Deep sylvian meningioma: a case report and review of literature

Case report  A 6-year-old boy presented with seizures. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a large enhancing mass in the left temporo-parietal region. Treatment  He underwent left temporo-parietal craniotomy and total excision of the lesion. At surgery, there was no dural attachment, and the tumor was mainly in the posterior part of left sylvian fissure. The biopsy was reported as WHO grade I meningioma. Outcome  At 4-year follow-up, he was asymptomatic, and there was no tumor recurrence.     

Autogenous mandibular symphysis graft for orbital floor reconstruction: a preliminary study

Objective  The present study aimed to evaluate and analyze postoperative results of Autogenous Mandibular Symphysis graft material for orbital floor reconstruction. Material and methods  A retrospective study was conducted on 11 patients, having an isolated blow out fracture (n=4) or orbital floor defects associated with other fractures (n=7). These fractures were reconstructed with Mandibular symphysis bone grafts. The Grafts were used where the defects were more than 1.5 centimeter [1]in diameter. Follow up as long as 1.5 year was kept. Patients were evaluated at recall visits by checking various extraoccular movements. Evidence of any complications like diplopia or enopthalmos, or rejection of graft or any symptoms of infection, or of paresthesia was recorded. Results  During a 1.5 year period of follow up, most of the patients had no postoperative complaints. There was good restoration of the orbital floor, with no clinical evidence of enopthalmos or diplopia. Extraoccular movements were intact in all patients. Only one patient presented with the symptoms of infection at a follow up period of 9 months. The infection subsided after removal of titanium plates, used for the stabilization of graft. Conclusion  Autogenous Mandibular Symphysis graft is a good alternative with minimal morbidity for orbital floor reconstruction. The contour as well as the size of the graft available from symphysis region best suits for orbital floor reconstruction.     

Seroprevalence of Taenia solium antibodies in Vellore district, south India

Although Taenia solium neurocysticercosis is the cause of almost one-third of epilepsy in Vellore district, south India, the level of exposure to T. solium in the district is not known. This study determined the seroprevalence of cysticercus antibodies in seizure-free, study subjects aged 2-60 years from urban and rural areas of Vellore district. Cysticercus antibodies, as determined by immunoblots, were noted in 15.9% of 1063 people and were significantly higher in the rural population (17.7%) compared with the urban population (6.0%). Twenty-four percent of the rural population and 12% of the urban population ate pork. One-third of all households in the district had one or more members seropositive for cysticercus antibodies. The high index of exposure to T. solium in south India calls for improved animal husbandry and sanitation.     

Avoiding empiric therapy for brain masses in Indian patients using CT-guided stereotaxy

Empiric therapy, especially antituberculous therapy, is frequently given to Indian patients with brain masses. This report documents our experience in avoiding such therapy using CT-guided stereotaxy. Out of 101 procedures done on 99 patients with brain masses, 80 were done to obtain a histological diagnosis and 21 for therapeutic purposes. There was no mortality and 2% morbidity. A positive diagnosis was obtained in 94% (75/80) of patients undergoing a biopsy. Diagnosis of tuberculous lesions was based mainly on the presence of acid-fast bacilli in the biopsy specimen or pus. In six patients the radiological diagnosis was wrong and in one the diagnosis was not certain. Inappropriate therapy was given to three patients, on the basis of a CT or MRI scan, before a biopsy was done. It is essential that a histological diagnosis be obtained in all patients with brain masses and there is no role for empirical therapy except in isolated cases.     

Primary chondroid chordoma of the base of the petrous temporal bone

The authors describe an unusual case of a primary chondroid chordoma arising from the base of petrous temporal bone. The patient, a young male, presented with a left sided jugular foramen syndrome. The CT findings of a tumour arising from the base of the left petrous temporal bone were confirmed at infratemporal exploration. The clinical and histopathological and immunohistochemical differences between classical (typical) chordoma and its chondroid variant are highlighted. The rarity of primary chordomas at this site is stressed.     

Haemangioma of the skull base producing basilar impression

A patient with an acquired basilar impression, due to a cavernous angioma involving the skull base, is presented. The various causes of acquired basilar impression are reviewed.     

Trigonal cavernous angiomas: report of three cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular cavernous angiomas are very rare. Only few cases of trigonal angiomas have been reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report three cases of trigonal cavernous angiomas who presented with raised intracranial pressure or seizures and who underwent total excision with a good recovery. We also review the literature and discuss surgical approaches. CONCLUSION: On magnetic resonance imaging, intraventricular cavernous angiomas lack the hemosiderin ring characteristically seen around parenchymal cavernous angiomas. This explains why trigonal cavernous angiomas can mimic malignant neoplasm on imaging, and they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraventricular masses. Total excision should be the goal of surgery.