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Catherine A Mazzola

Publications and source records attributed to Catherine A Mazzola.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Revision surgery for Chiari malformation decompression.

Chiari malformations comprise four different hindbrain anomalies originally described by Hans Chiari, a professor of pathology at the German University in Prague. There are four basic Chiari malformations. The reasons for revision of Chiari malformation decompression may be for conservative or inadequate initial decompression or the development of postoperative complications. Another reason involves cases of both hindbrain herniation and syringomyelia in patients who have undergone adequate posterior fossa decompression without resolution of symptoms, signs, or radiological appearance of their syrinx cavity. Additionally, symptom recurrence has been reported in association with various types of dural grafts. Reoperation or revision surgery for patients with Chiari malformations is common and may not be due to technical error or inadequate decompression. The types of revision surgeries, their indications, and initial presentations will be reviewed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Critical care management of head trauma in children.

Trauma is the leading cause of both morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, and traumatic injury causes > 50% of all childhood deaths. Significant mortality rates have been reported for children with traumatic brain injury. Although children have better survival rates as compared with adults with traumatic brain injury, the long-term sequelae and consequences are often more devastating in children due to their age and developmental potential. The costs involved in the care of a child with severe traumatic brain injury, extended over that child's lifetime, are significant. It is unfortunate that despite preventive measures, traumatic brain injury remains the major morbidity and mortality factor for children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Resolution of Chiari malformation after repair of a congenital thoracic meningocele: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Many theories have been proposed regarding potential causative factors for Chiari malformations. An unusual case is described in which regression of a congenital Chiari malformation was observed after repair of a thoracic meningocele without direct surgical intervention to decompress the craniocervical junction. This supports the importance of an in utero craniospinal pressure gradient as a potential cause for congenital, but reversible, cerebellar herniation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A newborn baby was observed to have a thoracic meningocele. Magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a concomitant Chiari malformation. No neurological deficits were present at initial examination. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent surgical closure of the thoracic meningocele and untethering of the spinal cord at the site of the dural defect. A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan obtained 3 months after the operation revealed complete resolution of the cerebellar herniation. CONCLUSION: The resolution of the Chiari malformation in this child may have resulted from restoration of normal cerebrospinal fluid flow and elimination of the meningocele-related cerebrospinal fluid pressure gradient between the intracranial and intraspinal compartments.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation↗