Subdural Collection Research Articles

3D-Printer-Assisted Patient-Specific Polymethyl Methacrylate Cranioplasty: A Case Series of 16 Consecutive Patients

To develop a novel 3D-printer-assisted method to fabricate patient-specific implants for cranioplasty and to demonstrate its feasibility and its use in 16 consecutive cases. We report on 16 consecutive patients who have undergone cranioplasty surgery for an extensive skull defect after decompressive surgery and in which the bone flap was not available. We present the workflow for the implant production using a 3D-printer-assisted molding technique. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed/evaluated. Eleven out of our 16 patients (68.7%) presented with extensive hemispheric bone defects. Indication for initial craniotomy were traumatic brain injury (4; 25%), acute subdural hematoma (4; 25%), ischemic stroke (3; 18.8%), tumor (3; 18.8%), and ruptured aneurysm (2; 12.5%). Median (range) operation time was 121 (89-206) minutes.Median (range) intraoperative blood loss was 300(100-3300) mL. The mean (range) follow-up period is 6 (0-21) months. Complications occurred in 7 out of our 16 patients (43.8%), in 6 (37.5%) of which a reoperation was required to evacuate an extra-axial hematoma (3; 50%), for shunting of an epidural fluid collection (1; 16.7%), or for skin flap necrosis (1; 16.7%). One patient (16.7%) developed a chronic asymptomatic subdural fluid collection that was stable over the follow-up period. Our workflow to intraoperatively produce patient-specific implants in a timely manner to cover cranial defects proved to be feasible. The results are cosmetically appealing, and postoperative CT scans show well-fitting implants. As implantable printable substrates are already available, we aim to advance and certify 3D-printed patient-specific implants in the near future.

Neurological Deterioration Following Bilateral Burr-Hole Drainage for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a relatively rare but known pathology that results in brain herniation or sagging due to CSF hypovolemia. SIH can commonly be misdiagnosed when occurring with other pathologies including chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Neurological decline caused by SIH is rare, but is often rapid and much more severe. Case description: A 69-year-old man was delivered to the emergency department for loss of consciousness and mild left hemiparesis. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed increased density over basal cisterns suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and CSDH. Cerebral angiography showed dural arteriovenous fistula, but there was no apparent cerebral aneurysm. We first performed trans-arterial embolization using n-butyl cyanoacrylate, followed by bilateral hematoma evacuation. A postoperative CT showed that CSDH was evacuated, but the subdural space was filled with free air. A subsequent CT examination revealed mild re-accumulation of CSDH without significant brain compression. On postoperative day 14 the patient became progressively lethargic, for which he was transferred to the intensive care unit. As gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide cisternography suggested the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, an epidural catheter was inserted in the head- down positioned patient and an epidural infusion of saline was given for 3 days. The patient stabilized and regained consciousness over 2 weeks. The patient became neurologically intact with imaging showing almost complete parenchymal expansion and resolution of subdural fluid collection. Conclusion: This is an instructive case because the patient deteriorated after the surgery for CSDH, but it is also a unique case because the deterioration occurred over 14 days. This report emphasizes the possibility that SIH should be taken into consideration when there is an unknown reason for early CSDH recurrence and neurological deterioration.

Posttraumatic arachnoid cyst rupturę and delayed acute subdural hygroma

Introduction. Subdural hygromas (SDGs) are the accumulation of fluid in the subdural space. Arachnoid cysts (ACs) on the other hand are common cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) containing lesions of the central nervous system, located within the subarachnoid space. They are generally found incidentally on neuroimaging studies and remain asymptomatic throughout the life. Rupture into the subdural space resulting in subdural hygroma (SDG) is relatively rare. Aim. We aimed to show the importance of the radiological follow up in head trauma patients having large ACs. Description of the case. We report a case of a 69-year-old male patient with a known large Galassi type III AC, presented to our hospital with traumatic brain injuries and re-presented with acute posttraumatic SDG in association with AC rupture. Conclusion. This case emphasizes the importance of radiological follow up in head trauma patients having large ACs to reveal and appropriately manage traumatic subdural collections.

345. Early Oral Therapy for Streptococcus anginosus Purulent Brain Infections: A Single Center Experience

BackgroundPediatric Streptococcus anginosus intracranial pyogenic are commonly treated with prolonged intravenous (IV) antibiotics, exposing patients to risks of a long-term central catheter. Antibiotics with high oral bioavailability, such as levofloxacin, may allow early oral transition.MethodsTo characterize patients with S. anginosus intracranial infections transitioned to oral therapy, we performed a retrospective review at Children’s Hospital Colorado from 1/2004 to 2/2019. Inclusion criteria were radiologic evidence of an infected parenchymal, subdural, or epidural fluid collection AND a positive culture for S. anginosus from an intracranial source, specific extracranial sources (sinus, scalp, orbit), or blood. The primary endpoint was oral antibiotic failure defined as worsening infection on oral therapy. Comparisons were done using Fisher’s exact test.Results94 patients met inclusion criteria, 57 of whom were transitioned to oral therapy during treatment. Oral levofloxacin was used in 54 of the 57. 12% of oral transitions occurred in the first 14 days of therapy (range 3–8 days), and 35% in the first 28 days. Patients transitioned in the first 28 days were more likely to have an epidural collection (p:< 0.01), and less likely to have a subdural collection (p: 0.03) or brain abscess (p:< 0.01). Of the 57, none had oral antibiotic failure. Contributing reasons for oral transition included central line complications (18%), IV medication reaction (18%), hematologic abnormality presumed secondary to IV antibiotics (33%), and provider judgement (56%). Two patients required re-introduction of IV therapy for reasons other than clinical failure (one for medication non-adherence and one for adverse reaction to levofloxacin). ConclusionWe observed success and tolerance of levofloxacin-based oral therapy for pediatric pyogenic intracranial S. anginosus brain infections and confirmed the frequent occurrence of adverse events associated with IV treatment. Transition to oral therapy should be considered, particularly if complications of IV therapy arise in treatment of an epidural infection. A subset of patients in our study transitioned within the first 14 days of therapy; prospective studies are needed to characterize the safety of such very early transition.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Delayed subdural fluid collections after Ommaya reservoir placement.

Delayed subdural fluid collections can occur after Ommaya reservoir placement and can cause neurological symptoms and interfere with treatment. We performed a retrospective chart review to study risk factors for delayed subdural fluid collections and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing Ommaya reservoir placement between 2010-2019 at our institution. Out of 53 patients who had Ommaya reservoir placement during the study period, 11 developed delayed subdural fluid collections (21%). HIV infection was the only statistically significant risk factor (P=0.001, Fisher's Exact Test). Thrombocytopenia, ventricle size, use of the reservoir, and suboptimal catheter placement were not associated with development of delayed subdural fluid collections. 2 patients, both HIV positive, required surgical evacuation. Delayed subdural fluid collections occur in a significant minority of patients after Ommaya reservoir placement, and some patients require surgical intervention. HIV infection is associated with a higher risk of development of delayed subdural fluid collections. This patient subpopulation may benefit from closer monitoring or adjustment of management protocols.

Subdural Empyema by Enterobacter cloacae: Case Report

AbstractInfections of the central nervous system are a medical emergency, potentially lethal and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We present the case of a male with risk factors and clinical deterioration, in which the brain computed tomography scan showed a subdural collection following a head injury, which underwent surgical evacuation revealing a subdural empyema. The culture of the subdural collection yielded a positive result to Enterobacter cloacae.

Cranioplasty following ventriculoperitoneal shunting: lessons learned

ObjectiveCranioplasty (CP) is considered as a straightforward and technically unchallenging operation; however, complication rates are high reaching up to 56%. Presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and timing of CP are reported risk factors for complications. Pressure gradients and scarring at the site of the cranial defect seem to be critical in this context. The authors present their experiences and lessons learned.MethodsA consecutive series of all patients who underwent CP at the authors’ institution between 2002 and 2017 were included in this retrospective analysis. Complications were defined as all events that required reoperation. Logistic regression analysis and chi-squared test were conducted to evaluate the complication rates according to suspected risk factors.ResultsA total of 302 patients underwent cranioplasty between 2002 and 2017. The overall complication rate was 17.5%. Complications included epi-/subdural fluid collection (7.3%) including hemorrhage (4.6%) and hygroma (2.6%), bone graft resorption (5.3%), bone graft infection (2.0%), and hydrocephalus (5.7%). Overall, 57 patients (18.9%) had undergone shunt implantation prior to CP. The incidence of epi-/subdural fluid collection was 19.3% in patients with VPS and 4.5% in patients without VPS, OR 5.1 (95% CI 2.1–12.4). Incidence of hygroma was higher in patients who underwent early CP. Patients with temporary shunt ligation for CP did not suffer from complications.ConclusionCP in patients with a VPS remains a high-risk procedure. Any effort to understand the pressure dynamics and to reduce factors that may trigger the formation of a large epidural space must be undertaken.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Complicated by Subdural Effusions Treated by Surgical Relief of Cranial Venous Outflow Obstruction

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension describes the clinical syndrome brought on by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Orthostatic headache is the key symptom, but others include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, as well as cognitive and mood disturbance. In severe cases, the brain slumps inside the cranium and subdural collections develop to replace lost CSF volume. Initial treatment is by bed rest, but when conservative measures fail, attention is focused on finding and plugging the leak, although this can be very difficult and some patients remain bedbound for months or years. Recently, we have proposed an alternative approach in which obstruction to cranial venous outflow would be regarded as the driving force behind a chronic elevation of CSF pressure, which eventually causes dural rupture. Instead of focusing on the site of rupture, therefore, investigation and treatment can be directed at locating and relieving the obstructing venous lesion, allowing intracranial pressure to fall, and the dural defect to heal. The case we describe illustrates this idea. Moreover, since there was a graded clinical response to successive interventions relieving venous obstruction, and eventual complete resolution, it also provides an opportunity to consider particular symptoms in relation to cerebral venous insufficiency in its own right.

Subdural Hematoma Evacuation via Rigid Endoscopy System: A Cadaveric Study.

The utilization of endoscope-assisted surgery is becoming a more common modality for the surgical treatment of subdural collections. Considering the inflexible construction of the rigid endoscope, it's not clear where to perform the optimal craniotomy. Twenty four craniotomies (3 cm diameter) were performed in 8 hemicrania. The craniotomies were placed 1 cm front and behind the coronal suture and to the point where the parietal bone was the most convex. The craniotomies in the anterior (C1) and posterior (C2) of the coronal suture were in the mid pupillary line, while the posterior craniotomy (C3) was just lateral to the midpupillary line. At first, subdural distances measured, and then the distances from the craniotomy to the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral directions in which endoscope could reach the farthest without the damage to the parenchyma were measured. The subdural distance was significantly deeper in C3 than C1 (P = 0.001); however, there was no difference between C3 and C2 (P = 0.312). The distance that could be reached with C3 was higher than C1 in anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial directions (P ≤0.001, 0.037, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The distance that could be reached with C3 was higher than C2 in anterior, posterior, lateral, and medial directions (P < 0.001, 0.02, 0.01 and <0.001, respectively). In subdural hematomas, especially that covers all surface of the hemisphere, the most suitable craniotomy is the posteriorly placed craniotomy to reach the most extended projection in anteroposterior line of the hematoma.

Heterogeneity of acute subdural collections: In search of a unifying feature

Introduction A variety of different acute subdural hematoma patterns of density have been reported in the literature and are commonly seen in clinical practice, including rare hypodense acute subdural hematomas. It is unclear if these acute hypodense collections are entirely hypodense or if on close inspection, they can reveal subtle, tiny hyperdense components. The purpose of this study was to determine if all acute subdural hemtomas contain a hyperdense component, including seemingly entirely hypodense subdural collections. Methods Non-contrast CT scans of 111 patients containing 320 hyperacute or acute subdural collections were analyzed for the presence of a hyperdense component. Hounsfield measurements were recorded. Results All hyperacute and acute subdural hematomas in our study had a hyperdense component. Hyperacute subdural hematomas have a hyperdense component &gt;97.5% of the time (95% confidence), and acute subdural hematomas have a hyperdense component &gt;99% of the time (95% confidence). Conclusion Lack of a hyperdense component in a subdural hematoma makes acute or hyperacute hematoma highly unlikely, and alternative diagnoses should be considered.

Case Report: Cranial Vault Reduction Cranioplasty for Severe Hydrocephalus

Extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly is still encountered in developing countries due to delayed treatment, rapidly progressing hydrocephalus and family socioeconomic problems. Reduction cranioplasty was used with several techniques to address the issue. The study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of barrel-stave technique for reducing the size of extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly. Three post-diversion patients underwent surgical reconstruction. Children with head circumference more or equal to two standard deviation above mean on given age, no active wound at the area of surgery, presentation of sufficient “potential removable fluid” that allows dura reduction and no active shunt infection were eligible. The surgical procedure includes modified pi, barrel-stave technique, and diversion of the cerebrospinal fluid and subdural collection. Clinical data were recorded. Three patients with age range of 2 month to 2 years old underwent the surgery. Two patients had shunt implanted at least 1 month before the surgery and 1 patient had an ETV procedure 3 months before the reduction. The frontal-occipital circumference before surgery ranged from 50 to 63 cm. The maximum reduction that could be achieved was 15 cm. One patient (2 months old) died within 24 hour due to failure to cope with excessive blood loss. Two patients were followed up for 3 months and 6 months without complications. Reduction cranioplasty using barrel-stave techniques is an option for children with extreme large head that poses a mechanical or cosmetic problem. Risk and pitfalls should be considered and taken care meticulously, especially the age and blood loss.

Sturge-Weber syndrome: an update on the relevant issues for neurosurgeons.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous facomatosis characterized by facial and leptomeningeal angioma, glaucoma, seizures, and neurological disability. Therefore, a challenging multidisciplinary interaction is required for its management. The goal of this paper is to review the main aspects of SWS and to present an illustrative pediatric series. The pertinent literature has been analyzed, focused mainly on etiopathogenesis, pathology, clinical features, diagnostic tools, management, and outcome of the disease. Moreover, a series of 11 children operated on for refractory epilepsy between 2005 and 2015 (minimum follow-up 5years, mean follow-up 9.6years) is reported. The series consists of six boys and five girls with 6.5-month and 16.2-month mean age at seizure onset and at surgery, respectively. Seizures affected all children, followed by hemiparesis and psychomotor delay (81%), glaucoma (54%), and other neurological deficits (45%). All children underwent hemispherectomy (anatomical in three cases, functional in two cases, hemispherotomy in six cases); one patient needed a redo hemispherotomy. Mortality was nil; disseminated intravascular coagulation and interstitial pneumonia occurred in one patient each; three children had subdural fluid collection. Eight patients (72%) are in the ILAE Class 1 (completely seizure and aura free), two in Class 2 (only auras, no seizure), and one in Class 3 (1-3 seizure days per year). AEDs discontinuation was possible in 73% of cases. The most important news from the literature concerned the pathogenesis (role of the mutation of the GNAQ gene in the abnormal SWS vasculogenesis), the clinical findings (the features and pathogenesis of the stroke-like episodes are being understood), the diagnostic tools (quantitative MRI and EEG), and both the medical (migraine, seizures) and surgical management (epilepsy). The epileptic outcome of SWS patients is very good (80% are seizure-free), if compared with other hemispheric syndromes. The quality of life is affected by the neurological and cognitive deficits. SWS still is an etiological and clinical challenge. However, the improvements over the time are consistent. In particular, the neurosurgical treatment of refractory epilepsy provides very good results as long as the indication to treatment is correct.

Trephine Craniotomy versus Burr Hole Drainage for Chronic Subdural Hematoma—An Institutional Analysis of 156 Patients

Abstract Introduction Some neurosurgeons believe that doing a trephine craniotomy (TC) decreases the chance of recurrence in chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). But this is not supported by any evidence. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who were operated for cSDH from 2014 to 2019 at our institute was done. Factors causing recurrence were studied. Results A total of 156 patients were operated in the given period, among which 88 underwent TC and 68 patients underwent burr hole drainage (BHD) for evacuation of cSDH. All patients underwent two trephines or two burr holes placed according to the maximum thickness of the hematoma. Rate of recurrence in trephine group was 12.5% and in burr-hole group was 11.76% and was not statistically significant. Significant factors for recurrence included nontraumatic cSDH, anticoagulant use, presence of membranes, preoperative computed tomography (CT) showing iso- or mixed-density subdural collection and SDH volume &gt; 60 mL. There was selection bias for the procedure. Patients with subdural membranes were preferentially taken for TC as the percentage of subdural membrane found intraoperatively was significantly greater in trephine group (51.1%) than burr-hole group (17.6%) (p value &lt; 0.001).When all the patients who showed membranes in CT scan were excluded, there was no statistical difference in the base line characteristics of both the groups. After excluding the patients with membranes in preoperative CT scan, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate between the two groups.In TC group with membranes, 8 out of 45 had recurrence, whereas in burr-hole group with membranes, 8 out of 12 had recurrence. This difference was statistically significant. (p value &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Surgical intervention in both modalities improves patient outcome with an overall recurrence rate of 12.17%. In the absence of any identifiable membranes in preoperative CT scan, BHD is the preferred surgical intervention. We prefer TC as first choice for patients with membranes in CT scan.

HEMORRHAGIC PROGRESSION OF CONTUSION IN PATIENTS WITH MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ON THE ROUTINE REPEAT HEAD COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Computed tomography (CT) scan is a standard for the diagnosis of intracranial pathology after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Hemorrhagic progression of contusion (HPC) is frequently seen on repeat CT, but its clinical and radiological significance in case of mild TBI is not well define. The aim of the study: to evaluate the result of routine repeat head CT in patients with mild TBI and brain contusions. Materials and methods: retrospective analysis of management of patients with mild TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score – 13 to 15) and cerebral contusion. All patients were treated at the Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital between 2016 and 2017. Results: within 202 patients with mild TBI, 87 (43.1 %) met the inclusion criteria and were selected for detailed analysis. There were 69 (79.3 %) men and 18 (20.7 %) women. The mean age of the patients was 43.8±12.7 years (17–82 years). The average time between trauma and CT was 3.3 hours. The average volume of contusion on the initial CT was 1.9±0.6 cm3 (0.2–9.6 cm3). The average time of routine CT was 6.8 hours (range 4–24 hours) after the initial scans. HPC was found in 24 (30.7 %) of 87 cases. The average volume of brain contusion on the repeat CT was 2.3±0.5 cm3 (0.2-17.1 cm3). In 3 (3.4 %) patients the size of the hematoma increased. Clinical deterioration occurred in 10 (11.5 %) patients. Six (6.9 %) patients were operated after a CT scan due to HPC with midline shift in 4 cases and increasing of subdural hematoma – 2 cases. Four of these patients had clinical deterioration, and 2 patients were neurological stable. Patients with HPC at admission had lower points of GCS, fractures of the skull (both p &lt;0.001), subdural blood collection (p=0.002), a higher average duration of treatment 8.1±4.2 vs 14.3±5.2 days (p=0.0001), and mortality rate 0 vs. 3 (12.5 %) (p=0.02). Conclusions: Routine repeat CT in patients with mild TBI with brain contusions is aimed to find a patients with s high risk for clinical deterioration. One third of patients with mild TBI and brain contusion experienced HPC. Patients with HPC often have unfavorable clinical course with higher average duration of treatment, delay surgical treatment and mortality rate.

Relationship between Burr-Hole position and pneumocephalus in patients operated for chronic subdural hematoma

ObjectiveChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical conditions in people aging between 70 and 80 years. The cranial burr-hole (CBH) with surgical cavity irrigation through the burr hole and closed drainage system is the treatment of choice but -post-operative outcome can be influenced by pneumocephalus. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between the anterior-posterior (AP) burr-hole position and the volume of post-operative pneumocephalus. Patients and MethodsWe identified 153 consecutive patients who underwent BHC for CSDH at our institution. Baseline and post-operative data were retrospectively collected from medical records. The linear regression model was used to estimate the association between the volume of post-operative subdural air collection and burr-hole position along with other baseline patients and hematoma variables. ResultsThe AP position of the burr-hole was independently associated with the volume of post-operative pneumocephalus: lower volume of subdural air was observed in patients with more anterior cranial burr-hole. ConclusionsIn patients operated for CSDH, the cranial burr-hole should be performed anteriorly to grant a lesser amount of subdural post-operative air collection.

Pediatric Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Outcome Analysis in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Introduction Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure in pediatric surgical practice. It results in a dramatic improvement in patient survival and neurological function but is associated with several complications requiring multiple shunt revisions throughout a patient’s lifetime. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome especially complications of shunt surgery at our center.&#x0D; MethodsA single-institutional, retrospective observational study was conducted in 60 operated cases of congenital hydrocephalus with a minimum follow-up for up to 6 months. Parameters for analysis included demographic data, etiology of hydrocephalus, surgery time, and type of complications.&#x0D; ResultsOut of 86 patients, 60 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of VP shunt placement was 3 months, range from 8 days to 15 years with male preponderance. The majority of the patients belonged to the 0-1-year age group (76.8%). The commonest etiology of hydrocephalus was congenital aqueduct stenosis. Fifteen patients (25%) developed complications within six months follow-up period. Eight patients (13.3%) developed clinical shunt infection with four cases having culture positive. Four (6.67%) had mechanical complications in the form of shunt obstruction. Three patients had ascites, subdural collection, and shunt extrusion from the anus. The shunt related mortality was 1.67%.&#x0D; ConclusionThe shunt infection and obstruction still remain the most important complications. Despite inherent problems, shunt surgery is the procedure of choice until a safer effective alternative is available.

Pediatric Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: Outcome Analysis in a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Introduction: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure in pediatric surgical practice. It results in a dramatic improvement in patient survival and neurological function but is associated with several complications requiring multiple shunt revisions throughout a patient’s lifetime. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome especially complications of shunt surgery at our center. Methods: A single-institutional, retrospective observational study was conducted in 60 operated cases of congenital hydrocephalus with a minimum follow-up for up to 6 months. Parameters for analysis included demographic data, etiology of hydrocephalus, surgery time, and type of complications. Results: Out of 86 patients, 60 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of VP shunt placement was 3 months, range from 8 days to 15 years with male preponderance. The majority of the patients belonged to the 0-1-year age group (76.8%). The commonest etiology of hydrocephalus was congenital aqueduct stenosis. Fifteen patients (25%) developed complications within six months follow-up period. Eight patients (13.3%) developed clinical shunt infection with four cases having culture positive. Four (6.67%) had mechanical complications in the form of shunt obstruction. Three patients had ascites, subdural collection, and shunt extrusion from the anus. The shunt related mortality was 1.67%. Conclusion: The shunt infection and obstruction still remain the most important complications. Despite inherent problems, shunt surgery is the procedure of choice until a safer effective alternative is available.

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: An Unexpected Complication with Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks after a Fall in a Patient with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 6.

A 65-year-old woman with spinocerebellar ataxia presented with generalized seizures due to subcortical hemorrhaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed obstruction of the superior sagittal sinus. Despite treatment, she became comatose. MRI newly revealed subdural fluid collection and descent of the brainstem. Her history indicated a recent fall, prompting additional studies, which revealed lumbar fracture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. We performed an epidural blood patch, and her consciousness was fully restored in one month. This is the first report of cerebral venous thrombosis with CSF leaks in the lumbar region due to a fall injury.

New tools in percutaneous minimally invasive chronic subdural hematomas evacuation

BackgroundIncidence of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) is expected to progressive rise in the next decades. There is no univocal indication of the approach to be used. Furthermore, there is no data about the efficacy of twist drill craniostomy (TDC) in hematomas with membranes. ObjectiveTo describe our modified technique for TDC in patients affected by cSDH with membranes and in treatment with antiplatelets. MethodsWe analyzed a group of 37 patients, affected by cSDH with membrane (type D laminar membrane and type G trabecular membrane according to Nakaguchi classification), treated with mushroom TDC using a modified technique. ResultsAfter surgery the average maximum thickness of the common postoperative liquoral subdural collection decreased from 18.8 to 6.21 mm. We documented one acute subdural hematoma (2.7%), asymptomatic and not treated, and one recurrence of cSDH (2.7%) after 2 months that needed re-intervention with single burr hole. ConclusionsWe presented a modified twist drill technique, characterized by the introduction of an application of a new device that optimizes both surgical results, clinical outcome and surgical procedure time. The presence of membrane type D and G does not affect the efficacy of drainage, that is negatively related to the presence of clots or acute hematoma. This modified technique is safe, fast, effective and represents a valid first line treatment of an unstable and unpredictable pathology such as cSDH. We suggest performing such technique on a larger patients’ cohort to further validate its effectiveness.

Ruptured intracranial arachnoid cysts in the subdural space: evaluation of subduro-peritoneal shunts in a pediatric population.

Rupture of arachnoid cysts (AC) in the subdural space after trauma may cause a subacute/chronic subdural hematoma or a hygroma. Treatment of this complication still remains controversial, and no consensual strategy is to date clearly proposed. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical and radiological evolution of patients treated by a subduro-peritoneal shunt for symptomatic subdural collections complicating ruptured AC. Medical records of the 10 patients treated at our institution between January 2005 and December 2018 for a subdural collection associated with an intracranial AC were reviewed. Subduro-peritoneal shunts consisted of low-pressure valves from 2005 to 2012 (6 cases) and medium-pressure valves after 2012 (4 cases). A benign head trauma was retrospectively found in the history of 8 patients. The mean time to diagnosis ranged from 15days to 5months. Symptoms resulted mainly from intracranial hypertension. Six patients had an ipsilateral hygroma to the AC, 2 patients had a bilateral hygroma predominantly to the AC side, and 2 patients presented an ipsilateral chronic subdural hematoma. Arachnoid cysts were classified as Galassi I in 5 cases and Galassi II in 5 cases. Patients with chronic subdural hematoma were given a medium-pressure valve. Patients with subdural hygroma received a low-pressure valve in 6 cases and a medium-pressure valve in 2 cases. There were no complications during surgical procedures. All patients were rapidly free of symptoms after surgery and were discharged from hospital 1 to 4days postoperatively. The subdural collection completely disappeared in all cases. In the long term, only 2 patients with low-pressure valves underwent shunt removal without any consequences, while a second surgical procedure was necessary to treat recurrence of intracranial hypertension in the 4 remaining cases. All the medium-pressure valves were removed without problems. The size of the AC was reduced in 3 cases, remained stable in 4 cases, and increased in 3 cases. No patients experienced recurrence of subdural collection during follow-up. Medium-pressure subduro-peritoneal shunts should be considered as part of the arsenal of surgical strategy in symptomatic ruptured AC in the subdural space. The procedure is simple with a very low morbidity, and it allows rapid improvement of symptoms. Although the shunt is located in the subdural space, we strongly recommend avoiding devices which may create an overdrainage and expose the patient to shunt dependency such as low-pressure shunts.