A comparative study between Marshall and Rotterdam CT scores in predicting early deaths in patients with traumatic brain injury in a major tertiary care hospital in Nepal

PURPOSE

CT plays a crucial role in the early assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Marshall and Rotterdam are the mostly used scoring systems, in which CT findings are grouped differently. We sought to determine the values of the scoring system and initial CT findings in predicting the death at hospital discharge (early death) in patients with TBI.

METHODS

There were consecutive 634 traumatic neurosurgical patients with mild-to-severe TBI admitted to the emergency department of College of Medical Sciences. Their initial CT and status at hospital discharge (dead or alive) were reviewed, and both CT scores were calculated. We examined whether each score is related to early death; compared the two scoring systems' performance in predicting early death, and identified the CT findings that are independent predictors for early death.

RESULTS

Both imaging score (Marshall) and clinical score (Rotterdam) can be used to reliably predict mortality in patients with acute traumatic brain injury with high prognostic accuracy. Other specific CT characteristics that can be used to predict early mortality are traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, midline shift and status of the peri-mesencephalic cisterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Marshall CT classification has strong predictive power, but greater discrimination can be obtained if the individual CT parameters underlying the CT classification are included in a prognostic model as in Rotterdam score. Consequently, for prognostic purposes, we recommend the use of individual characteristics rather than the CT classification. Performance of CT models for predicting outcome in TBI can be significantly improved by including more details of variables and by adding other variables to the models.

Traumatic Cervical Spondyloptosis in a Neurologically Stable Patient: A Therapeutic Challenge

This is a case report of a neurologically intact patient following posttraumatic cervical spondyloptosis. We discuss the disease, management protocol and some surgical nuances to prevent any damage to the cord during different stages of its treatment.

Role of bromocriptine in multi-spectral manifestations of traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE

Despite the prevalence and cost of traumatic brain injury related disabilities, there is paucity in the literature on modern approaches to pharmacotherapy. Medications may promote recovery by enhancing some neurological functions without impacting others. Herein we discussed the role of bromocriptine in neurorehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

A cohort comprising of 36 selective nonsurgical cases of traumatic brain injury in minimally conscious state were enrolled in the study. After hemodynamic stability, bromocriptine was given at paediatric dose of 3.75 mg/d and adult dose of 7.5 mg/d. It was administered through a naso-gastric (NG) feeding tube in the patients with minimally conscious state, then changed to oral route after proper swallowing and good gag reflex were ensured in the patient. The drug was slowly reduced over three weeks after neurological improvement in the patients. Positive result was determined by improved GCS score of 2 and motor power by at least 1 British Medical Council (BMC) motor score. Improvement of deficits was evaluated in terms of fluency of speech for aphasia, task switching, digit span double tasking and trail-making test for cognition and attention, and functional independence measure score for motor functioning and self-independence.

RESULTS

Accelerated arousal was seen in 47.0% of cases (8/17) in 4-40 days. In 41.2% of cases (7/17), Glasgow outcome score (GOS) was improved to 4/5 in 90 days. Improvement in hemiparesis by at least 1 BMC score was seen in 55.6% of cases (5/9) in 40 days. Aphasia was improved in 80% of cases (4/5) in 7-30 days. Moderate improvement in cognitive impairment was seen in 66.7% of cases (2/3) in 14-20 days. Improvement in memory was observed in 50% of cases (1/2) in over 30 days. No cases were withdrawn from the study because of adverse reactions of the drug. There was no mortality in the study group.

CONCLUSION

Bromocriptine improves neurological sequelae of traumatic brain injury as well as the overall outcome in the patients. If medication is given to promote recovery and treat its associated disabilities, clinicians should thoroughly outline the goals and closely monitor adverse effects.

Role of computed tomography scores and findings to predict early death in patients with traumatic brain injury: A reappraisal in a major tertiary care hospital in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Glasgow Coma Scale has been a long sought model to classify patients with head injury. However, the major limitation of the score is its assessment in the patients who are either sedated or under the influence of drugs or intubated for airway protection. The rational approach for prognostication of such patients is the utility of scoring system based on the morphological criteria based on radiological imaging. Among the current armamentarium, a scoring system based on computed tomography (CT) imaging holds the greatest promise in conquering our conquest for the same.

METHODS

We included a total of 634 consecutive neurosurgical trauma patients in this series, who presented with mild-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) from January 2013 to April 2014 at a tertiary care center in rural Nepal. All pertinent medical records (including all available imaging studies) were reviewed by the neurosurgical consultant and the radiologist on call. Patients' worst CT image scores and their outcome at 30 days were assessed and recorded. We then assessed their independent performance in predicting the mortality and also tried to seek the individual variables that had significant interplay for determining the same.

RESULTS

Both imaging score (Marshall) and clinical score (Rotterdam) can be used to reliably predict mortality in patients with acute TBI with high prognostic accuracy. Other specific CT characteristics that can be used to predict early mortality are traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, midline shift, and status of the peri-mesencephalic cisterns.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated in this cohort that though the Marshall score has the high predictive power to determine the mortality, better discrimination could be sought through the application of the Rotterdam score that encompasses various individual CT parameters. We thereby recommend the use of such comprehensive prognostic model so as to augment our predictive power for properly dichotomizing the prognosis of the patients with TBI. In the future, it will therefore be important to develop prognostic models that are applicable for the majority of patients in the world they live in, and not just a privileged few who can use resources not necessarily representative of their societal environment.

Case Report: Sciatic nerve schwannoma - a rare cause of sciatica

Herein we report a rare case of a sciatic nerve schwannoma causing sciatica in a 69-year-old female. Sciatic nerve schwannoma is a rare entity. It should always be considered as a possible cause of sciatica in patients that present with symptoms of sciatica with no prolapsed disc in the lumbar spine and a negative crossed straight leg raise test. Timely diagnosis and complete excision of the lesion leads to complete resolution of the symptoms of such patients.

Anterior single odontoid screw placement for type II odontoid fractures: our modified surgical technique and initial results in a cohort study of 15 patients

Objective: Anterior odontoid screw fixation for type II odontoid fracture is the ideal management option. However in the context of unavailability of an O-arm or neuro-navigation and poor images from the available C-arm may be an obstacle to ideal trajectory and placement of the odontoid screw. We herein detail  our surgical technique so as to ensure a correct trajectory and subsequent good fusion in Type II odontoid fractures. This may be advantageous  in clinical set ups lacking state of the art facilities.  Methods and Results: In this cohort study we included 15 consecutive patients who underwent anterior odontoid screw placement. We routinely dissect the longus colli to completely visualize the entire width of C3 body. We then perform a median C2-C3 disectomy followed by creating a gutter in the superior end of C3 body. We then guide the Kirchsner (K) wire purchasing adequate anterior cortex of C2. Rest of the procedure follows the similar steps as described for odontoid screw placement. We achieved 100% correct trajectory and screw placement in our study. There were no instances of screw break out, pull out or nonunion. There was one patient mortality following myocardial infarction in our study. Conclusion: Preoperative imaging details, proper patient positioning, meticulous dissection, thorough anatomical knowledge and few added surgical nuances are the cornerstones in ideal odontoid screw placement. This may be pivotal in managing  patients in developing nations having rudimentary neurosurgical set up.

A pilot study comparing pattern of damage sustained among instruments from different surgical units in a tertiary care centre in Nepal - reappraising the role of instrument reprocessing in retaining their value

Background: The quality of instruments plays a pivotal role in governing safe operating room culture. The reprocessing system followed in the institution determines their durability thereby ensuring patient safety as well as minimizing health spending. Rigorous reprocessing in a centralized instrument reprocessing department by well trained staff following formulated guidelines helps to achieve the target of "safe surgery saves lives" as formulated by the World Health Organization. Methods: We sought to determine the patterns of wear and tear sustained among sets of surgical equipment from two surgical units that had been sent to the repair department within a year of their purchase. Analysis of similar changes in the joints of the instrument, as well as pattern of fractures sustained was performed. Results: All patterns of wear and tear were common in both the general surgical arm and neurosurgical counterpart, with the exception of fractures and mal-alignments. Similar study was performed examining changes in the joints. Stains were the most commonly observed change pattern in both sets of instruments. Fractures were most frequent in the working ends in both sets of instruments. Conclusion: There is an alarming incidence of wear and tear patterns in the instruments used in the surgical units, even within the first year of their use. This supports the strict implementation of reprocessing guidelines by well trained workers and their quality assessments via audit checks. The quality of the purchased instruments also plays a pivotal role.

Prospective observational research on the clinical profile and outcome analysis among a cohort of patients sustaining traumatic cervical spine and cord injury in a peripheral tertiary spine care centre in Nepal

Background: In developing nations like Nepal, spinal cord injury has multispectral consequences for both the patient and their family members. It has the tendency to cripple and handicap the patients, and burn out their caretakers, both physically and mentally. Furthermore, the centralization of health care with only a handful of dedicated rehabilitation centers throughout Nepal further places patients into disarray. This study was carried out as a pilot study to determine the modes of injury, age groups affected, clinical profiles and patterns of injury sustained, as well as the efficacy of managing a subset of patients, who have sustained cervical spine and cord injuries. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study comprising of 163 patients enrolled over a period of three years that were managed in the spine unit of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal. Results: Road traffic accidents were implicated in 51% of these patients. 65% of them were in the age group of 30-39 years. Traumatic subluxation occurred in 73 patients with maximum involvement of the C4/5 region (28.76%). Good outcome was seen in patients with ASIA 'C' and 'D' with 55% of patients showed improvement from 'C' to 'D' and 95% of patients showed improvement from 'D' to 'E' at 1 year follow up. The overall mortality in the patients undergoing operative interventions was only 1.98%. Conclusions: The prevalence of cervical spine injuries in the outreach area is still significant. The outcome of managing these patients, even in the context of a resource limited setup in a spine unit outside the capital city of a developing nation, can be as equally as effective and efficient compared to the outcome from a well-equipped and dedicated spine unit elsewhere.

Case Report: Traumatic anterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a 4-year old child

Traumatic intracranial aneurysm in the proximal part of the anterior cerebral artery in the pediatric population has not been documented so far. Here we report the case of a 4 year-old child who developed a pseudo-aneurysm after minor head trauma and was managed successfully with trapping of the aneurysm. A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was placed as the child became dependent on extraventricular drain during the post-operative period. The patient made excellent recovery in neurological status within 1 month of post-operative clinical follow up.

Case Report: Multiple hemorrhagic metastases to the brain from primary lung choriocarcinoma

Herein we report a very rare entity of multiple hemorrhagic metastases to the brain from a primary lung choriocarcinoma in a young woman. The patient presented with recent onset of progressive headache, decreased level of consciousness and multiple episodes of vomiting. CT of the head revealed multiple hemorrhagic lesions within the brain. The patient's serum B-human chorionic gonadotrophin was increased.  A chest X-ray revealed a right lung mass. The patient urgently underwent operative excision of the lesion in the posterior fossa, so as to prevent impending tonsillar herniation. The histology from the lesion provided the diagnosis of choriocarcinoma. After surgery, ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis was normal, and a chest CT revealed an enhanced and highly vascular right apical lung lesion, suggestive of lung primary choriocarcinoma, with regard to the clinical background. The patient was then started on chemotherapy, following which her serum B-HCG level decreased rapidly. This case highlights the importance of keeping this entity in the differential diagnosis of hemorrhagic lesions in any patients of a child bearing age. Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of multimodal therapy is prudent for ensuring a good outcome from an otherwise rapidly metastasizing and highly vascular lesion.

Case Report: Case report on multiple extradural thoracic lesions with myelopathy as the clinical presentation in a systemic sarcoidosis- another tale of a lurking entity

Herein, we report a rare case study of a sarcoidosis presenting with the features of compressive myelopathy. There were multiple extra-dural lesions in the thoracic region. Computerized Tomography (CT) of the chest revealed fibrotic changes with a pleural based nodular lesion in the right lung. The patient underwent laminectomy and partial excision of both the lesions. The histology revealed presence of non-caseating granulomas. The patient made a good recovery following adjuvant medical management with steroid and Methotrexate. Repeat CT scan of the chest also confirmed good resolution in the size of the pleural based nodule.

A pilot study on assessing the role of intra-operative Flow 800 vascular map model in predicting onset of vasospasm following micro vascular clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Objective To ascertain the predictive value of intra-operative FLOW 800 vascular map model in predicting onset of post-operative clinical vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia among patients undergoing micro-vascular clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.  Material and methods A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the study and their variables such as age, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade at presentation, Computerized Tomography (CT) Fisher grading, location of the aneurysms, and Indocyanine Green (ICG) flow status were compared and statistically analyzed along with differences in Absorption Intensities (AI) and difference in time lag values obtained from the FLOW 800 vascular map studies for predicting onset of vasospasm.  Results The Receiver Operating curve (ROC) of the model for predicting post-operative vasospasm was highest (.892) for difference in the AI followed by CT Fisher grading (.778), difference in time lag (.700) and WFNS grading (.699).Analysis of variance for different variables studied in our model for predicting vasospasm was significant for all except for age (.991) and the ICG flow through the parent vessel (.079).Multivariate analysis done for predicting the vasospasm was significant for all variables except for age (.869) and ICG main flow (.196) Conclusion Our study confirmed the role of FLOW 800 study model in predicting clinical vasospasm. Inclusion of this entity would therefore help in taking timely and correct therapeutics measures to ensure better patient outcomes.

Case Report: Acute obstructive hydrocephalus associated with infratentorial extra-axial fluid collection following foramen magnum decompression and durotomy for Chiari malformation type I

Acute obstructive hydrocephalus due to infratentorial extra-axial fluid collection (EAFC) is an extremely rare complication of foramen magnum decompression (FMD) and durotomy for Chiari malformation type I. Presence of infratentorial  EAFC invariably causes obstruction at the level of the fourth ventricle or aqueduct of Silvius, thereby indicating its definitive role in hydrocephalus. Pathogenesis of EAFC is said to be a local arachnoid tear as a result of durotomy, as this complication is not described in FMD without durotomy. Controversy exists in management. Usually EAFC is said to resolve with conservative management; so hydrocephalus doesn't require treatment. However, in this case EAFC was progressive and ventriculo-peritoneal shunting (VPS) was needed for managing progressive and symptomatic hydrocephalus.

Case Report: A giant but silent adrenal pheochromocytoma - a rare entity

Herein we report a rare entity of a giant adrenal pheochromocytoma in a fifty-year-old male presenting with a vague abdominal pain. A computerised tomogram of the abdomen revealed a well-defined  left supraadrenal giant lesion with no evidence of invasion to surrounding structures.The patient underwent surgical excision without any untoward postoperative events. Histopathological study revealed a benign pheochromocytoma. This report highlights the importance of acknowledging the fact that sometimes a giant adrenal pheochromocytoma can present with paucity of clinical  signs and symptoms.Thorough investigations and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead  to a better outcome in these patients.

Aggressive fibromatosis in the infratemporal fossa presenting as trismus: a case report

BACKGROUND

Here we report a very rare entity of an infratemporal region aggressive fibromatosis in a 23-year-old Tharu man who had presented with the symptoms of painless but progressive trismus.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a case of aggressive fibromatosis in a 23-year-old Tharu man. Radiological imaging as well as an immunohistochemistry panel from a biopsy indicated a diagnosis of an aggressive fibromatosis. Since there was no aggravation in his trismus following surgery and because of his poor socioeconomic status, he was advised to attend regular follow-up visits without any adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report adds to the notion of keeping the differential diagnosis of an aggressive fibromatosis in all patients presenting with progressive but painless trismus. The characteristic imaging findings as well an immunohistochemistry panel will help us clinch the correct diagnosis.

Case Report: A giant myopericytoma involving the occipital region of the scalp - a rare entity

Herein we report a rare case of a giant myopericytoma presenting in a 16-year-old girl as a slowly progressive swelling involving the scalp in the occipital region. It was managed by complete excision. Histological examination of the lesion revealed  spindle-shaped cells forming characteristic rosettes around the blood vessels, and positive staining with smooth muscle actin.

Case Report: Orbital metastasis as the presenting feature of lung cancer

Orbital metastasis from lung cancer as an initial presenting symptom is a rare entity, which may paradoxically delay the diagnosis and initiation of correct management, due to the confusion of it being primary orbital pathology. Herein we report a case of a 58 year old woman, who presented with painful orbital swelling along with diminution in her vision. The patient was initially thought to have a primary eye lesion; however chest X-ray was suggestive of a lung mass, which was confirmed by chest computed topography followed by ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology. The patient was then referred to a cancer centre for further management. This case report aims to increase the knowledge about this metastasis as a probable cause of orbital symptoms in certain subsets of patients, so that correct therapeutic decisions may be made in the future.

Case Report: A case report of unstable Hangman fracture in a eighty year old male

Herein we discuss a rare variant of hangman's fracture in an eighty year old male with good Karnofsky performance score. We performed X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine to confirm the diagnosis. The patient was placed on a gentle cervical traction which showed good reduction. Despite being on a resource limited setup,  we performed posterior occipitocervical fusion with bone graft fusion followed by early mobilization. A postoperative scan showed good reduction and purchase of the screws. This case highlights the importance of choosing the correct therapeutic attitude for the management of the geriatric population especially in those who do not have any significant co-morbid conditions.

Case Report: Primary dural based diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in a 14 year-old boy

Primary dural lymphoma is a subentity of primary leptomeningeal lymphoma which represents 0.1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Only five cases have been reported so far. We report a very rare case of primary dural-based lymphoma in a 14 year-old boy presenting with mass effect. The patient was managed with excision of the lesion and removal of the involved bone. Post-operatively, the patient showed good recovery. He was then referred to the oncology unit for further chemo- and radiation therapy. A high index of suspicion should therefore be kept in order to diagnose the condition in a timely fashion and then plan for appropriate management since diffuse large cell lymphoma has a relatively benign clinical prognosis.

A Rare Case Report on Suboccipital Region Benign Giant Osteoma

Herein we report a rare case of a giant suboccipital osteoma in a 55-year-old woman presenting primarily due to cosmetic issue. We discuss the management algorithm taken in the patient, highlighting excision of a potentially curable bony tumor only after ruling out its extension to the ear cavity, mastoid ear cells, transverse sinus, and the intracranial compartment.

Case Report: Microsurgical excision of grade 5 cerebral AVM

In this case report, we discuss the microsurgical management of a Spetzler-Martin grade 5 arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in a young boy who presented with a hemorrhagic episode and had a high calculated risk of rebleeding. We also outline the rationale for choosing the management option.

Case Report: Frontalis sign for early bedside consideration of impending uncal herniation

It is prudent to have early diagnosis and timely management of uncal herniation for better management of neurosurgical patients. There are several clinical and radiological armamentariums that aid in early recognition of the condition. Through this case report, we try to highlight a simple bedside clinical sign that can be a valuable adjunct in early recognition of the impending uncal herniation especially in scenarios wherein it is difficult to assess the pupillary size and reactivity correctly. The improvement in the sign also confirms the resolution of the mass effect in the postoperative period. This is especially helpful for doctors working in the periphery or in resource restrained areas, for a timely referral of the patient to tertiary centre.

Demographical domains and clinico-radiological characteristics of study cohorts with spontaneous simultaneous multiple intracerebral hemorrhages in a tertiary neurosurgical center in Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Background: Spontaneous simultaneous multiple intra-cerebral hemorrhages (SMICHs) and its occurrences in different territories of arterial disposition has been viewed as uncommon clinical occurrences, since the pathophysiological and predisposing factors as mechanisms aren't vividly defined. This research primarily aims for demographic stratification and dichotomization pertaining to risk factors, etiological classifications, anatomical distributions and outcome analysis by focusing on management strategies and pertinent stroke care. Methods: 40 patients presenting to the College of Medical Sciences, Chitwan, Nepal in the last two years were included in the study. The patients with two or more spontaneous SMICHs with affected arterial territories with similar tomographic density based profiling were chosen as samples. Regression analysis was chosen to test three hypotheses. Results: Among our study cohorts, cortical and cortical territory (60%) was the major anatomical patterns of involvement. A conservative approach was undertaken in nine patients (22.5%), whereas surgical intervention was needed in five others (12.5%). A total of 14(35%) patients leaving against medical advice and a further seven (17.5%) patients were referred for adjuvant oncologic care. Mortality was observed among five (12.5%) patients. Hypertension was seen as a significant variable in its pathogenesis. Male patients were more affected. Age groups comprising 36-45years and 56-65 years were involved in 32.5% and 30% of cases respectively. Conclusion: This study proves the need for a national stroke data bank pertaining to spontaneous SMICHs. This will help foster effective patient education during preoperative counseling; as well as formatting a management algorithm combating them.