New-onset contralateral delayed extradural haematoma in an operated case of extradural haematoma: life-threatening if not diagnosed early.

Head trauma is still a leading cause of mortality in neurosurgical practice. Among various post-traumatic pathologies, extradural haematoma (EDH) is an acute condition that has good neurological outcomes if intervened promptly. New contralateral delayed EDH (DEDH) in an operated case of ipsilateral EDH is a very rare entity, which if not diagnosed timely may lead to devastating outcomes, sometimes even death.

IgG4-related Pachymeningitis as a Cause of Spinal Epidural Compression: Can Intraoperative Frozen Sections Predict the Underlying Pathology?

At times, spinal lesions are part of systemic manifestations of autoimmune disease. Awareness regarding their clinicopathological spectrum, particularly the lesions which usually respond to steroids/immunotherapy, is essential to avoid unwanted surgical morbidity. We discuss a case of a young-man presenting with thoracic spinal epidural compressive lesion which was indeed a manifestation of IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis.

Revisiting Surgery in the Current Era of Gamma Knife for Cavernous Sinus Lesions.

Background: The challenges associated with surgeries of cavernous sinus (CS) lesions have shifted the management trend towards upfront gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). Although GKRS is effective in arresting the progression of certain small residual/recurrent lesions, its efficacy in alleviating neurological deficits is less evident. Furthermore, GKRS without establishing the histopathological diagnosis, at times can be detrimental.

Vertebral arteriovenous fistula in neurofibromatosis type 1.

Introduction: Vertebral arterio-venous fistulas (VAVFs) are uncommon lesions that can arise spontaneously or secondarily to iatrogenic or mechanical trauma. Among spontaneous cases, it is most commonly found to be associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Evidence Acquisition: We performed a systematic review of the literature to obtain information regarding demographics, clinical presentation, treatment modalities and outcome of VAVFs associated with NF1.

Tailored Posterior-Only Approach for C2 Vertebral Body Lesions: Our Surgical Experience in 10 Patients.

Background: C2 vertebral body (axis) lesions are often approached anteriorly and combined with posterior stabilization of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). The anterior approach has its limitations. A posterolateral corridor is an alternative access to the C2 body lesions, and this alone may suffice in selected cases.

A novel fixation technique using anterior C1 screw in a pediatric solitary cervical spinal juvenile xanthogranuloma.

Purpose: Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) presenting as solitary vertebral body lesion is infrequently seen and usually limited to one or two levels. We report a case of an isolated JXG with extensive cervical spinal (bony and extradural) involvement in a 6-year-old child. There was a diagnostic dilemma as the radiologic and intraoperative picture resembled tuberculosis.

Dural Artery from Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery to Anterior Clinoid Process: Origin, Course, and Clinical Implications.

Background: Dura of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) is presumably supplied by the ophthalmic and external carotid artery branches. There is a less recognized artery described by Yasargil that arises directly from the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and supplies the ACP dura. We studied the origin and course of this direct branch in patients in whom the carotid cistern was dissected for lesions not involving the carotid cistern and ACP dura.

Modified unilateral approach for mid-third giant bifalcine meningiomas: resection using an oblique surgical trajectory and falx window.

Background: Utilizing the shortest available trajectory is the norm for excision of meningiomas. However, such an approach for the mid-third/central falcine meningiomas risks the adjoining draining veins and eloquent cortex. A larger size and bilaterality of such tumors adds to the surgical challenge.

"Suspended Posterior Tubercle of Atlas" with Atlantoaxial Dislocation.

Introduction: Congenital anomaly of the C1 posterior arch is a well-known entity and is often associated with atlantoaxial dislocation. However, a well-formed C1 posterior tubercle with absence of the remaining posterior arch is rare. Such unusual anomalies pose a surgical challenge as trying to delineate the arch early in the course of surgery could be potentially dangerous.

Frozen Section Can "Sharpen" or "Sand Off" the Surgeon's Knife: 2 Case Illustrations with Skull Base Meningioma Mimics.

Background: Lesions at the skull base warrant careful evaluation of imaging and meticulous preoperative planning. Unnecessary radical resection of these lesions could add to surgical morbidity. Occasionally, dural-based inflammatory or infectious lesions at this site radiologically mimic meningiomas, which are commonly encountered entities at this site.