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Pineoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), which arises from the parenchyma of the pineal gland. It is characterized by aggressive clinical behavior and frequent metastases along the craniospinal axis. Extraneural metastases may occur due to surgical seeding of tumor cells beyond the dura and/or hematogenous spread, ventriculoperitoneal shunting, or through Batson’s plexus. To our knowledge, only six documented cases of intraosseous metastases of pineoblastoma are described in the literature.A 23-year-old female patient presented with clinical and radiological symptoms of a pineal tumor causing secondary hydrocephalus. After initial surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and local radiotherapy with craniospinal irradiation, she developed multiple metastases affecting the anterior skull base, intracranial meninges, frontal bone, and finally, the entire vertebral column. The patient received surgical treatment for the anterior skull base metastasis, repeated irradiation of the neuraxis, radiosurgical and radiotherapeutic procedures, and chemotherapy. The patient survived 57 months after the primary disease manifestation and died of multiple metastases.This presented case is the first known description of metastasis of pineoblastoma in the anterior cranial base. Multiple intracranial metastases were suppressed using CyberKnife radiation treatment and chemotherapy until massive involvement of spinal column occurred. Interestingly, no signs of brain radiation necrosis after repeated radiation treatments were observed, and the patient developed only moderate neurocognitive decline.

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a rare benign tumor of the sinonasal tract in children with possible orbit and skull base involvement. We present the 57th published observation of this kind of tumor. A 25-month-old female patient presented with recurrent mass lesion of the sinonasal tract. According to her history, she had feeding difficulties and nasal obstruction since birth. She underwent partial resection at eight months of age via transfacial approach in the local hospital. Due to progression of tumor remnants, a second surgery was performed using an endoscopic endonasal approach resulting in subtotal resection. At 12 months of follow-up, a good postoperative result was observed with no signs of tumor progression despite incomplete resection. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the biopsy specimens is presented. Comparison of specimens obtained from each of the two surgeries showed a difference in histological patterns. Endoscopic endonasal approach is the mainstay of surgical management. In case of incomplete resection, careful follow-up MRI studies should be recommended.

Ligation of the sphenopalatine and posterior nasal arteries is indicated for posterior epistaxis as initial treatment or when conservative measures fail. In some patients, a transnasal approach or its alternative transantral approach are not possible due to tumor filling the nasal corridor, pterygopalatine fossa, or maxillary sinus. Aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility of endoscopically assisted transoral approach for the ligation of the maxillary artery (MA). Six fresh cadaver specimens (12 sides), previously prepared with intravascular injections of colored latex, were dissected. A combined transnasal and transoral approach exposed the MA from the deep belly of the temporalis muscle laterally to its terminal branches medially. Anatomical relationships of the MA with the deep belly of the temporalis muscle and the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle, and feasibility of access to the MA via a transoral approach were assessed. In all specimens, the MA was found at the point where horizontal fibers of the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle cross the vertical fibers of the deep belly of the temporalis muscle. In 5 specimens, the artery ran anteriorly and laterally to lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle, and in 1 specimen, it ran posteriorly and medially to this muscle, diving between its fibers. The modified endoscopically assisted transoral approach is feasible to ligate the MA. It can be used for proximal vascular control in cases when transnasal and transantral approaches are not viable.

BackgroundThe aim of the project was to show the peculiarities of manipulations in two-dimensional (2D) visualization and to enlighten young neurosurgical residents for further independent training of their manual skills in the anatomic lab. The course followed a step-by-step training program starting with artificial models in a static 2D exoscopic view field with subsequent transition to cadaveric animal models and the use of dynamic four-hand techniques and endoscopy.Materials and methodsSince 2015, two 2-day workshops and four 1-day workshops have been organized. All courses consisted of short theoretical and prevailing hands-on practical part and were designed mainly for manual skills training. For optimal practical training, each pair of trainees were engaged with a separate working place equipped with a video system, exoscope, drill, suction, and a set of microsurgical and endoscopic instruments. A total of 48 trainees, including residents of the Nikolay Nilovich (NN) Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery (NMRCN), the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Postgraduate Education, and other institutions from different regions of Russia, completed the program. Analysis of evaluation sheets revealed that over 90% of trainees were under the age of 30.ResultsThe key idea – accommodation to endoscopy through a series of microsurgical exercises in 2D visualization – has been successfully actualized and met with interest. After analyzing the questionnaires, we found that an overall satisfaction rate was high. The vast majority of trainees intended to gain further experience and apply new techniques in their clinical neurosurgical and microsurgical practice. The number of practiced techniques and the quality of the provided equipment were considered by the participants as good or very good. The highly individualized training course with a participant/tutor ratio of 4:1 and the use of tissue models (no sacrifice of living animals) was well appreciated.ConclusionThe demand for a workshop indicates a lack of such training activities for young professionals, such as the one we presented herein. Evaluation of the courses by the trainees showed that the contents of workshops corresponded to their tasks and expectations, regardless of their previous experience. The workshop was not only the 'stepping stone' from which the path of practical self-development should begin but also initiated the development of a whole series of specially focused training workshops on microsurgery and endoscopy for neurosurgeons.