Minimal access microsurgical ligation of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with tubular retractor.

Background: Open surgical ligation is an effective treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Until recently, the procedure would require an open laminectomy, which may potentially cause significant postoperative pain, spinal deformity, and instability due to disruptions of the spinal mechanics. Development in minimal access spine surgery provides an alternative approach that can minimize bone and soft tissue trauma.

IgG4-Related Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis at the Falx Cerebrii with Brain Parenchymal Invasion: A Case Report.

Background: Hypertrophic pachymeningitis has been described as a manifestation of a number of conditions, like infection and neoplasms such as dural carcinomatosis or lymphomas. IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a new entity identified during the past decade and most reports described pachymeningeal involvement only.

Case Description: We present a 58-year-old woman with isolated IgG4 hypertrophic pachymeningitis at the falx cerebrii that exhibited cerebral parenchymal invasion.

An endoscopic modification of the simultaneous 'above and below' approach to large pituitary adenomas.

Surgical resections of large-to-giant pituitary adenomas (PA) are technically challenging procedures. Tumors with a fibrous consistency or 'hour-glass' configurations are particularly difficult to remove completely and safely through the transsphenoidal route alone. Although the transcranial approach can facilitate the removal of a large suprasellar mass, it may be associated with significant bleeding within the intradural space.