Multiple Remote Sequential Supratentorial Epidural Hematomas-An Unusual and Rare Complication After Posterior Fossa Surgery

Epidural Hematoma, a Rare Complication After the Use of Mayfield Clamp: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Herein, we describe a case of epidural hematoma associated with the use of a Mayfield head clamp. An 18-year old patient with an upper brainstem tumour causing obstructive hydrocephalus underwent a routine third ventriculostomy, which unexpectedly revealed an intracranial hemorrhage. We outline potential risk factors, propose an algorithm for preventing complications associated with the use of pin-type fixation, and conducted a structured review of the literature to identify similar clinical scenarios.

Clinical outcomes after microsurgical resection of giant lateral ventricular meningiomas

Giant lateral ventricular meningiomas (LVMs), with the largest diameter of at least 5 cm, form a distinct subset. The incidence of giant LVMs is considered to be relatively low. Here, we evaluated clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes after microsurgical resection, especially functional outcomes and morbidity of giant LVMs. We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients with LVMs, including 18 giant LVMs from 2012 to 2020. And we analyzed clinical, histopathological, surgical, and outcome data at our institution. Giant LVMs were most commonly present in the fourth decade of patients with the male-to-female ratio of 1:2. The most common subtypes were transitional and fibrous. Most lesions were resected via the temporal or parieto-occipital approach in our series. The median volume of blood loss was higher in the giant group (900 vs. 600 ml, p = 0.02). Meanwhile, the median length of hospital stay was prolonged for giant LVMs (20.5 vs. 16.0 days, p < 0.01). The proportion of discharged functional deterioration was higher in giant LVMs (38.9% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.02). However, there was no statistical significance between functional deterioration and tumor size at long-term follow-up (p = 0.28). Giant LVMs patients suffered from neurological and regional complications more commonly, particularly from a postoperative hematoma (4/18 vs. 1/31), and hydrocephalus (2/18 vs. 0/31). Patients with giant LVMs had a high incidence of immediate functional deterioration after microsurgery, and there was no difference in functional deterioration between the giant and non-giant LVMS during long-term follow-up. Microsurgery entails a higher complication rate in giant LVMs. We need to pay special attention to preventing postoperative hematoma and hydrocephalus.

Remote bifrontal epidural hematoma following hemispheric glioma resection. A rare life-threatening postoperative complication

Background:

Postoperative acute epidural hematoma (EDH) is a well-known serious complication that usually occurs at the operated site after cranial surgery. However, epidural bleeding, distant from the site of the previous craniotomy, is relatively rare and may sometimes cause significant neurological morbidity or even mortality. We report such a case.

Case Description:

A 35-year-old woman, previously healthy, was operated on for a left temporo-parieto-fronto-insular anaplastic astrocytoma. Between 2 and 4 h after the surgery, the patient had trouble waking-up following the general anesthesia. Emergent computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an acute bifrontal EDH away from the initial surgical field. The patient underwent an immediate reoperation, a decompressive bifrontal craniotomy, and the evacuation of the hematoma. Despite the neurologic improvement, she died 24 days after the surgery due to severe sepsis caused by pulmonary infection with pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion:

The pathophysiology of postoperative remote EDH is poorly understood, although various hypotheses have been suggested including the loss of tamponade effect, the vasomotor mechanisms, and the coagulopathy. As seen in the present case report, we suspected that the intensive use of perioperative mannitol may also promote this complication. In the early postoperative period, every patient with neurological deterioration should have a rapid cranial CT-scan because early detection and removal of postoperative acute EDH can be life-saving.

Multiple different remote epidural hematomas after craniotomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Epidural hematoma is one of the common postoperative complications after craniotomy. However, multiple remote epidural hematomas in different sites, including supratentorial and infratentorial regions, are exceedingly rare.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a rare case in which three remote epidural hematomas occurred after craniotomy. A 21-year-old woman was admitted with a headache for 1 mo, vomiting, and rapid vision loss for 1 wk. Brian magnetic resonance imaging indicated a right thalamic tumor. The intraoperative diagnosis was a cystic tumor, posterior cerebral artery aneurysm, and vascular malformation. The operation was successful. Unfortunately, the patient developed three extradural hematomas within 48 h. Family members consented to the first two hematoma evacuations but refused the third.

CONCLUSION

More attention should be paid to this kind of rare complication. Adequate preoperative evaluation is important, especially for acute patients. Monitoring neural function and early computed tomography scanning of the brain after surgery should be highlighted.

Clinical Outcome After Microsurgical Resection of Central Neurocytoma: A Single-Centre Analysis of 15 Years

Objective: This study aimed to explore the immediate postoperative and long-term outcomes of central neurocytoma (CN) based on 15 years of experience in our institution.

Methods: This single-institution study collected data of 43 patients with CN who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2020. We reviewed data of clinical, immediate postoperative outcome, and long-term outcome of patients. More specifically, we divided complications into neurological and regional complications groups.

Results: Among the 43 patients with CN who underwent surgery, the transcortical (72.1%) or transcallosal (25.6%) approach was used. There were 18 patients (41.9%) who complained about postoperative neurological complications, including motor weakness (25.6%), memory deficit (18.6%), aphasia (7.0%), and seizure (4.7%). In addition, 18 patients suffered postoperative regional complications such as hydrocephalus (2.3%), hematoma (34.9%), infection (4.7%), and subcutaneous hydrops (2.3%). Only one-quarter of patients had suffered permanent surgical complications. The majority of patients recovered from the deficit and could turn back to normal life. There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between transcortical and transcallosal approaches. At a median follow-up of 61.8 months, the 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 87.0 and 74.0%, respectively. A multivariate Cox model analysis showed that the extent of resection was not related to progression-free survival. However, the extent of resection was significantly associated with overall survival, and gross total resection decreased the risk of death.

Conclusions: Patients with CN show favorable outcomes after surgery. The transcortical and transcallosal approaches have similar postoperative complication rates and long-term follow-up outcomes. In terms of long-term prognosis, maximal safety resection should be the first choice of CN.

Calvarial diploic venous channels: delineation with maximal intensity projection technique

PURPOSE

To date, very few studies have explored the three-dimensional architecture of calvarial diploic venous channels (CDVCs). This study aimed to characterize the three-dimensional architecture of CDVCs using maximum intensity projection (MIP) images based on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

A total of 77 patients with intact calvarial hemispheres and underlying dura mater and dural sinuses underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. Among them, we extracted the data of 49 with at least a part of the major CDVC pathways identified on the MIP images for analysis.

RESULTS

On serial contrast-enhanced MRI images, the CDVCs were commonly detected as curvilinear structures with inhomogeneous diameters and tributaries, while the MIP images delineated the three-dimensional architecture of the developed CDVC pathways. More than such CDVC pathway was entirely delineated on the right in 67.3% and on the left in 71.4%, most frequently in the frontal and temporal regions, with their connecting sites to the sphenoparietal and superior sagittal sinuses. The morphology, distribution, and course of the identified CDVCs were highly variable. In 55.1%, the CDVCs formed fenestrations that were variable in size, shape, and number.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed CDVC pathways may be characterized by morphological variability and fenestrations. Thin-sliced, contrast-enhanced MRI is useful to depict diploic veins, while MIP images allow for better appreciation of the entire course of the developed CDVC pathways. Traumatic and intraoperative disconnection between the dura mater overlying the dural sinuses and the adjacent inner table of the skull can cause epidural venous bleeding.

Trapped fourth ventricle-treatment options and the role of open posterior fenestration in the surgical management

BACKGROUND

Trapped fourth ventricle (TFV) is a rare and difficult to treat condition. Most patients have a past inciting event (infection, IVH, trauma) and history of prior CSF diversion. The symptoms are due to the mass effect on brainstem and cerebellum. Rarely, TFV can also be associated with syrinx formation due to a dissociated craniospinal CSF flow near the fourth ventricle outlets. We present our experience and outcomes of open posterior fenestration in 11 cases, along with an overview of the surgical management of TFV.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2018, 11 patients of TFV were operated by the posterior approach fenestration of the fourth ventricle outlets and arachnoid dissection. The clinical and radiological findings of the patients were retrieved from the hospital database. The surgical technique is described in detail. The patients' neurological status and imaging findings in the follow-up were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 23.55 years. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (9/11) and gait imbalance (7), with TB meningitis being the commonest etiology. Ten patients had a history of prior CSF diversion with two presenting with shunt malfunction. Mean follow-up duration was 33.33 months. The improvement in neurological status was observed in 9/11 patients, 2 remained status quo. On follow-up imaging, 8/11 (72.72%) patients had a decrease in the size of TFV while syrinx improved in 3/5 (60%).

CONCLUSION

Multiple surgical approaches have been described for TFV. Endoscopic fourth ventriculostomy with aqueductoplasty is gaining popularity in the past two decades. However, an open posterior fenestration of the midline fourth ventricle outlet (magendieplasty) along with sharp arachnoid dissection (adhesiolysis) along the cerebello-medullary cisterns and paracervical gutters is relatively simple and provides physiological fourth ventricular CSF outflow. This is especially useful in TFV with syrinx as the craniospinal CSF circulation is established.