Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons最新文献

Background: Neurogenic claudication caused by lumbar stenosis is a prevalent disorder of the spinal canal for which many treatment options exist. The mild (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) procedure has recently been introduced as a safe and effective alternative to medical management in the treatment of lumbar stenosis. However, data on complications are rarely reported, and the incidence of complications, when reported, is frequently assessed at 0% in the literature.

Observations: The case of a patient with a cerebrospinal fluid leak following a mild procedure performed at an outpatient facility who presented to an inpatient emergency department is discussed. After lumbar drainage failed, the patient required 2 operative procedures to rectify the leak.

Lessons: A seemingly innocuous procedure may have highly morbid complications requiring a lengthy inpatient stay and return trips to the operating room. The physicians and surgeons who manage these complications are frequently not those who performed the index procedure; they should be educated on the risks of the procedure and best practices for definitive management. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24497.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited disease that leads to weakness, loss of ambulation, and progressive scoliosis in many patients, frequently requiring early spinal fusion. Nusinersen is a disease-modifying agent that improves symptoms and slows the progression of SMA but requires serial lumbar punctures for intrathecal drug delivery. Spinal fusion for scoliosis has historically been a contraindication for nusinersen therapy, as the fused spinal laminae block access to the thecal sac.

Observations: Here, the authors report a case wherein a patient with SMA and prior scoliosis surgery underwent a one-level lumbar laminectomy with the placement of four titanium microscrews at the corners of the bone window thatfunction as fiducial targets for radiography-guided lumbar punctures. This procedure allowed the patient to receive nusinersen injections easily and successfully on an ongoing basis.

Lessons: Nusinersen is an important novel treatment for children with SMA. Thus, it is imperative to discover new ways to administer intrathecal injections to increase the number of patients able to undergo this therapy. The described one-level laminectomy with microscrew placement for serial lumbar punctures can increase the number of patients able to receive nusinersen and other intrathecal therapies. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24411.

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective procedure for the treatment of triventriculomegaly associated with aqueductal stenosis. However, some patients can develop severe and symptomatic intracranial pressure (ICP) elevations in the immediate postoperative period that can be monitored and treated with external ventricular drain (EVD) placement and controlled cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion until the ICP normalizes and symptoms resolve.

Observations: The authors describe the case of a 39-year-old male who underwent ETV and intraoperative EVD placement for obstructive hydrocephalus associated with aqueductal stenosis. The patient was noted to have sustained ICP elevations in the immediate perioperative period but ultimately experienced a successful clinical outcome without requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Lessons: Significant sustained ICP elevations in the immediate postoperative period following ETV can occur and may indicate a prolonged adjustment period. These elevations can be tolerated if the patient's symptoms and ICP are well controlled, with temporary external CSF diversion if the patient becomes symptomatic, as the ICP will likely normalize with a reassuring clinical outcome. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24478.

Background: Endometrial papillary serous carcinoma (EPSC) is a rare gynecological malignancy that often metastasizes before the presentation of symptoms or diagnosis of the primary disease. The most common locations of metastases for this malignancy are the lungs, liver, and bones. Metastases to the central nervous system (CNS) are rare. Solitary CNS metastases without other anatomical site spread are exceedingly rare.

Observations: A 65-year-old female with a past medical history of EPSC presented with right-sided weakness, gait instability, and progressive dysarthria. Neurological evaluation revealed right hemiparesis and dysarthria. Head computed tomography showed an ovoid area of hypoattenuation in the left pons. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 2.6-cm pontine lesion. A biopsy revealed histomorphology and immunophenotype consistent with metastasis of previously diagnosed serous carcinoma of the endometrium.

Lessons: Gynecological malignancies, in particular EPSC, can metastasize to atypical locations even without evidence of systemic disease. The authors hypothesize that this may be due to hematogenous spread through the Batson venous plexus. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24513.

Background: Postoperative symptom exacerbation after resection of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is usually due to surgical damage to the eloquent areas or venous outflow obstruction from injury to a developmental venous anomaly (DVA).

Observations: A 21-year-old right-handed female presented with headache, right limb weakness, and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3.5-cm CCM with significant perilesional edema in the middle frontal gyrus. Despite medical treatment, her weakness worsened, necessitating emergency resection. Imaging revealed no DVA or venous obstructions. Histopathological examination revealed marked neutrophil infiltration, indicating noninfectious inflammation. One week postoperatively, MRI revealed increased edema around the resection site. Although the aphasia improved, paralysis (manual muscle testing grade 3) persisted, prompting betamethasone administration. The symptoms rapidly improved over 10 days, and the patient was discharged symptom free on day 20 with no recurrence thereafter.

Lessons: Patients with prolonged postoperative deficits after CCM resection can experience noninfectious inflammation. Anti-inflammatory treatments such as corticosteroids may be necessary in similar cases with poor recovery from edema and symptoms. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24570.

Background: Percutaneous intradiscal hydrogel injection has been used to treat low-back pain (LBP) due to degenerative disc disease with or without mild radicular pain. Complications from these procedures are underreported. In this case lesson, the authors present a rare case of a patient with herniated intradiscal hydrogel following a minor trauma leading to neurological injury.

Observations: A 36-year-old female who had been previously treated with L4-5 and L5-S1 intradiscal hydrogel injections for LBP presented with painful, progressive right-sided lower-extremity weakness after experiencing a twisting trauma. Cross-sectional imaging results revealed a herniated hydrogel-based disc implant in the spinal canal. She underwent an urgent L4-5 laminectomy for decompression and removal of the herniated implant. A large annular defect was noted. Postoperatively, she had resolution of her right leg pain but experienced persistent right foot drop requiring an ankle-foot orthosis.

Lessons: Herniated intradiscal hydrogel implants can lead to permanent neurological injury. While the risk factors for hydrogel herniation have not been elucidated, they can be related to pre-existing disruptions to the annulus and/or posterior longitudinal ligament, excess volume of hydrogel injection, and insufficient fixation time. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this technology. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24394.

Background: Cerebral ischemia secondary to occlusion or vasospasm of adjacent large vessels is a rare but significant complication of pituitary apoplexy. Misdiagnosis can lead to delays in management and devastating neurological outcomes. This case is the first reported instance of an initial presentation with transient cerebral ischemic symptoms, in addition to a classic pituitary apoplexy syndrome, for this clinical entity of pituitary apoplexy with adjacent large vessel occlusion.

Observations: A 49-year-old man presented with a classic pituitary apoplexy syndrome of headache, vomiting, and hemianopia, with transient preceding expressive dysphasia and right-hand numbness. Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography of the brain demonstrated a large apoplectic pituitary tumor and associated occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Subsequent CT perfusion studies revealed a threatening large ischemic penumbra in the left middle cerebral artery territory. He underwent urgent transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary tumor, resulting in symptom resolution and the prevention of cerebral infarction.

Lessons: The recognition of transient cerebral ischemic symptoms in pituitary apoplexy should encourage the exclusion of any large-vessel complications and resultant cerebral ischemia. Early assessment, particularly with angiography and perfusion studies, can assist in guiding management, which is usually surgical decompression, distinct from traditional treatment for cerebrovascular events. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24566.

Background: While the symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD) typically first appear around the age of 40 years, 5%-10% of patients experience symptoms before the age of 21 years, in which case it is classified as juvenile Huntington's disease (JHD). JHD poses a unique clinical problem, as affected patients experience rapid deterioration in their quality of life as the motor manifestations of the disease become overwhelming. Medical treatment options for HD are sparse, and the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for the treatment of HD is the VMAT-2 inhibitor tetrabenazine. Unfortunately, treatments for JHD are even more limited, as investigational new drugs for HD oftentimes exclude patients with JHD from trials.

Observations: Here, the authors present the case of a 15-year-old male with severe hypertonia and dystonic events secondary to JHD that was successfully treated with an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump. The patient experienced an improvement in hypertonia and a reduction in the frequency of dystonic events after ITB pump implantation, resulting in overall improved patient comfort.

Lessons: This case highlights the potential benefits of ITB therapy in managing debilitating hypertonia-type symptoms in patients with JHD. Given the limited treatment options for JHD, this intervention has the potential to profoundly enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24512.

Background: The management of rivaroxaban overdose in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is undocumented. Reversal with andexanet alfa (AA) and prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) in cases of supratherapeutic doses remains unproven. Management is further complicated by the absence of real-time serum rivaroxaban concentration assays and drug-specific coagulation assays. This report details the use of plasma exchange (PLEX) in combination with PCC and AA to manage rivaroxaban overdose in sTBI.

Observations: A 36-year-old female presented with sTBI. Her admission international normalized ratio was 4.8 and thromboelastography reaction time was 85 seconds. Chromogenic low-molecular-weight heparin anti-Xa (AXA) concentration was < 0.1 units/mL. PCC and vitamin K were administered but failed to improve coagulopathy. Further history revealed a possible rivaroxaban overdose, and AA was administered. The second AXA prior to AA was > 1.8 units/mL. AXA remained > 1.8 units/mL 3 hours after AA. PLEX was urgently initiated prior to surgery for drug removal. Serum rivaroxaban concentrations pre- and post-PLEX were 534.6 and 256.8 ng/mL, respectively. A hemicraniectomy was performed without intraoperative or postoperative bleeding complications.

Lessons: Routine reversal strategies may be insufficient in achieving hemostasis in rivaroxaban overdose. PLEX reduced serum rivaroxaban concentration by 52%. PLEX can be an important adjunct to consider for medical and perioperative management of rivaroxaban overdose. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24475.

Background: Unexpected events such as instrument breakage during a routine lumbar microdiscectomy can pose a risk for nerve root injury, durotomy, infection, and anterior displacement into the retroperitoneal space. Removal of broken instruments requires planning, patience, and sometimes subsequent surgical procedures. Here, the authors explore the effectiveness of a magnetic probe for the retrieval of broken metallic (magnetic) pieces.

Observations: A 47-year-old man with right leg radiculopathy due to a right L5-S1 disc extrusion had undergone a lumbar microdiscectomy that was complicated by the pituitary rongeur tip breaking in the L5-S1 disc space. The rongeur tip was successfully retrieved by widening the entry access without damaging the adjoining facet and utilizing a blunt nerve hook, a probe dissector, forceps tips, curette heads, and a magnetic probe.

Lessons: The use of a magnetic probe provides a safe and effective method for retrieving metallic fragments during lumbar disc surgery. This case highlights the importance of considering alternative techniques such as magnetic retrieval in the management of intraoperative instrument breakage. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24377.