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Intracranial hypotension caused by cervical cerebrospinal fluid leak: treatment with epidural blood patch.

UNLABELLED: This report describes treatment with cervical epidural blood patch of low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure headache resulting from spontaneous CSF leak via a tear in a cervical dural cuff. The leak was diagnosed by a dynamic computed tomography (CT)-myelography study followed by gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-scan. The epidural needle was inserted with the aid of image intensifier and CT-scan to guide the needle to the precise site of the CSF leak. Blood mixed with gadolinium was injected, and subsequent MRI scanning provided the first description of spread of blood after cervical epidural blood patch. IMPLICATIONS: Low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure may cause severe posturally-related headache. In the patient, a vertebral disc protrusion in the neck seems to have contributed to a CSF leak. An injection of blood into the epidural space at the precise site of the CSF leak was followed by complete and lasting resolution of the headache.

Blood Patch, Epidural↗

The diagnosis and treatment of a patient with puerperal infection and subdural hygromas.

We describe a patient readmitted after developing a persistent postural headache resulting from an accidental lumbar puncture during labor 10 days earlier. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bifrontal subdural hygromas and diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement. The patient had signs of a puerperal infection, and an epidural patch was performed with dextran 40 instead of blood, after which gradual improvement was noted. The patient was discharged totally asymptomatic 3 days later.

Adult↗

Traumatic subdural hygroma in adults.

The authors review 25 cases of post-traumatic subdural hygroma in adults and report the findings of computer tomography in 4 cases. There was marked diversity in the severity of injury and in chronicity. The site of the lesion was consistently delineated by angiography, but preoperative differentiation from subdural hematoma was possible only with computed tomography. The mortality was 28%. Good recovery occurred in 48%. The prognosis was best among younger patients with subacute or chronic lesions.

Adult↗

Toward optimal tissue sealants for neurosurgery: use of a novel hydrogel sealant in a canine durotomy repair model.

OBJECTIVE: Watertight dural repairs are difficult to achieve, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage causes complications and extends hospital stays. Therefore, a novel synthetic hydrogel film was evaluated as an adjunct to dural closure in a canine model. METHODS: The self-polymerizing, absorbable, and biocompatible hydrogel was sprayed onto tissue and formed a flexible, adherent sealant. A 2-cm incision of cranial dura and arachnoid was created in 26 adult dogs and loosely repaired. Hydrogel was applied over the 2-mm dural gap in 13 dogs; 13 control dogs received no hydrogel application. RESULTS: All dogs remained neurologically intact. Valsalva tests conducted at 1, 4, 7, and 56 days were associated with mean leakage pressures (+/- standard error of the mean) of 5 +/- 0, 5 +/- 0, 7 +/- 2, and 13 +/- 8 cm H(2)O in the controls and of 53 +/- 2, 37 +/- 11, 42 +/- 6, and 48 +/- 4 in the treated animals (P = 0.001, 0.053, 0.010, 0.035, respectively, at each time point; one-tailed t test). Histopathological analysis revealed minimal changes. CONCLUSION: The hydrogel-treated animals exhibited normal progression of dural healing, no dural adhesions, and no underlying effects on the brain. Although dural healing progressed normally, the control animals displayed marked peridural adhesions. The results of this in vivo study suggest that hydrogels, such as that used here, may significantly decrease cerebrospinal fluid leakage, thereby increasing the safety and effectiveness of dural closure in patients and facilitating surgical reexploration.

Animals↗

Recurrent spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak associated with "nude nerve root" syndrome: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks have been noted occasionally at multiple sites in the same patient, but recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leaks have not been documented. We describe a patient with a recurrent CSF leak who was found at surgery to have an absence of the entire nerve root sleeve at multiple thoracic levels. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old woman bodybuilder noted an excruciating orthostatic headache associated with nausea. The neurological examination was unremarkable, and a magnetic resonance imaging examination showed the typical changes of intracranial hypotension. Computed tomographic myelography showed an extensive bilateral lower cervical CSF leak. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent bilateral lower cervical nerve root explorations, and several small dural holes were found. The CSF leaks were repaired, but 3 months later, computed tomographic myelography showed a new CSF leak in the midthoracic area. A thoracic laminectomy was performed, and several nerve roots were found to be completely devoid of dura. After the CSF leaks were repaired, there was significant improvement in her headaches. CONCLUSION: A recurrent spontaneous spinal CSF leak may occur in patients with intracranial hypotension at a site previously documented not to be associated with a CSF leak. Absent nerve root sleeves may be found in patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks ("nude nerve root" syndrome), and these patients may be at increased risk of developing a recurrent CSF leak.

Adult↗

Connective tissue disorders with spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial hypotension attributable to a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is an increasingly recognized cause of postural headaches. The cause of these leaks is poorly understood, but it is likely multifactorial and may involve a primary connective tissue disorder. We undertook a study to estimate the contribution of systemic connective tissue disorders to the development of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. METHODS: We examined a group of 18 consecutive patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks for features of a connective tissue disorder. RESULTS: The mean age of the 15 female patients and 3 male patients was 38 years (range, 22-55 yr). Seven patients (38%) demonstrated stigmata of a systemic connective tissue disorder, and three distinct types of disorders could be identified, as follows. 1) The association of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome was noted for three patients. 2) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Type II was noted for two patients. 3) Joint hypermobility associated with marked attenuation of the dorsal muscular fascia, precluding proper wound closure, was noted for two patients. In addition, isolated small-joint hypermobility was observed for five patients (28%). Slit-lamp ocular examinations, echocardiographic evaluations, histopathological examinations of skin biopsy specimens, and renal scanning did not reveal any other features of a systemic connective tissue disorder. CONCLUSION: Findings suggesting connective tissue disorders are common among patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks, and manifestations may be subtle. A variety of disorders can be identified, probably reflecting genetic heterogeneity. Problems with wound healing may occur as a result of the systemic nature of the underlying connective tissue disorder.

Adult↗

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after a spinal surgery complicated by dural tear: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: This report presents a case in which cerebellar hemorrhage occurred after lumbar decompression surgery that was complicated by dural tear and prolonged cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after spinal surgery is extremely rare. Our objective is to describe this unusual complication, discuss the possible mechanisms of remote cerebellar hemorrhage, and review the literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old woman underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. A dural tear occurred during decompression, and the patient developed remote cerebellar hemorrhage on postoperative Day 2. INTERVENTION: The cerebellar hemorrhage was treated surgically, and a biopsy of hemorrhagic brain parenchyma revealed an arteriovenous malformation. CONCLUSION: Although it is an extremely rare complication, remote cerebellar hemorrhage should be kept in mind as a possible complication of spinal surgery, especially in operations complicated by dural tears.

Aged↗

Use of a novel absorbable hydrogel for augmentation of dural repair: results of a preliminary clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and performance of a synthetic dural sealant as an adjunct to standard surgical dural repair techniques to prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, nonrandomized, single-center clinical trial. The dural sealant is a synthetic absorbable hydrogel. Consecutive series of patients scheduled for elective cranial and intradural spinal surgery were included until a total of 50 applications were achieved. It was used primarily as an adjunct to ensure watertight dural closure. The end point was defined as no leak with the Valsalva maneuver after dural sealant application. The patients were followed up for 3 months after surgery to check for CSF leakage, standard laboratory and neurological examinations, and possible adverse advents. RESULTS: Of the 49 patients, 46 were included and treated with the dural sealant because of spontaneous leak (n = 34; 69%) or leak after the Valsalva maneuver (n = 12; 25%). There was no leak in the other patients (n = 3; 6%). After application of the dural sealant, there was no leak in all 46 patients (100%). Of the 46 patients included, there was one case of overt CSF leak. One patient had a pseudomeningocele. There were no adverse events other than those related to the disease or to the surgical procedure itself. CONCLUSION: The dural sealant, a synthetic absorbable hydrogel, is a useful adjunct to achieve watertight dural closure. Application resulted in 100% closure of intraoperative CSF leaks. There are no evident adverse effects.

Absorbable Implants↗

Surgical anatomy of dural defects in spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is typically caused by a spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. The configuration of the related dural defects can be complex. We describe our experience with the surgical anatomy of these defects. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks who underwent surgical exploration at Mayo Clinic between 1994 and 2003 were studied. All patients' records, imaging studies, detailed intraoperative findings, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: There were four men and nine women with an average age of 40 years (range, 12-62 yr). Preoperative imaging studies revealed a single site of CSF leak in eight patients, two sites in three patients, and multiple sites in two patients. Intraoperatively, the exact site of leakage could not be found in four patients. Among the other nine patients, primary closure of a meningeal diverticulum was achieved in one patient. Significant regional attenuation of the dura prevented primary repair of the leak site in eight patients. Muscle, fibrin glue, and Gelfoam (Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) soaked in patient's own blood were commonly used to pack the epidural space in an attempt to seal the site of the leak. Ligation of two nonappendicular nerve roots allowed closure of the leak in one of these patients. Postoperatively, resolution of symptoms occurred in eight patients, significant improvement was noted in three patients, and only transient resolution in two. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.5 months. CONCLUSION: Surgery for closure of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks may not be straightforward. Even when extradural CSF leakage is discovered preoperatively by imaging studies, it may not always be possible to identify the exact site of the leakage intraoperatively. Furthermore, the anatomy of the dural defects may be complex and not amenable to primary closure. In such cases, the use of adjuvant techniques during surgical exploration may be effective.

Adolescent↗

Giant eccrine adenocarcinoma of the scalp with intracranial invasion: resection and reconstruction using a vacuum-assisted closure device: technical case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Carcinoma of the adnexal structures of the skin is a rare malignancy, and is even more unusual in the scalp. We report an unusual case of scalp adnexal carcinoma of eccrine origin that went untreated for years, resulting in a giant tumor with extension through the cranium. The tumor resection and reconstruction of the cranium and scalp defects posed unique challenges. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman experienced a large recurrence of her scalp adnexal carcinoma after an incomplete wide local excision, which invaded through the cranium. INTERVENTION: The entire vertex of the scalp and cranium were removed en bloc. After cranioplasty, a free vascularized muscle flap was used for soft tissue coverage, but failed owing to poor vascular inflow. A large area of dura was left open, using a vacuum-assisted wound closure device to generate granulation tissue by secondary intention. Another split thickness skin graft was used to provide a cosmetically acceptable outcome. CONCLUSION: Scalp adnexal tumors of eccrine origin rarely metastasize and can be resected for cure with complete removal. Reconstruction options for large scalp and cranial tumors may be limited, and allowing the dura to granulate by secondary intention has been very rarely described. The novel use of a vacuum-assisted wound closure device was a very useful adjunct in this situation, and may be beneficial in the reconstruction of other patients with large scalp and cranial defects after neurosurgical procedures. It should be used with caution, since it may risk injury to a major venous sinus, especially when used in the midline, or cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension resulting in coma: case report.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a potentially severe condition characterized by a distinct clinical picture caused by low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Although coma has been reported previously as a presentation of this condition, this is the first report in which misdiagnosis of this condition and unwarranted surgery led to coma. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old man presented with a history of headache, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral chronic subdural hematomas. After evacuation of the hematoma, the patient's condition deteriorated into a state of profound depression of consciousness. Repeated cranial computed tomographic scans showed intracranial air, and intracranial pressure monitoring showed negative recording. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated epidural cerebrospinal fluid leaks at the middle and lower thoracic levels. INTERVENTION: Epidural blood patch resulted in almost immediate improvement in the patient's condition, and he was fully awake 24 hours later. CONCLUSION: This case report expands the presently known clinical spectrum of this uncommon and generally benign illness.

Blood Patch, Epidural↗

Risk factors for adult nosocomial meningitis after craniotomy: role of antibiotic prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate incidence and risk factors of postoperative meningitis, with special emphasis on antibiotic prophylaxis, in a series of 6243 consecutive craniotomies. METHODS: Meningitis was individualized from a prospective surveillance database of surgical site infections after craniotomy. Ventriculitis related to external ventricular drainage or cerebrospinal fluid shunt were excluded. From May 1997 until March 1999, no antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed for scheduled, clean, lasting less than 4 hours craniotomies, whereas emergency, clean-contaminated, or long-lasting craniotomies received cloxacillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. From April 1999 until December 2003, prophylaxis was given to every craniotomy. Independent risk factors for meningitis were studied by a multivariate analysis. Efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing meningitis was studied as well as consequences on bacterial flora. RESULTS: The overall meningitis rate was 1.52%. Independent risk factors were cerebrospinal fluid leakage, concomitant incision infection, male sex, and surgical duration. Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced incision infections from 8.8% down to 4.6% (P < 0.0001) but did not prevent meningitis: 1.63% in patients without antibiotic prophylaxis and 1.50% in those who received prophylaxis. Bacteria responsible for meningitis were mainly noncutaneous in patients receiving antibiotics and cutaneous in patients without prophylaxis. In the former, microorganisms tended to be less susceptible to the prophylactic antibiotics administered. Mortality rate was higher in meningitis caused by noncutaneous bacteria as compared with those caused by cutaneous microorganisms. CONCLUSION: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, although clearly effective for the prevention of incision infections, does not prevent meningitis and tends to select prophylaxis resistant microorganisms.

Adult↗

Spontaneous thrombosis of congenital cerebral arteriovenous malformation complicated by subdural collection: in utero detection with disappearance in infancy.

We report a case of congenital left temporal lobe arteriovenous malformation (AVM) detected by cranial ultrasound in utero and confirmed immediately after birth by cranial Doppler ultrasound and cranial MRI. The AVM disappeared on follow-up cranial MRI 4 months later. A small left frontal subdural collection was present on these follow-up MR images, which subsequently resolved by the 7 month MRI study. The cause of the spontaneous thrombosis of the AVM is uncertain. The frontal subdural collection may be secondary to volume loss. This case documents the perinatal presence of AVM. The baby was neurologically intact before, during and after the thrombosis of the AVM.

Female↗

Non-haemorrhagic subdural collection complicating rupture of a middle cranial fossa arachnoid cyst.

Arachnoid cysts are a common incidental finding on routine brain imaging and, for the most part, their presence is uneventful. Occasionally they may be associated with haemorrhage into the subdural compartment. Rarer still is simple rupture of the contents of the arachnoid cyst into the extra-axial space. MRI can help distinguish between these two rare occurrences--an important distinction to make as this may assist in directing the treating clinician toward the most appropriate management plan.

Arachnoid Cysts↗

Intracranial complications of frontal sinusitis.

Frontal sinus infections can spread to the intracranial space so fast that the clinical situation often becomes far advanced before a complication is recognized. Retrograde septic thrombophlebitis is the most common pathway of extension. A review of recent experiences with fulminating frontal sinusitis and its intracranial complications such as subdural empyema, brain abscess, epidural abscess, and meningitis is presented. Neurologic features of intracranial invasion are interpreted. Good results have been achieved by immediate and aggressive surgical and medical measures.

Adolescent↗