Transient cardiac asystole in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a case report

Unlike other cardiac arrhythmia, asystole during neurosurgical procedures is not reported in the literature. We describe such a case during transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in a patient who was not having any history of associated cardiac problems. Its possible cause in relation to the perioperative sequence of events has been discussed.

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas: endocrinological and clinical outcome after transsphenoidal and transcranial surgery

AIM

To study improvement of anterior pituitary function after transsphenoidal and transcranial surgery of non-functioning (NF) pituitary macro- and microadenomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 155 patients with NF adenomas preoperatively and 3 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. 130 patients harboured a macroadenoma, 109 underwent transsphenoidal (group one), 21 transcranial surgery (group two). 25 patients presented a microadenoma (transsphenoidal surgery, group three). Endocrine studies included basal serum levels and dynamic testing of anterior pituitary partial function. Clinical symptoms and hormone replacement therapy were documented.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, in group one, two and three, somatotropic function was impaired in 85, 90 and 80 %, gonadotropic in 61, 57 and 24 %, corticotropic in 31, 38 and 28 %, thyreotropic in 32, 38 and 12 % and lactotropic in 22, 38 and 32 % cases, respectively. Pituitary functions did not improve significantly after transsphenoidal or transcranial surgery. Presurgically, 63, 62 and 0 % patients complained about visual impairments, 60, 48 and 40 % about headache, 53, 24 and 36 % about fatigue and 28, 33 and 20 % about disturbance of cycle or potency. After transsphenoidal surgery, impaired vision, headache and fatigue improved within 3 months; after transcranial surgery, only headache improved. Preoperatively, pituitary malfunctions were treated adequately. Postsurgically, more patients received adrenal and thyroid hormone substitution, less patients received sex hormones than examinations proved necessary.

CONCLUSION

Anterior pituitary function of NF adenoma patients did not improve significantly after transsphenoidal or transcranial surgery. After transsphenoidal surgery, most clinical symptoms normalised within 3 months. In some of the patients, substitution was not optimally adjusted to hormonal impairments.

Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging is not required in the postoperative follow-up of acromegalic patients with long-term biochemical cure after transsphenoidal surgery

After successful transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly, life-long follow-up is required, because 10-15% of patients develop recurrence of disease. We assessed whether it is safe to perform postoperative follow-up with only biochemical evaluation in acromegalic patients initially cured by transsphenoidal surgery. We studied 32 patients cured after transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly during a follow-up of 8.7 +/- 6.4 yr (mean +/- sd). Serial measurements of serum GH during glucose tolerance test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed. Serial MRI scans were reevaluated by three independent neuroradiologists, who were blinded for the clinical and biochemical data, for growth of suspected tumor tissue. Twenty-three patients remained biochemically cured in the long term, whereas nine of the 32 patients developed recurrence of disease, indicated by elevated serum GH concentrations during glucose tolerance test and clinical symptoms/signs. None of the 23 patients with long-term biochemical cure showed growth of tumor tissue according to two neuroradiologists, whereas the third neuroradiologist assessed three of 23 patients as having tumor growth despite continuing biochemical cure. In the nine patients with biochemical recurrence, no tumor growth was found in the series of postoperative MRI scans, according to two of the three independent radiologists, whereas the third radiologist found tumor growth in four patients with recurrent disease. In conclusion, in patients with acromegaly, initially cured by transsphenoidal surgery, it appears safe to check for recurrent disease during long-term follow-up of these patients by biochemical markers only.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma arising in the pterygoid fossa

A case of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the left pterygoid fossa is presented, which is an unusual location for such tumors. A 54-year-old male patient was admitted for retro-orbital and left-sided facial pain which had persisted for several months. Physical, nasal endoscopic and optic examinations showed no abnormalities. No palpable cervical lymph nodes were found. MRI revealed a 2-cm mass in the left pterygoid fossa. A biopsy was carried out and the resulting histological evaluation of the mass confirmed a plasmacytoma. A comprehensive work-up, including bone marrow biopsy, total-body skeletal survey, technetium scintigrams, determination of urine Bence-Jones protein and serum myeloma protein, chest radiograph, total blood count and urinalysis, was carried out in order to rule out multiple myeloma. All of these studies were unremarkable in terms of a systemic disease and therefore the patient was diagnosed as having a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the pterygoid fossa. He was referred for radiation therapy, receiving irradiation of 50 Gy for 6 weeks. The clinical manifestations, imaging findings, pathology and treatment procedures of extramedullary plasmacytoma are described, together with a review of the literature.

Metastatic neuroblastoma presenting with binocular blindness from intracranial compression of the optic nerves

A 2-year-old boy with blindness as an isolated symptom was found to have no light perception binocularly because of compression of both optic nerves by a neuroblastoma infiltrating the walls of the optic canals and medial sphenoid bone. Imaging disclosed a primary tumor near the kidney and multiple osseous metastases. Although neuroblastoma commonly causes blindness by metastasis to the orbit, it rarely causes bilateral blindness from intracranial compression of the optic nerves. This is the first report of bilateral blindness as the presenting feature.

Periocular Cutaneous Melanoma Arising in a Radiotherapy Field

A 78-year-old woman had a periocular cutaneous melanoma in the radiation field of a meningioma. A medial canthal melanoma arose 32 years after primary radiation for a sphenoid wing meningioma and 22 years after supplemental radiation for meningioma recurrence. Histologic sections taken from skin surrounding the melanoma showed widespread melanocytic atypia and 2 separate foci of melanoma in situ. Cutaneous melanoma can arise in a radiation field after a long latency period and should be considered an uncommon form of secondary malignancy.

[Drug-resistant partial epilepsy. Invasive electrophysiological explorations]

During the past 20 years, advances in neuroimaging techniques have greatly improved the surgery of epilepsy. Nevertheless, for fifty percent of epileptic patients undergoing such surgery procedures, recordings with chronically implanted intracerebral electrodes are necessary to localize the epileptic focus. Since the fifties, these electrodes have been used to record the cerebral cortex during the surgical procedure. Due to technological progress, these electrodes can now be left implanted for several days to record the inter- and per-ictal electroencephalogram (EEG). In comparison with scalp recordings, intracortical assessment of epileptic patients allows exploring the cortical epileptic network with a higher spatial resolution and less artefacts. Moreover, this technique enables performing direct cortical electrical stimulation to map functionally eloquent cortices and epileptogenic areas. Each type of depth electrodes has been developed for a specific use. In this work, we review the different solutions used at the present time, their specific indications and finally their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, we mention the new emerging therapeutic indications.

Locating broken dental needles

Broken dental needles are a rare event. They are difficult to find and remove. We report two cases in which broken needles were located using a simple stereotactic method with the aid of an image intensifier.

[Voltage sources analysis in studies with foramen ovale electrodes]

INTRODUCTION

Paroxysmal activity in medial temporal lobe epilepsy is originated in either hippocampal or parahippocampal regions. This activity can be directly recorded by foramen ovale electrodes. That paroxysmal activity will start from irritative or ictal areas. However, anatomo-functional relations between both regions are still debated.

OBJECTIVE

We describe a new physical very simple model which allows to directly analysis the anatomo-physiological relations between sources for interictal and ictal areas.

RESULTS

1) The mathematical model allows to fit with minimum error and great precision the voltage sources originated from monopoles. 2) We can obtain this degree of precision with a matrix using an internodal distance of 0.1 mm (300x200 nodes) 3) Triplets of potentials with double sources with equal or specially with inverse charges have bigger error than monopolar charges. 4) Fitting real data obtained from a patient shows an error of 0.29 +/- 0.17% for interictal and 0.54 +/- 1.22% and 2.84 +/- 3.00% for two seizures (mean +/- SD).

CONCLUSIONS

This model allows directly to know the relative anatomo-physiological relations between interictal and ictal sources in MTLE, which have a very important implications so for patho-physiological as therapeutics and outcome implications.

A unique case of an epidermoid cyst of the pterygopalatine fossa and its management

Epidermoid cysts are rare benign tumors that are derived from the development of abnormally situated ectodermal tissue. Although they may originate from any part of the body head and neck region is occasionally affected. Epidermoid cyst originating from pterygopalatine fossa has not been reported previously in the literature. We report the first case of epidermoid cyst of pterygomaxillary fossa in this study.

Percutaneous trigeminal nerve radiofrequency rhizotomy guided by computerized tomography fluoroscopy

✓ The authors describe a new procedure for percutaneous trigeminal radiofrequency rhizotomy. Computerized tomography fluoroscopy is used for guidance of the rhizotomy needle insertion through the foramen ovale. Ten patients were treated using this method, and in each case the target was reached with a single puncture. The potential benefits of this method are presented.

A new, miniature ultrasonic surgical aspirator with a handpiece designed for transsphenoidal surgery. Technical note

The authors describe an innovative surgical instrument designed to remove hard fibrous masses from the pituitary region, which cannot be completely removed using standard transsphenoidal surgical procedures. The innovative features of the instrument include a miniature ultrasonic surgical aspirator and an extra-long bayonet handpiece with a 1.9-mm-diameter translucent tip. Intraoperative use of this refined device may increase the effectiveness of the removal of fibrous lesions within a narrow operative field, while also preserving surgical safety.

Ectopic intracavernous sinus adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting microadenoma: could this be a common cause of failed transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing disease? Case report

Despite diagnostic advances, it remains difficult to identify intrasellar and ectopic parasellar adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting microadenomas. The authors present the case of a 61-year-old woman with Cushing disease in whom a significant central-to-peripheral and lateralized right-sided ACTH gradient was demonstrated on inferior petrosal sinus sampling; no discernible abnormality was seen on magnetic resonance imaging. She underwent transnasal transsphenoidal surgery. No tumor was found on sellar exploration and a total hypophysectomy was performed, yet her hypercortisolemia persisted. The patient died of cardiac events 17 days postsurgery. Autopsy revealed an isolated, right-sided, intracavernous ACTH-secreting adenoma with no intrasellar communication. This case represents the first failed transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease in which there is postmortem confirmation of a suspected intracavernous sinus lesion. It supports the hypothesis that Cushing disease associated with nondiagnostic imaging studies, a strong ACTH gradient on venography, and negative findings on sellar exploration may be caused by an ectopic intracavernous ACTH-secreting adenoma. There are no premortem means of confirming the presence of such lesions, but these tumors could underlie similar cases of failed surgery. Radiation therapy targeting the sella turcica and both cavernous sinuses, possibly supplemented with medical treatment, is suggested for similar patients in whom transsphenoidal hypophysectomy has failed. Adrenalectomy may also be appropriate if a rapid reduction in ACTH is necessary.

Sphenoethmoidal encephalocele: a case report

OBJECTIVE

This article documents the characteristics and treatment of an infant patient with a sphenoethmoidal encephalocele. An extracranial, transpalatal approach was used to eliminate the encephalocele.

The use of postoperative ACTH levels as a marker for successful transsphenoidal microsurgery in Cushing's disease

OBJECTIVES

The declines of ACTH and other POMC metabolites immediately after tumor extirpation do not predict the complete tumor removal of an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma in Cushing's disease. However, the pituitary surgeon should be in a position to evaluate the surgical result as soon as possible for the eventual planning of early repeat surgery. So far, subnormal serum cortisol levels after surgery are widely accepted as the criterion for cure. We investigated whether the early postoperative ACTH concentration is a reliable marker for the initial surgical outcome as well as the long-term remission.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 147 patients undergoing primary transsphenoidal microsurgery for Cushing's disease between 1990 and 1996 were investigated. The early postoperative ACTH courses were reviewed and compared with the long-term outcome. ACTH measurements were performed immediately after tumor excision, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours later, and the following morning. Further ACTH levels were determined on various days of the hospital stay. Glucocorticoids were not given until hypocortisolism was proven.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients (65 %) presented with subnormal ACTH levels (< 10 ng/l) during their postoperative stay, of whom two patients (2 %) experienced recurrence of disease after 66 and 100 months. Of 29 procedures with early postoperative ACTH levels ranging from 10-20 ng/l (20 %), one patient received further treatment for persistent (3.5 %) and one patient for recurrent Cushing's disease (3.5 %). Of 12 patients (8 %) with early postoperative ACTH levels in between 20 to 30 ng/l, one patient received further treatment for persistent (8 %) and four patients for recurrent disease (33 %). ACTH levels of more than 30 ng/l, found in 11 patients (7 %), were accompanied by persistent (8 patients, 73 %) or recurrent (2 patients, 18 %) Cushing's disease.

CONCLUSION

Subnormal (< 10 ng/l) or low normal (< 20 ng/l) postoperative ACTH levels within the first 7 days after surgery can be regarded as early markers for complete removal of an ACTH adenoma as well as indicators for long-term outcome in Cushing's disease. The risks of persistence or recurrence of Cushing's disease rise with the level of early postoperative ACTH values. Normal ACTH levels should result into further evaluation of the ACTH-cortisol secretion, for example by stimulation- or suppression tests.

Malignant giant cell tumor of the sphenoid

Malignant giant cell tumors (MGCTs) of the sphenoid sinus are extremely rare neoplasms. They are challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat because of their skull base location. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of a primary MGCT of the sphenoid arising in a patient with Paget's disease. A 77-year-old man presented with epistaxis and a history of Paget's disease. There was normal cranial nerve function although radiographic images disclosed a large mass centered in the sphenoid sinus and extending into the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses. Excisional biopsy revealed a MGCT composed of a cellular stroma with increased mitotic activity and necrosis with giant cells present throughout. Additional therapy was declined and the patient died with disease 7 months later. Because of their rarity, no treatment guidelines exist for the management of MGCTs of the sphenoid. We discuss both the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations based on a review of the pertinent literature.

[Postoperative visual improvement in spheno-orbital meningioma: a case report]

A 59-year-old woman complained of right eye proptosis and visual impairment (20/100) lasting 2 months. CT and MRI scans disclosed a right spheno-orbital meningioma ranging over the optic foramen and cavernous sinus. Histopathology revealed transitional meningioma. Visual acuity (20/25), visual field, and proptosis were improved after surgery at the time of the ophthalmologic examination 6 months later. We present an additional case and review the available literature concerning postoperative visual outcome.

Assessment of long-term remission of acromegaly following surgery

OBJECT

The criteria for remission of acromegaly following transsphenoidal adenoma resection are in evolution. In the present study the authors evaluate the utility of predicting long-term remission by reference to a single fasting growth hormone (GH) level on the 1st postoperative day.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 181 patients with acromegaly who underwent transsphenoidal resection between 1973 and 1990 and completed a 5-year follow-up period. Fasting serum GH levels were obtained in all patients on the 1st postoperative day in the absence of exogenous glucocorticoids. All patients participated in a follow-up evaluation lasting at least 5 years, which included measurements of serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels as an index of acromegalic activity. Among the 181 patients, GH levels ranged from 0 to 8 ng/ml in 131 (72%) on the 1st postoperative day, suggesting biochemical remission. This group included 107 (84%) of the 127 patients with microadenomas, but only 24 (44%) of the 54 with macroadenomas. Nevertheless, 15 (11%) of the 131 patients who initially had attenuated GH levels displayed recurrent acromegaly within the first 2 years (with elevated levels of IGF-I in all cases, and abnormalities appearing on magnetic resonance images in nine cases). Only one of 116 patients in whom the initial postoperative GH level was lower than 2 ng/ml experienced a recurrence, whereas 14 (93%) of the 15 patients with postoperative GH levels between 2.2 and 8 ng/ml subsequently displayed biochemical evidence of acromegaly.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that a fasting morning serum GH level lower than 2 ng/ml on the 1st postoperative day portends long-term biochemical remission of acromegaly, whereas higher levels are a significant marker for recurrent disease.