Objective: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak frequently occurs after retrosigmoid craniectomy. The present study investigated the effects of cranioplasty using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to reduce the incidence of CSF leak following retrosigmoid craniectomy as compared with the autologous bone flap combined with titanium plates. Methods: Two hundred forty-three patients underwent surgeries via retrosigmoid approach for microvascular decompression or tumor resection. Of these, 107 patients underwent craniotomy, and incomplete cranioplasty was performed with autologous bone flap fixed with titanium plates, while 136 patients underwent craniectomy and complete cranioplasty was performed with PMMA cement. Variables including the incidence of CSF leak, pseudomeningocele formation, wound infection, rejection reaction were compared retrospectively based on the clinical data between the 2 groups. Results: In the autologous bone group, 9 patients had postoperative CSF leaks, and 11 patients had pseudomeningoceles, while 3 CSF leaks and 2 pseudomeningoceles were found in the PMMA group. Statistical analysis showed that PMMA significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative CSF leaks (P = 0.03) and pseudomeningocele formation (P = 0.002). Wound infections were observed in 2 and 1 patients between the autologous bone and PMMA group, respectively, which did not differ significantly (P = 0.58). None of the patients in both groups developed a rejection reaction of artificial materials. Conclusions: Complete cranioplasty with PMMA cement following retrosigmoid craniectomy could decrease the incidence of CSF leak and pseudomeningocele formation as compared with the autologous bone flap combined with titanium plates. Thus, PMMA cement is preferable for bone reconstruction with excellent biocompatibility and without increasing the rate of wound infection.

No abstract

Rationale:Primary splenic angiosarcoma (PSA) is a rare, fatal neoplasm originating from sinusoidal vascular endothelial cells, and usually metastasizes and almost always has a poor prognosis. Surgical excision is the main treatment of this highly malignant disease.Patient concerns:We reported a special case of a 68-year-old female who had a 6-month history of scalp masses.Diagnosis:The patient was found to have 2 skull masses on computed tomography (CT). Laboratory findings revealed erythropenia and thrombocytopenia. Enhanced abdomen magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple masses in liver and spleen. The pathological result of the skull masses was revealed to be metastatic angiosarcoma.Interventions:The patient underwent surgical excision of skull masses, and no subsequent radiotherapy or chemotherapy was done.Outcomes:The patient died due to dyscrasia at August 12, 2015, with a survival of nearly 1 month.Lessons:We highlight the importance for clinicians to be aware of this rare neoplasm, and to consider it in the differential diagnosis when encountering a skull mass. Early confirmation and treatment may improve the prognosis.

No abstract

Rationale: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is frequently associated with compression at the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve by an aberrant loop of an artery, tributaries of the petrosal vein, tumors, aneurysm, and vascular malformation. TN associated with a cerebellar pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) has not been described previously. Patient concerns: A 65-year-old man presented with right-sided TN. Cerebral angiography revealed a right cerebellar PAVF and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mixed compression of the petrous vein complex and anterior inferior cerebellar artery at the right trigeminal nerve. Diagnosis: Due to the patient's symptoms, radiographic findings, he was diagnosed with TN and PAVF. Interventions: Coiling combined with use of the liquid embolic agent Onyx was used for the complete embolization of the fistula. Outcomes: Complete relief of the pain was achieved 3 months after endovascular treatment, and the patient has remained pain-free during 2 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment with a combination of coils and Onyx embolization is an effective approach for complete resolution of rarely occurring TN caused by mixed venous and arterial compressions associated with cerebellar PAVF.