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Isolated cerebellar mucormycosis, slowly progressive over 1 year in an immunocompetent patient
Date of publication: 13-Dec-2010
Background:Mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive fungal disease with high mortality, typically presenting as rhinosinusitis in immunocompromised patients.
Natural anti-inflammatory agents for pain relief
Date of publication: 13-Dec-2010
Abstract
The use of both over-the-counter and prescription nonsteroidal medications is frequently recommended in a typical neurosurgical practice. But persistent long-term use safety concerns must be considered when prescribing these medications for chronic and degenerative pain conditions. This article is a literature review of the biochemical pathways of inflammatory pain, the potentially serious side effects of nonsteroidal drugs and commonly used and clinically studied natural alternative anti-inflammatory supplements. Although nonsteroidal medications can be effective, herbs and dietary supplements may offer a safer, and often an effective, alternative treatment for pain relief, especially for long-term use.
Cerebral and somatic venous oximetry in adults and infants
Date of publication: 27-Nov-2010
Background:The development in the last decade of noninvasive, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis of tissue hemoglobin saturation in vivo has provided a new and dramatic tool for the management of hemodynamics, allowing early detection and correction of imbalances in oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs.
Resolution of immune thrombocytopenic purpura associated with extranodal B-cell lymphoma of the petroclival region after radiotherapy
Date of publication: 27-Nov-2010
Background:Secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) associated with extranodal B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is extremely rare. The optimal management is not established. We report a first case of ITP in association with extranodal B-cell NHL originating in the lower petroclival region, successfully managed by local tumor control using conventional radiotherapy.
A new polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel vascular model (KEZLEX) for microvascular anastomosis training
Date of publication: 23-Nov-2010
Background:Microvascular anastomosis is a challenging neurosurgical technique that requires extensive training for one to master it. We developed a new vascular model (KEZLEX, Ono and Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) as a non-animal, realistic tool for practicing microvascular anastomosis under realistic circumstances.
Magnetic resonance findings in sellar and suprasellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage
Date of publication: 20-Nov-2010
Background:Tuberculosis is endemic in many counteries like India. It can infect any site in the central nervous system. However, islolated involvement of the sellar and suprasellar region is rare. Sellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage is even more rare. We present magnetic resonance (MR) findings in case of sellar and suprasellar tuberculoma with hemorrhage.
Adhesion of rhomboid lip to lower cranial nerves as special consideration in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: Report of two cases
Date of publication: 18-Nov-2010
BackgroundAlthough the rhomboid lip is a well-known structure constructing the foramen of Luschka, less attention has been directed to the structure for posterior fossa microsurgeries. The authors report two cases of the hemifacial spasm (HFS) with a large rhomboid lip, focusing on the importance of the structure during microvascular decompression.
Prophylactic retrievable inferior vena cava filters in spinal cord injured patients
Date of publication: 30-Oct-2010
Background:Pulmonary embolus (PE) secondary to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in trauma populations. Patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) are particularly susceptible to developing this complication. Non-invasive methods of preventing SCI, such as lower extremity compression devices and anticoagulation, do not confer complete protection against DVT. Retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) offer the advantage of both providing protection against PE and avoidance of long-term complications such as DVT, if removed in a timely fashion. Our goals in this study were to identify complications related to IVCF insertion and also to determine if prophylactic insertion of IVCF is effective in preventing PE in spinal cord injured patients.
Research-retreat-recovery: A potential model for organization and completion of research projects. Experience from a neurosurgery department in a developing country
Date of publication: 30-Oct-2010
Background:In the current era of biomedical research, it is imperative that every research study at an institution is properly organized, and frequently audited to streamline efforts and maintain standards. Recently, a research retreat was organized by the Section of Neurosurgery at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, and following that a recovery team was made with the aim of recovering “lost in translation” research projects. In the realm of our experience, the current model is being proposed as a means for organization of departmental research.
