Difficulty in diagnosing a case with apparent sequel cerebral sparganosis

BACKGROUND: We report on a case of cerebral sparganosis that was correctly identified by a biopsy 10 years after the initial infection. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 62-year-old man presented with an unusual case of cerebral sparganosis mansoni. He was admitted to our hospital for removal of a right frontal meningioma. Computed tomographic scan and MRI of the brain showed atrophy of the left cerebral hemisphere, enlargement of the lateral ventricle, and several small ring-enhanced lesions in the left frontal lobe. The patient had suffered from motor aphasia and right hemiparesis for 10 years; in addition, he had been treated for cerebral infarction. We performed a left frontal biopsy, during which we also removed the meningioma. The histologic diagnosis was cerebral sparganosis mansoni. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up CT findings after the patient's first attack were thought to be characteristic of cerebral sparganosis mansoni. However, the radiographic findings were difficult to differentiate from those of neoplasias.     

An actual rare brain granuloma: cerebral gumma

A case of cerebral gumma is reported. The appearance of this kind of lesion is exceptional at the present time. Gummas are the expression of localized meningovascular forms of neurosyphilis and their clinical symptoms and signs are similar to those of any other space-occupying intracranial lesion. Computed tomography scan showed a ring-enhancing lesion with intense cerebral edema. A criticism of computed tomography features of the reported cases in the literature is carried out. Surgical excision, whenever possible, is the treatment of choice since it achieves the removal of the mass and its histologic verification.     

Cerebral sparganosis: a diagnostic challenge

Cerebral sparganosis is a rare cestode larval parasitic infestation of the nervous system. We report a 28-year-old female from South India with a temporo-occipital mass lesion, which mimicked a tuberculoma on imaging. She received antituberculous therapy for 7 months. Surgical excision of the mass revealed a parasitic abscess containing larval form of Sparganum mansoni. Cerebral sparganosis can closely mimic tuberculoma or neoplastic lesions. Hence, in areas endemic for tuberculosis, such as India, it is appropriate to suggest that histological diagnosis be sought in tuberculoma mimicking lesions, especially when the lesion is not responding to treatment.     

Cerebral vasospasm in elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms

Cerebral vasospasm in elderly patients who were operated on the acute stage after subarachnoid hemorrhage was studied under strict criteria. The 138 patients were classified into three age groups: 59 years or younger (group A: 73 cases), 60 to 69 years (group B: 37 cases), and 70 years or older (group C: 28 cases). Severity of both the subarachnoid hemorrhages on computed tomography scan and the angiographic vasospasms was graded. The angiographic vasospasms were analyzed at the internal carotid artery, M1 segments of the middle cerebral artery, and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral. In all the relationships among the subarachnoid hemorrhage grades, the Hounsfield numbers, and the operative approaches to the angiographic vasospasm grade, there was a tendency for the angiographic vasospasm grades to be lower with increasing age in both the internal carotid artery and the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. This tendency was more apparent in the larger vessels, that is, the internal carotid arteries. Close correlations of the angiographic vasospasm grades to the incidences of symptomatic vasospasm and to low-density area on computed tomography scan were found in both the M1 and A2 territories in the three groups. However, there were no significant differences among the three groups in the incidences of symptomatic vasospasm and low-density area on computed tomography scan. Regarding the surgical outcome, the older the patients, the higher were the mortality rates: 8% in group A, 11% in group B, and 25% in group C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Excrescent lesion: a diagnosis of lateral talar exostosis in chronically symptomatic sprained ankles.

The excrescent lesion is a symptomatic anterolateral exostosis at the insertion of the anterior talofibular ligament. It is found in patients with chronic ankle pain after inversion injuries. It is most reliably diagnosed by computed tomography scan, but physical examination and oblique radiographs are suggestive in most cases. A technique for surgical excision and, in some cases, repair of the anterior talofibular ligament is described. Five patients having a history of inversion sprains of the ankle, without significant symptomatic improvement for a mean of 21 months after the injury, were evaluated. None had significant instability in the ankle or subtalar joints, clinically or with stress radiographs. The diagnosis of excrescent lesion was confirmed with computed tomography scan in all five patients. Each underwent excision of the exostosis. Removal of the exostosis produced laxity of the anterior talofibular ligament in four of the patients and required an additional modified Brostr?m procedure to tighten the anterior talofibular ligament. Clinical results were evaluated at a mean of 33 months postoperatively, using the Ankle-Hindfoot scale from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. The three patients without pending claims for Workers' Compensation or related litigation all had excellent results (mean score, 93 points). Two patients with active legal claims had fair and poor results (mean score, 53 points).     

Surgical removal of a live worm by stereotactic targeting in cerebral sparganosis. Case report

A 64-year-old man presented with generalized tonic clonic convulsion followed by weakness of the right lower extremity. He had a medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and right cerebellar infarction. Computed tomography (CT) showed a small high density nodule with an enhanced perifocal low density area in the left occipital lobe. T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a ring-shaped and partial string-like nodule with enhancement by gadolinium. T2-weighted MR imaging showed the white matter of the left occipital lobe as high intensity. CT and MR imaging seemed to indicate metastatic brain tumors, although cortical atrophy and ventricular dilation were recognized. Left parietal craniotomy was performed under stereotactic targeting to obtain a definitive diagnosis. During manipulation at the center of the targeted lesion, a white, tape-like body was found and recognized to be a live worm. Serological testing revealed strong immunopositivity against Spirometra mansoni. The infection route in the present case was probably through eating raw chicken meat. Cerebral sparganosis is extremely rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of metastatic brain tumors, especially in endemic areas.     

Tuberculous abscess of the brain stem

Three cases of tuberculous abscess of the brain stem were treated with excision of the abscess supplemented with antitubercular therapy for 12 to 18 months. The lesions were frankly purulent and tubercle bacilli were demonstrated in the pus. A computed tomography scan demonstrated the site and extent of the lesion. Two of three patients developed the abscess during the course of antitubercular therapy for associated tubercular lesions. In spite of modern antitubercular treatment the abscess did not resolve and surgical excision had to be employed as a curative treatment.     

Occipital pain in osteoid osteoma of the atlas. A report of two cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Two cases of occipital pain caused by an osteoid osteoma of the atlas are presented. OBJECTIVES: To describe the management of occipital pain in two young patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteoid osteoma is a benign lesion mostly affecting the long bones. A spinal location is uncommon. To the authors' knowledge, there are only five other reports of an osteoid osteoma located in the atlas. METHODS: Occipital headache, which was relieved by salicylates, was the major symptom reported by the two adolescents. In the first patient, a lesion of C1 was seen on plain radiographs. In the second patient, the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma was suggested by scintigraphic imaging and subsequently by computed tomography. RESULTS: Pain disappeared in both cases after surgical excision of the lesion. Histologic examination disclosed characteristic features of osteoid osteoma. CONCLUSIONS: Occipital pain in adolescents, which is relieved by aspirin, should raise suspicion about the possibility of an osteoid osteoma of the atlas. If standard cervical spine radiographs are negative, isotope scanning and computed tomography can help to establish the diagnosis. Complete excision eliminates the lesion and produces immediate relief for the patient.     

Magnetic resonance imaging with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: comparison with computed tomography scan

Magnetic resonance studies of 27 consecutive preoperative and 33 postoperative patients with cerebral aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage were reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging using a 0.5- or 0.22-Tesla unit was at least as accurate as computed tomography scan for detection of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging was superior to computed tomography scan for demonstrating blood in the ventricles or posterior fossa subarachnoid space, transependymal migration of the cerebrospinal fluid, and several kinds of iatrogenic intracranial pathologies in postoperative patients. Ischemic lesions, particularly fresh lesions caused by delayed cerebral vasospasm, were much better shown on magnetic resonance imaging than on computed tomography scan. Nonferromagnetic Sugita clips caused significant artifacts, but the area of artifacts was consistently smaller, and a reasonable evaluation of structures relatively closer to the clip was possible with magnetic resonance imaging rather than computed tomography scan.     

Cavernous angioma with encapsulated intracerebral hematoma: report of two cases

Two cases of a cavernous angioma with an encapsulated intracerebral hematoma are presented. In both instances, computed tomography scan showed a ringlike appearance with a nodular lesion. Cerebral angiograms of the two cases, however, were normal. The preoperative diagnosis for both cases was a brain neoplasm. The diagnostic problems that this type of vascular malformation presents and its role in the development of the encapsulated hematoma are discussed.     

Unilateral subdural hematoma without midline shift

Two cases of radiographically isodense subdural hematoma are presented in which absence of displacement of midline cerebral structures was due not to bilateral lesions, but rather to “balancing” of the volumetric effect of a unilateral lesion by preexisting encephalomalacia. Attention to the past medical history and the computed tomography scan which showed evidence of unilateral loss of brain substance led to the proper diagnosis.     

Chronic extradural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa

During the past 6 years, seven patients with chronic extradural hematomas have been observed at these hospitals. All had a history of occipital injury. Occipital fracture was demonstrated in five cases (by skull x-ray in three cases, at operation in two). The diagnosis was obtained by computed tomography scan in six cases and by iodoventriculography in one. One patient had an associated cerebral lesion, namely, a contralateral temporoparietal contusion. The interval between injury and operation ranged from 27 to 13 days with a mean of 19 days. Only one patient was not operated on, because he was free from symptoms and the hematoma was small. The course was excellent in all seven cases.     

Atypical computed tomographic features of meningioma: a case report

Diagnosis of intracranial meningiomas with computed tomography (CT) is usually easy. However, some authors have reported cases preoperatively misdiagnosed because of atypical computed tomographic features. We report a case of non-cystic meningioma presenting a ring enhanced mass lesion, with CT scan. A 48-year-old male was admitted to our hospital on January 5, 1987, because of progressive monoparesis of his left lower limb. This had continued for 1 1/2 years. Neurological examination revealed monoparesis, hypesthesia and decreased deep sensation of the left lower limb. X-ray films of the skull appeared normal. A CT scan demonstrated a ring-like high density mass attached to the falx in the right frontoparietal area with perifocal low density. The ring-like high density was irregularly increased with contrast enhancement. Right carotid angiograms showed a doughnut like tumor stain without meningeal blood supply. Brain scintigrams revealed a dense round hot lesion in the frontoparietal area at 5 minutes, and the hot lesion was still visualized after 90 minutes. We diagnosed a cystic parasagittal meningioma. A right frontoparietal craniotomy was performed, and total removal of the parasagittal tumor was made. The center of the tumor was very soft but it could not be said that it was not cystic. Histologically the tumor was a meningotheliomatous meningioma. The center of the tumor, which was very soft, was necrotic with arteriolar hyalinization. The meningioma cells survived around the patent vessels. These intact meningioma cells were scattered like islands in extensive necrosis. This is so called "oasis phenomenon" indicating that the necrosis of the tumor was caused by intratumoral ischemia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis and laparoscopic excision of an omental lymphangioma

Omental lymphangiomas are rare intra-abdominal tumors. We describe a case of an omental lymphangioma which appeared on computed tomography scan as a possible gastric duplication cyst. The lesion was correctly diagnosed preoperatively via endoscopic ultrasound and complete excision of the cyst was performed laparoscopically.     

Effect of early operation on cerebral vasospasm

The effect of early operation on cerebral vasospasm was studied in 150 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages who fulfilled all of the following criteria: admission by day 2 after subarachnoid hemorrhage, no rebleeding, clinical grades I to IV on admission, subarachnoid hemorrhage alone on computed tomography scan, not operated on between days 4 and 20, and availability of bilateral carotid angiograms done by day 2 and redone between days 7 and 9. The patients were divided into two groups: those operated on by day 3 (group 1: 116 patients) and those operated on after day 20 or not operated on (group 2: 34 patients). Severity of both subarachnoid hemorrhage on computed tomography scan and angiographic vasospasm were graded into 0-IV. Angiographic vasospasm was observed in 95% of group 1 and in 88% of group 2 patients. A significant difference could not be found between groups 1 and 2 in the angiographic vasospasm grades. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm in group 1 was 18%, which was significantly lower than the 44% in group 2. In group 1 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage grades II to III, the incidences of symptomatic vasospasm and low density area on computed tomography scan were 13% and 10%, respectively. Both of these rates were significantly lower than those in group 2, which were 50% and 36%, respectively. However, in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage grade IV, no differences could be found between groups 1 and 2. There was a close correlation between the angiographic vasospasm grades and the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm in group 1. However, in group 1, no correlation could be observed between the site of ruptured aneurysms or the timing of operations and vasospasm. Although there is still a limit to the effect of early operation on cerebral vasospasm in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage grade IV, symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage may be ameliorated by early operation in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage grades II to III.     

Tumor-simulating giant serpentine aneurysm of the posterior cerebral artery

A case of a giant aneurysm of the proximal segment of the posterior cerebral artery is reported. Complete neuroradiologic (computed tomography scan, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging) and pathological studies were performed. This type of aneurysm is extremely rare and may be difficult to differentiate from a cerebral tumor, both clinically and on computed tomography scan. Vertebral angiography is usually necessary to make, or confirm, the diagnosis.     

Radical surgery of a giant Galen's vein aneurysm using total circulatory arrest: case report

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations of Galen's vein are a rare type of vascular anomaly. The complex anatomy of these lesions creates an extremely difficult management dilemma. We report successful surgical treatment of a 7-year-old patient with a Galen's vein aneurysm. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 7-year-old patient with slowly progressing gait disturbance, emotional instability, and strange behaviour is presented. A computed tomography scan revealed a high-density mass in the pineal region and cerebral angiography showed an aneurysm of Galen's vein. We decided to perform surgical excision of the aneurysm. The operation was performed under hypothermic circulatory arrest with barbiturate cerebral protection. The patient had no signs of postoperative ischemic deficits, hemorrhage, or neurologic deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Various techniques have been described for the obliteration of Galen's vein aneurysms, including direct surgical approach, staged operation, and transarterial, transvenous or transtorcular embolization. We present this patient to illustrate the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest and barbiturate cerebral protection for successful surgical excision of this complex vascular lesion. The combination of these techniques allowed us, in this case, to operate with reasonable safety on otherwise, difficult to treat aneurysm of Galen's vein.     

Comparison of CT scan muscle measurements and isokinetic trunk strength in postoperative patients

The present study compared the computed tomography (CT) scan muscle area/muscle density and isokinetic trunk strength of a group of spinal surgery patients (35 males and 11 females) 3 months postoperatively. Analyses showed trunk strength means to be below 50% of gender-specific "normal" values obtained by evaluating a normative sample. Extensor strength was more significantly affected than flexors. Single-cut CT scans performed at the time of isokinetic trunk strength assessment demonstrated psoas and erector spinae atrophy through a significant decrease in muscle density, with only a trend towards decreased cross-sectional area. Findings also indicated that there was a significant correlation between increased mechanical trunk strength performance and greater muscle density on CT scan. Strength was significantly lower for the male patients undergoing spinal fusion compared with those undergoing disc excision. However, no significant difference was found in strength measures between: males with high versus low pain level and working versus nonworking males at the time of evaluation.     

Radiofrequency treatment of an osteoid osteoma of the wrist: report of 2 cases

Two cases of osteoid osteomas of the lunate and ulnar styloid process are described, treated by thermocoagulation. Follow-up was done clinically and by computed tomography (scanner) at one year, and clinically at three years. A quick and complete resolution of pain occurred in both cases, with bony sclerosis around the treated lesion on computed tomography, with no evidence of recurrence. A mild reduction in grip strength without functional impairment was noted in both cases, possibly due to a stronger controlateral dominant hand, and to a previous failed surgical excision in one case. No damage to neurovascular, musculotendinous or cutaneous structures occurred. Thermocoagulation of osteoid osteomas seems to be an efficient and safe technique even in critical and superficial anatomical regions such as the wrist.     

Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver: A patient with two concurrent lesions that manifested different behavior on radiographic imaging tests

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is a relatively uncommon pathology, with only 68 cases having been documented to date in Japan. Here, we describe an interesting case; the patient had two concurrent lesions of FNH in segments three (S3) and five (S5), respectively. The two lesions differed from each other in their behavior on various radiographic imagings, i.e., computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and hepatic angiography, leading to a misdiagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma for the S3 lesion. The patient underwent left lateral hepatic resection, along with excision of the S5 lesion. Histological examination confirmed that these two lesions were FNH. Retrospective assessment of the correlation between the radiographic imagings and the morphological architecture suggested that the architectural differences between the two lesions (i.e., that, in the S3 lesion, the central scar was more developed than in the S5 lesion and was more prominent in the periphery than in the central area of the lesion) had contributed to the misdiagnosis.