Subdural Fluid Research Articles

Intraoperative point-of-care assessment of an inflammatory biomarker in chronic subdural hematomas: Technical note

ObjectiveInflammatory processes have been associated with the development and recurrence of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Elevated levels of presepsin, a truncated N-terminal fragment of soluble CD14, occur in various inflammatory conditions of bacterial and non-bacterial origin. Here we report on our initial experiences with the intraoperative point-of-care (POC) assessment of presepsin in patients treated for cSDH. Patients and methodsThe POC analyser Pathfast® was used in 21 patients treated for cSDH at our institution. Prior to surgery, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells (WBC) were assessed. After burr hole trephination and dura incision, samples of subdural fluid and whole blood were collected and immediately assessed with the POC analyser. Values of presepin were compared between samples of the subdural compartment and whole blood. ResultsPresepsin levels were assessed within 13 min in all patients and no technical difficulties occurred. Compared to the reported normal range values of presepsin (55–184 pg/mL), mean levels of presepsin in samples of the subdural compartiment was increased more than 5-fold (821 ± 110.1 pg/mL). Furthermore, mean presepsin values in samples of the subdural compartiment were significantly higher than in samples of whole blood (154.8 ± 19.2 pg/mL; p < 0.0001). ConclusionPOC assessment of the inflammatory biomarker presepsin is feasible within minutes during surgical treatment of cSDH. Corresponding to previous studies, presepsin levels were highly elevated in the subdural fluid, indicating processes of inflammation. Whether results of intraoperative POC assessment of inflammatory biomarkers is associated with outcome parameters in patients treated for cSDH has to be addressed in further studies. In our view, there is a role for this promising technique in improving future treatment strategies in respective patients.

Endoscopic management of intraventricular shunt-related cystic compartment in paediatric patients

Background. Intraventricular uniloculated compartments are relatively seen frequently in children previously treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunts for hydrocephalus. These compartments may present before shunt insertion and even as an end result to the shunt gliosis. Although the availability of different surgical modalities for the management of such loculations but till now there is no consensus about a single therapeutic approach for its management. Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the role of neuroendoscopy in management of uniloculated compartments, in pediatric cases who underwent shunting for hydrocephalus, to avoid multiple shunt insertion and even to eliminate the need for the preexisting shunt system.Patients and Methods. We retrospectively studied 44 consecutive previously shunted patients with isolated intraventricular compartment who underwent 58 endoscopic procedures by a single surgeon during the period between February 2015 and February 2018. These procedures included endoscopic cyst fenestration, intraventricular septum pellucidotomy, foraminoplasty and additionally third ventriculostomy in some cases was added to the previous procedures. Multiloculated hydrocephalus and cysts related to the tumours were excluded. Clinical, radiological and surgical data were assessed.Results. The most common cause of a single loculation in those patients was neuroepithelial cyst (20 cases) followed by post shunt isolated compartment (12 cases), meningitis (8 cases) and four cases of intraventricular haemorrhage. The patient's age varied from two months up to seven years (mean = 3.2 years). The follow-up period was ranged from (2-49 months) with the mean of 12.3 months. The overall success of restoration of communication between the uniloculated compartment and the ventricular system was achieved in 36 patients (81.8%), with 28 (63.6%) patient needed only one shunt and eight (18.2%) patients became independent of their previous shunts. Fourteen repeated endoscopic procedures were considered necessary in ten patients for either reopening of a closed stoma and/or shunt revision and finally, eight patient (18%) required additional shunt insertion during follow up period. The complications encountered were minor and reversible (CSF leak in two cases, infection in two cases, subdural fluid collection in four cases) with no mortality.Conclusion. Minimal invasive endoscopic technique is a useful operative alternative to control uniloculated compartments in patients with previous ventriculoperitoneal shunts. It does not only simplify the existing shunt system by restoration of the communication between the loculated compartment and the draining shunt but it may eliminate the need for external shunt in some cases as well.

S-100β in chronic subdural haematoma: Prospective cohort study

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is invariably classified as ‘neurotrauma’. However, whilst a history of trauma/fall is frequent, it is usually distant, mild or even absent. Serum S-100β > 1.38 μg/L is associated with a 100% specificity for mortality/poor outcome acutely after moderate-severe neurotrauma. Serum S-100β > 0.10 μg/L is used to screen mild neurotrauma cases for emergent neuro-imaging. Serum S-100 in controls is 0.057 μg/L. S-100β in serum or CSDH fluid (CSDHf) has not been studied. No normal ‘subdural fluid’ exists to compare CSDHf. We measured serum and CSDHf S-100β at surgical drainage in a novel prospective single-centre cohort. Of n = 86/86 (100%, M65, age 73 ± 13yrs), n = 66 (76%) reported mild trauma/fall 31 ± 23 days previously. N = 54 (63%) presented with good clinical Markwalder Grade (MG: 0–1). Paired serum and CSDHf S-100β samples were obtained in n = 45. CSDHf S-100β (n = 80) was elevated (0.9 ± 0.6 μg/L), was significantly higher than serum S-100β (n = 51) (0.33 ± 0.05 μg/L, P = 0.002), and was significantly correlated with midline-shift (r = 0.43, P = 0.005) and CSDH volume (r = 0.225, P = 0.046). CSDHf S-100β was not significantly associated with any demographic factor, co-morbidity or outcome measure. ConclusionsDespite expectations, S-100β was elevated in serum CSDH, but was significantly higher in CSDHf. Indeed, CSDHf S-100β approached serum levels associated with a poor prognosis after acute-neurotrauma. However, CSDHf S-100β did not represent a biomarker for trauma nor functional outcome. Whilst the non-traumatic source for on-going S-100β release could not be determined, prolonged compression of an atrophic brain, subsequent CSF leakage, or ‘subdural-space’ meningeal disruption/proliferation, represent theoretical possibilities. Elevated S-100β may therefore not be specific for mild-moderate-severe acute neurotrauma. Alternative non-traumatic intra-cranial mechanisms evidently also exist.

Clinical Features of Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Complicated With Bilateral Subdural Fluid Collections.

Subdural hygromas are often found bilaterally in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). They frequently progress to chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs), and if the hematomas are formed, it is difficult to consider SIH as an underlying cause. Whether SIH is underlying or not among the patients presenting bilateral subdural fluid collections (hygromas or CSDHs) is clinically important because the treatment strategy should be different between them. We designed a retrospective case-control study to figure out differential clinical features of the patients presenting bilateral symptomatic subdural fluid collections owing to SIH. Sixty-two patients with bilateral symptomatic subdural fluid collections were enrolled, and their data on general demographics, clinical courses, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes were collected. The patients were divided into "SIH" and "Non-SIH" groups, and a simple logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the differences between the groups. The consequent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were performed with the significant predictors. Eight patients (13%) were diagnosed with SIH. Young age (odds ratio [OR]=0.831, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.743-0.929, P=.0012), no underlying disease (OR=0.062, 95% CI: 0.007-0.544, P=.0121), radiological features of brain sagging (OR=10.36, 95% CI: 0.912-93.411, P=.0017), pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR=15.6, 95% CI: 2.088-116.52, P=.0074), and small amount of fluid collections (OR=0.719, 95% CI: 0.579-0.893, P=.0029) were significantly associated with SIH group. ROC curve analyses were performed in parameters of age and amount of fluid collection and the cut-off values for each parameter were ≤55 years old and ≤22.08 mm, respectively. Patients diagnosed with SIH underwent epidural blood patches and showed good results, except 1 patient who underwent burr-hole trephinations. Bilateral subdural fluid collections due to underlyingSIH isassociated with young age (≤55 years old), no underlying diseases, smaller amount of fluid collections (≤22.08 mm of depth), and radiologicalfindings of brain sagging or pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhages.

Minicraniotomy with a subgaleal pocket for the treatment of subdural fluid collections in infants.

Various surgical techniques have been described to treat subdural fluid collections in infants, including transfontanelle aspiration, burr holes, subdural drain, subduroperitoneal shunt, and minicraniotomy. The purpose of this study was to describe a modification of the minicraniotomy technique that avoids the implantation of external drainage catheters and potentially carries a higher success rate. In this retrospective study, the authors describe 11 cases involving pediatric patients who underwent parietal minicraniotomies for the evacuation of subdural fluid collections. In contrast to cases previously described in the literature, no patient received a drain; instead, a subgaleal pocket was created such that the fluid could flow from the subdural to the subgaleal space. Preoperative and postoperative data were reviewed, including neurological examination findings, radiological findings, complications, hospital length of stay, and findings on follow-up examinations and imaging. The primary outcome was failure of the treatment strategy, defined as an increase in subdural fluid collection requiring further intervention. Eleven patients (8 boys and 3 girls, median age 4.5 months) underwent the described procedure. Eight of the patients had complete resolution of the subdural collection on follow-up imaging, and 2 had improvement. One patient had a new subdural collection due to a second injury. Only 1 patient underwent aspiration and subsequent surgical repair of a pseudomeningocele after the initial surgery. Notably, no patients required subduroperitoneal shunt placement. The authors describe a new surgical option for subdural fluid collections in infants that allows for more aggressive evacuation of the subdural fluid and eliminates the need for a drain or shunt placement. Further work with more patients and direct comparison to other alternative therapies is necessary to fully evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Assessing Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension With a Scoring System Based on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Various signs may be observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). However, the lack of a classification system integrating these findings limits decision making in clinical practice. To develop a probability score based on the most relevant brain MRI findings to assess the likelihood of an underlying spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients with SIH. This case-control study in consecutive patients investigated for SIH was conducted at a single hospital department from February 2013 to October 2017. Patients with missing brain MRI data were excluded. Three blinded readers retrospectively reviewed the brain MRI scans of patients with SIH and a spinal CSF leak, patients with orthostatic headache without a CSF leak, and healthy control participants, evaluating 9 quantitative and 7 qualitative signs. A predictive diagnostic score based on multivariable backward logistic regression analysis was then derived. Its performance was validated internally in a prospective cohort of patients who had clinical suspicion for SIH. Likelihood of a spinal CSF leak based on the proposed diagnostic score. A total of 152 participants (101 female [66.4%]; mean [SD] age, 46.1 [14.3] years) were studied. These included 56 with SIH and a spinal CSF leak, 16 with orthostatic headache without a CSF leak, 60 control participants, and 20 patients in the validation cohort. Six imaging findings were included in the final scoring system. Three were weighted as major (2 points each): pachymeningeal enhancement, engorgement of venous sinus, and effacement of the suprasellar cistern of 4.0 mm or less. Three were considered minor (1 point each): subdural fluid collection, effacement of the prepontine cistern of 5.0 mm or less, and mamillopontine distance of 6.5 mm or less. Patients were classified into groups at low, intermediate, or high probability of having a spinal CSF leak, with total scores of 2 points or fewer, 3 to 4 points, and 5 points or more, respectively, on a scale of 9 points. The discriminatory ability of the proposed score could be demonstrated in the validation cohort. This 3-tier predictive scoring system is based on the 6 most relevant brain MRI findings and allows assessment of the likelihood (low, intermediate, or high) of a positive spinal imaging result in patients with SIH. It may be useful in identifying patients with SIH who are leak positive and in whom further invasive myelographic examinations are warranted before considering targeted therapy.

A clinical analysis on 40 cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome

Objective: To investigate clinical and imaging features of 40 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH).Methods: 40 cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) diagnosed in our hospital from June 2013 to September 2017 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results: In our study, the male to female ratio was 2:3. The average age of onset was 43.0 ± 15.0 years. There were 12 (30.0%) patients with clear incentives, mostly catching cold. The average length of hospital stay was 11.2 ± 6.3 days. All the patients showed orthostatic headaches, 62.5% patients with nausea or vomiting, 40.0% patients with neck stiffness, 17.5% patients with dizziness and vertigo, 10.0% patients with numbness and weakness of limbs, 5% patients with neck discomfort, and 2.5% patients with visual symptoms (visual impairment, photophobia, diplopia). 24 patients underwent CT scans which showed no abnormalities in 20 cases (83.3%), subdural fluid accumulation in 3 cases (12.5%), and subdural haematoma in 1 case (2.5%). Cranial contrast-enhanced MR scans showed diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement (95.83%, 23/24), signs of pituitary hyperaemia in 5 cases (20.8%), subdural fluid accumulation and subdural hematoma in 4 cases (16.7%), sagging of the brain in 3 cases (12.5%), and engorgement of venous structures in 1 case (4.1%). Six patients underwent plain and contrast-enhanced spinal MR scans which showed varying degrees of dural thickening and enhanced performance in all the patients. 92.5% (37/40) of patients had cerebrospinal fluid pressure <60 mmH2O on lumbar puncture. 97.5% of patients underwent conservative treatment with drugs and had a good outcome.Conclusion: Orthostatic headache and cranial MRI diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement are characteristic features of SIH. Cranial contrast-enhanced MR scan is recognized as the first and non-invasive investigation in the diagnosis of SIH. Most patients had cerebrospinal fluid pressure <60 mmH2O. The vast majority of patients improved with fluid replacement.

Transient isolated unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy following accidental dural puncture after bilateral total knee replacement.

Transient isolated unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy following accidental dural puncture after bilateral total knee replacement.

Outcomes and complications of different surgical treatments for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Different CSF diversion procedures (ventriculoperitoneal, ventriculoatrial, and lumboperitoneal shunting) have been utilized for the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. More recently, endoscopic third ventriculostomy has been suggested as a reasonable alternative in some studies. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess overall rates of favorable outcomes and adverse events for each of these treatments. An additional objective was to determine the outcomes and complication rates in relation to the type of valve utilized (fixed vs programmable). Multiple databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus) were searched for studies involving patients with idiopathic ventriculomegaly, no secondary cause of hydrocephalus, opening pressure < 25 mm Hg on high-volume tap or drainage trial, and age > 60 years. Outcomes included the proportion of patients who showed improvement in gait, cognition, and bladder function. Adverse events considered in the analysis included postoperative ischemic/hemorrhagic complications, subdural fluid collections, seizures, need for revision surgery, and infection. A total of 33 studies, encompassing 2461 patients, were identified. More than 75% of patients experienced improvement after shunting, without significant differences among the different techniques utilized. Overall, gait improvement was observed in 75% of patients, cognitive function improvement in more than 60%, and improvement of incontinence in 55%. Adjustable valves were associated with a reduction in revisions (12% vs 32%) and subdural collections (9% vs 22%) as compared to fixed valves. Outcomes did not differ significantly among different CSF diversion techniques, and overall improvement was reported in more than 75% of patients. The use of programmable valves decreased the incidence of revision surgery and of subdural collections after surgery, potentially justifying the higher initial cost associated with these valves.

Brain Infection After Cesarean Section: A Case of Subdural Empyema Post-Cesarean Section

: We report a rare case of parieto-frontal subdural empyema after a cesarean section. A 23 years old woman with a history of cesarean section, two weeks prior to admission, presented to the emergency room with the chief complaints of a headache, fever (39.5°C), nausea, vomiting, aphasia, tonic colonic movements, and a Glasgow coma scale score of 10/15 two weeks after a cesarean section. A subdural fluid collection in parieto-frontal on the left side was demonstrated in the brain MRI. She received rapidly an anticonvulsant drug (diazepam) and empirical board-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin, metronidazole, and ceftriaxone) and subsequently underwent an urgent craniotomy. Antibiotic therapy continued for 4 weeks, the patient symptoms and signs improved, and she was discharged with a Glasgow coma scale score of 15/15 without neurological deficit and seizure.

Modified Arachnoid Plasty Reduces Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Unruptured Aneurysm Clipping : Technical Note.

ObjectiveChronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a rare complication of unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) clipping surgery. To prevent postoperative CSDH by reducing subdural fluid collection, we applied the modified arachnoid plasty (MAP) during the UIA clipping surgery to seal the dissected arachnoid plane. MethodsThis retrospective study included 286 patients enrolled from July 2012 to May 2015. We performed arachnoid plasty in all patients, with MAP used after June 17, 2014. Patients were divided into two groups (non-MAP vs. MAP), and by using uni- and multivariate analyses, baseline characteristics, and relationships with postoperative CSDH between the two groups were analyzed. The degree of preoperative brain atrophy was estimated using the bicaudate ratio (BCR) index. ResultsTen patients (3.5%) among 286 patients had postoperative CSDH after clipping. Nine (3.1%) were in the non-MAP group, and one (0.9%) was in the MAP group. The higher BCR index showed statistical significance with occurrence of postoperative CSDH in both uni- (p=0.018) and multivariate (p=0.012; odds ratio [OR], 8.547; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.616–45.455) analyses. MAP was associated with a lower risk of postoperative CSDH (p=0.022; OR, 0.068; 95% CI, 0.007–0.683). ConclusionThis study shows that the degree of preoperative brain atrophy is associated with an increased occurrence of CSDH after clipping and that MAP could help reduce the risk of postoperative CSDH after unruptured aneurysm clipping via a lateral supraorbital approach.

Expressions of Eotaxin-3, Interleukin-5, and Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Fluids.

Eosinophils induce inflammation by releasing cytokines and cytotoxic granule proteins. Infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes occurs in the outer membrane of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). Eosinophils play an important role in the growth of CSDHs. However, the manner in which eosinophils accumulate within CSDH fluid remains undetermined. In the current study, we assessed the expression of eosinophil chemoattractants in CSDH fluids according to growth stage of CSDHs and examined the correlation between the two. CSDH fluids were obtained from 38 patients during trepanation surgery. Ecalectin, eotaxin-3, interleukin-5 (IL-5), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. For use as controls, serum samples were collected from 5 healthy adults, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 5 adults with unruptured aneurysms. The percentage of eosinophils (%eosinophil) in CSDH fluids was calculated using Giemsa staining. Concentrations of ecalectin, eotaxin-3, IL-5, and EDN were nearly equivalent in serum and CSF samples; however, their concentrations were high in CSDH fluids. In particular, ecalectin and EDN levels in CSDH fluids were significantly higher than those in serum and CSF. Levels of eotaxin-3, IL-5, EDN, and %eosinophil were significantly higher in laminar type of CSDH, whereas that of ecalectin was not. The correlations between eotaxin-3 and IL-5, IL-5 and EDN, and EDN and %eosinophil were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Our data suggest that eotaxin-3 is a chemoattractant of eosinophils. IL-5 induces the activation of eosinophils subsequent to degranulation of EDN into CSDH fluids. These factors may serve as novel therapeutic targets for managing CSDH.

Early or late cranioplasty following decompressive craniotomy for traumatic brain injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of early (<3 months) cranioplasty (CP) and late CP (>3 months) on post-operative complications in patients receiving decompressive craniotomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI).MethodsThe Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for studies published prior to May 21, 2017. A meta-analysis examined post-operative overall complication rates, infection rates, subdural fluid collection and operating times according to early and late CP.ResultsOf the initial 1675 references, five studies, all cohort, involving a total of 413 patients, were selected for the review. There was no difference between early and late CP in post-operative overall complication rate (RR=0.68, 95%CI [0.36, 1.29]) and the post-operative infection rate (RR=0.50, 95%CI [0.20, 1.24]) in patients receiving DC for TBI. However, there was a significant difference in post-operative subdural effusion (RR=0.24, 95%CI [0.07, 0.78]) and mean operative time (mean difference = −33.02 min, 95%CI [−48.19, −17.84]) both in favour of early CP.ConclusionsNo differences were found between early and late CP in post-operative overall complications and procedural related infections in patients receiving DC for TBI, but early CP reduced the complication of subdural effusion and the mean operating time. These findings need to be confirmed by large, randomised controlled trials.

Subdural Fluid Collection After the Clipping of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Its Clinical Course and Significance

We evaluated the clinical course and significance of postoperative subdural fluid collection (SFC) and identified the patients who were at risk of developing postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after the clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Between January 2012 and June 2014, we retrospectively reviewed 298 patients with UIAs treated by microsurgical clipping. Among them, 257 patients were enrolled in the present study. Subdural lesions (SDLs) were defined as SFC at 1-month follow-up computed tomography (CT) and a CSDH at any time within 1 month after the clipping of UIAs. We examined the volume changes, Hounsfield unit (HU) values, and the end results of SFC in serial CT scans. The incidence of postoperative CSDH that needed burr hole surgery was 2.5%. Changes in SFC volume that occurred within 1 week of surgery were a risk factor for the occurrence of SDL at the 1-month follow-up CT (odds ratio 34.039; P < 0.001). The corrected average HU value of SCF (cut-off value: 11.9, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 73.7%) on postoperative day 7 was an independent risk factor for development of a CSDH at the 1-month follow-up CT (odds ratio 19.261; P= 0.003). SDLs seen during 1-month follow-up may be associated with the occurrence of increased SFC volume within a week after the clipping of UIAs. The corrected average HU value of the SFC on postoperative day 7 was the only risk factor for the development of CSDHs at 1-month follow-up CT.

Subdural collections of infancy and setting sun sign may be asymptomatic and benign or symptomatic and aggressive

Objective: subdural collections of infancy may be asymptomatic and benign or symptomatic and agressive. We present two cases illustrating both clinical scenarios. The presence of setting-sun sign is an unusual feature in both cases. Clinical presentation: the diagnosis of benign subdural collections of infancy depends on several distinct clinical and laboratory findings, which are reflected in these two cases: patient age less than 1 year, macrocrania (Case 1 was 79 cm), normal psychomotor development, no history of CNS infection or head trauma; subdural fluid clear yellow; erythrocyte count less than 1 ml/mm³. Both cases presented with setting sun sign. CT scans showed craniofacial disproportion, disjunction of the sutures, low measures of attenuation coefficient values, relatively normal ventricular size, and no cerebral atrophy. MRI also showed agenesis of the corpus callosum, in case 1. Intervention: based on megacrania associated with poor visualizations of the cerebral sulci, Case 1 was treated with a subdural collection-peritoneal shunt; Case 2 was treated with clinical observation due to enlarged subarachnoid spaces. Conclusion: we present two cases with different clinical courses - one more aggressive than the other. We believe these two cases illustrate a disease process that is not always benign, particularly in view of setting-sun sign, and thus warrants a more accurate terminology. Regardless of terminology, however, even symptomatic cases can have good outcome with conservative treatment. Good outcome relies on close observation associated with complete workup that evaluates signs and symptoms of discompensation.

Endoscopic Lavage of Extensive Chronic Subdural Hematoma in an Infant After Abusive Head Trauma: Adaptation of a Technique From Ventricular Neuroendoscopy.

Subdural fluid collections are frequently encountered in young children after non-accidental injury. In a subset of patients, these collections progress in size and ultimately require permanent drainage, which is commonly achieved with subdural-peritoneal shunts. However, excessive protein and cellular contents in the fluid are potential risk factors for shunt failure. Here, we describe the adaptation of an endoscopic lavage technique established for ventricular endoscopy with the aim of improving fluid condition prior to shunting. We present a case of subdural fluid collections secondary to non-accidental injury, where permanent shunting was required but could not be performed due to excessive protein and cellular levels in the subdural fluid despite conventional burr hole drainage. A two-month-old male infant presented with a bulging and tense fontanel, a reduced level of consciousness, bradycardia, and significant macrocephaly. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated massive bilateral, low attenuation subdural fluid collections, reaching a diameter of 4.5 cm. Emergency burr hole washout and insertion of subdural drains was performed. Despite prolonged drainage over 10 days, the protein level remained at 544 mg/dl and the mean erythrocyte count at 6,493/µl. Continuous drainage was required to avoid clinical deterioration due to raised intracranial pressure; however, the fluid condition was still considered incompatible with permanent subdural-peritoneal shunting. We, therefore, performed an endoscopic subdural lavage with a careful evacuation of residual blood deposits. No complications were encountered. Postoperatively, mean protein level was 292 mg/dl and mean erythrocyte count was 101/µl. Endoscopic lavage could be safely performed in a case of extensive subdural low attenuation fluid collections, where conventional burr hole drainage failed to improve protein and cellular contents as a prerequisite for successful permanent shunting. We conclude that adaptation of this technique can be helpful in selected cases as an alternative procedure.

Giant subdural empyema in adult

Subdural empyema (SDE) is a fairly uncommon diagnosis, accounting for only 20% of intracranial infections, the usual source for SDE is direct extension from a contiguous source, such as acute sinusitis or otitis media, although in one-fourth of cases no source of infection is found. An 18-year-old man was admitted to our Institution because of dysarthria, lethargy and fever for 2 days. His medical history was marked by chronic otitis media badly treated by self-medication with several antibiotics. The first clinical examination revealed an increased body temperature of 37.6°C, heart rate of 82 beats per minute, blood pressure 140/74mmHg and respiratory rate of 18 breaths/minute. He was disorientated, his cranial nerves were intact and his pupils were reactive, round and equal. His white cell count was 6,620 per ¼L. His hemoglobin was 11.1g/dL and C-reactive protein was 80mg/L. The levels of his chemistries were normal. A computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast in emergency was performed and showed an extensive subdural fluid collection in the parietal site on the left side with peripheral enhancement, a mass effect was evident with displacement of the middle line structures toward the opposite side (A). An emergent craniotomy was done to evacuate the subdural empyema (B). A cultural examination was attempted with the fluid evacuation and showed no presence of bacteroides. Ceftriaxone and metronidazole were administered for 6 weeks. The patient was improved without neurological sequalae.

Reorganized neural activation in motor cortex following subdural fluid collection: an fMRI and DTI study

ABSTRACTWe report a patient with a cavernous malformation involving the right lentiform nucleus. Pre-surgical planning included fMRI localization of language, motor, and sensory processing, and DTI of white matter tracts. fMRI results revealed no activation near the planned resection zone. However, post-surgery the patient developed a subdural fluid collection, which applied pressure to the primary motor cortex (M1). Follow-up scans revealed that motor activation had shifted due to pressure, and then shifted to a new location after the fluid collection subsided. This case report suggests that long-term neural reorganization can occur in response to short term compression in the cortex.

Novel Application of Time-Spatial Labeling Inversion Pulse Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of External Hydrocephalus.

Although a subdural fluid collection frequently is observed, diagnostic methods that differentiate between the subdural collection caused by external hydrocephalus and that caused by subdural hygroma have not been established. Here, we report a case of external hydrocephalus caused by Gliadel-induced eosinophilic meningitis that has been previously reported in only 1 case and can be diagnosed by time-spatial labeling inversion pulse magnetic resonance imaging (time-SLIP MRI). A tumor located in the left temporal was detected incidentally in an 81-year-old man by examination of a head injury. The tumor was surgically resected and diagnosed as a high-grade glioma during the surgery; Gliadel wafers subsequently were implanted. Three weeks after the resection, the patient showed disturbed consciousness, and computed tomography revealed a subdural fluid collection. The out-flow of cerebrospinal through the resection cavity was detected by time-SLIP MRI. Cerebrospinal tests indicated high white blood cell counts and high protein levels, with more than 90% of the white blood cell count comprising eosinophils. Therefore, we suspected that the subdural fluid collection was caused by external hydrocephalus because of Gliadel-induced eosinophilic meningitis. We surgically removed the Gliadel wafers and subsequently performed a surgery to insert a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Histologic examination indicated eosinophilic accumulation around the Gliadel wafers. The patient's symptoms improved after the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In the present case, time-SLIP MRI was a useful and noninvasive method for diagnosing external hydrocephalus which was caused by eosinophilic meningitis because of Gliadel-induced eosinophilic meningitis.

Megapol İstanbul’da 3 yaş altı çocuklarda orta ve ağır şiddetteki kafa travma nedeni olarak; yüksekten düşme ve araba kazası

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the most common causes of moderate and severe head injury at age 3 and younger. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study that included 157 children (105 males and 52 females) at 3 years of age or younger who were admitted to our emergency unit for moderate or severe head injury between June 2001 and December 2008. Data on patient age, gender, cause of trauma, clinical signs and symptoms, length of hospitalization, radiological findings, surgery, additional injuries, postoperative and late complications, and mortality were examined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 21.05 months. The most common presentation was deterioration in consciousness. The most common cause of moderate head injury was a fall from 1–2 m at 7–12 months of age, and for severe head injury it was a motor vehicle accident at 19–24 months of age. The most common radiological finding in all groups was a linear fracture. In the moderate head injury group, 16 epidural hematomas (EDH), four subdural hematomas (SDH), two dura-brain lacerations, and two depressed fractures required surgery. In the severe head injury group, 6 SDHs and 5 EDHs required surgery. The major postoperative complications were meningitis, rhinorrhea, epileptic seizures, and subdural fluid collection. The overall mortality rate was 3.18% (5 of 157 patients). Conclusions: In our series of moderate and severe head trauma in patients younger than 3 years, the most common cause of trauma was falling from 1–2 m. For prevention, family caregivers must watch crawlers and toddlers closely.