A technical note: The role of liliequist membrane fenestration during the pterional approach for anterior circulation aneurysm clipping

The Liliequist membrane is a critical membrane located at the base of the brain separating the supratentorial from the infratentorial cisterns. The advantages of Liliequist membrane fenestration as a critical part of the pterional trans-Sylvian approach for ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm clipping is not well established. We demonstrated that the fundamental role of Liliequist membrane fenestration is brain relaxation through the egress of CSF that is not usually gained from other modalities (e.g., placement of a lumbar drain, fenestration of lamina terminalis) in this specific setting

Prognostic factors of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms treated with surgical clipping

Background: Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage is an emergent condition that leads to profound morbidity and mortality. It is mainly caused by a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Herein we described the relationship of different factors and their impact on the outcome of patients who underwent a surgical clipping exclusively to the ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital (NTH) in Baghdad for the period between January 2017-April 2019 of patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Demographic, clinical, radiological and surgical data were extracted. A univariate analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between the variables and outcome which was assessed using the five scores of the Glasgow Outcome Scale where patients were dichotomized into two groups; favourable (IV + V) and unfavourable (I, II, III). Results: Within this cohort, a total of 50 patients were studied and the analysis revealed that 92% (N=46) had a favourable outcome and 8% (N=4) had an unfavourable outcome at discharge. The in-hospital mortality was 6%(N=3). Factors that were significantly associated with poor outcome were giant aneurysms, the presence of other unruptured aneurysms, post-operative clinical vasospasm, presence of contralateral weakness, lower pre/post-operative Glasgow coma scores, higher Hunt and Hess, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and modified-WFNS grades. Conclusion:  The factors with a significant impact on the outcome of patients with surgically clipped ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms were GCS, WFNS, m-WFNS, H&H, contralateral muscle weakness, size of the aneurysm, presence of other unruptured aneurysms and clinical vasospasm

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for obstructive hydrocephalus

Introduction: Obstructive hydrocephalus has long been managed by valve-regulated shunts. These shunts are associated with a myriad of short and long-term complications. This has fueled interest in Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) which provides a more physiological pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion while avoiding many shunt-related complications. Aim: The objective of this study is to analyze the outcomes of ETV at our institution, focusing on the indications, success rates, and short-term complications. Methods: Between July 2010 and September 2015, 47 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus underwent ETV at the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad/ Iraq. We retrospectively analyzed the data of these patients using hospital health records. Simple statistics were performed using  SPSS Version 20. A standardized surgical technique was employed in all cases. Results: The mean age was 4.4 years (range 40 days - 38 years). The male: female ratio was 1.23:1 (55% males and 45% females). The most common cause of obstructive hydrocephalus in patients undergoing ETV was aqueductal stenosis (62%; N=29). The second most common cause was posterior fossa tumours (23%; N=11). The overall success rate for ETV was 68%. The net post-operative complication rate was 13% (N=6). CSF leak and seizures were the only two charted post-operative complications at the rates of 9%(N=4) and 4% (N=2), accordingly. No deaths were recorded. Conclusion: ETV is a viable alternative to shunt insertion in a select group of patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, with acceptable success rate and safety profile

Microscopic trans-cerebellar approach for infratentorial cavernous malformation near the lateral recess associated with developmental venous anomaly: Case report

Background: Reports showed the intimate association of the developmental venous anomaly with infra-tentorial cavernous malformation. This association has several clinical and surgical implications, sometimes this association will be a surgical challenge and affect the selection of the safest approach to the lesion. Surgery for infratentorial cavernoma is indicated for accessible symptomatic lesion only. Case scenario: we present a case of deep cerebello-pontine CM adjacent to the lateral recess, presented with acute clinical deterioration to the emergency department of the Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, with the only possible approach was Trans-cerebellar approach because of the medial location of the associated DVA. Conclusion: The association of developmental venous anomaly with infratentorial cavernous malformation has a pivotal role in selection the most appropriate and safe surgical approach which should be based upon the individualized patient anatomy and the location of the target lesion

The role of strict patient-positioning during nursing in the management of intracerebral migration of gravitational bullet injury

The intracranial migration of bullet was described in literature since Cushing time and the First World War [1]. The literature is still away from delivering a clear guideline and constitutes more of case reports rather than comprehensive well-designed studies [2-13], this mostly due to the variability and diversity in the presentation and management of such cases. The migration of bullet can be a sequel of any type of penetrating injury to the skull [14]. Intracranial migration after gravitational (falling) bullet injury is a unique type of injury that constitutes of significant human and material losses with differences in biomechanics and structural brain changes after the insult especially regarding the velocity of impact and the degree of yaw for the intracranially settled bullet [15]. The gravitational bullets injuries are considered by the international disease classification system as celebratory firing, that is quite common and is part of the traditional happy (marriage) or funeral event in the middle east in general and in rural areas of Iraq in particular, and also reported in some areas around the world (South America, North Africa, and middle of Asia) [15,16]

Hydatid cyst of the quadrigeminal cistern: A case report for unusual location with literature review

Intracranial hydatid cyst involves supratentorial area and mainly affecting the middle cerebral artery territory with the predilection of the partial lobe. It can be single - which is the most common - or multiple up to 35 cysts. They tend to be huge at the time of symptomatic presentation especially when they are presented as a solitary lesion with a slow growth rate around 1.5 cm/year, however, it is variable and it can be up to 10 cm/year. Surgical treatment is mandatory for all patients once the correct diagnosis is made, except for patients with multiple organ involvement in poor general conditions and deep-located cysts. The existence of hydatidosis in the cisternal spaces must not be neglected given the capacity of E. granulosus larvae to disseminate via the CSF. In this case report; two and half years’ male child presented with a history of 2 attacks of generalized seizure for the last 72 hours with the head circumference at the upper normal limit for his age. This paper presents the first case report demonstrating a primary single hydatid cyst located in the quadrigeminal cistern in a child. We concluded that in spite of the feasibility of the imaging and the high suspension of cerebral hydatid cyst, still, the reports show more locations which can be described as unusual although for a head to toe suspected distribution of hydatid disease is already understood. An eminent medical and surgical (if indicated) treatment of the primary cerebral hydatid cyst are always effective and recommended

Brain Abscess and Dental Infections: A review

Odontogenic infections may cause brain abscesses. Although infrequent, infections can lead to development of aggressive brain lesions that may be life-threatening for patients. With the advent of new antibiotic treatments, dental abscesses appear to be under control but all patients with high risk of brain abscess should be assessed and treated properly. Hereby, we present an overview of the information available in the literature of the relationship between brain and dental abscesses

Unusual cranial trauma caused by pencil in teenager: Case report

Introduction: Penetrating lesions by pencil in the temporal lobe in children and adolescents are uncommon. We present the case of a teenager with penetrating injury by strange object in the temporal lobe. Case: Twelve years old male patient, with history of trauma while he was playing with his friends, presents alteration of the consciousness state, weakness in right hemibody and dysphasia. Urgent surgery is practiced employing an incision in "C" form with improvement of the consciousness state during post-operative. Discussion: Penetrating lesions in the skull and brain are classified as missiles and non-missiles depending of their impact velocity. The wood is a porous organic material that provide a natural deposit of microbian agents, making it potentially lethal. Pre-operative radiological evaluation allows check the trajectory of the penetrating object and secondary lesions present guiding de neurosurgical approach. The prognostic depends on penetration site, timely handling and complications associated. Conclusion: Penetrating lesions by pencil are uncommon, an appropriate imaging evaluation is fundamental to determine the neurosurgical approach that allows prevent and/or decrease secondary damage

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae presenting as transient ischemic attack: Case illustration

Dural arteriovenous fistulae are vascular lesions of the dura mater, usually acquired, consisting of abnormal connections between the dural arteries with the venous sinuses or the cortical veins. A case report presents a case with an unusual form of presentation of the dural (tentorial) arterio-venous fistula simulating a transient ischemic attack in a 60-year-old male patient