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World Neurosurgery Aug 2016To review the literature and analyze the efficacy and safety of 3 surgical methods (neuroendoscopic fenestration, microsurgical fenestration, and cystoperitoneal... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature and analyze the efficacy and safety of 3 surgical methods (neuroendoscopic fenestration, microsurgical fenestration, and cystoperitoneal shunting) for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFACs).
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Central electronic databases and collected studies of patients with MCFACs treated with 1 of 3 surgical methods. Eligible studies reported the rate of clinical symptoms improvement (RCSI), rate of cyst reduction (RCR), rate of total complications (RTC), rate of short-term complications (RSTC), rate of long-term complications (RLTC), and other parameters.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies met the criteria. MCFACs were divided into 3 groups on the basis of surgical method: RCSI in group I (237 patients, neuroendoscopic fenestration) was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83%-95%); RCR: 76% (95% CI: 67%-84%); RTC: 28% (95% CI: 22%-34%); RSTC: 23% (95% CI: 17%-30%); and RLTC: 6% (95% CI: 3%-11%). RCSI in group II (144 patients, microsurgical fenestration) was 87% (95% CI: 75%-96%); RCR: 87% (95% CI: 70%-97%); RTC: 49% (95% CI: 30%-68%); RSTC: 44% (95% CI: 21%-68%); RLTC: 3% (95% CI: 0%-12%). RCSI in group III (93 patients, cystoperitoneal shunting) was 93% (95% CI: 66%-99%); RCR: 93% (95% CI: 66%-99%); RTC: 20% (95% CI: 5%-42%); RSTC: 10% (95% CI: 0%-31%); RLTC: 15% (95% CI: 9%-23%). RLTC differed significantly between the 3 groups (P = 0.005); RTC and RSTC between group I and group II (P = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
All 3 surgical methods are effective for MCFACs, but considering safety, neuroendoscopic fenestration may be the best initial procedure.
Topics: Adolescent; Arachnoid Cysts; Child; Child, Preschool; Cranial Fossa, Middle; Female; Humans; Internationality; Male; Microsurgery; Neuroendoscopy; Postoperative Complications; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
PubMed: 27319312
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.06.046 -
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy 2016To investigate the incidence of associated anomalies, aneuploidy, cyst progression, need for surgery and neurodevelopmental outcome in fetuses with extra-axial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the incidence of associated anomalies, aneuploidy, cyst progression, need for surgery and neurodevelopmental outcome in fetuses with extra-axial supratentorial intracranial cysts.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched and the following outcomes analyzed: associated central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS anomalies detected at the scan, chromosomal anomalies, additional CNS anomalies detected only at prenatal MRI, additional CNS anomalies detected only after birth, cyst progression in utero, neurological outcome and need for surgery. Two authors reviewed all abstracts independently. Results were reported as proportions, and between-study heterogeneity was explored using the I² statistic; fixed or random effect models were used accordingly.
RESULTS
Ten studies involving 47 fetuses were included in the meta-analysis. Arachnoid cysts (n = 24) had associated CNS anomalies and extra-CNS in 73% (95% CI 56-88) and 14% (95% CI 4-29), respectively. The most common associated anomalies were ventriculomegaly and callosal abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 6% (95% CI 0-30), but fetuses with isolated cysts were always euploid (0/7; 95% CI 0-29). Fetal MRI and postnatal examination identified 5 additional cases (21%, 95% CI 1-57). Cavum veli interpositi (CVI) cysts had associated CNS and extra-CNS anomalies in 31% (95% CI 13-52) and 6% (95% CI 0-29), respectively. No chromosomal or callosal anomalies were found in these cases. In isolated CVI cysts, no cases of associated anomalies were detected postnatally. Intrauterine regression occurred in 23% of CVI cysts and in none of the arachnoid cysts. In children with arachnoid cyst, the occurrence of hydrocephaly and mass effect on the adjacent structures were observed in 23.9% (95% CI 8.3-4.4) and 26.8% (95% CI 4.0-60.1), respectively. None of the cases included had abnormal motor outcome or intelligence. The rate of surgery was 34.7% (95% CI 16.0-56.4). None of the children with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated CVI cyst experienced any of the adverse outcomes explored in this review.
CONCLUSIONS
Extra-axial supratentorial cysts diagnosed in utero are frequently associated with other neural and extra-neural anomalies. However, this may represent the consequence of a selection bias. Interhemispheric arachnoid cysts were typically associated with callosal anomalies. Abnormal karyotypes were seen only in fetuses with multiple anomalies. Arachnoid, but not CVI, cysts frequently increased in size throughout gestation.
Topics: Arachnoid Cysts; Central Nervous System Cysts; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Incidence; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 27105003
DOI: 10.1159/000445718 -
Neurosurgical Focus Apr 2016OBJECTIVE Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are congenital lesions bordered by an arachnoid membrane. Researchers have postulated that individuals with an AC demonstrate a higher...
OBJECTIVE Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are congenital lesions bordered by an arachnoid membrane. Researchers have postulated that individuals with an AC demonstrate a higher rate of structural brain injury after trauma. Given the potential neurological consequences of a structural brain injury requiring neurosurgical intervention, the authors sought to perform a systematic review of sport-related structural-brain injury associated with ACs with a corresponding quantitative analysis. METHODS Titles and abstracts were searched systematically across the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Peer-reviewed case reports, case series, or observational studies that reported a structural brain injury due to a sport or recreational activity (hereafter referred to as sport-related) with an associated AC were included. Patients were excluded if they did not have an AC, suffered a concussion without structural brain injury, or sustained the injury during a non-sport-related activity (e.g., fall, motor vehicle collision). Descriptive statistical analysis and time to presentation data were summarized. Univariate logistic regression models to assess predictors of neurological deficit, open craniotomy, and cystoperitoneal shunt were completed. RESULTS After an initial search of 994 original articles, 52 studies were found that reported 65 cases of sport-related structural brain injury associated with an AC. The median age at presentation was 16 years (range 4-75 years). Headache was the most common presenting symptom (98%), followed by nausea and vomiting in 49%. Thirteen patients (21%) presented with a neurological deficit, most commonly hemiparesis. Open craniotomy was the most common form of treatment (49%). Bur holes and cyst fenestration were performed in 29 (45%) and 31 (48%) patients, respectively. Seven patients (11%) received a cystoperitoneal shunt. Four cases reported medical management only without any surgical intervention. No significant predictors were found for neurological deficit or open craniotomy. In the univariate model predicting the need for a cystoperitoneal shunt, the odds of receiving a shunt decreased as age increased (p = 0.004, OR 0.62 [95% CI 0.45-0.86]) and with male sex (p = 0.036, OR 0.15 [95% CI 0.03-0.88]). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review yielded 65 cases of sport-related structural brain injury associated with ACs. The majority of patients presented with chronic symptoms, and recovery was reported generally to be good. Although the review is subject to publication bias, the authors do not find at present that there is contraindication for patients with an AC to participate in sports, although parents and children should be counseled appropriately. Further studies are necessary to better evaluate AC characteristics that could pose a higher risk of adverse events after trauma.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Arachnoid Cysts; Brain Concussion; Brain Injuries; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Headache; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Sports; Young Adult
PubMed: 27032926
DOI: 10.3171/2016.1.FOCUS15608 -
European Spine Journal : Official... May 2016Mostly seen at the thoracic level, arachnoid cysts are a very rare cause of cervical spinal cord compression. Generally treated by laminectomy and cyst fenestration,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Mostly seen at the thoracic level, arachnoid cysts are a very rare cause of cervical spinal cord compression. Generally treated by laminectomy and cyst fenestration, this approach does not allow removing the cyst in its entirety without manipulating the weakened spinal cord. The aim of this report is to present the case of a cervical intradural arachnoid cyst surgically removed by an anterior approach with corporectomy.
METHODS
Here is the case of an 18-year-old amateur boxer presenting with a voluminous cervical intradural anterior arachnoid cyst, extending from C2 to C5. Symptoms were cervical pain, quadriparesis, and clumsiness of both arms which had appeared just after a traffic accident. An anterior approach was chosen, through a C5 corporectomy.
RESULTS
The patient totally recovered from his sensitive symptoms at discharge and from his motor symptoms 6 weeks later. Early as well as 3-years post-operatively, MRI confirmed expansion of the spinal cord without any centro-medullar signal. The patient remained asymptomatic 3 years after surgery. Since the first report in 1974, 16 cases of symptomatic cervical intradural arachnoid cysts were treated via a posterior approach, one by MRI-guided biopsy, and one was re-operated on through an anterior approach. For 14 patients, their conditions had improved, while one died of pneumonia, one presented a condition worsened, and one had a stable neurological status.
CONCLUSION
Using an anterior approach is a safe procedure that allows resection of a cervical arachnoid cyst without any manipulation of the weakened spinal cord, while giving the best possible view.
Topics: Adolescent; Arachnoid Cysts; Cervical Vertebrae; Humans; Male; Neck Pain; Quadriplegia; Spinal Cord Compression
PubMed: 25995113
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-015-4026-7 -
Rare Tumors 2013We report a 41-year old male who presented to the Emergency Department after falling while water-skiing. He had a previous medical history included chronic headaches,...
We report a 41-year old male who presented to the Emergency Department after falling while water-skiing. He had a previous medical history included chronic headaches, which had persisted for the last 2-3 months prior to presentation. Computed tomography of the head showed a small hypersensitivity with a small extra axial collection with a maximum thickness of 1mm. Differential diagnoses included an arachnoid cyst, haemangioma, meningioma or a secondary lesion. A diagnosis of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis was made based on the histopathology examination and the immunoperoxidase staining.
PubMed: 24179650
DOI: 10.4081/rt.2013.e38 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Apr 2013Spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare with only a few patients reported so far. Idiopathic, traumatic, posthemorrhagic, and postinflammatory causes have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare with only a few patients reported so far. Idiopathic, traumatic, posthemorrhagic, and postinflammatory causes have been reported in the literature. Especially, idiopathic lesions, in which other possible etiological factors have been ruled out, seem to be rare.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We systematically reviewed the literature in regards to localization within the spinal canal, treatment options, complications, and outcome. Additionally, we present management strategies in two progressively symptomatic children less than 3 years of age with idiopathic intradural arachnoid cysts.
RESULTS
In total, 21 pediatric cases including the presented cases have been analyzed. Anterior idiopathic spinal arachnoid cysts are predominantly located in the cervical spine in 87.5 % of all cases, whereas posterior cysts can be found at thoracic and thoracolumbar segments in 84.6 % of the patients. Most children presented with motor deficits (76.2 %). Twenty-five percent of anterior spinal arachnoid cysts caused back pain as the only presenting symptom. Open fenestration by a dorsal approach has been used in the vast majority of cases. No major surgical complications have been reported. Ninety-four percent of all patients did improve or showed no neurological deficits. Recurrence rate after successful surgical treatment was low (9.5 %).
CONCLUSION
Idiopathic spinal intradural arachnoid cysts can present with neurological deficits in children. Pathologies are predominantly located in the cervical spine anteriorly and in thoracic and thoracolumbar segments posteriorly to the spinal cord. In symptomatic cases, microsurgical excision and cyst wall fenestration via laminotomy are recommended. Our radiological, intraoperative, and pathological findings support the cerebrospinal fluid obstruction and vent mechanism theory of arachnoid cysts.
Topics: Arachnoid Cysts; Child; Humans; Laminectomy; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Compression; Spinal Cord Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23224408
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-012-1990-7 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Mar 2009Analyzing the literature and elaborating recommendations on the following topics: relevance of dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesions, surgical treatment for...
OBJECTIVES
Analyzing the literature and elaborating recommendations on the following topics: relevance of dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesions, surgical treatment for posttraumatic syringomyelia, other therapeutic approaches (peripheral nerve root pain, nerve trunk pain and Sign Posterior Cord [SCI] pain).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The methodology used, proposed by the French Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SOFMER), includes a systematic review of the literature, the gathering of information regarding current clinical practices and a validation by a multidisciplinary panel of experts.
RESULTS
Ninety-two articles were selected, 10 with a level of evidence at 2, 82 with a level of evidence at 4. Some articles lacked information on the type of injury, the pain characteristics and the symptoms' evolution over time. DREZ: This type of procedure has been validated for its effectiveness on pain at the level of injury (transitional zone pain), but is inefficient for pain located below the level of injury. Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS): suspected when there is an increased neurological impairment, changes below the level of injury (mainly bladder dysfunctions) or a sudden onset of pain. The surgery associates arachnoid grafting, cyst drainage, expansile dural plasty (same treatment for posttraumatic tethered spinal cord and posttraumatic myelomalacia). PERIPHERAL NERVE ROOT, NERVE TRUNK OR TRANSITIONAL ZONE PAIN: Surgical implants (screws or clips) can generate radicular pain caused by inflammation and they can even move around with time. The material-induced constraints can also trigger pain. Surgical removal of osteosynthesis material (with an eventual saddle block) remains a simple procedure yielding good results. Correcting surgeries can also be performed (malunion and nonunion). Finally, compressive neuropathies (carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment) already have a well-defined treatment.
CONCLUSION
The literature review can define the relevance of surgical treatments on some types of SCI pain. However, the results of many articles are difficult to analyze, as they do not report clinical or follow-up data.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Neuralgia; Neurosurgical Procedures; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 19909710
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2008.12.016