L1 slope: an overlooked spinal parameter

OBJECTIVE

Lumbar lordosis can be divided into two parts by a horizontal line, creating the L1 slope and the sacral slope. Despite being a major spinopelvic parameter, the L1slope (L1S) is rarely reported. However, there is some evidence that L1S is a relatively constant parameter. This study aimed to analyze the L1 slope and its relationships with other spinopelvic parameters.

METHODS

Standing lateral lumbosacral x-ray radiographies of 76 patients with low back pain and CT scans of 116 asymptomatic subjects were evaluated for spinal and spinopelvic parameters including L1 slope (L1S). The x-ray and CT groups were divided into subgroups according to mean sacral slope (SS) or pelvic incidence (PI) values. The mean values of the spinopelvic parameters and the correlations between them were investigated and compared.

RESULTS

L1S was 19.70 and 18.15 in low SS and high SS subgroups of x-ray respectively. L1S was 7.95 and 9.36 in low and high PI subgroups of CT, respectively, and the differences were insignificant statistically. L1S was the only spinal parameter that did not change as SS or PI increased in standing and supine positions. L1S was correlated with lumbar lordosis (LL) proximal lumbar lordosis (PLL) and distal lumbar lordosis (DLL) in both x-ray and CT groups. L1S was also the strongest correlated parameter with pelvic incidence lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL) mismatch in supine position.

CONCLUSIONS

L1S is a relatively constant parameter and is around 16°-18° and 8°-9° in the standing and supine positions, respectively. It was significantly correlated with LL, PLL, DLL, and PI-LL. In the standing position it was nearly equal to PLL while this equality was present in low PI subgroups of CT. There is strong evidence that L1S is significantly correlated with health-related quality of life scores.

A simple method for the selection of valid spinopelvic parameters and lumbar lordosis in patients with transitional lumbosacral vertebrae

PURPOSE

Transitional lumbosacral vertebrae (TLSV) are a congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral region that is characterized by the presence of a vertebra with morphological properties of both the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, with a prevalence of up to 36% in asymptomatic patients and 20% in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. In patients with TLSV, because of these morphological changes and the different numbers of lumbar vertebrae, there are two optional reference sacral endplates that can be selected intently or inadvertently to measure the spinopelvic parameters: upper and lower endplates. The spinopelvic parameters measured using the upper and lower endplates are significantly different from each other as well as from the normative values. Therefore, the selection of a reference endplate changes the spinopelvic parameters, lumbar lordosis (LL), and surgical goals, which can result in surgical over- or under-correction. Because there is no consensus on the selection of sacral endplate among these patients, it is unclear as to which of these parameters should be used in diagnosis or surgical planning. The present study describes a standardization method for measuring the spinopelvic parameters and LL in patients with TLSV.

METHODS

Upper and lower endplate spinopelvic parameters (i.e., pelvic incidence [PI], sacral slope [SS], and pelvic tilt) and LL of 108 patients with TLSV were measured by computed tomography. In addition, these parameters were measured for randomly selected subjects without TLSV. The PI value in the TLSV group, which was closer to the mean PI value of the control group, was accepted as valid and then used to create an optimum PI (OPI) group. Finally, the spinopelvic parameters and LL of the OPI and control groups were compared.

RESULTS

Except for SS, all spinopelvic parameters and LL were comparable between the OPI and control groups. In the OPI group, 60% of the patients showed valid upper endplate parameters, and 40% showed valid lower endplate parameters. No difference was noted in the frequency of valid upper or lower endplates between the sacralization and lumbarization groups. Both the OPI and control groups showed nearly comparable correlations between their individual spinopelvic parameters and LL, except for PI and LL in the former.

CONCLUSIONS

Because PI is unique for every individual, the endplate whose PI value is closer to the normative value should be selected as the reference sacral endplate in patients with TLSV.

Analysis of Spinopelvic Parameters and Lumbar Lordosis in Patients with Transitional Lumbosacral Vertebrae, with Special Reference to Sacralization and Lumbarization

BACKGROUND

Transitional lumbosacral vertebra presents in 2 forms based on its origin: sacralization and lumbarization. These patients have 2 options for sacral endplates (upper and lower) and consequently, 2 sets of values for spinopelvic parameters and lumbar lordosis (LL). This study aimed to evaluate these parameters in asymptomatic patients with sacralization and lumbarization and compare them with each other and normative values.

METHODS

Spinopelvic parameters and LL according to upper and lower endplate were measured using abdominal computed tomography in 1420 asymptomatic patients, of which 108 had Transitional lumbosacral vertebra. These parameters were compared among patients with lumbarization and sacralization and with normal controls. In addition, correlations between the upper and lower endplate parameters were determined.

RESULTS

As compared to the control group, upper endplate measurements yielded lower spinopelvic parameters and LL values while lower endplate values yielded higher values. While these values were significantly different from normative values, these parameters were similar in both lumbarization and sacralization groups. Furthermore, most spinopelvic parameters of both upper and lower endplates were strongly correlated, and the differences between the upper and lower PI and LL values are relatively constant (27° and 14°, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper and lower endplate parameters are comparable in patients with sacralization and lumbarization; therefore, the average spatial position of a sacralized L5 and a lumbarized S1 within the pelvis is similar and either parameter can be used for radiological measurements. Further studies with symptomatic patients are warranted to confirm these results.

Tracing the disc: The novel qualitative morphometric MRI based disc degeneration classification system

Background

This study aimed to develop a classification system for lumbar disc degeneration using routine magnetic resonance images (MRIs) that is easily applicable and unaffected by existing classifications' limitations, and to compare its reliability, reproducibility, and discriminative power to the widely used Pfirrmann classification.

Methods

Five features were graded. This new classification system has eight grades, with at least one of these five features altering each grade. The T2-weighted sagittal images were acquired using a rapid spin-echo sequence with a repetition time of 2680 to 4900 milliseconds, an echo time of 100 to 109 milliseconds, and an echo train length of 17. Slice thick was 4 mm and the display field of view was 32 × 32 cm. The new classification system used five features: signal intensity, disc height, disc boundary regularity, and nucleus annulus separation. Increased signal intensity, decreased height, decreased regularity, and decreased nucleus-annulus separation indicated degeneration. Four raters classified 400 discs from 80 patients using the Pfirrmann and Novel systems. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate reliability and correlation.

Results

The overall ICC and kappa values were found to be higher in the novel classification. (0.988 indicating excellent agreement for ICC and 0.76/0.94 indicating good-very good agreement for kappa). The Kendall tau c value, which shows the correlation between the two classifications and indicates the validity of the new classification, was 0.872, which is very strong. Through the use of cross-tabulations, the discriminatory power of the two newly added classification criteria was determined.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of an easy-to-use, discriminative novel morphometric MRI based classification system for lumbar disc degeneration. The differentiation of grades based on five distinct criteria may generate novel hypotheses regarding treatment selection and response monitoring, as well as new insights into the study of disc degeneration.

Upper and lower cervical alignment parameters measured on supine magnetic resonance imaging with the occipital slope as a key marker of cervical alignment

Objectives

Cervical spine alignment is evaluated by measuring the cervical angles or parameters on standing plain radiography. In this study, we aimed to evaluate mainly the upper cervical alignment and the correlation between upper and lower cervical sagittal parameters measured on supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Cervical MRIs of 210 outpatients were reviewed to measure the upper and lower cervical sagittal parameters. Their mean values were compared with normative values measured on standing X-ray from the literature. Correlations between the parameters were analyzed using the Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

The C0 slope was correlated with all other parameters, except for the C2-7 sagittal vertical axis. The strongest correlations (r > 0.500) were between the CL and C2 slope, between the CO2 and C0 slope, and between the C2 slope and C0 slope.

Conclusion

On supine MRI, the C0 slope is a key marker of cervical spinal alignment. A strong correlation was observed between the C2 slope and C0 slope; therefore, the relationship between upper and lower cervical alignment could be assessed using slopes on MRI.

Pelvic incidence measurement with supine magnetic resonance imaging: A validity and reliability study

OBJECTIVE

Classically, pelvic incidence (PI) and other spinopelvic sagittal parameters are measured using plain x-ray obtained with the patient standing. However, it is difficult to obtain a perfect mid-sagittal appearance of the sacral endplate and superimposition of both femoral heads from a plain x-ray. Overlapping of the iliac wings also could obscure the appearance of the sacral endplate. Recent studies showed that MRI was more reliable than x-ray for evaluating some spinal sagittal parameters. To our knowledge, measurements of spinopelvic sagittal parameters using supine MRI have not been reported previously. We assessed the validity and reliability of measurements of spinopelvic sagittal parameters from standing lateral x-rays and supine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

We recruited 26 asymptomatic volunteers for this study. Standing lateral lumbosacral radiographs, including femoral heads and spinopelvic MRI images with coronal images of the femoral heads were performed. The anatomic reference point required to measure PI was found on coronal MRI images and transferred to the midline sagittal MRI using the bladder wall as a second reference point. PI, sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured on x-ray and MRI images. Validity and reliability of results also were tested.

RESULTS

Of 14 males and 12 females (average age, 31.30), PI was obtained from x-ray and MRI in 52. ± 6.89 and 51.42 ± 6.43, respectively. From standing x-ray to supine MRI, PT decreased by 3.16°, while SS increased 2.5°. A paired t-test showed a significant difference between PT values from x-ray and MRI. The correlation was highest between the x-ray and MRI measurements of PI, PT, and SS, respectively. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities were between 0.88 and 0.96 on x-ray and MRI. All reliabilities were excellent, although MRI values were higher.

CONCLUSION

MRI was more reliable in the measurement of spinopelvic parameters than classic standing x-ray examination. Higher reliability and being radiation-free could make MRI a good alternative to standing x-ray.

Simulating upright cervical lordosis in the supine position

Cervical alignment or lordosis evolution is still attained by direct radiography in standing position because an ideal cervical curvature is essential to maintain a horizontal gaze with minimal energy consumption. However, upright cervical lordosis changes in supine position. Anterior fusion surgery and more sophisticated radiological examinations, such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are performed in lying position. Therefore, if upright cervical alignment can be simulated in the supine position, true (upright) cervical lordosis can be demonstrated on CT and MRI and also a more proper anterior cervical fusion can be performed in operation with better surgical outcomes. Forty-nine (49) adult patients underwent radiological examinations, including upright cervi- cal radiography and three session of supine MRI in different positions. MRI was performed in (1) conventional neutral supine position, (2) supine posi- tion with a 5-cm-high pillow, and (3) supine position with a 10-cm-high pillow under the shoulders. MRI results were analyzed. Wilcoxon, Kolmogorov-Smir- nov, and Spearman correlation tests were used to analyze MRI the validity in compared with those of cervical radiography. Cervical lordosis (C2-C7 Cobb angle) of the radiography group was similar to that of supine MRI group using a 5-cm-high pillow, and they have a strong correlation. The T-1 slope from radiography group was similar to and correlated with that of supine MRI groups with both pillows. Cranial tilt measurements of radiography group were different but correlated with the MRI group using a 5-cm-high pillow. Simulating upright cervical lordosis in the supine position is possible by adding a 5-cm- high pillow under the shoulders of the patients. This simulation reduces the need for direct radiography. Anterior cervical fusion surgery performed in this position can provide better surgical results.

Frontoethmoid Osteoma Causing Tension Pneumocephalus

Tension pneumocephalus is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by the accumulation of intracranial air, causing increased intracranial pressure. Paranasal sinus osteomas are common, slow-growing benign tumors usually diagnosed incidentally. Paranasal sinus osteomas causing tension pneumocephalus have been very rarely reported.

Non-dysraphic intramedullary lipoma of the craniocervical region in an adult: Case report

Intradural spinal lipomas with intracranial extension are very rare and are typically diagnosed in childhood. Radical surgical excision usually causes a high rate of morbidity because of the firm adherence between the lipoma and neural tissues. In this report, we present a case of craniocervical intradural intramedullary lipoma in an adult patient. The patient underwent surgery with excision of the mass, leaving a sheet of lipoma on the tumor bed.

Matrix metalloprotease-9 expresssion in meningioma: Correlation with growth fraction and role of gender. A pilot immunohistochemical study

OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), particularly MMP2 and MMP9 increase tumor invasion and edema in meningiomas. Although lesser recognized, MMPs may also enhance cell growth via liberating growth factors or via cleaving inactive growth factors into active isoforms. However, there exist very few studies, which investigated correlation of MMPs with growth fraction in meningiomas. Meningiomas are seen more frequently in women and their growth accelarate during pregnancy. However, no study examined whether MMP-expressions in meningioma differ with gender.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a pilot immunohistochemical study, we analyzed the correlation of MMP9 expression with Ki67 index and whether gender influences MMP9 expression. We retrospectively selected 24 meningioma cases including 10 cases with WHO Grade-1 tumors and 7 cases each with WHO Grade-2 and 3 tumors, respectively.

RESULTS

We separately determined the intensity and area of MMP9 staining and also calculated an expression index by multiplying these two parameters. Spearman correlation analyses revealed that MMP9 staining intensity, staining area and expression index significantly correlated with Ki67 proliferation index. MMP9 staining indices were significantly higher in women specimens.

CONCLUSION

If these findings will be confirmed in larger series, MMP-inhibitors and female hormone receptor-antagonists may be combined to augment chemotherapy efficacy and to attenuate invasion in high-grade meningiomas.

Surgical treatment of pseudotumor cerebri

AIM

To share our experience with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients believed to have pseudotumor cerebri underwent a fundus oculi examination to confirm the existence of papillary stasis and lumbar puncture (LP) to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Patients who did not respond to medical treatment underwent fundus oculi examinations at 3-week intervals. Patients with CFS pressures exceeding 240 mm H2O underwent at least three LPs at 3-day intervals. Patients with higher CFS pressures were treated surgically.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 40.8 (range 31-58) years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.9 (range 28.8-36.4) kg/m2. Papillary stasis was observed in 15 (46.8%) cases. The mean initial CSF pressure was 455.6 (range 360-560) mmHg, and after a mean of 4.3 (range 3-6) repeat measurements, this decreased to 213.4 (range 160-320) mmHg (Table I). Complications in our series included a lumbar pouch in three patients, and an abdominal pouch, meningitis, and abdominal migration in one patient each.

DISCUSSION

Surgical treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is necessary when the intracranial pressure does not decrease despite medical treatment and repeat LP.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a clinical syndrome of unclear pathogenesis that is closely related to obesity.

KEY WORDS

Cerebrospinal fluid, Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, Pseudotumor cerebri, Obesity.

Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cysts: A Series of 10 Cases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Spinal arachnoid cysts are rare lesions, accounting for only 1% of all primary spinal mass lesions. They can occur in extradural, intradural, or intramedullary locations. The extradural cysts are thought to arise from defects in the dura mater through which the arachnoid herniates. This report presents 10 cases of spinal extradural arachnoid cysts and discusses our diagnostic and therapeutic approach to this rare clinical entity.

PATIENTS

The archive records of 10 patients with extradural arachnoid cysts who were treated between 2002 and 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. The study included four male and six female patients. In nine cases, the lesion was symptomatic; in only one case was the cyst diagnosed incidentally. Surgical treatment was performed in the nine symptomatic cases.

RESULTS

In nine of these cases, the extradural cysts were solitary; in one case, multiple extradural cysts were observed. In most of the cases, the lesion was located in the thoracic region. Total excision of the cyst was achieved for all of the cases treated surgically except the case with multiple extradural arachnoid cysts. On follow-up examination, neurologic improvement was observed in all of the surgically treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts are rare pathologies, and treatment options should be considered carefully. In symptomatic cases, total excision of the cyst should be considered the gold standard of treatment. We believe that the closure of the dural defect should be the main surgical goal to prevent recurrence. We propose laminoplasty for the treatment of extradural arachnoid cysts that involve multiple segments to prevent postoperative kyphosis.

Arthroplasty versus fusion for single-level cervical disc disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cervical arthroplasty and anterior cervical discectomy fusion methods.

METHODS

The randomised clinical trial was conducted at the neurosurgical clinic of University of Harran, Turkey, between February 2009 and January 2010. The patients had single level disc disorder between C4-C7 levels. Before surgery, all of the patients had taken medical treatment with no improvement. Surgery was conducted with anterior approach, and disc prosthesis or polyetheretherketone cage for fusion were applied after patients were randomly divided into two groups. For preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluations Neck Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale were used. Surgical results were evaluated according to Odom's criterion, and 'excellent' and 'good' results were accepted as successful. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 42 patients in the study, 23(54.76%) were treated with Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, and 19(45.23%) with Cervical Disc Arthroplasty. There were no statistical differences between postoperative mean Visual Analogue Scale score (p<0.86) and Neck Disability Index scores (p<0.11) in the two groups. Average decrease in lordosis angle was 1.2 degree in Arthroplasty group, while it was 1 degree in the Fusion group. Postoperative adjacent segment degeneration was not detected in either group.

CONCLUSION

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, and Cervical Disc Arthroplasty are safe and successful methods for the treatment of single level cervical disc disease. Although the latter is a relatively new technique performed with increased frequency, but its superiority is still uncertain.

Comparison of deferoxamine and methylprednisolone: protective effect of pharmacological agents on lipid peroxidation in spinal cord injury in rats

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of deferoxamine (DFO) administration in comparison with methylprednisolone (MP) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidants after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

DFO is used for treating an iron-chelating agent, which is also used in the treatment of iron poisoning and thalassaemia. The neuroprotective effect of DFO was evaulated as a therapeutic agent for SCI.

METHODS

Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups as sham laminectomy (n = 8), laminectomy with SCI (n = 8), laminectomy with SCI and 0.9% saline intraperitoneal (i.p.) (n = 8), laminectomy with SCI and 30 mg/kg MP i.p. (n = 8), and laminectomy with SCI and 30 mg/kg DFO i.p. (n = 8). Neurological deficits were examined 24 hours after trauma, and all rats were killed. Spinal cord segments were harvested for both biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

RESULTS

At 24 hours post-SCI, whereas malondialdehyde levels were increased, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels were decreased in groups I, II, and III. MP and DFO treatment decreased MDA levels and increased superoxide dismutase CAT, and glutathione peroxidase levels in control and study groups. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment with MP and DFO (P> 0.05). All rats were paraplegic after SCI, except in the sham group. Histopathological improvement was observed in control and study groups.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that beneficial effects may be provided and further studies need to investigate the dose-dependent beneficial and side effects of DFO in SCI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

Pineal epidermoid tumors: report of five cases

AIM

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical, radiological features and surgical outcome of pineal epidermoid tumors treated at a single neurosurgical department.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed surgery on five patients with pineal region epidermoid tumors at a single neurosurgical department between the years 1998 and 2006. Headache, diplopia and ataxia were the most common presenting findings. Parinaud's syndrome was found in three patients. Hydrocephalus was demonstrated radiologically in two patients.

RESULTS

Two patients were operated on with the occipital-transtentorial approach, two were operated on with the infratentorial-supracerebellar approach and one was operated on with van Wagenen's approach. Recurrence of tumor was observed in one patient. One patient died at the first postoperative month due to ventriculitis.

CONCLUSION

Total removal of epidermoid tumors may provide good clinical recovery and may reduce the possibility of tumor recurrence and shunt placement.

Surgical removal of spinal mass lesions with open door laminoplasty

OBJECTIVE

The open door laminoplasty technique has been previously used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy. We adapted this technique for the removal of spinal tumors all along the spinal axis.

METHODS

Between January 2002 and January 2003, 17 patients with various intraspinal lesions underwent open door laminoplasty. The thoracal level was involved in 10 cases, the cervical level in 3 patients and the lumbar level in 4. Location of the tumor was intradural-intramedullary in 7, intradural-extramedullary in 6 and extradural in 4 patients. The histological diagnoses were 4 astrocytomas, 2 meningiomas, 3 neurinomas, 2 ependymomas and one case each with Ewing's sarcoma, metastasis, abcess, hemangioblastoma, arachnoid cyst and lipoma.

RESULTS

All lesions were exposed using the open door laminoplasty technique and were successfully removed for intraspinal mass lesions. An average of 3.7 level laminoplasty was performed. Neither spinal malalignment on the coronal plane nor displacement of bone flap (laminoplasty flap) were observed on postoperative CT and MR examinations. No complications due to laminoplasty were encountered. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 22-48 months).

CONCLUSION

Open door laminoplasty is a simple procedure and has two main advantages over the classical laminectomy procedure; a lower incidence of spinal deformities with or without neurological deficits and an absence of epidural scar tissue. This procedure can be used in all spinal cases with intraspinal mass lesions.

Positive End-expiratory Pressure Reduces Pneumocephalus in Spinal Intradural Tumor Surgery

We tested the hypothesis that 5 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) reduces the incidence of pneumocephalus in patients who undergo spinal intradural tumor surgery. Fifty-three ASA I to III patients who underwent thoracolumbar intradural tumor surgery between the years 2003 and 2006 were included in this study. All patients received propofol, fentanyl, and cisatracurium for induction of the anesthesia. Maintenance was provided by propofol infusion and, oxygen (50%) and air (50%). Group I (n=28) did not receive PEEP whereas group II (n=25) received PEEP as 5 cm H2O. Cranial computerized tomography was taken at 8 hours after the surgery and cases were evaluated for pneumocephalus using BAB Bs200ProP Image System software. Pneumocephalus areas between 0.03 and 4.24 cm2 were observed in 9 patients, 8 in group I and 1 patient in group II at the 8th postoperative hour, at various localizations. There were no neurologic findings in other patients except for 2 patients in group I who presented with headache and mental status change. Although the cerebrospinal fluid leakage is minimal, N2O is not used and the patients are well hydrated, pneumocephalus with neurologic deficits may occur in patients undergoing microsurgical spinal intradural tumor surgery in prone position. In our study, we showed that using 5 cm H2O PEEP perioperatively reduced the risk of pneumocephalus. However, more cases must be studied to support this hypothesis.

Diffuse villous hyperplasia of choroid plexus

Diffuse villous hyperplasia of choroid plexus (DVHCP) is a rare condition which is characterized by the presence of diffuse enlargement of the entire choroid plexus throughout the length of the choroidal fissure and overproduction of CSF. The diagnosis of diffuse villous hyperplasia of choroid plexus can be established by the MR demonstration of diffusely large, contrast enhanced choroid plexus in the cases of overproduction hydrocephalus. Although some authors recommend choroid plexus excision or coagulation, ventriculo-atrial shunt insertion is a simple and effective treatment modality in cases of diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus. In this report we present a case of diffuse villous hyperplasia of the choroid plexus and a short review of the literature. To our knowledge, in the CT and MRI era only 5 cases of DVHCP cases have been reported.

Non-traumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst

In this report, we present a case of non-traumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst in a 65 year-old woman with a slow growing swelling in the right frontotemporal region without a history of head trauma, which was diagnosed intra-operatively. Extradural intracranial location of non-traumatic arachnoid cyst is a rare clinical entity with a few reported cases in the literature. Characteristic features of non-traumatic intradiploic arachnoid cysts are also described in this mini-review article.

Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Mirror Aneurysms and Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms-Case Report-

A 52-year-old woman presented with bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) mirror aneurysms, in addition to two right middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. The left distal ACA and right MCA aneurysms were clipped through right interhemispheric and right pterional craniotomies. The right distal ACA aneurysm was thrombosed. Distal ACA aneurysms tend to be multiple, but mirror aneurysms are rare, especially in the absence of congenital vascular anomaly. Single stage unilateral craniotomy is recommended for surgical treatment.

Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms-Report of 26 Cases-

Distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms are rare, and constitute approximately 1.5% to 9% of all intracranial aneurysms. They show some unique features compared with other aneurysms in the cerebral circulation and are frequently treated with a different technique. Twenty-six of 364 patients with cerebral aneurysms treated at our department between 1996 and 2004 had distal ACA aneurysms (7.1%). Twenty-three of the 26 patients were treated through an anterior interhemispheric approach and two with a pterional approach. All saccular aneurysms were successfully clipped except one which was embolized after the surgery. The only fusiform aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed and resolved with parent artery occlusion. Two of the 26 patients had multiple aneurysms. The surgical mortality was 8%. Distal ACA aneurysms have higher mortality and morbidity than other anterior circulation aneurysms. They should be aggressively treated even if very small because of the tendency to rupture. Endovascular treatment is an alternative in the management of these aneurysms. The most important factors affecting the outcome are grade on admission and the neurosurgeon's experience.

Aspergillus pituitary abscess

BACKGROUND

Pituitary abscess is rare and most of the cases are of bacterial origin. True fungal pituitary abscess is extremely rare only five cases have been reported. In this report, we present a case of aspergillus pituitary abscess. Mortality rate in intracranial aspergillosis is close to 100% especially in immunsuppressed patients when undiagnosed and untreated. In focal CNS aspergillosis total cure can be achieved in approximately 30% of the cases by surgical drainage and intensive antifungal therapy. Although this is the first reported case with magnetic resonance imaging examination the definitive diagnosis was established only by histopathological examination.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 42 year-old man was referred to our hospital with the diagnosis of sellar suprasellar mass accompanied by frontal headache and decreased visual acuity. His medical history was insignificant. Physical examination was normal and the patient was afebrile. The neurological examination revealed bilateral papilledema and bitemporal hemianopsia but no stiff neck and motor or sensory deficit. In the light of MRI examination, the preoperative diagnosis was pituitary abscess secondary to paranasal sinus infection or hemorrhagic pituitary adenoma.

INTERVENTION

The patient was successfully treated by transsphenoidal surgery. Histopathological examination of sphenoid sinus mucosa revealed normal mucosal appearance with inflammation and histopathological examination of the intrasellar mass resulted in the diagnosis of aspergillosis. All cultures obtained from sphenoid sinus were reported as having no growth. However in the second week after the operation fungal culture of the intrasellar mass grew aspergillus. After 8 weeks of amphothericine-B treatment, the patient was discharged. At the last follow up examination two years after the operation, the patient was symptom free with normal pituitary function.

CONCLUSION

Aspergillus pituitary abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pituitary mass. The correct diagnosis of pituitary aspergillosis can only be achieved by histopathological examination because clinical and radiological findings including MRI are not specific and culture results are obtained later. Immediately after the diagnosis, intensive antifungal therapy should be started for a successful treatment.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor cilazapril prevents chronic morphologic vasospasm in rat

It has been shown that a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor cilazapril prevents morphologic changes in arteries secondary to hypertension and endothelial damage, which are analogous to the changes in cerebral arteries following subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, the effect of cilazapril on chronic vasospasm was investigated on the rat femoral artery vasospasm model, and morphometric analyses were performed. Animals were divided into three groups. In group 1, femoral arteries were removed after cardiac perfusion. In groups 2 and 3, right femoral arteries were exposed to 0.1 mL autologous whole blood and wrapped with silastic cuff. Animals in group 3 received cilazapril (10 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. After the perfusion-fixation, femoral arteries were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy and processed for morphometric analysis. Vessels from animals in group 2 showed a significant luminal narrowing and morphologic changes throughout the vessel wall, while vessels from animals treated with cilazapril appeared nearly normal. These results suggest that cilazapril may be effective in the prevention of chronic vasospasm.