Anaesthetic management for awake craniotomy in brain glioma resection: initial experience in Military Hospital Mohamed V of Rabat

The awake brain surgery is an innovative approach in the treatment of tumors in the functional areas of the brain. There are various anesthetic techniques for awake craniotomy (AC), including asleep-awake-asleep technique, monitored anesthesia care, and the recent introduced awakeawake- awake method. We describe our first experience with anesthetic management for awake craniotomy, which was a combination of these techniques with scalp nerve block, and propofol/rémifentanil target controlled infusion. A 28-year-oldmale underwent an awake craniotomy for brain glioma resection. The scalp nerve block was performed and a low sedative state was maintained until removal of bone flap. During brain glioma resection, the patient awake state was maintained without any complications. Once, the tumorectomy was completed, the level of anesthesia was deepened and a laryngeal mask airway was inserted. A well psychological preparation, a reasonable choice of anesthetic techniques and agents, and continuous team communication were some of the key challenges for successful outcome in our patient.Keywords: Awake craniotomy, brain glioma resection, control target infusion, laryngeal mask airway, scalp nerve bloc

Stercoral colitis mimicking appendicitis

Abstract Background Stercoral colitis is an inflammatory process involving the colonic wall related to fecal impaction. This rare condition is associated with high morbidity-mortality. Findings We report a case of a 78-year-old woman with a history of dementia under clozapine who presented a clinical and sonographic presentation of acute appendicitis. The worsening of her clinical condition prompted us to review our diagnosis and modify our approach using the CT scan which was consistent with stercoral colitis. This report concerns an atypical presentation of this condition. Conclusions The present case highlights the ability of severe forms of fecal impaction to precipitate very rare and life-threatening complications like stercoral colitis. It also points the importance of including stercoral colitis in the differential diagnosis of acute appendicitis in altered patients under anticholenergic drugs and the critical role of the CT scan as a crucial radiologic adjunct

Anesthetic management of spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma during pregnancy: a case report

Abstract Background Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy is a quite rare event requiring emergent decompressive surgery in the majority of cases to prevent permanent neurological damage. Therefore, there is little data in the literature regarding anesthetic management of cervical localization during pregnancy. The potential for difficult airway management with the patient under general anesthesia is one of the major concerns that needs to be addressed to prevent further cord compression. Anesthetic management should also include measures to maintain the mean arterial pressure to improve spinal cord perfusion. Furthermore, spine surgery in pregnant patients needs special consideration in terms of positioning and in the postoperative period. Case presentation We present a case of a 35-year-old white woman at 21 weeks of gestation with a spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma. Fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided nasal intubation was a safe option to ensure a higher rate of successful endotracheal intubation while minimizing the risk of aggravating the injury. Her care posed other multiples challenges that required a multidisciplinary team approach. Conclusions The case of our patient serves as a reminder of this rare condition and its implications regarding anesthesia

Epilepsie révélant une chorée-acanthocytose: à propos d’un cas

La chorée-acanthocytose (ChAc) est une affection autosomique récessive très rare causée par des mutations dans le gène VSP13A sur le chromosome 9q21. Elle est caractérisée par des signes neurologiques, des manifestations psychiatriques et une atteinte multisystémique comportant une myopathie, une neuropathie axonale et la présence de globules rouges spiculées ou acanthocytes. Rarement, l’épilepsie peut être le symptôme initial chez ces patients, ce qui peut considérablement retarder le diagnostic. Nous décrivons le cas d’un patient atteint de cette pathologie qui a présenté des crises épileptiques plusieurs années avant l’apparition des manifestations typiques.The Pan African Medical Journal 2016;2