External Lumbar Drainage Research Articles

Neuroimaging in normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a syndrome characterized by the triad of gait disturbance, mental deterioration and urinary incontinence, associated with ventriculomegaly and normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. The clinical presentation (triad) may be atypical or incomplete, or mimicked by other diseases, hence the need for supplementary tests, particularly to predict postsurgical outcome, such as CSF tap-tests and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The CSF tap-test, especially the 3 to 5 days continuous external lumbar drainage of at least 150 ml/day, is the only procedure that simulates the effect of definitive shunt surgery, with high sensitivity (50-100%) and high positive predictive value (80-100%). According to international guidelines, the following are CT or MRI signs decisive for NPH diagnosis and selection of shunt-responsive patients: ventricular enlargement disproportionate to cerebral atrophy (Evans index >0.3), and associated ballooning of frontal horns; periventricular hyperintensities; corpus callosum thinning and elevation, with callosal angle between 40º and 90º; widening of temporal horns not fully explained by hippocampal atrophy; and aqueductal or fourth ventricular flow void; enlarged Sylvian fissures and basal cistern, and narrowing of sulci and subarachnoid spaces over the high convexity and midline surface of the brain. On the other hand, other imaging methods such as radionuclide cisternography, SPECT, PET, and also DTI or resting-state functional MRI, although suitable for NPH diagnosis, do not yet provide improved accuracy for identifying shunt-responsive cases.

Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) as a Cognitive Evaluation Tool for Patients with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

External lumbar drainage (ELD) is recognized as a screening method for ventriculo-peritoneal shunting (VPS) candidacy for possible normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This study focused on the ELD predictability of the cognitive outcome after VPS for NPH. In addition, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was examined in ELD cognition screening. ELD results were considered positive with any improvement in gait and/or cognition. Among 36 patients examined for possible NPH, 26 underwent VPS because of positive ELD. Cognitive outcome after VPS was assessed at 6-month follow-up. The RBANS scores, examined pre- and post-ELD, were evaluated statistically to identify consistency with the neuropsychologist judgment and the predictability of cognitive outcome after VPS. Among 26 shunted patients, gait was improved in 24. Cognitive improvement was rated in 19, and there were 9 false negative and 5 false positive in ELD cognition screening. The neuropsychologist judgment in ELD cognition screening is most consistent with the RBANS score in delayed memory. The patients rated as improved in cognition after VPS had significantly lower RBANS scores pre-ELD in immediate memory and delayed memory. If both scores at pre-ELD were ≤ 80 (13 patients), all were rated as improved in cognition after VPS. ELD screening was highly predictive of clinical gait improvement but not of cognitive improvement after VPS for possible NPH. Particularly among patients with a positive ELD gait response, pre-ELD low RBANS scores in memory predicted cognitive improvement after VPS. RBANS seems effective in evaluating cognition for NPH.

External Ventricular and Lumbar Drain Device Infections in ICU Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Italian Study.

Use of external ventricular drains and lumbar catheters is associated with a risk of ventriculitis and meningitis ranging from 2% to 24% because of lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. We evaluated the prevalence of ventriculitis or meningitis in 13 Italian ICUs. Multicenter, prospective study. Thirteen Italian ICUs. Two hundred seventy-one patients (mean age, 57 yr) receiving a total number of 311 catheters. Two hundred fifty patients (92.2%) had an external ventricular drain, 17 patients (6.3%) had a lumbar catheter, and four patients (1.5%) had both external ventricular drain and lumbar catheter. ICUs enrolled at least 10 consecutive adult patients with an external ventricular drain or lumbar catheter in place for more than 24 hours. Confirmed cerebrospinal fluid infection was defined by presence of a positive cerebrospinal fluid culture, a cerebrospinal fluid/blood glucose ratio less than 0.5, a neutrophilic cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (> 5 cells/μL), and fever. Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid findings with negative cultures were defined as suspected infection. Median duration of device use was 13 days (interquartile range, 8-19). Fifteen patients (5.5%) had a confirmed ventriculitis or meningitis, and 15 patients (5.5%) had a suspected ventriculitis or meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid glucose and cerebrospinal fluid/blood glucose ratio were lower in patients with confirmed ventriculitis or meningitis and suspected ventriculitis or meningitis; proteins and lactates were significantly higher in confirmed ventriculitis or meningitis. Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were equally cultured. Risk factors for infection were a concomitant extracranial infection (odds ratio, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.01-5.40; p = 0.05) and placement of catheters outside the operation room (odds ratio, 4.01; 95% CI, 0.98-16.50; p = 0.05). Ventriculitis or meningitis remains a problem in Italian ICUs, and a strategy for reducing the prevalence is worth planning.

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion in patients with enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces without ventriculomegaly.

Enlarged Virchow-Robin spaces (eVRS) are an MRI biomarker in several neurological diseases of inflammatory, neurodegenerative, vascular, metabolic, or genetic origin. We report on a further condition in which eVRS were observed in patients with an ongoing chronic hydrocephalus-like clinical picture without ventriculomegaly who improved after CSF diversion, and we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying this finding. A retrospective study of seven patients presenting progressive gait, cognitive, and urinary disturbances in association with eVRS was undertaken. All patients presented an Evans ratio <0.30 and >20 eVRS at the level of basal ganglia and periventricular parenchyma as assessed by T2-weighted MRI. All patients underwent prolonged external lumbar drainage (PELD) with good response. Six patients received ventriculoperitoneal shunt with improvement of their clinical status compared to that before PELD (follow-up: 8-58 months, mean 24.6). The seventh patient did not undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt and received a second PELD with persistent improvement (follow-up: 14 months). Our results indicate that a mechanism involving CSF accumulation and stasis in the subarachnoid space was at least a concurrent factor of this clinical picture. This study should stimulate new perspectives on the role of CSF disturbances in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with VRS enlargement.

MRI assessment of the effects of acetazolamide and external lumbar drainage in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

BackgroundThe objective was to identify changes in quantitative MRI measures in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) occurring in common after oral acetazolamide (ACZ) and external lumbar drainage (ELD) interventions.MethodsA total of 25 iNPH patients from two clinical sites underwent serial MRIs and clinical assessments. Eight received ACZ (125-375 mg/day) over 3 months and 12 underwent ELD for up to 72 hours. Five clinically-stable iNPH patients who were scanned serially without interventions served as controls for the MRI component of the study. Subjects were divided into responders and non-responders to the intervention based on gait and cognition assessments made by clinicians blinded to MRI results. The MRI modalities analyzed included T1-weighted images, diffusion tensor Imaging (DTI) and arterial spin labelling (ASL) perfusion studies. Automated threshold techniques were used to define regions of T1 hypo-intensities.ResultsDecreased volume of T1-hypointensities and decreased mean diffusivity (MD) within remaining hypointensities was observed after ACZ and ELD but not in controls. Patients responding positively to these interventions had more extensive decreases in T1-hypointensites than non-responders: ACZ-responders (4,651 ± 2,909 mm3), ELD responders (2,338 ± 1,140 mm3), ELD non-responders (44 ± 1,188 mm3). Changes in DTI MD within T1-hypointensities were greater in ACZ-responders (7.9% ± 2%) and ELD-responders (8.2% ± 3.1%) compared to ELD non-responders (2.1% ± 3%). All the acetazolamide-responders showed increases in whole-brain-average cerebral blood flow (wbCBF) estimated by ASL (18.8% ± 8.7%). The only observed decrease in wbCBF (9.6%) occurred in an acetazolamide-non-responder. A possible association between cerebral atrophy and response was observed, with subjects having the least cortical atrophy (as indicated by a positive z-score on cortical thickness measurements) showing greater clinical improvement after ACZ and ELD.ConclusionsT1-hypointensity volume and DTI MD measures decreased in the brains of iNPH patients following oral ACZ and ELD. The magnitude of the decrease was greater in treatment responders than non-responders. Despite having different mechanisms of action, both ELD and ACZ may decrease interstitial brain water and increase cerebral blood flow in patients with iNPH. Quantitative MRI measurements appear useful for objectively monitoring response to acetazolamide, ELD and potentially other therapeutic interventions in patients with iNPH.

Following the canyon to reach and remove olfactory groove meningiomas.

Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) represent approximately 10% of all intracranial meningiomas. They arise in the olfactory fossa, a variable depression delimited by the lateral lamella and perpendicular plate. The cribriform plate with the lateral lamella and ethmoidal and orbital roof could be viewed as a 'canyon' with the frontal sinus as the main entrance. Between January 2000 and December 2013, 32 consecutive patients underwent removal of OGMs through this 'canyon' at the Department of Neurosurgery of Brescia and Turin. Complete removal was achieved in all patients with this trans-frontal sinus subcranial approach (Simpson grade I; mean lesion volume, 46.6 cm3). Five patients (15.6%) experienced nasal CSF leakage, treated with external lumbar drain positioning for 4 days and resolved in all cases but one, which was re-operated. Two patients (6.2%) during the CSF leakage experienced meningitis at day 7 after surgery, both successfully treated by intravenous antibiotic therapy. After one month, one patient developed hydrocephalus, treated with a ventricular peritoneal shunt. In one patient, traction on the OGM caused bleeding of the callosomarginal artery, which was coagulated with superior frontal gyrus ischemia without neurological consequences. Glasgow Outcome Scale Score at 6 months was V in 29 patients, IV in one patient, and I in two patients. Advantages with this approach may include easy and early control of blood supply from its insertion in the skull base, minimal frontal lobe retraction, preservation of the frontal veins draining to the sagittal sinus, and a satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

The effectiveness of using HyperHAES hypertonic isooncotic plasma solution to achieve stable intracranial hypotension in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy as an alternative to the invasive external lumbar drainage

The structure of surgery of pituitary adenomas has been fundamentally changed over the past decade. The transnasal transsphenoidal approach is currently used to resect more than 95% of adenomas. The wide use of endoscopy has changed the need for perioperative control of intracranial pressure. While controlled intracranial hypertension was previously used during microscopically controlled transnasal surgery to bring the suprasellar capsule and tumor remnants to the field of vision, endoscopically controlled tumor resection implies that controlled intracranial hypotension is required to achieve complete spreading of the suprasellar capsule. External lumbar drains inserted at least for the entire surgery duration are conventionally used to control intracranial pressure. We present the results of the study proving the effectiveness and safety of the HyperHAES hypertonic isooncotic plasma substitute in achieving stable intracranial hypotension according to a large body of clinical data. Our findings give grounds for claiming that the use of the HyperHAES hypertonic isooncotic plasma substitute during the standard adenomectomy allows one to abandon the use of invasive external lumbar drainage, while the surgery quality and risks remain at the same level.

Complications corner: Anterior thoracic disc surgery with dural tear/CSF fistula and low-pressure pleural drain led to severe intracranial hypotension.

Background:Thoracic disc surgery can lead to a life-threatening complication: intracranial hypotension due to a subarachnoid-pleural fistula.Case Description:We report a 63-year-old male with paraparesis due to multiple herniated thoracic discs, with compressive myelopathy. The patient required a circumferential procedure including a laminectomy/fusion followed by an anterior thoracic decompression to address both diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) anteriorly and posterior stenosis. The postoperative course was complicated by severe intracranial hypotension attributed to the erroneous placement of a low-pressure drain placed in the pleural cavity instead of a lumbar drain; this resulted in subdural hematoma's necessitating subsequent surgery.Conclusion:Severe neurological deterioration occurring after thoracic decompressive surgery may rarely be attributed to intracranial hypotension due to a subarachnoid-pleural fistula. Patients should be treated with external lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid for 3–5 days rather than a low-pressure pleural drain to avoid the onset of intracranial hypotension leading to symptomatic subdural hematomas.

Symptomatic contralateral subdural hygromas after decompressive craniectomy: plausible causes and management protocols.

Contralateral subdural hygromas are occasionally observed after decompressive craniectomies (DCs). Some of these hygromas are symptomatic, and the etiology and management of these symptomatic contralateral subdural collections (CLDCs) present surgical challenges. The authors share their experience with managing symptomatic CLSDCs after a DC. During a 10-month period, 306 patients underwent a DC. Of these patients, 266 had a head injury, 25 a middle cerebral artery infarction (that is, a thrombotic stroke), and 15 an infarction due to a vasospasm (resulting from an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). Seventeen patients (15 with a head injury and 2 with an SAH) developed a CLSDC, and 7 of these patients showed overt symptoms of the fluid collection. These patients were treated with a trial intervention consisting of bur hole drainage followed by cranioplasty. If required, a ventriculo- or thecoperitoneal shunt was inserted at a later time. Seven patients developed a symptomatic CLSDC after a DC, 6 of whom had a head injury and 1 had an SAH. The average length of time between the DC and CLSDC formation was 24 days. Fluid drainage via a bur hole was attempted in the first 5 patients. However, symptoms in these patients improved only temporarily. All 7 patients (including the 5 in whom the bur hole drainage had failed and 2 directly after the DC) underwent a cranioplasty, and the CLSDC resolved in all of these patients. The average time it took for the CLSDC to resolve after the cranioplasty was 34 days. Three patients developed hydrocephalus after the cranioplasty, requiring a diversion procedure, and 1 patient contracted meningitis and died. Arachnoid tears and blockage of arachnoid villi appear to be the underlying causes of a CLSDC. The absence of sufficient fluid pressure required for CSF absorption after a DC further aggravates such fluid collections. Underlying hydrocephalus may appear as subdural collections in some patients after the DC. Bur hole drainage appears to be only a temporary measure and leads to recurrence of a CLSDC. Therefore, cranioplasty is the definitive treatment for such collections and, if performed early, may even avert CLSDC formation. A temporary ventriculostomy or an external lumbar drainage may be added to aid the cranioplasty and may be removed postoperatively. Ventriculoperitoneal or thecoperitoneal shunting may be required for patients in whom a hydrocephalus manifests after cranioplasty and underlies the CLSDC.

A retrospective outcomes review of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus treated with a low flow valve system

Abstract Accepted treatment of patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) dictates the placement of a Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Selection of a valve regulated system for implantation is usually determined by the treating surgeon. Data regarding the efficacy of a Low Flow Valve (LFV) are sparse. The use of this type of system may be of benefit in patients with INPH. Data from fourteen patients in the Florida Hospital NPH Program Registry with placement of a Low Flow Valve were retrospectively examined. All patients completed baselines studies to quantify gait disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and ventriculomegaly (Evan's Ratio). Studies were repeated post three day external lumbar drain, as well as 6, 12, and 24 months post shunt placement. Significant improvement was noted in gait (Berg Balance Score) at six months and one year post shunt placement. Patients improved from a “medium― fall risk to a “low― fall risk. Significant improvement in NAB was noted at 2 years of follow up, improving from “mildly impaired― to “average―. Evan's ratio was stable throughout the study. There were no instances of over drainage or shunt infection. One shunt obstruction which necessitated surgical intervention was observed. Objective improvement in BERG and NAB appears to provide conclusive evidence of efficacy in this small group of patients with INPH treated with placement of an LFV and followed for two years. The absence of over-drainage as a related complication in this small group is encouraging.

Flow-regulated external lumbar drain: applications and complications

A novel flow-regulated external drain (FRED) was devised to overcome the problems of the pressure-regulated systems and serial lumbar taps. Eleven patients who underwent lumbar external drainage received a flow-regulated system using simple and inexpensive materials available in most hospital settings. The system proved to be reliable at removing a set amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We did not encounter any serious complications in its application. The FRED system offered better patient compliance and comfort, providing them with greater mobility, while maintaining a safer steady removal of a set amount of CSF. In opposition to the pressure-regulated systems, we describe the possible indications, advantages and disadvantages of a flow regulated device. Extensive clinical trials are needed to study the use of FRED in patients with different CSF circulation physiology, pressure and composition.

A-69 * Neuropsychological Change in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus following Lumbar Drain

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is a common procedure for treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). As part of the workup for NPH, an external lumbar drain is commonly performed, with patients undergoing pre- and post-lumbar drain assessment of their symptoms. Neuropsychological assessment is often used to assist in the determination of candidates who might benefit from VP shunting. The present study was conducted to assess the cognitive effects of external lumbar drain (ELD) in a sample of patients with a clinical diagnosis of NPH who later received a VP shunt. Method: 44 participants were administered the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), Trail Making Test, Letter Fluency, Category Fluency, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised (HVLT-R), and Digit Span Forward and Backward. Assessments were conducted pre- and 72–96 hours post-ELD to determine the percent change in test-retest scores. Results: Subjects showed an improvement of >10% on both verbal fluency measures and a decrease of >10% on HVLT-R delay following ELD. Age effects were seen on Trails A, Category Fluency, and HVLT-R delay, with younger participants showing greater improvements than older subjects on Category fluency and HVLT-R delay. Conclusion(s): Measures of verbal fluency and delayed recall showed greatest sensitivity to ELD in participants with a clinical diagnosis of NPH. These results may have implications for the selection of NPH patients who might benefit from receiving a VP shunt. However, more research is needed to determine optimal cognitive test procedures for selecting appropriate candidates for VP shunting.

Transsphenoidal Approach to the Clival Region Lesions

Objective: The increasing use of the microsurgical and endoscopic technique in transsphenoidal surgery has introduced the endonasal approach for midline clival lesions as the most direct route to the clivus and anterior brainstem which uses nasal cavities and sinuses. Using endoscopic approach we are able to reach the entire central skull base from the frontal sinus anteriorly to the clivus and region of the foramen magnum and odontoid process inferiorly. Methods: In the period of past 5 years we operated eight clival chordomas, five metastases, two dermoid cysts, one neuroendocrine active tumor, one multiple myeloma, and two granulomas, mostly using endoscope. Surgical approach for these lesions was determined on MR, MSCT, and MSCT-angio findings. Endoscopic approach was chosen in cases where the anatomy of nasal septum and sphenoid sinus permitted so. Results: In most operations the visualization of the tumor margins was possible. Tumor recurrence appeared in four cases which were all malignant and were treated by gamma-knife and proton-beam radiotherapy. Postoperative complications included rhinoliquorrhea in three cases solved by external lumbar drainage or sphenoid sinus tamponade. There were two infections successfully treated by antibiotics. Conclusion: Transsphenoidal approach to clival lesions, in transseptal or endoscopic way, is recommended in well selected cases of midline clival pathology without significant lateral extension. It minimizes the morbidity associated with more invasive and aggressive approaches, shortens the hospital stay, allowing at the same time an equal or even better degree of tumor resection compared with other techniques.

Drenaje lumbar externo de líquido cefalorraquídeo en pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de estudios controlados

IntroductionExternal lumbar drainage is a promising measure for the prevention of delayed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related ischemic complications. MethodsControlled studies evaluating the effects of external lumbar drainage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were included. Primary outcomes were: new cerebral infarctions and severe disability. Secondary outcomes were: clinical deterioration due to delayed cerebral ischemia, mortality, and the need of definitive ventricular shunting. Results were presented as pooled relative risks, with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). ResultsA total of 6 controlled studies were included. Pooled relative risks were: new cerebral infarctions, 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32-0.72); severe disability, 0.5 (95% CI: 0.29-0.85); delayed cerebral ischemia-related clinical deterioration, 0.46 (95% CI: 0.34-0.63); mortality, 0.71 (95% CI: 0.24-2.06), and need of definitive ventricular shunting, 0.80 (95% CI: 0.51-1.24). Assessment of heterogeneity only revealed statistically significant indexes for the analysis of severe disability (I2=70% and P=.01). ConclusionExternal lumbar drainage was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the risk of delayed cerebral ischemia-related complications (cerebral infarctions and clinical deterioration), as well as the risk of severe disability; however, it was not translated in a lower mortality. Nevertheless, it is not prudent to provide definitive recommendations at this time because of the qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity among included studies. More randomized controlled trials with more homogeneous outcomes and definitions are needed to clarify its impact in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

External lumbar drain: A pragmatic test for prediction of shunt outcomes in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

Background:The consensus on most reliable supplemental test to predict the shunt responsiveness in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is lacking. The aim of this study is to discuss the utility of external lumbar drain (ELD) in evaluation of shunt responsiveness for iNPH patients.Methods:A retrospective review of 66 patients with iNPH was conducted. All patients underwent 4-day ELD trial. ELD-positive patients were offered ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery. The primary outcome evaluation parameters were gait and mini mental status examination (MMSE) assessment. The family and patient perception of improvement was accounted for in the outcome evaluation.Results:There were 38 male and 28 female with mean age of 74 years (range 45-88 years). ELD trial was positive in 86% (57/66) of patients. No major complications were encountered with the ELD trial. A total of 60 patients (57 ELD-positive, 3 ELD-negative) underwent VPS insertion. The negative ELD trial (P = 0.006) was associated with poor outcomes following shunt insertion. The positive ELD trial predicted shunt responsiveness in 96% patients (P < 0.0001, OR = 96.2, CI = 11.6-795.3). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the ELD trial is reasonably accurate in differentiating shunt responder from non-responder in iNPH patients (area under curve = 0.8 ± 0.14, P = 0.02, CI = 0.52-1.0). The mean follow-up period was 12-months (range 0.3-3 years). The significant overall improvement after VPS was seen in 92% (55/60). The improvement was sustained in 76% of patients at mean 3-year follow-up. The number of comorbid conditions (P = 0.034, OR = 4.15, CI = 1.2-9.04), and a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (P = 0.035, OR = 4.4, CI = 1.9-14.6) were the predictors of poor outcome following shunt surgery.Conclusion:The positive ELD test predicted shunt responsiveness in 96% of patients. With adequate technique, maximal results with minimal complications can be anticipated. The number of comorbidities, history of CVA and negative ELD test were significantly associated with poor shunt outcomes.

Choice for the removal of bloody cerebrospinal fluid in postcoiling aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: external ventricular drainage or lumbar drainage?

External ventricular drainage (EVD) and lumbar drainage (LD) are the most widely used procedures for continued bloody cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Each has his own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we compared complications and clinical outcomes in patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade III aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who underwent coil placement followed by EVD or LD. In this prospective, controlled study, all patients with aSAH classified as WFNS grade III who underwent coil placement at our institution were divided randomly into 2 groups: the EVD group and the LD group. The ratios of intracerebral hemorrhage, vasospasm, infection, duration of catheter placement, hydrocephalus, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) after 2 months of onset were analyzed between the 2 groups. A total of 148 patients (mean age 56.8 years) were enrolled in this study. Seventy-six patients were assigned to the EVD group, and 72 patients were assigned to the LD group. The average time interval from stroke onset to surgery was 35.1 h. Compared with the EVD group, the LD group had a lower incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage, slightly higher rates of infection and hydrocephalus, and similar vasospasm and chronic hydrocephalus rates, durations of catheter placement, and GOS scores at 2 months after onset. In order to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with aSAH, we suggest that LD is better than EVD for patients with WFNS grade III aSAH who underwent coil placement.

A case of multiple myeloma with brain parenchyme involvement.

Multiple myelomas (MM) are characterized by monoclonal proliferation of immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting plasma cells. Central nervous system involvement is a rare complication of MM, and it can present as either an intraparenchymal or a leptomeningeal lesion. A 77-year-old woman was transferred from the dementia clinic in July 2012. She had a large heterogeneous signal mass with central necrosis and with pial involvement in the left frontal lobe with destruction of the frontal bone that was observed on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple punched out radiolucent lesions were also noted on the skull X-ray. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed an IgA-kappa monoclonal gammopathy. External lumbar drainage was helpful for treating the fluid collection underneath the scalp after an orbitozygomatic craniotomy with duroplasty.

Unilateral subfrontal approach to anterior communicating artery aneurysms: A review of 28 patients

Dear Editor, The authors present the named “unilateral subfrontal approach” for anterior communicating aneurysms, analyzed in a small clinical series. The authors present this approach mainly as an alternative to the pterional approach. This approach was previous described as the “superciliar keyhole approach” or the “lateral supraorbital approach” for the treatment not only of vascular disease but also for tumors.[2] The authors present their approach as a “tailored” pterional approach. Nevertheless, there are some aspects that are subject of criticism as the rutinary use of external ventriculostomy or lumbar drainage; these are procedures that carry additional risks: Intraoperative rebleeding, frontal lobe lesion among others. We strongly recommend the microsurgical wide opening of the basal cisterns and the fenestration of the lamina terminalis to obtain CSF drainage and brain relaxation during the surgery, we do not see the silvian fissure opening as an additional source of complications as the authors pointed out. Additionally, these microsurgical simple procedures are implicated in the prevention of the hydrocephalus and vasospasm in the subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to ruptured aneurysms.[1] The four advantages that the authors provided are at least uncertain. In the number 4 we can say that the pterional approach provide a corridor to see up to the contralateral middle cerebral artery bifurcation. Another important issue is that they have a 50% of resection of the gyrus rectus in unruptured and 61% in ruptured aneurysms, so the approach does not avoid this designed resection of the frontal lobe; we only use a small gyrus rectus resection in the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms superiorly projected located between the two A2 segments, especially in the large or giant lesions, in all the other cases we split the interhemispheric cistern, which is possible using the pterional approach. The authors point out that the pterional approach leave a cosmetic defect at the level of the pterion, but in their own series the leave two burr holes in the frontal bone visible in the forehead. Salma et al.[3] recently published a cadaveric anatomical study comparing this two approaches, in their paper they analyzes the qualitative and quantitative anatomic evaluation between this two approaches, showing that this kind of approach can eventually reduce the temporalis muscle trauma, and offers and equivalent access and exposure of the anterior communicating artery complex, optic nerve, optic chiasm, and sellar areas. However, like all the anatomical cadaveric models, they do not consider the role of the cisternal and ventricular opening using these anatomical corridors as the natural pathways to reach the pathology, in this case ACoA aneurysms. We think that in patient's ruptured aneurysms with hematoma or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) of high Fisher grade this approach is not a good choice, because it does not allow a wide opening of the sylvian fissure for cleansing the blood clots and relaxing the brain. Hence, this approach would be useful just for treating the aneurysm, but not to deal with the SAH, without reducing neither the risk of vasospasm nor the hydrocephalus.

Subarachnoid‐pleural fistula in a child: The cause and treatment

Hydrothorax of the cerebrospinal fluid after a subarachnoid-pleural fistula is a rare condition. Subarachnoid-pleural fistula may appear after a trauma at the thoracolumbar vertebral column or iatrogenically after thoracotomy. A two years and four months old boy who was operated because of ganglioneuroblastoma was admitted to hospital due to respiratory distress. The chest roentgenogram obtained two months after thoracotomy, showed a pleural effusion at the left side and a chest tube was inserted. The craniospinal magnetic resonance imagining revealed subarachnoid-pleural fistula and lumbar external cerebrospinal fluid drainage was performed. The chest tube was removed by application of tetracycline between pleural layers. After the patient was discharged, respiratory distress reoccurred after 3 weeks and a chest tube was reinserted due to fluid at the left hemithorax. An external lumbar drainage was reapplied. The location of the fistula was determined by craniospinal magnetic resonance imagining and myelography. The fistula was surgically restored by a posterior approach and laminectomy. The cerebrospinal fluid drainage and chest tube was removed three days and seven days after the operation respectively. The patient was discharged at the 13 days after the operation. During periodical outpatient follow up the patient has no symptoms and is neurologically intact. Subarachnoid-pleural fistulas, usually do not regress spontaneously or respond to conservative methods. Invasive approaches including surgery may be needed to treat patients with subarachnoid-pleural fistulae.

Comparison of lumbar drainage and external ventricular drainage for clearance of subarachnoid clots after Guglielmi detachable coil embolization for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

ObjectiveSubarachnoid clots play an important role in development of delayed vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to compare clearance of subarachnoid clots using external ventricular drainage (EVD) or lumbar drainage (LD) after Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization for aneurysmal SAH. MethodsThe subjects were 51 treated with GDC coil embolization for aneurysmal Fisher group 3 SAH within 72h of ictus. Software-based volumetric quantification of the subarachnoid clots was performed on CT scans and the hemoglobin (Hb) level was measured in CSF drained from each catheter. ResultsClearance of subarachnoid clots was more rapid in patients treated with LD (n=34) compared to those treated with EVD (n=17). The Hb level in CSF was significantly higher in the LD group on Days 4–5 after onset of SAH (P<0.05), but was higher in the EVD group on Days 8–9. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm did not differ between the two groups. The rate of occurrence of a new low density area on CT scans was higher in patients treated with EVD, but not significantly higher than the rate in the LD group. ConclusionGDC embolization followed by lumbar drainage accelerates the reduction of subarachnoid clots, but EVD may contribute to stasis of hemorrhage within subarachnoid spaces.