Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Central Nervous System Neuroblastoma: Illustrative Case and Literature Review.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system, or CNS neuroblastoma, are rare neoplasms in children. Recently, methylation profiling enabled the discovery of four distinct entities of these tumors. The current treatment paradigm involves surgical resection followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Laser Interstitial Therapy for In-Field Recurrence After Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Is Complete Ablation Required for Local Control?

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial therapy (MrLITT) presents a new valuable treatment alternative when the in-field recurrence (IFR) of metastatic brain tumors is difficult to safely access with open surgery or maximum radiation therapy has already been completed.

Objective: To examine the effects of MrLITT on longevity outcomes based on volume of ablation.

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out of 35 patients treated with MrLITT for IFR after radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors at a single institution from 2010 to 2016.

Gross Total Resection of a Ruptured Micro-arteriovenous Malformation within the Cerebellar Peduncle: A Case Report and Qualitative Review of the Literature.

Deep-seated micro-arteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) may pose a challenge for complete yet safe resection. We propose the strategic placement of two to three microaneurysm clips throughout the hemorrhage cavity to successfully localize the micro-AVM nidus via digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We successfully demonstrate this novel method in a 15-year-old adolescent boy with cerebellar intraparenchymal hemorrhage who underwent hematoma evacuation and expansile duraplasty.

Posterior resection of sacral osteosarcoma utilizing cement-infused chest tube interbody reconstruction and lumbopelvic fusion.

Background: Primary osteosarcoma (OS) of the spine is very rare. resection of spinal OS is challenging due to anatomical constraints. Surgical planning must balance the benefits of resection with its potential risks of causing a significant neurological deficit.

Bilateral ptosis/blepharitis due to lepromatous leprosy.

Purpose: To underscore the importance of histopathological evaluation in cases presenting with a constellation of unusual ocular inflammation and physical findings.

Observation: A 51-year-old male, presented with a chief complaint of worsening visual field loss due to droopy eyelids two months post excision of a right upper eyelid squamous cell carcinoma. His past medical history included chronic edematous facial features, chronic sinusitis, unexplained peripheral neuropathy, and worsening fatigue.

Underutilization of advanced presurgical studies and high rates of vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: a single-center experience and recommendations.

Introduction: Epilepsy surgery continues to be profoundly underutilized despite its safety and effectiveness. We sought to investigate factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, with a particular focus on the antecedent underutilization of appropriate preoperative studies.

Methods: We reviewed patient data from a pediatric epilepsy clinic over an 18-month period.

What happens to the unfused upper thoracic curve after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

Objective: Spontaneous lumbar curve correction after selective thoracic fusion in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is well described. However, only a few articles have described the course of the uninstrumented upper thoracic (UT) curve after fusion, and the majority involve a hybrid construct. In this study, the authors sought to determine the outcomes and associated factors of uninstrumented UT curves in patients with AIS.

The utilization of sodium fluorescein in pediatric brain stem gliomas: a case report and review of the literature.

Introduction: A major challenge in the surgical resection of brainstem tumors is distinguishing tumor from normal tissue. One approach for addressing this problem is the use of fluorescent tracers such as sodium fluorescein (NaFl). NaFl disseminates through a disruption in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in the extracellular space of brain tumors.

Recurrent Langerhans cell histiocytosis at the site of prior craniotomy: case report.

Tumors of the CNS represent the largest group of solid tumors found in the pediatric patient population. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory lesion that may present in bone and/or soft tissue, including the CNS. Management depends on the extent of multisystem involvement, which determines resection with or without systemic chemotherapy.

Use of Autologous Platelets for Lamellar Macular Hole Repair.

The consensus of lamellar macular hole repair generally entails vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane with/without epiretinal membrane peeling with gas tamponade, although the risk of a full thickness macular hole remains. In this case report, we investigate the role of the regenerative properties of autologous platelets in the repair of a lamellar macular hole with pars plana vitrectomy, an autologous platelet plug, and 12% C3F8 without prone posturing. All three patients in this case report experienced visual improvement along with anatomic closure of the lamellar macular hole.

Alternative treatment in Hepatitis B by using polyherbal formulation.

The hepatitis B is most prevalent diseases (along with morbidities) in Asian countries. This research study has been conducted to provide an alternative treatment which is safe, effective and cost-effective to comprehend relations of disease, symptoms, patients response and the clinical response via better management of hepatitis B. The goal of this research is to evaluate efficacy and safety of herbal medicine as compared to allopathic medicine in patients suffering from hepatitis B.

Pre-natal diagnosis of caudal regression syndrome.

Caudal regression syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by absence of the lower spine to a varying degree. It has particularly high incidence in patients with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). We report a case of caudal regression syndrome in a newly diagnosed case of IDDM at 30 weeks of gestation.

Antithrombotics and thrombolytics in stroke.

Although angioplasty, stenting and thrombolysis of the cerebral circulation are being attempted with increasing frequency, antithrombotic and antiplatelet regimens have not yet been standardized in the treatment of stroke. Safety and efficacy of antithrombotic therapies during cerebrovascular interventions may depend onclinical presentation and carotid lesion characteristics. Platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists might have potential value as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy with thrombolytics or interventional procedures.