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Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Jun 2024Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) communicate with the subarachnoid space through small communicating dural holes. The precise preoperative detection of all...
Successful detection of multiple communicating holes in multiple spinal extradural arachnoid cysts by using time-spatial labeling inversion pulse magnetic resonance imaging: illustrative case.
BACKGROUND
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) communicate with the subarachnoid space through small communicating dural holes. The precise preoperative detection of all communicating holes, followed by minimally invasive dural closure, is the ideal treatment to prevent postoperative spinal deformities, especially in cases of multiple SEACs. However, standard imaging methods often fail to detect communicating hole locations. Although a few cases of successful single-hole detection via cinematic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been reported, this modality's ability to detect multiple holes has not been demonstrated.
OBSERVATIONS
The authors describe the case of a 14-year-old male with myelopathy due to multiple SEACs at T5-8 and T8-12. Myelography revealed a complete block at the T8 level; no cephalic cyst or communicating holes were identified. Time-spatial labeling inversion pulse (T-SLIP) MRI revealed cerebrospinal fluid flow into the cyst at T10 and T7. A limited laminectomy or hemilaminectomy was performed at T7 and T10, and two dural holes were closed without a total cystectomy. The patient's gait disturbance and rectal disorder disappeared. The cysts were confirmed to have completely disappeared on conventional MRI at 1 year postoperatively.
LESSONS
T-SLIP MRI, a cinematic MRI, is useful for detecting multiple communicating holes in SEACs.
PubMed: 38914022
DOI: 10.3171/CASE24200 -
Spinal Cord Series and Cases Jun 2024Syringomyelia, or the formation of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord, associated with delayed spinal arachnoiditis is an uncommon complication of aneurysmal...
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Syringomyelia, or the formation of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord, associated with delayed spinal arachnoiditis is an uncommon complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. To date, about 18 cases have been reported in medical literature, with just two reported in patients under the age of 35 years.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
A 27-year-old female patient complained of sudden, severe headaches in the occipital region, nuchal rigidity, and drowsiness when she presented at our institution. A head computed tomography scan revealed intraventricular bleeding in the lateral and fourth ventricles with more extensive haemorrhaging in the frontal horns. A left posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm was confirmed via digital subtraction angiogram, and endovascular embolization was done. Two years later, the patient reported intense pain in the lower back along with symptoms suggestive of spinal cord compression. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal adhesions from C1 to L4, syringomyelia with some vasogenic oedema extending from T3 to T9 level, and a cyst in the lumbar region. Consequently, a right hemilaminectomy was performed along with microsurgical release of arachnoid adhesions and placement of a subdural drain. Radiological and symptomatic improvements were observed. Since then, the patient's clinical condition has remained stable during the past three years of follow-up visits.
CONCLUSIONS
Literature on optimal treatment modalities and patient prognosis is scarce and debated. The time for symptom improvement depends on the level and extent of spinal cord involvement. Rehabilitation may be required for most patients, as complete symptomatic recovery may not be attainable.
Topics: Humans; Female; Arachnoiditis; Adult; Syringomyelia; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38858362
DOI: 10.1038/s41394-024-00654-1 -
Cureus Jun 2024Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a craniofacial pain characterized by sudden onset, brief, severe, recurrent shooting pain within one or more branches of the...
Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a craniofacial pain characterized by sudden onset, brief, severe, recurrent shooting pain within one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Based on its clinical presentation, TN may be classified as purely paroxysmal or paroxysmal with concomitant continuous pain (CCP), previously known as typical and atypical, respectively. Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for releasing the CN V from a neurovascular conflict is an effective and safe treatment for TN. During MVD of patients manifesting TN with CCP, the involvement of an abnormal arachnoid tissue is a common finding. The etiology and pathophysiology behind the appearance of this tissue are unknown; however, it is more commonly found in this variant of the disease. Methods From January 2015 to December 2016, a total of 330 patients diagnosed with TN were evaluated at our clinic. Among them, 31 individuals (9.4%) presented with paroxysmal TN with CCP, with 16 patients (51.6%) undergoing MVD. During surgery, samples of altered arachnoid tissue were collected from five patients and subjected to Hematoxylin-Eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for S100 and CD2 Results In a long-term follow-up, 80% of patients operated by DMV remains pain free. Analysis of biopsies revealed chronic fibrosis (n=4), hyperplasia of neurothelial cells (n=3), dystrophic calcifications (n=1). Immunohistochemistry was positive for S100 (n=3) and CD20 (n=3) inflammatory markers. Conclusion Chronic inflammation in the arachnoid tissue involved in paroxysmal TN with CCP could be a contributor to the pathophysiology of this variant of the disease.
PubMed: 38855490
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61502 -
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS Jun 2024
In response to "An "outer subarachnoid space": fact or artifact? A commentary on "Structural characterization of SLYM: a 4th meningeal membrane" fluids and barriers of the CNS (2023) 20:93 by V. Plá et al.".
Topics: Humans; Subarachnoid Space; Meninges
PubMed: 38831371
DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00540-w -
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS Jun 2024
An "outer subarachnoid space": fact or artifact? A commentary on "Structural characterization of SLYM- a 4th meningeal membrane" fluids and barriers of the CNS (2023) 20:93 by V. Plá et al.
Topics: Humans; Subarachnoid Space; Meninges; Artifacts
PubMed: 38831302
DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00539-3 -
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal May 2024Failure of sub-arachnoid block (SAB), due to resistance to bupivacaine after a recent scorpion sting can lead to multiple block attempts and subsequent conversion to...
Failure of sub-arachnoid block (SAB), due to resistance to bupivacaine after a recent scorpion sting can lead to multiple block attempts and subsequent conversion to general anaesthesia. We report this case series of 10 patients with successful SAB with newly launched 0.75% hyperbaric ropivacaine, in patients with recent scorpion sting. Thus, intrathecal hyperbaric ropivacaine may be considered as the local anaesthetic agent of choice in patients with scorpion sting to prevent failure of SAB.
Topics: Humans; Ropivacaine; Scorpion Stings; Male; Anesthetics, Local; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Nerve Block; Amides; Scorpions; Animals
PubMed: 38828244
DOI: 10.18295/squmj.7.2023.046 -
Neurology India Mar 2024
Topics: Humans; Arachnoid; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Adult
PubMed: 38817187
DOI: 10.4103/neurol-india.Neurol-India-D-24-00179 -
Cureus Apr 2024Intracranial subdural empyema is a loculated collection of pus in the subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid that can be life-threatening. Here, we...
Intracranial subdural empyema is a loculated collection of pus in the subdural space between the dura mater and the arachnoid that can be life-threatening. Here, we present a case of a 22-year-old man hospitalized for management of sepsis due to right orbital cellulitis who experienced sudden-onset right-sided hemiplegia and was found to have a holohemispheric intracranial subdural empyema requiring emergent neurosurgical intervention. Subdural empyemas are commonly caused by maxillofacial infections, including orbital infections. We demonstrate that orbital cellulitis may cause an intracranial subdural empyema that can present with sudden-onset neurological deficits warranting prompt neurosurgical intervention.
PubMed: 38800139
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59065 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SANCC) is caused by an abnormally transformed form of the metacestode or larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium. In contrast to...
Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SANCC) is caused by an abnormally transformed form of the metacestode or larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium. In contrast to vesicular parenchymal and ventricular located cysts that contain a viable scolex and are anlage of the adult tapeworm, the subarachnoid cyst proliferates to form aberrant membranous cystic masses within the subarachnoid spaces that cause mass effects and acute and chronic arachnoiditis. How subarachnoid cyst proliferates and interacts with the human host is poorly understood, but parasite stem cells (germinative cells) likely participate. RNA-seq analysis of the subarachnoid cyst bladder wall compared to the bladder wall and scolex of the vesicular cyst revealed that the subarachnoid form exhibits activation of signaling pathways that promote proliferation and increased lipid metabolism. These adaptions allow growth in a nutrient-limited cerebral spinal fluid. In addition, we identified therapeutic drug targets that would inhibit growth of the parasite, potentially increase effectiveness of treatment, and shorten its duration.
Topics: Animals; Taenia solium; Neurocysticercosis; Subarachnoid Space; Humans; Gene Expression Profiling; Transcriptome; Cell Proliferation; Cysts
PubMed: 38782926
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61973-9 -
Indian Journal of Psychiatry Apr 2024Certain clinical features, like changes in presentation, the presence of neurological signs, and a poor response to treatment, mandate an organic evaluation of...
Certain clinical features, like changes in presentation, the presence of neurological signs, and a poor response to treatment, mandate an organic evaluation of psychiatric illnesses. In this case series, four cases with established mental illnesses who presented with psychiatric symptoms, on evaluation by neuroimaging, were found to have neurological disorders like neurocysticercosis, sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, sub-dural hemorrhage, and lacunar infarction. They were managed with a combination of medical and surgical treatment and psychotropics, and no relapse of symptoms was noted at follow-up. The formulation of clinical practice guidelines can be a way forward in holistic management for such patients.
PubMed: 38778857
DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_766_23