Subdural Hygroma Research Articles

Imaging of bridging vein thrombosis in infants with abusive head trauma: the "Tadpole Sign".

Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants is usually diagnosed using a multi-disciplinary approach by investigating the circumstances and identifying morphological indicators, for example, subdural hematomas (SDHs), subdural hygromas (SDHys), retinal haemorrhages and encephalopathy. The present morphological study investigates the incidence, radiological characteristics and non-radiological co-factors of bridging vein thrombosis (BVT) in infants with AHT. From 2002 to 2013, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) material of 628 infants aged 0-2 years were analysed retrospectively. If available, medicolegal expert opinions were additionally considered. Cases with SDHs and/or SDHys were identified and systematically evaluated as to the presence and characteristics of BVT. SDHs and/or SDHys were present in 29 of the 81 cases exhibiting morphological abnormalities in the initial CT. Among these, 11 cases (40%) had BVT (mean age = 5.0 months). BVT could be best depicted in the T1-weighted spin echo and T2*/susceptibility-weighted MRI. In one case, BVT could be depicted indirectly using time-of-flight MR venography. The predominant (73%) BVT shape was found to be tadpole-like ("Tadpole Sign"). In the absence of appropriate accidental trauma, BVT appears to be a strong indicator of AHT. Therefore, the BVT/Tadpole Sign represents compelling cause to search for other signs of AHT. • BVT is an excellent indicator of AHT in SDH/SDHy cases. • Accidental trauma must be ruled out before diagnosing AHT. • The Tadpole Sign appears to be the most characteristic shape of BVT. • BVT can be depicted using CT, MRI and MR venography. • The Tadpole Sign suggests searching for other signs of AHT.

Surgical results of growing skull fractures in children: a single centre study of 43 cases.

Growing skull fractures are rare complications of traumatic skull fractures in children. The authors aim to share their experience in management of such lesions and analyse clinicoradiological features, surgical management and outcome in addition to prognostication factors. Retrospective study performed to include patients ≤18 years operated for growing skull fractures at our trauma centre from December 2007 to February 2014. Forty-three children were operated. Mean age at presentation was 4.57 years (range 7 months-18 years). Mean duration of onset of symptoms from initial trauma was 3.34 months (2 days-24 months). Mean interval from symptom onset to surgical repair was 11.6 months (1 week-15 years). Progressive non-tender scalp swelling was the most common symptom and parietal, the most common location. Duraplasty alone was performed in four patients while combined duro-cranioplasty was performed in the rest. Mean follow-up duration was 31 months (4-72 months). Subdural hygroma was associated in six cases. Two patients expired; rest all survivors had good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes. Being the second largest series to date, it adds significant valuable contribution to this topic. Poor prognostic factors were age >8 years, females, large defects (>7 cm), severe head injury at initial trauma, defects crossing midline and delayed repair (>8 months). Delayed onset seizures and new onset/progression of pre-existing deficits can be indirect markers of evolution. Surgical repair with water-tight dural closure is the standard treatment. Emphasis on early treatment is highlighted which is probably beneficial in improving neurological deficits. Good-to-excellent outcomes are noted in majority, even in cases with delayed presentations.

Endoscopic treatment of intraparenchymal arachnoid cysts in children.

Arachnoid cysts account for 1% of all intracranial lesions. They usually occur in the subarachnoid space of the major cerebral fissures and arachnoid cisterns. They are very rarely located within the brain parenchyma devoid of communication with the subarachnoid space. The author of this study evaluated the role of endoscopy in the treatment of intraparenchymal arachnoid cysts (IPACs), which have a paraventricular location noncontiguous with the basal cisterns. The records of all patients who had undergone surgery performed by one neurosurgeon between March 2004 and October 2011 were retrospectively reviewed to find cases of arachnoid cysts with a paraventricular location noncontiguous with the basal cisterns that were treated with a purely endoscopic cystoventriculostomy. Data were collected, summarized, and analyzed as regards improvement in symptomatology, decrease in cyst size, improvement in hydrocephalus, incidence of complications, surgical failure, and incidence of recurrence. Twelve pediatric patients with symptomatic IPACs were included in this study. The group included 7 boys and 5 girls with a mean age of 5.2 years. All of the patients had undergone endoscopic cystoventriculostomy. In addition, endoscopic third ventriculostomy had been performed during the same operative session in 3 patients who had associated hydrocephalus. Significant clinical improvement occurred in 10 patients (83.3%). Postoperative imaging showed a reduction in the cyst size in 9 patients (75%), whereas the cyst size was unchanged in the remaining 3 patients (25%). A reduction in ventricle size occurred in 2 (66.7%) of the 3 patients who had hydrocephalus. A postoperative subdural hygroma occurred in 2 patients (16.7%) and required the insertion of a subduroperitoneal shunt in 1 patient. During the follow-up period (mean 42.5 months), 1 patient had a recurrence and required a repeat endoscopic procedure. Endoscopic cystoventriculostomy is recommended in the treatment of symptomatic IPACs. It maintains the basic strategy of cyst fenestration into the lateral ventricle without either the invasiveness of open craniotomy or the implantation of shunt systems. The procedure is simple, effective, and minimally invasive. It saves operative and recovery times and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Subdural hygromas in abusive head trauma: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and forensic implications.

Are subdural hygromas the result of abusive head trauma? CT and MR imaging represent important tools for the diagnosis of abusive head trauma in living infants. In addition, in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of subdural hygromas is increasingly required by neuroradiologists, pediatricians, and forensic physicians. Therefore, the current knowledge on subdural hygromas is summarized and forensic conclusions are drawn. The most important diagnostic pitfalls, benign enlargement of the subarachnoid space, and chronic subdural hematoma, are discussed in detail. Illustrative cases from forensic practice are presented. Literature analysis indicates that subdural hygromas can occur immediately or be delayed. If other infrequent reasons can be excluded, the presence of subdural hygromas strongly suggests a posttraumatic state and should prompt the physician to search for other signs of abuse. To differentiate subdural hygromas from other pathologies, additional MR imaging of the infant's head is indispensable after initial CT scan.

Clinical and methodological confounders in assessing the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome in adult patients with posterior fossa tumours

The cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS) was first described by Schmahmann and Sherman as a constellation of symptoms including dysexecutive syndrome, spatial cognitive deficit, linguistic deficits and behavioural abnormalities in patients with a lesion in the cerebellum with otherwise normal brain. Neurosurgical patients with cerebellar tumours constitute one of the cohorts in which the CCAS has been described. In this paper, we present a critical review of the literature of this syndrome in neurosurgical patients. Thereafter, we present a prospective clinical study of 10 patients who underwent posterior fossa tumour resection and had a detailed post-operative neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric and neuroradiological assessment. Because our findings revealed a large number of perioperative neuroradiological confounding variables, we reviewed the neuroimaging of a further 20 patients to determine their prevalence.Our literature review revealed that study design, methodological quality and sometimes both diagnostic criteria and findings were inconsistent. The neuroimaging study (pre-operative, n = 10; post-operative, n = 10) showed very frequent neuroradiological confounding complications (e.g. hydrocephalus; brainstem compression; supratentorial lesions and post-operative subdural hygroma); the impact of such features had largely been ignored in the literature. Findings from our clinical study showed various degree of deficits in neuropsychological testing (n = 1, memory; n = 3, verbal fluency; n = 3, attention; n = 2, spatial cognition deficits; and n = 1, behavioural changes), but no patient had full-blown features of CCAS. Our study, although limited, finds no robust evidence of the CCAS following surgery. This and our literature review highlight a need for guidelines regarding study design and methodology when attempting to evaluate neurosurgical cases with regard to the potential CCAS.

Diagnostic value of MRI for spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome

Objective To analyze the magnetic resonance imaging （ MRI ） appearances of spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome （ SIHS） ,in order to improve the understanding of this disease .Methods The clini-cal data of 7 patients with SIHS confirmed by lumbar puncture were retrospectively analyzed .MRI was performed in all cases,in which there were 6 cases with contrast-enhanced MRI.Results All of them showed diffusely thickening of dural.6 cases with brain contrast-enhanced MRI demonstrated linear ,non-nodular and diffusely dural enhancement . The dilation of sinus and great vein were observed in 5 cases,subdural hydroma in 2 cases,brain sagging in 3 cases, pituitary gland plumpness in 2 cases,subdural hematoma in 1 case and 1 case with linear spinal dural enhancement . Conclusion The MRI manifestations of SIHS are characteristic ,and it will be helpful for the diagnosis by combining clinical data. Key words: Intracranial hypotension; Syndrome; Magnetic resonance imaging; Diagnosis

Subdural hygroma accompanied by parenchymal and subarachnoid haemorrhage after epidural analgesia in an obstetric patient

Anaesthetists need to know the different causes of persistent headache or a change in level of consciousness following epidural analgesia for labour. Failure to recognise these neurological complications can lead to delayed diagnoses, with subsequent serious implications. We present a patient who was re-admitted for postural headache resulting from an unrecognised dural puncture during an epidural for pain relief while in labour. During the interview, the patient confirmed drug use (cocaine), so she was evaluated by a psychiatrist with possible post-partum psychosis or drug withdrawal syndrome. Afterwards, the patient deteriorated neurologically, showing impaired consciousness and seizures. The cranial computed tomography showed bilateral frontoparietal subdural collections with intraparenchymal and subarachnoid haemorrhaging. She improved by burr hole drainage of subdural hygroma and a blood patch. Neurological signs should alert the clinician to the possibility of subdural collection and other possible complications such as sinking of the brain in order not to delay the request for imaging tests for diagnoses and effective treatments.

Letter to the Editor: Subdural hygromas and arachnoid cysts

Letter to the Editor: Subdural hygromas and arachnoid cysts

Rotura Espontânea de Quisto Aracnóide

Arachnoid cysts are benign congenital cerebrospinal fluid collections, usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally in children or adolescents. They may become symptomatic after enlargement or complications, frequently presenting with symptoms of intracranial hypertension. We report an unusual case of progressive refractory headache in an adult patient due to an arachnoid cyst spontaneous rupture. Although clinical improvement occurred with conservative treatment, the subdural hygroma progressively enlarged and surgical treatment was ultimately needed. Spontaneous rupture is a very rare complication of arachnoid cysts. Accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the subdural space causes sustained intracranial hypertension that may be life-threatening and frequently requires surgical treatment. Patients with arachnoid cysts must be informed on their small vulnerability to cyst rupture and be aware that a sudden and severe headache, especially if starting after minor trauma or a Valsalva manoeuvre, always requires medical evaluation.

Pial synangiosis in patients with moyamoya younger than 2 years of age

Object Patients with moyamoya who are younger than 2 years of age represent a therapeutic challenge because of their frequent neurological instability and concomitant anesthetic risks. The authors report their experience with pial synangiosis revascularization in this population. Methods The authors reviewed the clinical and radiographic records of all patients with moyamoya in a consecutive series of patients under 2 years of age, who underwent cerebral revascularization surgery using pial synangiosis at a single institution. Results During a 12-year period (1994-2005), 34 procedures (bilateral in 15 patients, unilateral in 4) were performed in 19 patients younger than 2 years (out of a total of 456 procedures in 240 patients). Eighteen of these patients presented with either stroke or transient ischemic attack. The average age of the 19 patients at first surgery was 1.4 years (range 6 months-1.9 years). Unanticipated staged operations occurred in 3 patients, due to persistent electroencephalographic changes during the initial surgery in 2 cases and due to brain swelling during the procedure requiring ventriculostomy in the other. There were 2 perioperative strokes; both patients had postoperative seizures but made clinical recoveries. The average follow-up was 7 years (range 1-14 years). Long term, at follow-up, 13 patients (68%) were clinically independent for their age, with 8 (42%) having no significant deficit. Late complications included subdural hygroma evacuation (1), additional revascularization procedures performed years later for frontal lobe ischemia (2), late infarction (1), and asymptomatic ischemic change on routine follow-up MRI studies (1). All patients who had both pre- and postoperative angiography demonstrated progression of disease. Conclusions Despite the challenges inherent to this population, the majority of children with moyamoya under the age of 2 years have a good long-term prognosis. The data from this study support the use of pial synangiosis as a safe, effective, and durable method for treatment of moyamoya for most children in this potentially high-risk population.

Mutations in WDR19 encoding the intraflagellar transport component IFT144 cause a broad spectrum of ciliopathies

An emerging number of clinically and genetically heterogeneous diseases now collectively termed ciliopathies have been connected to the dysfunction of primary cilia. We describe an 8-year-old girl with a complex phenotype that did not clearly match any familiar syndrome. Hypotonia, facial dysmorphism and retardation were noted shortly after birth. Other features included short stature, mild skeletal anomalies, strabism, deafness, subdural hygroma, hepatosplenomegaly and end-stage renal failure. Renal biopsy revealed tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and segmental glomerulosclerosis. After exclusion of a chromosomal abnormality by array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) using a customized panel that targeted 131 genes known or hypothesized to cause ciliopathies. We identified the novel homozygous WDR19 mutation c.1483G > C (p.Gly495Arg) that affects an evolutionarily highly conserved residue in the intraflagellar transport protein IFT144, is absent from databases and is predicted to be pathogenic by all bioinformatic sources used. Mutations in WDR19 encoding the intraflagellar transport component IFT144 have recently been described in single families with the clinically overlapping skeletal ciliopathies Jeune and Sensenbrenner syndromes, combined or isolated nephronophthisis (NPHP) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) (Senior-Loken syndrome). Our patient emphasizes the usefulness and efficiency of a comprehensive NGS panel approach in patients with unclassified ciliopathies. It further suggests that WDR19 mutations can cause a broad spectrum of ciliopathies that extends to Jeune and Sensenbrenner syndromes, RP and renal NPHP-like phenotypes.

The anterior interhemispheric approach - a safe and effective approach to anterior skull base lesions

Many approaches to the anterior skull base have been reported. Frequently used are the pterional, the unilateral or bilateral frontobasal, the supraorbital and the frontolateral approach. Recently, endoscopic transnasal approaches have become more popular. The benefits of each approach has to be weighted against its complications and limitations. The aim of this study was to investigate if the anterior interhemispheric approach (AIA) could be a safe and effective alternative approach to tumorous and non-tumorous lesions of the anterior skull base. We screened the operative records of all patients with an anterior skull base lesion undergoing transcranial surgery. We have used the AIA in 61 patients. These were exclusively patients with either olfactory groove meningioma (OGM) (n = 43), ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) ( n = 6) or frontobasal fractures of the anterior midline with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage ( n = 12). Patient records were evaluated concerning accessibility of the lesion, realization of surgical aims (complete tumor removal, dAVF obliteration, closure of the dural tear), and approach related complications. The use of the AIA exclusively in OGMs, ethmoidal dAVFs and midline frontobasal fractures indicated that we considered lateralized frontobasal lesions not suitable to be treated successfully. If restricted to these three pathologies, the AIA is highly effective and safe. The surgical aim (complete tumor removal, complete dAVF occlusion, no rhinorrhea) was achieved in all patients. The complication rate was 11.5 % (wound infection (n = 2; 3.2 %), contusion of the genu of the corpus callosum, subdural hygroma, epileptic seizure, anosmia and asymptomatic bleed into the tumor cavity (n = 1 each). Only the contusion of the corpus callosum was directly related to the approach (1.6 %). Olfaction, if present before surgery, was preserved in all patients, except one (1.6 %). The AIA is an effective and a safe approach to tumorous, vascular and traumatic pathologies of the midline anterior skull base. This approach should be part of the armamentarium of skull base surgeons.

Subdural hygroma following posterior fossa tumor resection

Subdural hygroma is an unusual complication of posterior fossa tumor surgery. We present two cases where patients developed subdural hygroma following posterior fossa surgery for brain tumors. This rare complication manifested with headaches, nausea, unsteadiness and nystagmus two weeks after seemingly uncomplicated surgery. There have been a few such cases described in the literature; mostly following foramen magnum decompression. The exact etiology of subdural hygroma post-posterior fossa surgery remains unknown; however, there are speculations that external hydrocephalus and intracranial hypotension may play a part. After exhausting conservative options, both patients underwent ventriculo-peritoneal shunting, which resulted in the resolution of their symptoms with corresponding resolution of the subdural hygroma on radiological imaging. We present two cases where subdural hygroma following surgery was successfully treated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. We also highlight the paucity in literature regarding subdural hygroma as a complication of posterior fossa surgery and suggest management of such patients.

Arachnoid Membrane Suturing for Prevention of Subdural Fluid Collection in Extracranial-intracranial Bypass Surgery.

ObjectiveWater-tight closure of the dura in extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is impossible because the superficial temporal artery (STA) must run through the dural defect. Consequently, subdural hygroma and subcutaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection frequently occur postoperatively. To reduce these complications, we prospectively performed suturing of the arachnoid membrane after STA-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) and evaluated the clinical usefulness.Materials and MethodsBetween Mar. 2005 and Oct. 2010, extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass (EIAB) with/without encephalo-myo-synangiosis was performed in 88 cases (male : female = 53 : 35). As a control group, 51 patients (57 sides) underwent conventional bypass surgery without closure of the arachnoid membrane. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan was performed twice in three days and seven days later, respectively, for evaluation of the presence of subdural fluid collection and other mass lesions.ResultsThe surgical result was excellent, with no newly developing ischemic event until recent follow-up. The additional time needed for arachnoid suture was five to ten minutes, when three to eight sutures were required. Post-operative subdural fluid collection was not seen on follow-up computed tomography scans in all patients.ConclusionArachnoid suturing is simple, safe, and effective for prevention of subdural fluid collection in EC-IC bypass surgery, especially the vulnerable ischemic hemisphere.

Menkes disease - An important cause of early onset refractory seizures.

Context:Menkes disease is an X-linked multisystem disorder characterized by early onset of cerebral and cerebellar neurodegeneration, fair skin, hypopigmented sparse hair and connective tissue abnormalities.Aims:We aimed to evaluate the clinical, electrophysiological and radiological features of children with Menkes disease seen at our institute.Setting/Design:The medical records of children diagnosed with Menkes disease admitted in the pediatric neurology ward or attending the special pediatric neurology clinic at a tertiary care and a referral hospital in North India, from January 2010 to December 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data of each case was subsequently summarized and reported.Statistical analysis used:Descriptive statistics were used.Results:During the study period, 1174 children were seen. Out of these, 6 cases were diagnosed as Menkes disease on the basis of clinical phenotype, low serum copper and ceruloplasmin and supportive neuroimaging. All the children were males and had disease onset within 3 months of age, with 4 children presenting in the neonatal period. Global developmental delay and refractory seizures were the predominant clinical symptoms. Two children had symptomatic West syndrome. Other seizure semiologies included tonic-clonic (4), myoclonic (2) and tonic seizures (1). The electroencephalographic abnormalities included hypsarrythmia (2) and multifocal epileptiform discharges (3). The salient radiological features included white matter changes, temporal lobe abnormalities, global atrophy, subdural hygromas and tortuous cerebral blood vessels.Conclusions:Menkes disease should be suspected in a case of refractory early onset seizures especially in the presence of subtle clinical clues. The neuroimaging findings may further support the diagnosis.

Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis with subdural hygroma

After the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae conjugate vaccine, it is uncommon to see culture-positive cases of invasive H. influenzae disease with complication. It is one of the etiological agents in acute bacterial meningitis in childhood. This case of culture-positive H. influenzae type B meningitis with subdural hygroma as unusual neurological sequelae of Haemophilus type B invasive infection highlights the need of timely vaccination.

Pediatric Arachnoid Cysts and Subdural Hygromas in Early Infancy

Pediatric Arachnoid Cysts and Subdural Hygromas in Early Infancy

Pediatric post-traumatic subdural hygroma associated with a giant frontotemporal arachnoid cyst

We report a rare case of a post-traumatic subdural hygroma occurring with a giant frontotemporal arachnoid cyst in a 6-year old child and discuss its pathogenesis and management implications. Awareness regarding the association of a subdural hygroma associated with an arachnoid cyst is of immense clinical importance as the former may precipitate intracranial hypertension in a previously asymptomatic arachnoid cyst and yet may remain undetectable on a CT scan.

Childhood headaches and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings

BackgroundHeadaches are common in children and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are widely used in everyday clinical practice because of increasing demands by parents. AimTo determine headache types and to evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of brain MRI abnormalities in children with headache. MethodsA total of 449 children (261 male and 188 female with a mean age of 11.16 ± 3.22 years) with headache were included into the study. The criteria defined by International Headache Society were used to classify the headache types. ResultsThe causes of headache were migraine in 247 (55.0%), tension-type in 133 (29.6%), secondary in 48 (10.7%), and unspecified headaches in 21 (4.7%) patients. Overall, 324 (72.2%) patients underwent cerebral MRI, which revealed abnormalities in 68 (21.0%) patients. Two (0.6%) patients had cerebral MRI abnormalities relevant to headache, including tumor and hydrocephalus each 1 (0.3%). Twenty-nine (8.9%) patients had incidental cerebral MRI abnormalities including 14 (4.3%) white-matter hyperintensities, 4 (1.2%) old infarcts, 3 (0.9%) Chiari malformations, arachnoid cysts and demyelinating lesions each 2 (0.6%), and subdural hygroma, fibrous dysplasia, pineal cyst and perivascular widening, each 1 (0.3%). Remaining 36 (11.1%) patients had extra-cerebral MRI abnormalities including 34 (10.5%) sinus disease, and 2 (0.6%) adenoid vegetation. Indications for brain MRI were atypical headache pattern or presence of neurologic abnormalities in 59 (18.2%) patients and parents' concerns in 265 (81.8%) patients. The rates of abnormal MRI findings were similar between these 2 groups. ConclusionsThe most frequent cause of headache in children is migraine. Despite the high rate of imaging abnormalities, the yield of brain MRI is not contributory to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Detection of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks by Intrathecal Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Myelography

A 70-year-old woman had double vision, nausea, neck pain, and acute bilateral hypacusis. The neurological examination showed nerve VI palsy on the right. There was no history of trauma. Brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was indicative of intracranial hypotension, with diffuse pachymeningeal thickening, strong dural enhancement, and frontoparietal subdural hygromas. A radioisotope cisternography, performed in the search for a potential spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, was inconclusive. Thus, intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced MR myelography was considered as a possible alternative. Before intrathecal gadolinium administration, an MR image of the spinal cord showed a small perineural cyst at the level of L2 on the right but no evidence of a CSF leakage. The intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced MR myelography provided clear-cut evidence of dural leaks along the right L2 and L3 nerve roots (Figure). According to these findings, targeted epidural blood patching was performed and the patient’s symptoms gradually improved during the following month. At 1-year follow-up, she was asymptomatic.