PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Samii

Publications and source records attributed to M Samii.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Subarachnoid fat dissemination after resection of a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic cyst: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: This case report illustrates the clinical and radiological relevance of extensive intracranial subarachnoid and ventricular dissemination in dysontogenic (dermoid) tumors. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We describe a patient with a cerebellopontine angle dysontogenic tumor. Postoperatively, the cyst disseminated fat particles extensively into the subarachnoid space. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies revealed continuous dispersion of the fat particles into the cerebral cisterns, subarachnoid space, and ventricles. INTERVENTION: Eight years of clinical and MRI follow-up demonstrated neither neurological deterioration in the patient nor growth of the multiple lesions. CONCLUSION: Intracranial subarachnoid dissemination of fat material may occur during the preoperative or postoperative course of dermoid and epidermoid cysts. Aseptic meningitis or other complications such as hydrocephalus, seizures, or cranial nerve deficits also may occur owing to spillage of intracranial cyst contents into the subarachnoid space. MRI can detect the presence of fat drops that may adhere to the surrounding structures or migrate with the cerebrospinal fluid flow. Intracranial disseminated fat particles can remain silent without radiological or neurological change, justifying a wait-and-see approach. During long-term postoperative follow-up, however, regular MRI studies and clinical examinations are necessary to avoid potential complications.

Adult↗

Remission of superior oblique myokymia after microvascular decompression.

Superior oblique myokymia (SOM) is an ocular motility disorder characterized by oscillopsia, vertical or torsional diplopia, sometimes combined with pressure sensation. Although the pathophysiological basis is unclear, isolated case reports have documented its association with intracranial pathological processes. We present a case of SOM associated with a vascular compression of the fourth nerve at the root exit zone. Following microneurosurgical decompression, SOM completely resolved and paralysis of the fourth nerve occurred. This was less disturbing.

Decompression, Surgical↗

Ectopic choroid plexus within a juvenile arachnoid cyst of the cerebellopontine angle: cause of cyst formation or reason of cyst growth.

The unusual and rare case of a 6-year-old boy is reported who presented with an arachnoid cyst located in the cerebellopontine angle incorporating an ectopic piece of choroid plexus tissue. A microneurosurgical cyst wall resection was performed and the plexus tissue identified and removed. The rare occurrence of ectopic choroid plexus tissue within cysts of the CNS is discussed.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Auditory brainstem implants: current neurosurgical experiences and perspective.

The objective of this study was to present aspects of the current treatment protocol, such as patient evaluation and selection for therapy, multimodality monitoring for optimal auditory brainstem implant (ABI) positioning and radiological evaluation, that might have an impact on the functional results of ABI. Out of a series of 145 patients with bilateral vestibular schwannomas 10 patients received an ABI, eight of which are reported here. Patient selection was based on disease course, clinical and radiological criteria (according to the Hannover evaluation and prognosis scaling of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)), extensive otological test battery and psycho-social factors. ABI placement was controlled by multimodality electrophysiological monitoring in order to activate the auditory pathway and to prevent false stimulation of the cranial nerve nuclei or long sensory or motor tracts. Results of hearing function were correlated with patients' ages, duration of deafness, tumour extension, tumour-induced compression or deformation of the brainstem, and numbers of activated electrodes without any side-effects. Out of 59 patients with pre-operative deafness eight patients received an ABI of the Nucleus 22 type. All these patients became continuous users without any side effects and experienced improved quality of life. Speech reception in combination with lip-reading was markedly improved, with further improvement over a long period. A short duration of deafness may be favourable for achieving good results, while age was not a relevant factor. Lateral recess obstruction may necessitate a more meticulous dissection, but did not prevent good placement of the ABI in the lateral recess. Pre-existing brainstem compression did not prevent good results, but brainstem deformation and ipsi- and contralateral distortion were followed by a less favourable outcome. Among the factors that can be influenced by the therapy management are the selection of patients with a slow progressing NF2 disease, a short duration of deafness, a careful analysis of brainstem deformation and consideration of either side for implantation. Long-standing brainstem deformation might not lead to recovery, but instead lead to a low number of active electrodes and possibly only moderate results. ABI treatment is a safe procedure that can increase a patient's quality of life considerably. ABI placement along with neurophysiological control helps to prevent side effects and to improve acoustic activation. Further studies on structural and functional changes of the brainstem after previous tumour compression and distortion should increase our understanding and facilitate a decision on the best side for ABI implantation.

Adult↗

Extensive monitoring during auditory brainstem implant surgery.

In patients with reduced auditory nerve function, for example due to tumour removal or an accident, hearing rehabilitation can be elicited by an auditory brainstem implant (ABI). The electrode array of the ABI manufactured by Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, consists of 21 circled contacts in a silicon carrier. This is inserted in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle. Since 1996, in Hannover eight patients have been implanted with a cochlear ABI Nucleus 21 + 1. All of them were profoundly deaf on both sides due to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). To find the optimal electrode position during surgery, a multimodal monitoring by auditory evoked potentials (AEP), electromyography (EMG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) was performed. When monitoring AEPs, the function of the implant can be checked first by the stimulus artefact. By analysing the AEPs in more detail, the optimal positioning of the electrode on the cochlear nucleus can be found. If systems other than the auditory system are stimulated this will be revealed in one or more of the AEP, EMG and SEP recordings. According to the literature, AEPs stimulated by an ABI consist of three vertex positive peaks with latencies shorter than 4 ms. Typical AEPs are correlated with good post-operative hearing sensation. Comparing these AEPs with AEPs stimulated acoustically or electrically at different sites of the auditory system, it can be assumed that the first peak corresponds to J3, the second to J4 and the last to J5. From this comparison it can also be concluded that no potentials should occur later than 5 ms. This corresponds to our findings. Post-operatively, side-effects occurred when areas of the electrode array were stimulated that showed potentials with latencies longer than 5 ms intra-operatively. Our results indicate that monitoring is an essential aid for the surgeon in finding the optimal electrode position. Positioning solely with reference to anatomical landmarks may not be enough to find the optimal functional position.

Adult↗

Auditory brainstem implant in auditory rehabilitation of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2: Hannover programme.

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) is indicated for patients suffering from bilateral neural deafness. The most affected patients are those with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). An implantation is possible either at the same time as, or after, surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma. This paper demonstrates the results of eight out of 11 patients with NF2, seven of whom received an ABI after tumour removal. Pre-operatively, all of them were deaf. Post-operatively, the first fitting served to determine the individual stimulation parameters for each electrode. The stimulation-dependent side-effects were eliminated by reducing the stimulus intensity without causing negative effects on the hearing with the ABI. Only in one case was an open set understanding achieved within the first year. However, all patients had a better speech understanding when they combined their hearing with the ABI and their lip-reading abilities. There is no correlation between the performance with ABI and the tumour size or the duration of deafness.

Adolescent↗

Disruption of intracerebral progression of C6 rat glioblastoma by in vivo treatment with anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody.

OBJECT: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) invasiveness is a complex process that involves recognition and attachment of GBM cells to particular extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules before migrating into proteolytically modified matrix and inducing angiogenesis. The CD44 molecule, which is a transmembrane adhesion molecule found on a wide variety of cells including GBM, has been suggested as the principal mediator of migration and invasion. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether an antibody specific to the standard form of CD44 (CD44s, 85-90 kD) might prevent invasion and thus disrupt progression of C6 GBM in vivo. METHODS: Immunostaining demonstrated homogeneous expression of CD44s on the surface of C6 GBM cells and tumors. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated binding saturation of anti-CD44s monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the receptor at 1 microg/5 x 10(5) cells. Blocking of CD44s in vitro resulted in a dose-dependent progressive (up to 94+/-2.7%; mean +/- standard deviation [SD]) detachment of C6 cells from ECM-coated culture. Blocking of CD44s in vivo resulted in significantly reduced C6 brain tumors (3.6+/-0.4% [SD])--measured as the quotient: tumor surface (mm2)/brain surface (mm2) x 100--compared with untreated (19.9+/-0.9%) or sham-treated (19.2+/-1.1 to 19.3+/-2.5% [SD]) rats. Disruption of C6 GBM progression correlated with an improved food intake; treated rats were significantly less cachectic (166.6+/-16.4 g [SD]) than those that were untreated (83+/-2.7 g [SD]) or sham-treated (83.4+/-1.1 to 83+/-2.2 g [SD]) rats. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that CD44s-targeted treatment with specific mAb may represent an effective means for preventing progression of highly invasive GBMs.

Animals↗

Retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa: surgical technique and outcome.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to determine whether some petroclival tumors can be safely and efficiently treated using a modified retrosigmoid petrosal approach that is called the retrosigmoid intradural suprameatal approach (RISA). METHODS: The RISA was introduced in 1983, and since that time 12 patients harboring petroclival meningiomas have been treated using this technique. The RISA includes a retrosigmoid craniotomy and drilling of the suprameatus petrous bone, which is located above and anterior to the internal auditory meatus, thus providing access to Meckel's cave and the middle fossa. Radical tumor resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in nine (75%) of the 12 patients. Two patients underwent subtotal resection (Simpson Grade III). and one patient underwent complete resection of tumor at the posterior fossa with subtotal resection at the middle fossa. There were no deaths or severe complications in this series; all patients did well postoperatively, being independent at the time of their last follow-up examinations (mean 5.6 years). Neurological deficits included facial paresis in one patient and worsening of hearing in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The approach described here is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach, which allows resection of large petroclival tumors without the need for supratentorial craniotomies. Although technically meticulous, this approach is not time-consuming; it is safe and can produce good results. This is the first report on the use of this approach for petroclival meningiomas.

Adolescent↗

Nerve transfer.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Brachial Plexus↗

Monitoring of blood parameters following anterior cervical fusion.

OBJECT: Both C-reactive protein (CRP) level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured prospectively in 51 cases in which uncomplicated cervical anterior fusion was performed. The object of the authors was to quantify the differences in the responses of these parameters recorded in the immediate postoperative period and to determine factors influencing their course. METHODS: Nineteen one-level, 23 two-level, and nine three-level procedures for disc herniation and degenerative disease of the cervical spine were performed in 22 female and 29 male patients (mean age 49.2 years). Blood samples were obtained 1 day before as well as on 10 consecutive days and 3 months following anterior cervical fusion. Serum CRP level was measured using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay and ESR was determined from the same samples. Operative time, the number of blood transfusions, and drugs administered in the postoperative period were recorded. In addition, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, platelet count, white cell count, and axillary body temperature were checked daily. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of CRP level is superior to that of ESR for early detection of infections after cervical spine surgery. Although CRP was not related to any of the factors that have been proposed to explain its peak value variance in previous studies, individual acute-phase protein metabolism response to tissue affection appears to be a more decisive element in this respect.

Adult↗

Congenital arthrogryposis associated with atlantoaxial subluxation and dysraphic abnormalities. Case report.

The authors report the case of a 27-year-old woman with an arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) associated with atlantoaxial subluxation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of its kind. The authors review the literature with reference to dysraphic abnormalities associated with atlantoaxial subluxation and with AMC. The patient presented with severe tetraparesis following a minor traffic accident. She underwent a procedure in which transoral decompression and dorsal stabilization were performed and, postoperatively, made a good clinical outcome. The authors stress the need for diagnostic neuroimaging of the craniocervical junction in patients with AMC.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Current status and future challenges in cerebral blood flow mapping in intracranial tumors.

CBF studies have been applied in patients with cranial tumors using XenonCT in order to evaluate the blood flow of both the tumor and the peritumoral brain tissue. The histology included mostly meningiomas or gliomas, less frequently neurinomas or metastases. Blood flow was determined in tumor tissue (TBF), peritumoral areas (PTBF) and cerebral hemispheres (hCBF). The CBF was compared to normative CBF values. In supratentorial tumors characteristical blood flow patterns were found according to the histology. PTBF was usually lower in edematous tissue than in normal brain tissue. TBF in malignant gliomas revealed a heterogeneous pattern with a central core of low flow and a peripheral zone with high flow. Global CBF values in patients with malignant gliomas were lower than in controls. Meningiomas showed significantly higher blood flow compared to gliomas or neurinomas. In some cases with large cerebellopontine angle tumors a reduction in brain stem blood flow was detected. In cavernous sinus tumors with carotid artery compression CBF and cerebrovascular reserve capacity was not impaired. These findings indicate that tumor induced alterations in cerebral circulation can be detected by CBF mapping. This diagnostic tool offers a further insight into perfusion related tumor pathophysiology and may thereby optimize individual neurooncological treatment strategies.

Adult↗

CBF determination in brain stem and cerebellar hemispheres.

CBF of brain stem and cerebellar hemispheres is of particular significance in different cranial diseases and can be determined by PET, SPECT and XenonCT. We have used XenonCT CBF method to study 78 patients with posterior fossa tumors or cerebrovascular disorders. A retrospective analysis of the first 56 CBF studies showed that bone artifacts were the most common cause of study failure. Based on these experiences we have developed a protocol to study brain stem and cerebellar blood flow. Because bone artifacts significantly degrade flow information, we obtained images over the petrous bone with a CT gantry angle of approximately 25 degrees to the orbitomeatal line. The failure rate could be reduced from 41% to 13% with this study protocol. Brain stem blood flow determination may help to clarify the prognosis in head trauma patients and show more physiological details in tumors of the posterior fossa. The phenomenon of crossed cerebellar diaschisis in cerebral insults or neoplasms can be investigated by XenonCT easily.

Adolescent↗

Impact of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings on surgical outcome in petroclival meningiomas.

OBJECTIVE: The preoperative radiological findings of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans of 70 patients with petroclival meningioma were evaluated and statistically compared with the degree of surgical resection and patients' outcomes to depict the most important radiological findings that may influence surgical radicality and outcome. METHODS: The following parameters were evaluated: 1) tumor diameters; 2) tumor extension toward the middle fossa, the internal auditory canal, the brainstem, and the foramen magnum; 3) bone changes; 4) peritumoral edema; 5) signs of tumor infiltrative pattern; and 6) surgical radicality. Postoperative results were analyzed immediately after the surgery and in a long-term follow-up study. RESULTS: Larger tumors affected a younger population and presented a significantly shorter time until symptom onset. In the majority of cases (67%), the tumor extended to the parasellar region. Tumor extension toward the jugular foramen was found in 24% of the patients and reached the level of the foramen magnum in 18%. Irregular tumor margins were found in 67% of the tumors, and 50% of them presented peritumoral edema in addition. Interestingly, edema also was found in 20% of tumors with well-delineated margins. CONCLUSION: Tumor size, brainstem compression, and tumor extension laterally to the internal auditory canal did not influence either the degree of surgical resection or the long-term outcome (P > 0.05). Supratentorial tumor extension to the middle fossa and downward involving the caudal cranial nerves displayed a significant importance in regard to the surgical radicality and the patient's outcome, respectively (P < 0.05). Radiological evidence of infiltrative tumor pattern and peritumoral edema at the brainstem surface were important parameters regarding surgical radicality (P < 0.05). However, only peritumoral edema influenced the long-term results significantly.

Adolescent↗

Image-guided neurosurgery--state of the art and outlook.

The surgical possibilities of image guided neurosurgery are presented and critically reviewed. Image guided neurosurgery may enable neurosurgeons to work more precisely than before, and thus reduce mortality and morbidity. However, before the technology achieves widespread acceptance, technical standards must be developed, the intraoperative localisation technology improved, and clinical indications and the cost/benefit ratio clarified. Nevertheless, image guided neurosurgery appears to herald an exciting future in which virtual reality and robotic surgery will emerge as modern techniques.

Brain↗

Prerequisites for fetal neurosurgery: management of central nervous system anomalies toward the 21st century.

With the dramatic technical advances in neuroimaging, it has become possible to diagnose central nervous system (CNS) anomalies in the fetus in utero with more precise morphological analysis. A new technique, high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using heavily T2-weighted fast spin echo sequences, has been reported to solve motion artifact of the fetus. However, it has also been recognized that the morphological fetal CNS findings detected in early development are not always the final features: occasionally they may not be determined in diagnosis and may change developmentally or chronologically during the fetal life in utero. Certain factors of the fetal chronology of CNS anomalies can cause irreversible changes during fetal life. These include: (1) significant delay in the neuronal maturation process in fetal hydrocephalus developed in clinicoembryological stage II in the Perspective Classification of Congenital Hydrocephalus (PCCH), (2) secondary neural injury in the intactly developing spinal cord above the neural placode in fetus with spina bifida aperta (myeloschisis), (3) histological "evolution" of tumors or dysgenetic CNS, and (4) deformity of the normally developed intracranial or intraspinal CNS structures. Considering the current status of fetal surgery in general and technical advances promising improved outcomes, fetal neurosurgery can also be applied in the above-mentioned progressive pathology or pathophysiology in the fetal CNS. However, since the failure of the first trial of fetal neurosurgery in the 1980s, the prerequisites have still not been clarified. In order to use advanced neurosurgery techniques in the management of fetal CNS anomalies, these prerequisites have to be established.

Journal Article↗