Pure subdural haematomas of arteriolar origin

Summary Fifteen consecutive cases of subdural haematomas (SDHs) of arteriolar origin operated on during the last twenty years in the Neurosurgical Clinic of the University of Genoa are reported. These SDHs are rare and form as a result of a rupture of a cortical arteriolar branch typically on the vicinity of the Sylvian fissure. They are always in a pure form and never associated with parenchymal lesions. Their aetiology is spontaneous, as in the 40% of our series, or more frequently related to minor traumas. These SDHs are often encountered in elderly patients generally presenting with severe clinical conditions (in the 60% of our patients GCS on admission was <8). Prompt surgical treatment is required in all cases before further worsening of their neurological condition, even if CT scanning does not reveal parenchymal lesions. The mortality rate is over 50% and mainly relates to the pre-operative GC score. Clinical features, neuroradiological aspects and treatment are discussed and literature reviewed.     

Delayed post-traumatic cervical instability

BACKGROUND

Cervical spine instability is a clinical entity whose biomechanical and radiological features have been widely discussed by many authors. On the other hand, the subject of delayed post-traumatic cervical instability is often surrounded by confusion due to its difficult nosologic framing; the aim of this study is to contribute to the matter.

METHODS

A cooperative study was organized by the Study Group for Spinal Surgery of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery to evaluate cervical trauma patients surgically treated more than 20 days after the traumatic event. From a total number of 172 patients, twenty-five were admitted to the study, because neuroradiological investigations performed during the acute phase had shown either an absence of traumatic lesions or only minimal lesions judged to be stable. For this reason these 25 patients had not been treated by either surgery or immobilization in a halo vest. Some time after trauma, this group of patients clearly demonstrated evidence of unstable lesions requiring surgical treatment, following the appearance of new clinical signs or on neuroradiological follow-up.

RESULTS

Re-examination of the neuroradiological investigations performed during the acute phase made it possible to identify elements that might have led us to suspect the presence of ligamental lesions: microfractures, dislocations less than 3 mm, and inversion of physiological lordosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This review clearly indicates that patients with even mild cervical trauma must be scrupulously evaluated during the acute phase and that in some cases it is advisable to perform a more detailed neuroradiological investigation.     

Histoire naturelle des cavernomes intramédullaires et traitement chirurgical. Résultats de l'étude française multicentrique

IntroductionThe prevalence of cerebral cavernomas is about 0.5% in the general population. In contrast, spinal cord cavernomas are considered as rare. The objective of this study was to determine the natural history of spinal cord cavernomas in a multicentric study.MethodsClinical and neuroradiological findings were retrospectively collected. Diagnosis was based on pathological criteria or magnetic resonance (MR) findings.ResultsFifty-three patients were included (26 males, 27 females). Mean age at onset of symptoms was 40.2 years (range: 11-80). Initial symptoms were progressive (32) and acute myelopathy (20). One patient was asymptomatic. Clinical symptoms were related to spinal cord compression (24) and hematomyelia (19). Cavernoma location was dorsal (41) and cervical (12.). MR findings consisted of hyperintense signal on T1 and T2 sequences (19 cases), mixed hyperintense and hypointense signal (33 cases), and hypointense signal on T1 and T2 sequences in 1 case. Mean size was 16.3 mm (range: 3-54). Forty patients underwent surgical resection. Improvement was observed in 20 patients and worsening of neurological symptoms in 11. Length of follow up was 7.1 years. At the end of the study, 26 patients were autonomous, 18 handicapped and 1 beddriden.ConclusionThis study provided precise data on the clinical and MR patterns of these lesions. The natural history is associated with a higher risk of hemorrhage recurrence, but is favorable in many operated patients. Microsurgery is the treatment of choice for most of these lesions.     

Clinical analysis of ossified thoracic ligaments and thoracic disc hernia]

Thoracic lesions present several clinical problems, particularly in their diagnosis and treatment, compared with cervical or lumbar lesions. Since 1983, 18 cases of thoracic space lesions, excluding spinal tumors or trauma have been experienced: nine cases of ossification of yellow ligament (OYL), five of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), and four of disc hernia (DH). In these 18 patients, problems of clinical manifestations, neuroradiological examination, and surgical approaches are analyzed and discussed. As clinical manifestations, there was a preponderant occurrence in males in the OYL group, while in the OPLL group all the patients were females. OYL and DH occurred at lower thoracic levels. Thirteen of the 18 patients showed combined lesions either in the cervical or in the lumbar regions, such as cervical OPLL, cervical spondylosis, lumbar DH, and lumbar canal stenosis. In the neuroradiological examinations diagnosis of the upper thoracic lesions was difficult. Computed tomography (CT) scan with intrathecal metrizamide injection seemed essential for examination of ossified thoracic lesions. However, because CT imaging of the entire spine is impractical, efficient use of this examination requires previous localization of the offending vertebral level from either the neurological findings or other neuroradiological examinations such as myelography. Magnetic resonance imaging seemed most useful for ruling out the thoracic compressing lesions. As for surgical approaches, posterior decompression was effective for OYL and the anterior approach was useful for OPLL and DH. In patients with "tandem lesions," neurological and neuroradiological findings played an important role in deciding the responsible site.     

Temporal mediobasal tumors: a proposal for classification according to surgical anatomy

Objective  Development of a classification for temporal mediobasal tumors based on anatomical and neuroradiological aspects to help evaluate surgical accessibility and risk. Methods  Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, surgical approaches and outcomes of 235 patients with a temporal mediobasal tumor were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical landmarks were defined in accordance with operative anatomy. Previous classifications of these tumors were reviewed and a new classification system was developed. Results  The new classification system recognises four types of temporal mediobasal tumor based on anatomical landmarks, location, and size. Type A comprises lesions confined to the uncus, hippocampus, parahippocampus, and/or amygdala. Type B comprises lesions in the area immediately lateral to the structures where type A tumors are located but sparing lateral gyri. Type C tumors are larger lesions, which occupy the area of type A and type B simultaneously. Type D tumors originate from the temporal mediobasal region and invade into the adjacent structures of the temporal stem, insular cortex, claustrum, putamen, or pallidum. The area occupied by a tumor in the axial plane was divided into anterior (a) and posterior (p) subregions. Progressive grading from A to D and from “a” to “p” was based on the view that larger and more posteriorly growing tumors were more difficult to remove. Lesions located in the anterior subregion (n = 173) were easier to remove by the transsylvian route (39%) or after partial anterior lobectomy (32%). For the posterior lesions (n = 62), a subtemporal approach was more appropriate (75%). Conclusions  Based on a series of 235 temporal mediobasal tumors, a classification system was designed to aid in decision making about operability, surgical risk, and approach.     

Liver resection with intraoperative and laparoscopic ultrasound: report of 32 cases

Background  Careful staging of hepatic tumors is mandatory for appropriate selection of patients for liver resection. Number and relationships of liver nodules are issues of utmost importance when evaluating resectability. Sensitivity of preoperative imaging for secondary lesions has been reported between 60–75% with spiral contrast-enhanced computed cosmography (CT), 80–85% with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 90–96% with intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS). Also for primary lesions IOUS has been reported to allow detection of liver nodules in 17% and modify surgical strategy in 10%. The aim of this study was to point out the usefulness of open (IOUS) and laparoscopic (LIOUS) ultrasound in patients undergoing hepatic surgery for liver tumors. Methods  In the years 2004–2006, 50 patients, mean age 66 years (range 44–76 years) were evaluated for resective surgery at the General Surgery Department of Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy. All of them were studied with biphasic CT and transabdominal ultrasound. Eighteen (36%) were judged unresectable. The others were scheduled for laparoscopy and LIOUS, by means of an ALOKA SSD–5500 (Aloka Co. Ltd. Tokyo, Japan), equipped with linear flexible tip laparoscopic probe. Results  Six patients (18.7%) were excluded because of pathology diffusion; 26 (81.3%) were resected, using ultrasonic shears (Harmonic ACE, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati Oh., USA) for parenchymal transection, 3 (11.5%) laparoscopically and 23 (88.5%) after laparotomy. IOUS was repeated in the latter group. LIOUS spared useless laparotomies in six patients (18.7%) and, coupled with IOUS, found undetected nodes in five patients (19.2%), changing surgical strategy in three patients (11.5%). Conclusion  In our experience LIUOS and IOUS proved to be of utmost importance both in the selection of patients for resective surgery and in planning surgical approach. Ultrasonic shears device and systematic pedicle clamping sped up resection time and reduced intraoperative bleeding.     

Healing of Blunt Liver Injury After Non-Operative Management: Role of Ultrasonography Follow-Up

Abstract Background:   Non-operative management of patients with blunt liver trauma has become the standard of care. Usually after initial computed tomography (CT) evaluation and a short-term intra-hospital instrumental and clinical monitoring, no other imaging assessment is routinely requested. A restriction of physical activities for a few (unfixed number of) months is the most common recommendation. A few studies investigated the re-establishment of normal hepatic parenchymal architecture, but there is no evidence of the correct length of time for a certain resumption to normal life. To understand the progression of traumatic liver damage and the time course of healing, and to indicate the correct spontaneous recovery time, a long-term sonographic followup was done. Methods:   Forty-four patients with blunt non-operatively managed hepatic injury were selected by a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. At admission, in accordance with the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), all lesions were evaluated by CT and graded by the Organ Injury Scale (OIS). The progression of liver repair was followed by ultrasonographic (US) controls on days 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60, and monthly up to a complete clinical recovery and sonographic disappearance of lesions. Results:   One OIS grade I, 20 grade II, 13 grade III, eight grade IV, and two grade V hepatic injuries were included in the study. Forty patients were monitored until liver normalization by 218 US examinations. The median time for liver repair in OIS grades II, III, IV, and V was 30, 63, 62, and 118 days, respectively, and 75% of the patients recovered in 60, 80, and 98 days in the II, III, and IV classes, respectively. Conclusion:   In our experience, a long time variability for spontaneous liver repair after blunt trauma and non-operative treatment was found, but a parenchymal US normalization was evidenced in a median time shorter than that usually reported in the literature.     

Intradural cranial chordoma: a rare presentation of an uncommon tumor. Surgical experience and review of the literature

OBJECT: Intracranial intradural chordomas are extremely rare lesions, and only a few cases have been reported in the neurosurgical literature. The authors performed a retrospective analysis of cases treated at their institutions. They present an illustrative surgical scenario and discuss the published literature, pathogenesis, and histopathological features as well as available follow-up data on the clinical behavior of these intradural lesions. METHODS: The authors reviewed clinical, neuroimaging, operative and follow-up data from a series of 79 chordomas treated at their institutions over the last 17 years. They found that the tumors were confined exclusively to the intradural compartment in only three cases. Staining for MIB-1 was performed to support the differential diagnosis between ecchordosis physaliphora and intradural chordoma, and in all three patients the neoplastic nature of the lesions was confirmed. None of these three cases showed recurrence of the lesion at midterm follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection, followed by close clinical and neuroradiological follow up, is warranted in cases of intradural cranial chordoma.     

Surgical treatment of spinal dural arterio-venous fistulae: long-term results and analysis of prognostic factors

Summary   Background. Spinal dural arterio-venous fistulae (SDAVF) are slow-flow extramedullary vascular lesions which account for 75–80% of all spinal vascular malformations. At present there is no agreed view with regard to the best therapeutic option being surgical or endovascular, and several reports favour one or other form of management. This is so because of lack of consistent literature, as well as knowledge, concerning the long-term clinical outcome of the patients. The objective of this study is to retrospectively analyse the results obtained with patients operated for a SDAVF at the Department of Neurosurgery of Verona during a 15-year period and to evaluate possible prognostic factors related to neurological outcome. Patients and methods. Between January 1987 and May 2002, 29 patients with SDAVF were operated at the Department of Neurosurgery of Verona. For 25 of these patients we were able to obtain a clinical follow-up using telephone interviews. The patients were evaluated with the Aminoff and Logue’s scale and subsequently stratified into three classes of disability. An overall score (gait and micturition, G + M) of 0–3 indicates a mild disability, a score between 4 and 5 indicates a moderate disability and a score between 6 and 8 a severe disability. All patients underwent surgical treatment which was mainly the first therapeutic option. Following surgery, the patients were re-evaluated with the same neurological scale. We also investigated with statistical analysis the possible impact on clinical outcome of the major clinical, neuroradiological and surgical variables. Results. The epidemiological, clinical, radiological and pathological features of our group of patients are very similar to those previously described in the literature. For 10 patients surgery consisted simply of the interruption of the intradural arterialised draining vein (with or without closure of the small extradural arterial afferents), whereas in the remaining 15 patients coagulation or excision of the fistolous dura was also accomplished. At the last follow-up (mean 7.3 years; in 19 patients longer than 5 years), 10 patients had improved (40%), 11 were stable (44%) and 4 had deteriorated (16%). We determined that only the pre-operative neurological status, described by the G value in the Aminoff and Logue’s scale and the class of disability, had an impact on clinical outcome. Conclusions. This retrospective study confirms that the surgical treatment results of SDAVF are satisfactory even if evaluated after many years. Given these results, and in accordance with the majority of the literature, we concur that surgery should be the first choice treatment for these spinal vascular lesions in order to avoid a dangerous delay and consequently further neurological deterioration. In our group of patients the only prognostic factor statistically related to clinical outcome was the pre-treatment neurological status, particularly the grade of paraparesis and the class of disability. Correspondence: Dr. Paolo Cipriano Cecchi, Operative Unit of Neurosurgery, Regional General Hospital, Via Boehler 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.     

Non-traumatic brain abscess

Between 1953 and 1989 eighty cases of non-traumatic brain abscess were treated in our department. We have re-examined the clinical and neuroradiological features of this pathological process and present our therapeutic approach and results. We believe that the optimal treatment for brain abscess consists of surgical removal.The prognosis for these lesions has undergone a marked improvement over the last two decades in response to neuroradiological, microbiological and surgical advances. The most influential prognostic factor seems to be preoperative clinical status.     

Infundibulo-tuberal or not strictly intraventricular craniopharyngioma: evidence for a major topographical category

Purpose  

This study investigates retrospectively the clinical, neuroradiological, pathological and surgical evidence verifying the infundibulo-tuberal topography for craniopharyngiomas (CPs). Infundibulo-tuberal CPs represent a surgical challenge due to their close anatomical relationships with the hypothalamus. An accurate definition of this topographical category is essential in order to prevent any undue injury to vital diencephalic centres.     

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after spinal procedures (part 2): a systematic review

A remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is a spontaneous bleeding in the posterior fossa, which can be rarely observed as a complication of spine surgery. As well as for RCH reported after supratentorial procedures, it shows a characteristic bleeding pattern defined “zebra sign”. Nowadays, RCH pathophysiology still remains unknown. We performed a comprehensive review, collecting all cases of RCH after spine surgery reported in literature in order to identify the procedures most frequently associated with RCH and the possible risk factors. We assessed percentages of incidence and 95 % confidence interval of all demographic, neuroradiological, and clinical features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate their association with outcome. We included 44 articles reporting 57 patients with mean age of 57.6?±?13.9 years and a male/female ratio of 23/34. A RCH was more frequently reported as a complication of decompressive procedures for spinal canal stenosis, particularly when associated with instrumented fusion, followed by spinal tumor debulking and disc herniation removal. In the majority of cases, RCH occurrence was characterized by progressive impairment of consciousness, whereas some patients complained non-specific symptoms. Coagulation disorders, hypertension, and placement of postoperative subfascial drainages were the most frequently reported risk factors. The occurrence of intraoperative dural lesions was described in about 93 % of patients. Zebra sign was the most common bleeding pattern (about 43 % of cases) followed by parenchymal hematoma (37.5 %) and mixed hemorrhage (about 20 %). Impairment of consciousness at clinical onset and intake of anticoagulants/antiplatelets appeared associated with poor outcome at univariate analysis. However, more than 75 % of patients showed a good outcome and a RCH often appeared as a benign and self-limiting condition, which usually did not require surgical treatment, but only prolonged clinical surveillance, unless of the occurrence of complications.     

Papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast detected and biopsied by MRI: Clinical management,upgrade rate,and association with apocrine metaplasia

Benign papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast (intraductal papillomas, complex sclerosing lesions, radial scars) are considered high‐risk lesions due to the potential for upgrade to carcinoma on subsequent surgical excision. Optimal clinical management of such lesions remains unclear due to variable reported upgrade rates. Apocrine metaplasia is a common finding in breast tissue and its role in MRI enhancing lesions is increasingly being recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the MRI features of papillary and sclerosing lesions of the breast, evaluate the clinical management and upgrade rate of such lesions, and examine the contribution of apocrine metaplasia to the imaging findings. A 13‐year retrospective review of MRI‐guided biopsies identified 70 MRI‐detected and ‐biopsied papillary and sclerosing lesions. Sixteen lesions without atypia underwent surgical excision; only one case (6%) was upgraded to pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ. The majority (64%) of biopsies contained apocrine metaplasia either within or adjacent to the targeted lesion. We found that half of MRI‐detected lesions had T2 hyperintense foci (2‐5 mm) or masses (>5 mm) adjacent to the lesion. Histologic correlation showed apocrine cysts were likely responsible for this imaging finding in 56% of these cases.     

Conservative and Surgical Treatment of Acute Posttraumatic Tracheobronchial Injuries

Background  

Acute posttraumatic tracheobronchial lesions are rare events associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are caused by blunt and penetrating trauma, or they are iatrogenic, appearing after intubation or tracheotomy. Although surgery has traditionally been considered the treatment of choice for these injuries, recent reports show that conservative treatment can be effective in selected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of surgical and conservative management of these lesions, differentiated on the basis of clinical and endoscopic criteria.     

A systematic review on clinical features and management of true giant splenic artery aneurysms

BackgroundTrue giant splenic artery aneurysms (GSAAs) >5 cm are rare and present unique therapeutic challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic and clinical characteristics of these lesions and the current surgical and endovascular techniques available for their treatment.MethodsA systematic review of the literature from 2004 to 2018 and the personal experience of the authors with management of GSAAs are presented. A total of 92 GSAA cases were reviewed. Analyses were performed on anatomic and clinical features and management modalities and outcomes of GSAA, including reintervention, morbidity, and mortality.ResultsGSAA presented at a mean age of 56.1 ± 17.3 years, with no sex predilection; 73% were symptomatic at presentation. Abdominal pain was the presenting symptom in >50% of cases; 34% percent were ruptured, with an overall mortality rate of 12.5%. This group often presented with gastrointestinal bleeding or hemodynamic collapse. The aneurysms were almost evenly distributed across the splenic artery and were not uncommonly associated with arteriovenous fistula formation (8.7%). There were 88 patients who had surgical (53.4%), endovascular (44.3%), or combination (2.3%) therapy. The most commonly performed procedure was aneurysmectomy and splenectomy with or without additional resection. Overall, surgical treatment had a lower morbidity (P = .041) than endovascular therapy and comparable reintervention and mortality rates.ConclusionsGSAAs are uncommon vascular lesions, with distinct clinical features and aneurysm characteristics. Considering their high risk of rupture, timely diagnosis and management are essential to attain a satisfactory outcome. Surgery remains the standard treatment of these lesions. Endovascular intervention is a viable alternative in high-risk patients, particularly those with lesions <10 cm or with anomalous origin.     

Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Tattooing Localization of Recurrences After Thyroidectomy: Safety and Effectiveness

Background  The incidence of nonpalpable recurrence detected on follow-up ultrasound (US) after thyroidectomy has increased. However, surgical approach for nonpalpable lesions can be difficult. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided tattooing (US-tattoo) with a charcoal suspension for localizing nonpalpable cervical recurrences after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Methods  Between March 2004 and February 2008, we retrospectively assessed 55 consecutive patients with 83 lesions who underwent US-tattoo with injection of a charcoal suspension for nonpalpable lesions. All patients underwent the surgical dissection after US-tattoo. The complications and effectiveness of US-tattoo were evaluated using ultrasonographic, surgical, and pathologic records. Results  Among 83 lesions, 72 recurrences and 11 benign lesions were confirmed by final pathology. The average size of the localized lesions was 0.7 cm (range 0.4–1.4 cm). The most common site of tattooing was cervical lymph nodes at level IV. The technical success rate of US-tattoo for suspicious lesions was 96% (80/83). Failure of US-tattoo occurred in lesions located posterior to major vessels. During surgery, all but two successful tattooed lesions were detected by surgeons. No residual lesion was detected at follow-up US. With regard to complications, two patients (4%) had a dot-like marking at the skin puncture site after US-tattoo. Conclusion  Preoperative US-tattoo is a safe and effective method for successful reoperation of nonpalpable recurrences after thyroidectomy.     

Initial radiological findings associated with active bleeding control necessity and long term functional outcomes after isolated high grade blunt renal trauma

Introduction: To assess the predictors for conservative management failure and long term outcomes after isolated blunt high grade renal trauma (HGRT).Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with isolated blunt HGRT (renal trauma grade ≥ IV) was conducted. Patients’ demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological investigations, and different lines of treatment were retrieved. The primary outcome was to assess the predictors of conservative treatment failure (need for active bleeding control e.g.: transarterial angioembolization (TAE) and/or surgical exploration). The secondary outcome was to assess the renal parenchymal volume (RPV) changes post HGRT in correlation with the different lines of management using CT-measured RPV. The difference in RPV ≥ 5% at follow up was considered significant.Results: The study included 63 patients, mean (SD) age was 35.1 (16.6) years. Conservative management was successful in 39 patients (62%), while the need for active bleeding control was required in 16 and 8 patients who underwent TAE and surgical exploration, respectively. Increased hematoma rim distance (HRD), laceration numbers > 3, parenchymal devascularization ≥ 25%, and presence of vascular contrast extravasation (VCE) were predictors for conservative treatment failure (P= 0.006, 0.02, 0.045 and 0.002, respectively). After a mean of 19 months follow up, patients were subclassified into 2 groups: patients with preserved RPV (28 patients) and patients with decreased RPV (29 patients). Renal parenchymal devascularization ≥ 25% was found a predictor for ipsilateral RPV decrease (P = 0.02).Conclusion: Increased HRD, laceration numbers > 3, parenchymal devascularization ≥ 25%, and presence of VCE are findings that reflect the necessity for active bleeding interventions after isolated blunt HGRT. Parenchymal devascularization ≥ 25% is an independent factor for RPV deterioration. Neither the grade of renal trauma nor the type of treatment is a predictor for such deterioration.     

Surgical treatment of a mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma in a 72-year-old patient

Summary. Summary.   Background: Although pineal parenchymal tumours are very rare in elderly patients, we recently successfully treated a 72-year-old male patient. Interestingly, the histology of his pineal parenchymal tumour was mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma, which is reported to be extremely rare in aged patients. We present his clinical manifestations, follow-up MRI, surgical treatment, pathological findings, and review the literature.   Clinical Material: This 72-year-old man had a mass in the pineal region detected 3 years previously on MRI in February 1996 following symptoms of headache and vertigo. Two years later, he experienced gait disturbance and disorientation. CT scans disclosed obstructive hydrocephalus, and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement was then performed. The tumour mass began to enlarge in July 1999 (at age 72). On October 13, 1999, total removal of the pineal region tumour was performed through an occipital transtentorial approach. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis of the tumour was mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma.   Conclusion: Pineal parenchymal tumours are uncommon in elderly patients, and mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastomas are particularly rare. We followed this patient closely for more than 3.5 years and finally performed total surgical removal of the tumour, with excellent outcome. The present case suggests that a mixed pineocytoma/pineoblastoma tumour is controllable even in elderly patients through careful evaluation and management.     

Extradural spinal cavernous angiomas: report of seven cases

The authors describe seven cases of extradural spinal cavernous angioma. Although cavernoma itself is not rare, the extradural spinal localization is uncommon and makes preoperative differential diagnosis difficult. Routine MRI investigation has aided neurosurgeons in evaluating the true incidence of these vascular malformations, which was understimated in the past. The data published so far have not entirely clarified the treatment of choice for these lesions. Considering their rarity in this site, their presenting symptoms and the difficulties involved in neuroradiological diagnosis, the authors discuss the role of surgery as the principal form of treatment and review the relevant literature. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female) were admitted to our Institute of Neurosurgery between 1992 and 2004, with a 5–6 month history (range=2–365 days) of low back pain or radicular pain, sometimes associated with paresthesia. All patients had a CT scan, as well as MRI with gadolinium when possible, which detected an extradural roundish lesion: differential diagnosis was very difficult, especially between neurinoma and cavernoma. Treatment was always surgical and resection of the lesion radical. Postoperatively, all patients presented complete regression of clinical symptoms. In all cases histological diagnosis was cavernous angioma. Postoperative MRI with gadolinium or CT scan with IV contrast, performed before discharge, confirmed radical removal of the vascular malformation in all cases. Our experience confirms that surgery should be the treatment of choice for these lesions, in view of both their tendency to bleed and their straightforward surgical removal.     

Management of benign craniovertebral junction tumors

Summary.  Background: We report our surgical experience in the treatment of fifteen consecutive patients with benign craniovertebral junction tumors, observed from 1993 to 2000 at our department.  Method: We treated 7 meningiomas, 3 epidermoids, 3 C1 neurinomas and 2 neurinomas of the lower cranial nerves. Clinical results were evaluated by Karnofsky Performance Scale and all patients underwent preoperative neuroradiological evaluation with CT, MRI and MRA; angiography was not routinely performed and was considered for each individual case.  Findings: 11 partial transcondilar and 4 retrocondilar approaches were performed. Total removal was achieved in 11 cases (73,3%) and subtotal removal in 4 patients (26,7%). None of the patients required occipitocervical fusion. Patients were followed for an average period of 24±31 months. Clinical and radiological follow-up showed no recurrence in cases with total removal. In all patients a statistically significant postoperative increase of KPS scores was recorded. The treatment of epidermoid tumors presented particular issues: debulking the lesion, we obtained a surgical window, avoiding a large removal of bone. In Nakasu grade 1 or 2 meningiomas, we carried out total removal by piecemeal resection and without complete condylectomy and bone fixation.  Interpretation: The choice of these approaches and the extent of bone resection should be defined according to the tumor's location and size. Moreover we emphasize that preoperative neuroradiological evaluations on presumptive tumor type could be helpful to the surgeon in order to tailor the technique to different lesions, providing the required exposure, without unnecessary surgical steps. Published online January 14, 2003  Correspondence: Dr. Ciro Parlato, Department of Neurosurgery, Second University of Naples, Viale Colli Aminei 21, 80131 Naples, Italy.