A Comparative Study between Landmark Based and Real Time Ultrasound Guided Sub Arachnoid Block

Background: Sub arachnoid block (SAB) performed by traditional landmark palpation technique can be inaccurate. This problem is exacerbated by altered patient anatomy due to obesity and age-related changes. A pre-procedural ultrasound scan of the lumbar spine has been shown to be of benefit in guiding lumbar epidural insertion in obstetric patients. Information on the use of real-time ultrasound (RUS) guided SAB, to date, been limited. This study compared RUS guided SAB to traditional landmark guided technique in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for different surgical procedures. Methods: This was a prospective, single center, comparative observational study conducted in the department of anesthesiology at our center. 560 patients who underwent spinal anesthesia either by landmark based technique or real-time ultrasound-guided methods. The primary outcome was the first attempt success rate of dural puncture when employing the two methods. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in the two study groups. The first attempt success rate of dural puncture in landmark guided group was 64.3% compared to 72.6% in the ultrasound guided group. This difference was not statistically significant. The procedure performance time was significantly shorter with landmark palpation compared to use of real-time ultrasound guided method. Conclusion: Use of RUS-guided technique does not significantly improve the first attempt success rate of SAB dural puncture during spinal anesthesia compared to the traditional landmark-guided technique.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with an Arachnoid Cyst in Elderly, an Intraoperative Finding after Re-Bleeding: Case Report

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (AC) are believed to be congenital and chronic subdural hematomas tend to occur in elderly patients with a history of mild head injury. The association between these two entities sporadically occur in relatively young patients but rare in elderly patients. We report a 65-year-old man who presented with headache and dizziness of 2 months’ duration with a history of head injury. Brain computed tomography (CT) a CSDH in right side and a hygroma in left side. After first operation with burr holes in both sides, the patient underwent an early recurrence of acute subdural hematoma in the right side. The evacuation of this hematoma by a craniotomy allowed seeing an AC that we resected partially with complete recovery of the patient. The association CSDH/AC is rare and possible in elderly patients and there is no consensus on treatment.

Intraparenchymal hemorrhage after surgical decompression of an epencephalon arachnoid cyst: A case report

BACKGROUND This study reports the clinical presentation of intraparenchymal hemorrhage as a rare complication after surgical decompression of an intracranial epencephalon arachnoid cyst(IEAC)at the posterior cranial fossa.CASE SUMMARY The clinical information of a patient with an IEAC was reported,and the related literature was reviewed.A female patient with nausea presented to our hospital.Computed tomography demonstrated an IEAC located at the posterior cranial fossa,which was large and required surgical intervention.After operation,postoperative intraparenchymal hemorrhage was detected.She had a good recovery with conservative treatment 1 mo later.CONCLUSION Though postoperative intraparenchymal hemorrhage is rare after surgical decompression of an IEAC,more attention should be paid to such a complication.

Y-shaped shunt for the treatment of Dandy-Walker malformation combined with giant arachnoid cysts:A case report

BACKGROUND Dandy-Walker malformation(DWM)was first reported in 1914.In this case report,a pediatric case was complicated with giant and isolated arachnoid cysts in the right cerebellar hemisphere along with the typical DWM.CASE SUMMARY The patient was at 20 mo old boy,with the complaint of staggering for more than 2 mo.He was admitted to the hospital due to high intracranial pressure and staggering.At admission,the patient had typical manifestations of high intracranial pressure,including vomiting,poor appetite and feeding difficulty.Physical examination revealed increased head circumference,closed anterior fontanelle,unstable standing,staggering,leaning right while walking and ataxia.After admission,he was diagnosed with DWM accompanied by giant isolated arachnoid cysts in the posterior fossa.He underwent Y-shaped three-way valve repair for treating differential pressure between the supratentorial hydrocephalus and the subtentorial arachnoid cysts at once.The child recovered well after the surgery.CONCLUSION In this case,supratentorial and subtentorial shunts were placed,which solved the problem of differential pressure between the supratentorial and subtentorial parts simultaneously.This provides useful information regarding treatment exploration in this rare disease.

Intracranial localization of arachnoid granulations in rats

BACKGROUND： This paper describes histomorphologic studies on arachnoid granulations in rats, which have not been investigated in China to our knowledge. OBJECTIVE： To observe the distribution of intracranial arachnoid granulations in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The observational experiment was performed in the Academy of Life Sciences of Shandong Taishan Medical College from May to August 2004. MATERIALS： Thirty healthy adult Wistar rats （3-4 months old） of SPF grade, equal numbers of each sex, were selected for this study. Methylene blue parenteral solution was provided by Jiangsu Jichuan Pharmaceutical Company （China）, and an optical microscope （Type： CH20; Olympus Co. Ltd., Japan） was used for observation of the histomorphology of the arachnoid granulations. METHOD： Injection of methylene blue parenteral solution into the cerebellomedullary cistern of rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE： The blue stained parts of the lateral sinus were sectioned, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, and then observed under the microscope. RESULTS： The cavitas subarachnoidealis had extensive blue staining after methylene blue injection, while the arachnoid and dura were without dye accumulation. The blue dye indicated the location of the arachnoid granulations. The location of these granulations was fixed, mainly in the lateral sinus at both sides of confluence within 4 mm of the internal jugular vein. CONCLUSION： The arachnoid granulations of the rat were located mainly in the lateral sinuses of the dura mater.

Comparative Study on Two Surgical Procedures for Middle Cranial Fossa Arachnoid Cysts

In this study, we explored the operation options for middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts （MCFAC）. One hundred and forty-nine patients who were operated for a symptomatic MCFAC between 1993 and 2006 in our hosptial were analyzed. Follow-up time ranged from 1 y to 14 y （mean=5.4 y）. All these patients were divided into three subgroups according to Galassi classification. Long-term outcome and complications were studied respectively. Fenestration （F） resulted in a more favorable long-term outcome and less complication for cysts of types I and Ⅱ, whereas a favorable outcome was noted in type Ⅲ patients who underwent cysto-peritoneal shunting （S）. We are led to conclude that Fenestration is suitable for cysts of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ （Galassi classification）, cysto-peritoneal shunting is better for cysts of type Ⅲ.

Transforaminal endoscopic excision of bi-segmental noncommunicating spinal extradural arachnoid cysts:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts(SEACs)are a rare cause of spinal cord compression.Typically,these cysts communicate with the intradural subarachnoid space through a small defect in the dural sac.For symptomatic SEACs,the standard treatment is to remove the cyst in total with a(hemi)laminectomy or laminoplasty.We present a rare case of bi-segmental non-communicating SEACs and describe our experience of using an endoscopic minimal access technique to remove bi-segmental non-communicating SEACs.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old female presented with pain related to bi-segmental SEACs at the T11-L1 segments.She underwent sequential transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic thoracic cystectomy of the SEACs.Following her first procedure,spinal magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete excision of the cyst at the T12-L1 segment.However,the cyst at the T11-T12 segment was still present.Thus,a second procedure was performed to remove this lesion.The patient’s right-sided lumbar and abdominal pain improved significantly postoperatively.Her Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased from 11 to 25,her visual analogue scale score was reduced from 8 to 1.The physical and mental component summary of the 36-item short-form health survey(SF-36)were 15.5 and 34.375 preoperatively,and had increased to 79.75 and 77.275 at the last follow-up visit,respectively.CONCLUSION Bi-segmental non-communicating SEACs are extremely rare.Endoscopic surgery is a safe,effective,and reliable method for treating these cysts.In the event of bisegmental SEACs,it is important to identify whether both cysts are communicating before surgery,and if not,to remove both cysts separately during the index surgery to avoid re-operation.

Symptomatic Extra-Dural Arachnoid Cyst

Objective: The aim of this study is to report a case of arachnoid cyst due to mass effect on the thoracic marrow. Observation: A 15-year-old patient was admitted to our institution and complaining of high back pain. Three months before he developed progressive and occasional back pain with thoracic irradiation in hemi-belt, increased by the dorsal decubitus. Neurological examination revealed a spasmodic paraplegia. The muscular strength was quoted as 2 to the left and 3 to the right on a scale of 5. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed and extradural cyst located to the dorsal spinal cord. The ablation of a voluminous translucent cyst was achieved after a vast decompressive laminectomy from the sixth to the eighth thoracic vertebra. The dural communication with the cyst was stitched. After surgery, the pain has disappeared and the neurological recovery was progressive over a period of 21 days. The diagnosis of arachnoid cyst was confirmed by histological examination. Conclusion: The extradural thoracic arachnoid cyst is a rare affection of good forecast. In the symptomatic form, the surgery as soon as possible remains the solution. The MRI keeps all its interest for the diagnostic orientation and the therapeutic strategy.

Analysis of cases of self-displaced and healed shunt of arachnoid cyst and review of literature

Objective:To investigate the causes,pathogenesis and prognosis of shunt displacement in arachnoid cyst.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the case of the left frontal top arachnoid cyst peritoneal shunt self-extraneous and cured in our hospital in November 2019.Combined with literature review,the treatment and prognosis of shunt displacement after arachnoid cyst peritoneal shunt were discussed.Results:Arachnoid cyst disappeared children heal,clinical symptoms improved,wipe out the shift shunt,literature review arachnoid cyst peritoneal shunt tube shift and recover rare,mainly for the shunt tube distal displacement,falling in the scrotum,emergence anus,and shift to the chest,or even a heart,required reoperation processing,timely deal with good prognosis.Conclusion:Arachnoid cyst peritoneal shunt may be an effective method for the treatment of cerebral convex arachnoid cyst in children,and it also suggests that the shunt tube can be removed after the disappearance of cerebral convex arachnoid cyst.Shunt tube displacement is rare in clinic and needs timely surgical treatment.

Giant Intracranial Arachnoid Cyst Causing Acute Neurologic Symptoms

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (IAC) are benign lesions containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most of them are clinically silent and remain static in size. However some may present with mild and slow progressive symptoms caused by the cyst. The authors present the case of 54-year-old woman who presented with acute symptoms of severe headache, vomiting, and gait disturbance of 2 day’s duration. She had no history of head trauma. On admission, neurological examination revealed that the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and a left side hemiplegia. A CT scan revealed a hypodense fluid collection in the right frontoparietal region that mimicked an arachnoid cyst. The symptoms were improved after an emergency marsupialisation via craniotomy.

Hematoma within the Outer Membrane of the Arachnoid Cyst Located in the Middle Fossa: A Mechanism of Development of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Arachnoid Cysts

It is well known that chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) occasionally arises in patients harboring an arachnoid cyst (AC) located in the middle fossa. Although the pathogenesis of CSDH associated with ACs remains unknown, several possible mechanisms have been proposed. In many reported cases, the patients with ACs in the middle fossa would be symptomatic according to development of CSDH. A 9-year-old girl presenting with a headache, nausea, and diplopia was referred to our department. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an AC in the left-side middle fossa and ipsilateral CSDH with a remarkable mass effect. Irrigation of the CSDH, partial removal of the outer membrane of the AC and CSDH, and endoscopic cystocisternostomy were performed to relieve her symptoms. Postoperative clinical course was excellent. Histopathological examination of the outer membrane of the CSDH demonstrated an arachnoid cell layer and hemorrhage from the granulation inside the membrane, and collagen fibers outside the membrane. These findings strongly suggested that the membrane and the content of the CSDH were derived from the outer membrane of the AC, and the CSF including the hemorrhage within the membrane, respectively. Laceration and hemorrhage from granulation tissue within the outer membrane of the AC are considered as one of the developmental mechanisms of the CSDH associated with AC in the middle fossa.

Adult Posterior Cranial Fossa Arachnoid Cyst: A Case Report

Adult posterior fossa arachnoid cysts are rare lesions that are considered to be mostly congenital in origin. We present 49-year-old man admitted with a chief complaint of tremor and balance problems for the past 2 months. He had ataxia on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well circumscribed midline cystic lesion of the posterior fossa sharing the same signal characteristics as cerebrospinal fluid and non-communicating to the fourth ventricle. He underwent surgical treatment for his symptomatic posterior fossa arachnoid cyst with a good outcome at 2 years follow up.

Two months old with arachnoid cyst and unusual clinical presentation

Arachnoid cysts are relatively uncommon in infancy and are incidental findings in intracranial imaging in pediatric patients. Presentation at a younger age is usually associated with cyst enlargement. Arachnoid cysts are considered to be congenital in origin but the natural history and prevalence is not well defined. Here we report a case of a 2 months old male infant with non-specific illness who was diagnosed with arachnoid cyst.

Intradural Disc Herniation Can Be Intra-Arachnoid or Extra-Arachnoid: 2 Case Reports with MRI Diagnosis and Non-Surgical Management

Intradural disc herniation is rare and often diagnosed during surgery. We present two patients with the disease, one with an intra-arachnoid type, the other with an extra-arachnoid location. The teaching point of those cases is that this very frequent pathology can take a variety of forms, depending on the structures that are infiltrated. The key point in correctly diagnosing the intradural disc herniation is to look at the angle between the fragment and the dura. Is it pushing it (as in the usual disc herniation), embedded in it (those with the extra-arachnoid type) or does it go through to fall into the CSF (In the intra-arachnoid type)? It could be diagnosed on MRI preoperatively. Contrary to many published cases of intradural disc herniation, the two patients could be managed non-surgically.

Arachnoiditis Ossificans Mimicking Spinal Intradural Extramedullary Tumor: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Arachnoiditis ossificans is an intradural extramedullary lesion resulting from an unusual chronic meningeal inflammatory process and it is thought to be the sequela of end-stage adhesive arachnoiditis secondary to surgery, trauma, arachnoid hemorrhage, meningeal irritation, myelography (particularly oil-based contrast agents), and spinal anesthesia. The spinal arachnoiditis ossificans may be silent or cause a variety of symptoms depending on its location and uncommonly happen to cause spinal cord compression. Very little attention has been paid to the management and outcome of this rare condition in the neurosurgical reem. We report the case of a 45 years old man admitted with L1 - L2 arachnoiditis ossificans revealed by polyradiculopathy on incomplete cauda equina syndrome mimicking spinal canal tumors. The patient underwent surgery and we performed the laminectomy of L1 - L2, total resection of the lesion, followed by a complete remission of the hemiparesis after three months of kinesitherapy nursing.

Theco-thecal bypass technique elucidating a novel procedure and perspective on treatment of post-arachnoiditis syringomyelia:A case report

BACKGROUND Post-arachnoiditis syringomyelia is a condition in which there is an intraspinal cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)blockade due to arachnoidal adhesions and bands.Although many of the techniques currently in use,namely,the theco-peritoneal,syringo-pleural,syringo-peritoneal,and syringo-subarachnoid shunts,are effective,the results are often variable.CASE SUMMARY A 36-year-old man with a past history of pulmonary tuberculosis,presented with progressive paraesthesia in the feet and progressive paraparesis along with constipation,difficulty in micturition,and decreased libido.He was bedridden a month before presentation.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dorsal multiloculated syrinx from D3-D10 vertebral levels.He underwent a D1-2 to D11 theco-thecal shunt bilaterally to abolish the CSF gradient across the level of the syrinx.There was no direct surgical handling of the spinal cord involved.At the 15-mo follow up,the patient had significant improvement in his symptoms and function.CONCLUSION We present a novel technique aimed at correcting the primary cause of a postarachnoiditis syrinx,the subarachnoid cerebrospinal flow obstruction or block,which we believe is simple and effective,involves minimal handling of the normal neural structures,and attempts to restore the physiology of CSF flow across the obstruction,with favorable clinical results.

Left Temporal Lobe Arachnoid Cyst Presenting with Symptoms of Psychosis

Arachnoid cysts are uncommon benign neurological tumors,and having presentation like schizophrenia,which has been reported in association with this cyst.The presence of psychiatric disturbances of arachnoid cyst has not been clearly mentioned in the literature.Even though,the appearance of some of the references that focuses on a possible link between arachnoid cysts and psychotic symptoms.Here we present a case report of a 35-year-old man,characterized by the insidious onset of psychotic symptoms of varying intensity such as multiple physical assaults on people with stone.Due to organic suspicion one cannot exclude the possibility that the lesion played a significant role in this psychiatric presentation.

Treatment strategy of intracranial arachnoid cysts

Objective To investigate treatment strategy of intracranial arachnoid cysts. Methods 47 cases of Intracranial arachnoid cysts from Sep 1,2010 to Des 1,2010 were analyzed. 25 cases received no intervention but follow . 22 cases received operation,13 of 22 cases neuroendoscopic partial cystectomy and communication between cystic cavity and brain cistern; 7 of 22 cases cysts peritoneal shunt, 2 of 22

Virus etiology research of trigeminal neuralgia combining arachnoids' adhesion

Objective To assess the relationship that trigeminal neuralgia combining arachnoids’adhesions and herpes simplex virus type 1. Methods There are fifty-nine patients with trigeminal neuralgia their trigeminal nerve root area combined with arachnoids’adhesion,

The neurosurgical treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts in child

Objective Arachnoid cysts are non-arachnoid fluid collections that accout for about 1% of all intracranial space-occupying lessions. So far,the optimal method of treatment for symptomatic arachnoid cysts remains controversial. In this article,we want to find an ideal technique