Neurological Status Of Patients Research Articles

The correlation between motor impairment and cerebral blood flow in Sturge–Weber syndrome

Recent studies of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cerebral metabolism in patients with Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) have demonstrated a regional decrease of CBF and metabolism in the affected hemisphere, which may reflect the neurological status of the patients. Therefore, in the present study, we use stable xenon computed tomography (xenon-CT) and/or 99mtechnetium hexamethylprophylene amine oxime ( 99mTcHMPAO) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine whether the degree of cerebral hemodynamic disturbance correlates with the severity of motor impairment in 5 children with Sturge–Weber syndrome. We found that 5 patients had great variation in clinical progression and outcome, but MR imaging investigations all revealed extensive but stable abnormalities. rCBF, assessed by stable xenon-CT and/or 99mTcHMPAO-SPECT, showed perfusion defect in all subjects. However, the xenon-CT disclosed reduction of rCBF and cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with severe motor paralysis. The total CBF and rCBF detected by xenon-CT were improved after clinical status was stabilized. We conclude that the motor function impairment in patients with SWS appeared to better correlate with the degree of rCBF impairment than with the abnormalities in conventional neuroimaging. Therefore, the quantitative CBF study is one of the diagnostic modality of choice in evaluating the neurological status in patients with SWS.

Fracture dislocation of the spine after total hip arthroplasty in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis with early pseudoarthrosis

Background context There are no studies suggesting the management of asymptomatic, early pseudoarthrosis with advanced hip and spine deformities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Literature advocates the correction of the hip deformity first and that of spine later. Purpose To highlight the importance of asymptomatic, early pseaudoarthrosis lesion in a patient of ankylosing spondylitis with advanced hip and spine deformities. Study setting A 25-year-old female patient suffering from ankylosing spondylitis with 70° of flexion deformity at right hip and rounded kyphosis of thoracolumbar spine was admitted for right total hip arthroplasty. Methods Cementless total hip arthroplasty and flexor tendon release were performed on right hip under general anesthesia and patient was nursed in supine position postoperatively. Results The patient developed cauda equina syndrome and loss of sensation below twelfth thoracic segment on the second postoperative day. Radiological evaluation showed a fracture dislocation of the second and third lumbar vertebrae. Retrospective re-examination of preoperative radiographs showed small erosion of the anteroinferior margin of the second lumbar vertebra. Patient's neurological status did not improve after decompression and posterior stabilization of fractured spine. Conclusion Careful evaluation of the spine in patients with spondyloarthropathy with advanced hip and spine deformities should be done. Any lesion that can potentially destabilize the spine should be treated first before correcting hip deformity.

Wake-Up Test After Carotid Endarterectomy for Combined Carotid–Coronary Artery Surgery: A Case Series

In combined carotid-coronary artery surgery, it is important to determine patients' neurologic status after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). An initial stroke could be exacerbated by cardiopulmonary bypass required for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Various monitoring methods (eg, electroencephalogram) have been used to reduce neurologic deficits during CEA under general anesthesia. However, none of the methods of determining neurologic status of patients are ideal during the time between the end of CEA and the beginning of CABG surgery. In this study, patient's neurologic status was assessed after CEA with a wake-up test to identify stroke before CABG surgery. A prospective nonrandomized case series. Single institution, university hospital. Forty-four patients with carotid artery stenosis and coronary artery disease underwent combined carotid-coronary artery surgery. After CEA, propofol and remifentanil anesthesia was discontinued, the wake-up test was performed, and then anesthesia was reinstituted for CABG surgery. A total of 48 wake-up tests were performed in 43 patients. Two wake-up tests were performed in each of the 5 patients who underwent bilateral CEA. Postoperative stroke were seen in 2 patients. In the first patient, despite a normal wake-up test, the stroke occurred in the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the CEA, and the patient recovered within 12 days. In the second patient, there was a positive wake-up test after CEA, and he recovered within 3 days. One patient died postoperatively because of ventricular failure. Although this is a case series, the authors believe that performing a neurologic examination using a wake-up test may make a contribution and increases the safety of combined surgical procedures in patients with coronary and carotid artery disease.

Peripheral neuropathy associated with leflunomide: is there a risk patient profile?

(i) To monitor the potential clinical neurotoxic symptoms in patients treated with leflunomide in daily practice and (ii) to describe the characteristics of patients presenting with this peripheral nervous system symptoms. All patients treated with leflunomide between May 2000 and April 2003 and followed in the rheumatology department of the University Hospital participated in the study. Data concerning treatment patterns with leflunomide, demographic and disease characteristics were obtained from clinical charts. Neuropathy was diagnosed with nerve conduction study (NCS). Cases of neuropathy were described and then compared to other patients using univariate analyses. One hundred and thirteen patients were included in the study. M/F sex ratio was 0.45. Mean age at start of treatment was 55.6 years (range = 27-81). During the study period, eight incident cases of peripheral neuropathy and two cases of worsening of preexisting neuropathy were reported (incidence: 9.8%). Compared with other patients, neuropathy cases were older (69 vs. 54 years, p = 0.0006), more often diabetic (30% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.009) and more often treated with potentially neurotoxic drugs (20% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.039). At least one risk factor (potentially neurotoxic drug or diabetes) was found in 50% of patients with neuropathy versus 4% of patients without neuropathy (56% PPV, 96% NPV). Cases of toxic neuropathy have been observed during treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with leflunomide. Their occurrence seems to be associated with known risk factors. Careful monitoring of the patient's neurological status during leflunomide treatment is therefore mandatory.

Epidural venous engorgement resulting in progressive cervical myelopathy from shunt-related intracranial hypotension

The authors report an unusual case of engorged epidural veins causing progressive cervical myelopathy after long-term cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt therapy and intracranial hypotension. An 18-year-old woman, who had previously undergone shunt placement with a distal slit valve for a porencephalic cyst when 2 years of age, presented with progressive spastic quadriparesis, numbness, and gait difficulty. Postural headaches were absent and a lumbar puncture revealed low CSF pressure. Neuroimaging disclosed markedly engorged anterior epidural veins causing compression of the cervical spinal cord. The slit-valve shunt system was surgically removed and an external drain was placed. The patient's CSF pressure was gradually raised to clinically tolerable levels. Once the optimal pressure was identified, a programmable shunt was placed with the valve set at the same level. The patient's neurological status improved, and the epidural veins had returned to their normal size on follow-up imaging. The authors describe the unique treatment strategy used in this patient and review the literature on epidural venous engorgement as it relates to intracranial hypotension.

Spinal intradural extramedullary cavernous angioma: case report and review of the literature

Case report and review of the literature. To report an unusual case of a spinal intradural extramedullary cavernous angioma (CA), located at the cauda equina, and to compare it with the previously published 22 surgically treated cases in the literature. Ankara, Turkey. A 67-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of back pain and sciatica and a 4-week history of progressive lower extremity paresthesia, difficulty walking, and loss of bladder and bowel sphincter control. Neurological examination revealed bilateral hypoesthesia below the T12 dermatome with spastic paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cauda equina revealed a heterogeneous enhancing intradural extramedullary mass obliterating the spinal canal and expanding the spinal cord. T12 laminectomy and total tumor removal were performed without additional neurological deficit. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a CA. The patient's neurological status improved during postoperative recovery. He was ambulatory without assistance and regained full sphincter control on the eighth postoperative week. CAs of the spinal cord are extremely rare lesions. Typically, they present with low back pain and sciatica, neurological deficits, or as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. These lesions have characteristic features on MRI and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intradural spinal lesions. Following a thorough literature review of reported cases, the authors propose that for patients presenting with severe preoperative neurological signs, immediate microsurgical tumor excision or decompression increases the chance of neurological improvement.

Coexistence of spinal intramedullary teratoma and diastematomyelia in an adult

A case report of intramedullary spinal cord teratoma with remote diastematomyelia in a female adult. To present a rare case of a dysembryogenic spinal tumor with concurrent split cord malformation and to define the importance of early surgical removal of the tumor. A department of neurosurgery in Greece. A 44-year old woman, presented with progressive lower limb muscle weakness, gait disturbances and dysesthesias in the trunk and lower extremity. She underwent plain radiographs, CT and MRI scan, which revealed an exophytic intramedullary spinal cord tumor at the level of T8-T10 and distant diastematomyelia in the upper lumbar spine (L2-L3). She underwent surgical intervention. The tumor was subtotally removed. No attempt was made to treat diastematomyelia. Postoperatively, the patient's neurological status started to improve gradually. After 1 year she exhibited better strength in the lower limb muscles and improved sensation. The histological examination demonstrated mature spinal teratoma consisting of ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal elements. In adult patients with intramedullary masses of possible dysembryogenic origin, the whole spine must be examined for additional dysraphic lesions. The choice and the timing of a surgical intervention are strongly dependent on the clinical picture.

Clinical characteristics and results of surgical treatment of petroclival meningioma

The size of meningioma and its relation with neurovascular structures in petroclival region stipulate the degree of surgical radicalism and determine an operation risk. In spite of progress of surgical technology, the rate of surgical morbidity in view of cranial nerves deficit is 30%-50%. The objective of our study was to present the results of treatment of patients with petroclival meningiomas and to point to correlation of preoperative radiological findings and intraoperative results as well as neurological status of patients before and after surgical treatment. Retrospective analysis of 35 operated petroclival meningiomas at the Institute of Neurosurgery, CCS, in the period from 1995 to 2004 was presented. The following parameters were analyzed: size of tumor, relation with bone and neurovascular structures, preoperative condition, degree of surgical radicalism and postoperative outcome. The size of tumor was classified in four groups. There were 20 tumors at the right, and 15 at the left side. At the time of diagnostic procedures (based on CT and MRI), 20 tumors were in contact with brainstem, 9 compressed the brainstem, and 6 obstructed the IV ventricle. Preoperative patient condition was evaluated by Karnofsky index. Mean value for group I was 90, II - 80, III - 70 and IV - 50. In 9 cases, liquor drainage was performed preoperatively. In 3 cases, external liquor drainage was carried out postoperatively, and in one case it was replaced by permanent liquor drainage. Radical operation was performed in 44%, and significant reduction was done in other cases. In the postoperative period, 11% patients died, 28% had cranial nerves deficit, and pyramid deficit was recorded in 14% of the patients. The tumor size (III-IV) and brainstem compression were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) as predisposed factors of deficit prolongation. Petroclival meningoma surgery is required upon precise preoperative analysis. Radicalism of operation is reserved for small and medium tumors, younger patients, and patients in good preoperative condition

Postoperative Confusion and Basilar Artery Stroke

Non-focal postoperative mental status changes can be challenging. Single patient case report and medical literature review. We describe a 67-year-old male who was admitted for radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. General anesthesia was uneventful and the patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure. At the end of the procedure, the patient's trachea was extubated. Initially, he was arousable, able to move all extremities, and answer questions appropriately. Over the next 2 hours, his mental status waxed and waned and respirations became irregular. An emergent head computed tomogram without contrast revealed a hyperdense basilar artery consistent with acute thrombosis. Vascular radiology intervention occurred approximately 9 hours after the onset of symptoms, but there was no improvement in the patient's neurological status and he subsequently died. Although nonfocal postoperative mental status changes are common and often secondary to benign etiologies, they may herald more significant pathology, including stroke. Patients with postoperative mental status changes should be evaluated carefully to identify life-threatening and treatable etiologies. Recent advances in the acute care of stroke, such as thrombolysis and angioplasty, can improve outcome if instituted promptly.

Hepatic Infantile Hemangioendothelioma with Unusual Manifestations

Hepatic Infantile Hemangioendothelioma with Unusual Manifestations

Multiple and Simultaneous Spine Fractures in Ankylosing Spondylitis

A case report. To report the unique occurrence and treatment of multiple and simultaneous spine fractures in a patient with progressed ankylosing spondylitis and preexisting multilevel spine instrumentation. Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex inflammatory arthritic condition that renders the spine more susceptible to fracture than individuals who do not have ankylosing spondylitis. To our knowledge, in the patient with ankylosing spondylitis, the occurrence of nonregion-specific multiple and simultaneous spine fractures, and the role of internal instrumentation in subsequent fracture development have not been addressed in the literature. An 81-year-old white male with ankylosing spondylitis had 2 low-energy falls, resulting in 3 spine fractures. During the first fall, he had a displaced fracture at the T11-T12 level without a spinal cord injury. Fracture treatment entailed posterior instrumentation with fusion at T8-L2 and immobilization after surgery with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace, which led to successful healing of the injury. Approximately 2 years later, the patient had a second fall, and presented with simultaneous displaced fractures at the C6-C7 and L2-L3 levels, and an American Spinal Injury Association-A spinal cord injury. The cervical and lumbar fractures were both treated operatively via a 2-staged approach with posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion at C3-T3 and at L2-L5, respectively. A soft cervical collar and a thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace were worn after surgery. There were no intraoperative complications. Although anatomic reduction and stable fixation of the spinal injuries were achieved, the patient's neurologic status following the second injury remained unchanged. His postoperative course was complicated by pulmonary failure that ultimately resulted in death by the 3-month postoperative time. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a strong susceptibility to spine fracture from minor trauma, which can have devastating outcomes. Nonregion-specific multiple and simultaneous spine fractures can occur, and require thorough radiographic evaluation with imaging of the entire spinal axis, appropriate operative planning, and meticulous perioperative treatment. Preexisting internal spine instrumentation may predispose the ankylosing spondylitis spine to multiple fractures, even following a minor traumatic event. As such, the clinician should be cognizant of the possible existence of multiple and simultaneous fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis with preexisting internal spine instrumentation.

High-Flow Traumatic arotico-Jugular Fistula Manifesting as Venous Hypertensive Encephalopathy

We report the clinical and angiographic findings in a patient who presented with venous hypertensive encephalopathy secondary to a traumatic carotico-jugular fistula. Endovascular entrapment of the fistula by occluding the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein at the base of the skull resulted in near total improvement of the patient's neurological status.

Radiation-induced Spinal Cord Glioma Subsequent to Treatment of Hodgkin’s Disease: Case Report and Review

Radiation-induced neoplasms of the central nervous system generally present as meningioma or sarcoma. Spinal cord glioma after radiation therapy is rare and half of the cases documented occurred after treatment of Hodgkin's disease.A 39-year-old male presented with a 1-month history of gradually worsening neck ache and paraparesis. The patient had been treated for stage IB Hodgkin's disease 9 years previously with combined therapy: MOPP-ABV and a 40-Gray mediastinal radiotherapy from T1 to T10. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed an intramedullary lesion from C6 to T2 and histopathological examination from biopsy demonstrated a malignant glioma. Despite chemotherapy and additional radiotherapy, the patient's neurological status worsened and he died 11 months after initial presentation. We suggest a strategy aimed solely at obtaining a tissue diagnosis to differentiate myelitis from tumor, and, in the event of tumor, confirming the strong likelihood of a high histopathological grade. The very limited survival associated with these tumors regardless of therapy advocates palliative therapies without attempting complete resection.

Primary Extradural Epithelioid Leiomyosarcoma of the Cervical Spine: Case Report and Literature Review

No case of primary epithelioid leiomyosarcoma involving the spine has been reported previously. A 61-year-old Nigerian woman presented with progressive spastic quadriparesis and acute urinary retention. Her only medical history included a total abdominal hysterectomy for fibroids 10 years earlier in Nigeria. Results of the general examination were normal. Pyramidal spastic quadriparesis (3/5) with a sensory level at C5-C6 was found neurologically. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain and spine revealed extradural cord compression at C3-C5 as the sole abnormality. This was caused by a large, soft tissue mass arising from the erector spinae muscles, which was predominantly isointense on T1-weighted images, of mixed intensity on T2-weighted images, and homogenously enhanced after gadolinium contrast agent administration. There was an associated signal change in the cord at C3-C4. Computed tomography confirmed the predominantly soft tissue involvement, but with bone erosion and infiltration within the posterior elements of C4. Systemic screening for cancer was negative. At decompressive laminectomy, urgently undertaken under corticosteroid cover, an excessively vascularized, soft tissue tumor was subtotally excised, after which independent walking and normal sphincter function were regained within 1 week. Four weeks later, a complete macroscopic tumor excision was undertaken, incorporating lateral mass (C3-C6) and C2 pedicle screw stabilization, along with iliac crest bone grafting. The patient's neurological status continued to improve. However, while awaiting radical radiotherapy, the patient declined further treatment and returned to her native Nigeria. Histopathological findings were consistent with an epithelioid leiomyosarcoma. This is the first reported case of a primary craniospinal epithelioid leiomyosarcoma.

Mechanical Embolus Removal. A New Day Dawning

Mechanical Embolus Removal. A New Day Dawning

The Glasgow Coma Scale and other neurological observations

The primary tool used by nurses to assess a patient's neurological status is the neurological observation chart incorporating the Glasgow Coma Scale. This article explains the correct use of the chart and how to interpret the findings.

Multilevel vertebral hemangiomas: two episodes of spinal cord compression at separate levels 10 years apart

This case report presents a 66-year-old woman with multiple vertebral hemangiomas causing spinal cord compression at different levels with a long symptom-free interval between episodes of compression. She presented with back pain and progressive weakness and numbness in her lower limbs for 3 months. Ten years earlier, she had had a symptomatic T4 vertebral hemangioma operated successfully, and had made a full recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic and lumbar spine revealed multiple thoracic and lumbar vertebral hemangiomas. Extraosseous extension of a hemangioma at T9 was causing spinal cord compression. Selective embolization was performed preoperatively, and cord decompression was achieved via anterior T9 corpectomy. The patient's neurological status improved rapidly after surgery. After a course of radiotherapy, she was neurologically intact and could walk independently. One year later, MRI showed complete resolution of the cord edema at T9, and showed regression of the high signal intensity that had been observed at unoperated levels. These findings indicated diminished vascularity and reduced aggression of the tumor.

Epidermoid cyst of the sphenoid sinus with extension into the sella turcica presenting as pituitary apoplexy: case report

Background Epidermoids of the central nervous system are rare tumors. They are usually found in the fourth decade of life and most commonly off midline in the cerebellopontine angle. We report here a rare case of an epidermoid arising from the sphenoid sinus with extension into the sella and adjacent structures with acute onset of neurological deficit. The significance of the clinical presentation resembling pituitary apoplexy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings is noted. Case Description A 25-year-old man presented with acute severe headache, diplopia, and decreased visual acuity. Examination revealed right-sided ptosis and paresis of the third cranial nerve on the right side. Computed tomography and MRI were suggestive of a slow-growing sphenoid sinus mass with extension into the sella. The sublabial transsphenoidal approach was used to remove the mass under direct visualization. The patient's neurological status improved to baseline both subjectively and objectively after the operation. Conclusion Epidermoids, although rare, should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis when evaluating lesions of sphenoid sinus or sellar origin.

Rebleeding from a primary brain tumor manifesting as intracerebral hemorrhage (CNN 04/077, revised version)

Symptomatic spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage is a rare event in a patient with a brain tumor (BT). Although the treatment of choice in such a case is surgical removal of both the tumor and the hemorrhage, the optimal timing for surgical intervention has not been clearly established, particularly in those who present with minimal neurological deficits and a small hemorrhage volume. Two cases of primary BTs manifesting as an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are described, in which rebleeding from the tumor occurred shortly after the initial hemorrhage. The patients each presented with the sudden onset of a headache and minimal neurological deficits, and the neuroradiological workup was consistent with a diagnosis of hemorrhagic BT. Each patient remained neurologically stable, and elective surgery had been planned within 7 days of their admission, but rebleeding occurred 5 and 6 days, respectively, after admission. A BT manifesting as an ICH may rebleed shortly after the initial bleeding, and should be treated on an emergency basis instead of an elective basis regardless of the patient's neurological status on admission or hematoma volume on the initial CT scans.

Cranioplastie par lambeau libre ostéomusculaire temporo-pariétal

Advances in composite materials for craniofacial reconstruction surgery has tended to limit indications for osteomuscular free flaps which nevertheless must be used for certain septic patients. The purpose of this report was to illustrate the usefulness of the free temoroparietal osteomuscular flap in this particular situation. A 47-year-old man underwent surgical repair of an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery complicated by acute hydrocephaly treated by external then ventriculoperitoneal bypass. The fronto-pteryonal approach was used. The early postoperative period was complicated by osteitis of the cranial piece requiring revision. The revision procedure, performed at the end of the septic period, involved cranioplasty with acrylic cement. Recurrent infection contraindicated any new attempt for prosthetic repair. The patient was treated with a controlateral free temporoparietal osteomuscular flap to achieve cranioplasty. The postoperative period was uneventful with no infection and satisfactory healing. Flap vitality was very satisfactory. The patient's neurological status improved and no further complication developed. In certain therapeutic situations, several diffent techniques may be required to overcome postoperative complications or manage particularly difficult cases. A free osteomuscular flap can be a useful alternative for cranioplasty. This technique is rarely used but can offer an optimal solution in selected patients, particularly for second intention revision after failure of prosthetic repair.