Prognostic and morphological factors in pediatric cerebellar contusions.

Background: Although uncommon, cerebellar contusions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Literature is lacking in the prognostic and morphological factors relating to their clinical picture and outcomes, especially within children. The objective of this study is to evaluate prognostic and anatomic factors in the clinical picture of cerebellar contusions, including effacement of the 4 ventricle and cisterna magna.

A genetic component in Chiari I malformation: Chiari 1 malformation in all five family members.

Under certain classifications, a Chiari type I (CMI) malformation can be characterized as a herniation of the cerebellar tonsils greater than 3 mm. Patients with CMI often have a smaller posterior fossa volume, which results in a smaller amount of space for the cerebellum, leading to the herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. Although inheritable factors such as posterior fossa volume can be traced to specific genes, there has not been a gene that can be attributed to directly causing CMI.

Impact of timing of decompressive craniectomy on outcomes in pediatric traumatic brain injury.

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) can be utilized in the management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). It remains unclear if timing of DC affects pediatric patient outcomes. Further, the literature is limited in the risk assessment and prevention of complications that can occur post DC.

A Morphometric Study Analyzing the Anterior Epidural Space Volume Throughout Childhood.

Background: Following disc herniations, fragments migrate into the anterior epidural space within the lumbar spine. Although the volume of this area has been previously described in the adult population, the volume is relatively unknown within children.

Objectives: Investigate the relative volume in the lumbar anterior epidural space within the growing spine by using imaging studies.

Analysis of the timing and the usage of drains following cranioplasty on outcomes and the incidence of bone resorption.

Background: Pediatric cranioplasty is associated with a high rate of complications, including bone resorption (BR) in 20-50% of cases. We aimed to evaluate factors contributing to BR, including the effect of the timing of cranioplasty and the use of post-surgical drains.

Methods: This is a dual institution retrospective review of all patients under 18 years old who underwent a cranioplasty following a decompressive craniectomy (DC) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury between 2011 and 2021.

Seizure caused by intraparenchymal hemorrhage from migration of mandibular dental wire through foramen ovale in a child: A case report.

The foramen ovale is a structure that allows for the extracranial passage of multiple significant intracranial structures, most notably the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Here we report the case of a 12-year-old male who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a two-day history of nausea and emesis and a one-day history of altered mental status. Prior to presentation, he started speaking only Spanish, which was unusual because he primarily speaks English.

Post-COVID-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome-Related Cerebral Infarction in a Pediatric Patient Managed with Decompressive Craniectomy.

Introduction: Most people who are infected with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are asymptomatic or present with mild upper respiratory symptoms. This is especially true in the pediatric population; however, rarely, a massive cytokine storm can develop, causing multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID (MIS-C). Furthermore, children may also suffer from acute ischemic strokes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Stoma Retraction in Super-Morbidly Obese Patient Leading to Class IV Midline Wound: A Cautionary Tale.

Stoma creation is often necessary for fecal diversion in general surgery. The creation of stomas involves mobilization of either the large or small intestine through the abdominal wall to allow for the passage of waste that traverses the intestinal tract. Among the complications of stoma creation, particularly in obese patients, is stoma retraction, whereby the stoma retracts greater than 5 mm from the skin.