Superficial siderosis is a rare condition caused by hemosiderin deposits in the central nervous system (CNS) due to prolonged or recurrent low-grade bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CNS tumor could be one of the sources of bleeding, both pre- and postoperatively. We report an extremely rare case of superficial siderosis associated with purely third ventricle craniopharyngioma, and review previously reported cases of superficial siderosis associated with CNS tumor. A 69-year-old man presented with headache, unsteady gait, blurred vision, and progressive hearing loss. Brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with gadolinium revealed a well enhanced, intraventricular mass in the anterior part of the third ventricle. T2*-weighted gradient echo (GE) MR imaging revealed a hypointense rim around the brain particularly marked within the depth of the sulci. Superficial siderosis was diagnosed based on these findings. The tumor was diffusely hypointense on T2*-weighted GE imaging, indicating intratumoral hemorrhage. The lateral ventricles were dilated, suggesting hydrocephalus. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed increased uptake in the tumor. The whole brain surface appeared dark ocher at surgery. Histological examination showed the hemorrhagic tumor was papillary craniopharyngioma. His hearing loss progressed after removal of the tumor. T2*-weighted GE MR imaging demonstrated not only superficial siderosis but also diffuse intratumoral hemorrhage in the tumor. Superficial siderosis and its related symptoms, including hearing loss, should be considered in patients with hemorrhagic tumor related to the CSF space. Purely third ventricle craniopharyngioma rarely has hemorrhagic character, which could cause superficial siderosis and progressive hearing loss.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is generally treated by twist drill, and one and two burr-hole craniostomy. We proposed new classification of the intraoperative condition of CSDH, and present a safer technique for aspiration of CSDH in one burr-hole surgery. The intraoperative condition of CSDH was classified according to the connections between the hematoma cavity and the extracranial space as follows. The``closed condition'' represents only a single route consisting of a tube inserted intraoperatively connecting the extracranial space to the hematoma cavity. The``open condition'' includes another route or space, which can freely pass air, saline, or old hematoma fluid, in addition to the tube inserted intraoperatively. Twist drill craniostomy and two burr-hole craniostomy clearly involve the intraoperative closed and open conditions, respectively. One burr-hole craniostomy may involve either condition due to the operative procedure. Aspiration and irrigation of the hematoma is basically free and safe in the open condition, but risky in the closed condition. All of the hematoma can be aspirated through one burr hole under certain open conditions with temporary replacement of the hematoma cavity with air followed by replacement of air with saline. Twenty-seven patients with symptomatic CSDH underwent one burr-hole craniostomy by the above mentioned aspiration technique. There were no special complications. The recurrence rate was average. The substitution of saline after complete aspiration of hematoma carries little risk only under the``open condition,'' shortens the operation time, and achieves good irrigation of the hematoma.

Many VTE patients may not exhibit signs or symptoms, so screening using surrogate markers for VTE (D-dimer) may be useful in the early detection of asymptomatic VTE. However, most distal, deep venous thrombosis in isolation is not life-threatening, so the added efficacy of anticoagulant agents at this stage has to be weighed against the risks of hemorrhagic complications, especially in the early postoperative period.

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