Intraoperative ultrasonography used to determine the extent of surgery necessary during posterior fossa decompression in children with Chiari malformation type I.

Object: In this retrospective analysis, the authors report a prospective study in which intraoperative ultrasonography was used to determine the extent of surgery necessary during posterior fossa decompression surgery for Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) in children.

Methods: Between 1995 and 2003, posterior fossa decompression was performed in 149 patients (mean 5.9 years of age, range 9 months-18 years of age) with CM-I.

Management strategy for adult patients with dorsal midbrain gliomas.

Objective: Dorsal midbrain gliomas (DMGs) involving the tectum occur more commonly in children than in adults. These lesions are often indolent in nature, and patients require treatment only for obstructive hydrocephalus. Because limited information is available concerning adults with this type of lesion, we describe our experience and management strategy in adults with DMGs.