcement of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020, the disease impacted most aspects of health care delivery, especially postgraduate education and training. Method A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based assessment was performed. The study participants involved neurosurgery residents and program directors (PDs) across the country between May 16 and May 27, 2020. Results Approximately 74 of 95 (77.9%) of the residents experienced an impact on their training calendar. Before the pandemic, 51 residents (53.3%) were involved in 2–3 surgeries per week, but during the pandemic, 66 (69.5%) were attending 0–1 case per week. Fifty-three residents (55.8%) agreed that academic sessions were affected despite the helpful effort of online teaching sessions. Thirty-four (35.8%) residents graded their anxiety during coronavirus disease-19 times as high. Ten PDs (58.8%) confirmed spending 3–5 hours per week on educational activities normally, whereas during the pandemic, 15 PDs (88.2%) reduced their educational hours to 0–2 hours per week. Conclusion Our study showed that educational activities significantly decreased and shifted toward virtual teaching methods. Operative volume showed a substantial reduction for both junior and senior residents. Academic and clinical teaching was the main concern for PDs, and they faced challenges interviewing newly matched residents.

Background: Flow diverters are becoming one of the main endovascular procedures used to treat aneurysms. Flow diverter devices (FDDs) have multiple types approved for endovascular procedure use. Although their indications are not well described, they are usually used for large or giant, wide-necked, and recurrent aneurysms. Multiple FDDs can be deployed to treat giant aneurysms to ensure and accelerate aneurysm occlusion and mitigate complications. We report a case of endovascular treatment of an intracranial aneurysm using three silk FDDs complicated by a delayed migration of the stents along the parent artery, along with a literature review of the related cases. Methods: We conducted a PubMed Medline database search by the following combined formula of subjects headings: ((((((intracranial aneurysm[MeSH Terms]) AND (endovascular procedure[MeSH Terms])) OR (endovascular technique[MeSH Terms])) AND (endovascular[Title/Abstract]) AND (Flow diverter[Title/ Abstract])) OR (flow diversion[Title/Abstract])) OR (Pipeline[Title/Abstract])) AND (Multiple[Title/Abstract]). Results: The result was eight cases of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with multiple FDD. The male-to-female ratio in these cases was 5:3, and there is a wide age range from 22 months to 69 years old. The cases differed in the type and number of FDDs used, yet, they all had similar results with aneurysm occlusion and recovery of the patient with no observed complications. Conclusion: Tandem flow diverter deployment has technical challenges and complications such as complete obstruction can occur. Planning and learning from experience with those new technologies are the typical way to overcome such complications in the future.

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative documentation of the effects of outbreaks, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is limited in neurosurgery. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical practice and to determine whether surgical procedures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted, involving patients who underwent neurosurgical intervention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 2 periods: pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surgical intervention data evaluated included diagnostic category, case priority, complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 850 procedures were included, 36% during COVID-19. The median number of procedures per day was significantly lower during the COVID-19 period (5.5 cases) than during the pre-COVID-19 period (12 cases; P < 0.0001). Complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality did not differ during the pandemic. In a multivariate analysis comparing both periods, case priority levels 1 (immediate) (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.67), 1 (1-24 h) (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.10-2.41), and 4 (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19-0.42) showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall number of neurosurgical procedures declined, but the load of emergency procedures remained the same, thus highlighting the need to allocate sufficient resources for emergencies. More importantly, performing neurosurgical procedures during the pandemic in regions with limited effects of the outbreak on the health care system was safe. Our findings may aid in developing guidelines for acute and long-term care during pandemics in surgical subspecialties.

Free-floating thrombus (FFT) is a rare condition with unknown etiology as described by many case reports presented in previous literature. The patients usually present symptomatically while the other few patients remain asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Most of the cases reported in the literature are of FFT in the internal carotid artery. We present a 59-year-old female as a case of FFT in the vertebral artery which was coincidently discovered on CTA in a patient initially presenting with an anterior circulation stroke. This case highlights the importance of early contrast-based vascular imaging in patients presenting with large vessel strokes that are cardioembolic in nature and the unique utilization of a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) for revascularization. Included herein an extensive review of the literature about the decision making in patients with FFT and a devised proposed practical approach to this entity.

Background: Cerebrovascular malformations are encountered frequently in clinical practice, but not much is known about the pattern of publication in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. We aim to evaluate the status and pattern of publications of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and cavernomas in the MENA. Materials and Methods: PubMed database was searched for publications on cerebral AVM and cavernomas in the MENA between 2009 and 2019. Results: We found only 94 publications in the MENA region out of 31,333 publications pertaining to AVMs (0.3%). The highest publishing country was Turkey, with 50 (53.1%) studies. The case report was the study design used most by authors with 59 (62.7%) studies. The majority of publications were by neurosurgeons with 42 of 94 (42.4%) papers. European journals ranked first in the number of published articles with 42 of 94 (46.1%) articles. Conclusions: We found a limited number of publications on cerebral AVMs and cavernomas by MENA countries in the past decade. Research support and national/regional registries are important factors to improve the academic output on AVMs and cavernomas in the MENA region.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan province of China in late December 2019.[1][1][⇓][2]–[3][3] COVID-19 is characterized by a rapid spread through respiratory droplets with human-to-human contact.[1][1][⇓][2]–[3][3] The virus has spread rapidly to more

Whether the best management of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm patients is surgical or endovascular remains uncertain, with little evidence to guide decision-making. A randomized care trial offering MCA aneurysm patients a 50% chance of surgical and a 50% chance of endovascular management may optimize outcomes in the presence of uncertainty.The Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Trial (MCAAT) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, parallel group, prospective, 1:1 randomized controlled clinical trial. All adult patients with MCA aneurysms, ruptured or unruptured, amenable to surgical and endovascular treatment can be included. The composite primary outcome is "Treatment Success": (i) occlusion or exclusion of the aneurysm using the allocated treatment modality; (ii) no intracranial hemorrhage during follow-up; (iii) no retreatment of the target aneurysm during follow-up, (iv) no residual aneurysm on angiographic follow-up; and (v) independence (mRS3) at 1 year. The trial tests 2 versions of the same hypothesis (one for ruptured and one for unruptured MCA aneurysm patients): Surgical management will lead to a 15% absolute increase in the proportion of patients reaching Treatment Success from 55% to 70% (ruptured) or from 75% to 90% (unruptured aneurysm patients) compared with endovascular treatment (any method). In this pragmatic trial, outcome evaluations are by treating physicians, except for 1-year angiographic results which will be core lab assessed. The trial will be monitored by an independent data safety monitoring committee to assure safety of participants. MCAAT is registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05161377.Patients with MCA aneurysms can be optimally managed within a care trial protocol.

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide. It is a medical emergency demanding immediate recognition to provide time-sensitive acute management. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged acute stroke care, and alternate models of treatment are needed. Telestroke is well proven as a valid tool for acute stroke assessment and has been utilized successfully to manage patients remotely in many parts of the world, though it is underutilized in the Middle East and North Africa region. Given the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as risk of physician exposure to infection, implementation of a telestroke system is critical to provide consultant stroke physician coverage. This article provides a proposed model for coordinated telestroke. Implementation of telestroke in the Middle East and North Africa region and other underdeveloped areas will optimize stroke management, especially during the COVID-19 era.

Background: Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) are either clinically silent or symptomatic. The most common presentation in more than half of all CAVMs presenting patients is hemorrhage which is accompanied by long-standing neurological morbidity and mortality. This report presents a case of an atypical large, slow-flow paramedian AVM with a dilated venous varix managed with surgery. The impact of the intraoperative findings on the diagnosis and the operative technique will be discussed. Case Description: In otherwise, healthy 26-year-old male complained of repeated episodes of generalized seizures and loss of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right parietal paramedian arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with signs of an old hemorrhagic cavity beneath it. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a slow-filling AVM with dilated venous varix drains into the superior sagittal sinus. However, the exact point of drainage cannot be appreciated. The filling of the AVM occurred precisely with the beginning of the venous phase. Intraoperatively, we noticed a whitish spherical mass, thick hemosiderin tissue, and a large cavity below the nidus; then, a complication-free complete microsurgical resection of this high-grade AVM was performed. Postoperatively, the patient suffered two attacks of seizures in the first few hours after the surgery, for which he received antiepileptics. MRI was clear during follow-up, and the patient was seizure-free and neurologically intact. Conclusion: Parietal convexity AVMs are challenging lesions to tackle. However, the chronicity and the slow-filling of the AVM, in this case, can render the surgical pathway more direct and accessible.

Cavernous angiomas are congenital vascular malformations that affect the central nervous system. Reports implicated radiation therapy as a triggering factor for the formation of cavernomas but not in relation with head and neck radiation therapy. Radiation-induced cavernomas (RIC) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal neurological symptoms in any patient who has received previous cranial-spinal or head and neck radiotherapy.

Objective: Young patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) make up a small but important subgroup of patients with ICH. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hypertensive ICH in very young (18-45 years) and young (46-55 years) patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients aged 18-55 years with hypertensive ICH admitted to a hospital from April 2014 to April 2019. Clinical and radiologic features as well as long-term clinical outcomes were compared between 2 age groups: group 1 (18-45 years) and group 2 (46-55 years). Factors affecting the clinical outcome were investigated as well. Results: Of 63 patients with hypertensive ICH, 24 (38.1%) were in group 1 (mean ± SD age of 38 ± 4.6 years), and 39 (61.9%) were in group 2 (50 ± 2.5 years). The risk factor profile was similar except for diabetes, which was more prevalent in group 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.65; 95% CI, 1.4-15.2). Patients in group 1 had higher mean ± SD NIH Stroke Scale scores (15.7 ± 4.6, P = .044), had lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (OR = 3.33; 95% CI, 1.0-10.8), were at higher risk of intubation (OR = 2.79; 95% CI, 1.1-9.9), and had higher ICH volume (21 ± 18, P = .034). Worse clinical outcome was higher in group 1 (OR = 5.14; 95% CI, 1.0-26.1). Low GCS score, mean hematoma volume, and intraventricular extension were independently associated with worse outcome. Conclusions: Relatively young patients with hypertensive ICH have higher prevalence of diabetes and worse clinical outcome in comparison to older patients with hypertensive ICH. Such patients should be monitored and treated more aggressively.

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) represents an effective method for intracranial pressure (ICP) reduction in cases of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, little is known regardi...

Background COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted stroke care services at multiple levels. There was a decline in acute stroke admissions. Fewer interventions have been performed. Increased “door-to-needle times and “door-to-groin puncture” during this pandemic. These factors combined have led to declining in the favoured outcomes of stroke patients' globally. Yet this pandemic permits an opportunity for higher preparedness for future pandemics. Objectives and methods This paper aims to shed light on the main lessons learned in the field of stroke care during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Here we are presenting proposals and initiatives for better preparedness in future similar emergencies. These proposals are based primarily on literature review of COVID-19 publications, as well as the first-hand experience gained during the first wave at the regional level. In addition to the consensus and collective ride of stroke experts in the Middle East North Africa Stroke and Interventional Neurotherapies Organization (MENA+-SINO) and interaction and collaboration with international stroke specialists from the Stroke World Organization (WSO), European Stroke Organization (ESO) and stroke and COVID-19 papers authors. Conclusion Stroke care is very complex, particularly in the initial hours after onset of symptoms. A successful outcome requires very close collaboration between clinical personnel from multiple specialties. Preparedness for future pandemics requires the improvement of care plans that allow for rapid assessment of stroke patients and ensuring that regular ‘mock exercises’ familiarize quintessential services that care for the stroke patients.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased volumes of stroke admissions and mechanical thrombectomy were reported. The study’s objective was to examine whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions demonstrated similar declines.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study across 6 continents, 37 countries and 140 comprehensive stroke centres. Patients with the diagnosis of SAH, aneurysmal SAH, ruptured aneurysm coiling interventions and COVID-19 were identified by prospective aneurysm databases or by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes. The 3-month cumulative volume, monthly volumes for SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm coiling procedures were compared for the period before (1 year and immediately before) and during the pandemic, defined as 1 March–31 May 2020. The prior 1-year control period (1 March–31 May 2019) was obtained to account for seasonal variation.FindingsThere was a significant decline in SAH hospitalisations, with 2044 admissions in the 3 months immediately before and 1585 admissions during the pandemic, representing a relative decline of 22.5% (95% CI −24.3% to −20.7%, pInterpretationThere was a relative decrease in the volume of SAH hospitalisations, aneurysmal SAH hospitalisations and ruptured aneurysm embolisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings in SAH are consistent with a decrease in other emergencies, such as stroke and myocardial infarction.

Background: Parietal atretic cephalocele (PAC) is a small, subscalp lesion with underlying extracranial meningeal, neural, and glial tissues. In this paper, we analyze the related literature on the continuum of PAC-associated venous anomalies and report an exemplary case. Methods: The PubMed Medline database was searched using the following search algorithm: (Atretic encephalocele) OR (Rudimentary meningocele,) OR (Atypical meningocele) OR (Meningocele manqué) OR (Meningeal heterotopia). Only papers detailing the venous anomalies associated with PACs have been included. Results: A total of 30 papers in our search documented PAC-associated venous abnormalities. The overall number of cases reported was 68 (including our exemplary case). The most frequently identified associated venous anomaly was the presence of a “fenestrated superior sagittal sinus” recorded in 48.5% of cases (n = 33), followed closely by “persistent falcine sinus” in 47% (n = 32) and vertical embryonic positioning of the straight sinus (SS) in 44% (n = 30). The complete absence of a SS was reported in 39.7% (n = 27) and various anomalies of the Galenic system were reported in 26.8% of cases (n = 12). Conclusion: Although benign in nature, PACs are often a marker for the presence of complex and variable cerebral venous malformations, requiring extensive preoperative imaging workup for both the superficial and deep venous systems to obtain an accurate understanding of the anatomy of the venous system and guide surgical planning.

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is one of high morbidity in vascular neurology and neurosurgery and one of the clipart for this is symptomatic vasospasm that can leads to delayed cerebral ischemia. Other common complication is electrolytes and fluid homeostasis disturbance and among these, is Sodium disequilibrium, either hypo- or hypernatremia. In our institution we observed that hyponatremia is common, and it is more evident in patient with symptomatic vasospasm. For that we retrospectively looked at the association of hyponatremia and the occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm or delayed cerebral ischemia in aSAH. Methods: Retrospective chart review with daily monitoring of sodium level from day 1to day 21 from the ictus, aSAH. We include all adult patients (Age > 18 years) who were admitted to intensive care with diagnosis of aSAH and undergone aneurysm securing procedures within 48 h. Results: Among 45 patients 24 (43%) developed symptomatic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia and it was most common in males (13/22: 59%). Sodium level especially hyponatremia in period between days (1–4) with median of 134 in vasospasm group (50%). Conclusions: Delayed cerebral ischemia/symptomatic vasospasm occurs more commonly in males and associated with hyponatremia (Na+

Background: Strengthening health systems requires attention to workforce, training needs, and barriers to service delivery. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Committee survey sought to identify challenges for residents, fellows, and consultants within 10 years of training. Methods: An online survey was distributed to various neurosurgical societies, personal contacts, and social media platforms (April–November 2018). Responses were grouped by World Bank income classification into high-income countries (HICs), upper middle-income countries (UMICs), low-middle-income countries (LMICs), and low-income countries (LICs). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: In total, 953 individuals completed the survey. For service delivery, the limited number of trained neurosurgeons was seen as a barrier for 12.5%, 29.8%, 69.2%, and 23.9% of respondents from HICs, UMICs, LMICs, and LICs, respectively (P < 0.0001). The most reported personal challenge was the lack of opportunities for research (HICs, 34.6%; UMICs, 57.5%; LMICs, 61.6%; and LICs, 61.5%; P = 0.03). Other differences by income class included limited access to advice from experienced/senior colleagues (P < 0.001), neurosurgical journals (P < 0.0001), and textbooks (P = 0.02). Assessing how the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies could best help young neurosurgeons, the most frequent requests (n = 953; 1673 requests) were research (n = 384), education (n = 296), and subspecialty/fellowship training (n = 232). Skills courses and access to cadaver dissection laboratories were also heavily requested. Conclusions: Young neurosurgeons perceived that additional neurosurgeons are needed globally, especially in LICs and LMICs, and primarily requested additional resources for research and subspecialty training.

Background Providing a comprehensive and effective neurosurgical service requires adequate numbers of well-trained, resourced, and motivated neurosurgeons. The survey aims to better understand 1) the demographics of young neurosurgeons worldwide; 2) the challenges in training and resources that they face; 3) perceived barriers; and 4) needs for development. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which a widely disseminated online survey (April 2018–November 2019) was used to procure a nonprobabilistic sample from current neurosurgical trainees and those within 10 years of training. Data were grouped by World Bank income classifications and analyzed using χ2 tests because of its categorical nature. Results There were 1294 respondents, with 953 completed responses included in the analysis. Of respondents, 45.2% were from high-income countries (HICs), 23.2% from upper-middle-income countries, 26.8% lower-middle-income countries, and 4.1% from low-income countries. Most respondents (79.8%) were male, a figure more pronounced in lower-income groups. Neuro-oncology was the most popular in HICs and spinal surgery in all other groups. Although access to computed tomography scanning was near universal (98.64%), magnetic resonance imaging access decreased to 66.67% in low-income countries, compared with 98.61% in HICs. Similar patterns were noted with access to operating microscopes, image guidance systems, and high-speed drills. Of respondents, 71.4% had dedicated time for neurosurgical education. Conclusions These data confirm and quantify disparities in the equipment and training opportunities among young neurosurgeons practicing in different income groups. We hope that this study will act as a guide to further understand these differences and target resources to remedy them.

Highlights • All neurosurgical procedures decreased in number during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Surgical complication rates remained within the acceptable range. • Emergency procedures numbers remained the same throughout the study period. • Neurosurgical oncology cases were the highest in frequency. • There is a decline in hospital length of stay as we progressed during the study period., Objective This observational cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on neurosurgical practice. Methods We included 29 participating neurosurgeons in centers from all geographical regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study period, which was between March 5, 2020 and May 20, 2020, was divided into three equal periods to determine the longitudinal effect of COVID-19 measures on neurosurgical practice over time. Results During the 11-week study period, 474 neurosurgical interventions were performed. The median number of neurosurgical procedures per day was 5.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5–8). The number of cases declined from 72 in the first week and plateaued at the 30′s range in subsequent weeks. The most and least number of performed procedures were oncology (129 [27.2 %]) and functional procedures (6 [1.3 %]), respectively. Emergency (Priority 1) cases were more frequent than non-urgent (Priority 4) cases (178 [37.6 %] vs. 74 [15.6 %], respectively). In our series, there were three positive COVID-19 cases. There was a significant among-period difference in the length of hospital stay, which dropped from a median stay of 7 days (IQR: 4–18) to 6 (IQR: 3–13) to 5 days (IQR: 2–8). There was no significant among-period difference with respect to institution type, complications, or mortality. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic decreased the number of procedures performed in neurosurgery practice. The load of emergency neurosurgery procedures did not change throughout the three periods, which reflects the need to designate ample resources to cover emergencies. Notably, with strict screening for COVID -19 infections, neurosurgical procedures could be safely performed during the early pandemic phase. We recommend to restart performing neurosurgical procedures once the pandemic gets stabilized to avoid possible post pandemic health-care system intolerable overload.

COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in the way we manage acute medical illnesses. This pandemic had a negative impact on stroke care worldwide. The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has raised concerns due to the lack of available care and compromised acute stroke services globally. The numbers of thrombolysis and thrombectomy therapies are declining. As well as, the rates and door-to treatment times for thrombolysis and thrombectomy therapies are increasing. The stroke units are being reallocated to serve COVID-19 patients, and stroke teams are being redeployed to COVID-19 centers. Covid 19 confirmed cases and deaths are rising day by day. This pandemic clearly threatened and threatening all stroke care achievements regionally. Managing stroke patients during this pandemic is even more challenging at our region. The Middle East and North Africa Stroke and Interventional Neurotherapies Organization (MENA-SINO) is the main stroke organization regionally. MENA-SINO urges the need to developing new strategies and recommendations for stroke care during this pandemic. This will require multiple channels of interventions and create a protective code stroke with fast triaging path. Developing and expanding the tele-stroke programs are urgently required. There is an urgent need for enhancing collaboration and cooperation between stroke expertise regionally and internationally. Integrating such measures will inevitably lead to an improvement and upgrading of the services to a satisfactory level.

Camel bite represents a minimal proportion, and most of them are from the Middle East countries. Their infectious potential is poorly understood, and the guidelines for antimicrobial treatment are not well developed. We describe a 40-year-old male, who works as a camel herder and was bitten by a camel while he was tying it down which led to a unilateral depressed skull fracture and multiple bilateral teeth-puncture wounds in the scalp. He arrived to our emergency department 3 hours after injury. All the wounds were dry and the skin around them was healthy looking with no subcutaneous collections. CT scan of the head showed depressed skull fracture on the left temporal region. Within 12 hours, the patient developed spreading cellulitis in the scalp. This necessitated an urgent surgical intervention. The added challenge is the presence of a dural breach. Our patient presented a challenge at several levels. He presented early with clean puncture wounds that were treated according to the most agreed upon guidelines. But our novel finding of rapidly spreading cellulitis requires alteration of recommendation towards more aggressive therapeutic attitude including early surgical intervention, especially for those patients suspected of a dural tear with the depressed skull fracture, even if treated with appropriate antibiotics.