B. Indira Devi

Introduction. Decompressive craniectomy (DC)—a potentially life-saving intervention following traumatic brain injury (TBI) with medically refractory brain swelling—once performed, surviving patients, more often than not, undergo a second procedure with cranioplasty (CP) in the future. This study analyzes complications following CP after DC, as the beneficial effects of the DC can't be extrapolated in long run over a population unless one adds into it the complications associated with the CP in the survivors of TBI. Materials and methods. An observational study was performed retrospectively, with the review of case records. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were collected, and complications were studied for any predictive parameters. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors that influenced these complications. Results. Data were collected for a total of 74 patients who underwent CP with a median age of 32, and a mean follow-up time of 2 years and 8 months. The mortality rate was 1.35% and overall complication rate 31%. The most significant factor determining complications were operating time more than 90 min Odds ratio (OR) 4.77 (1.61–14.20); timing of CP less than 3 months after craniectomy, OR 2.86 (1.48–8.11); age more than 20 years, OR 2.59 (1.20–6.53); and female gender, OR 1.91 (1.13–4.17). Conclusions. Although considered as a straight-forward procedure, the risks associated with this elective procedure should be kept in mind by the surgeon so that the patients and families can be apprised judiciously. It should be ascertained that patient and/or family consents for the procedure after being appropriately informed about the benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

A 13-year-old boy presented with an intracerebral haematoma secondary to a large corpus callosal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with an associated persistent trigeminal artery, and was treated with Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery for the AVM. This report discusses the embryological basis, radiological features and various classifications of this rare vascular anomaly.

Hydrocephalus secondary to tuberculous meningitis (TBM) continues to be a challenging condition to treat for neurosurgeons in developing countries. Shunt complications are reportedly more frequent in patients undergoing ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in patients with TBM than in those undergoing shunt surgeries for other causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition on shunt malfunction. We compared the CSF composition of 53 patients who had shunt malfunction during a five year period with that of 137 matched controls. Patients who had shunt malfunction had a significantly higher concentration of CSF protein. The CSF cellularity and glucose concentration did not have any significant bearing in predicting shunt malfunction. Patients with CSF protein concentration of more than 200 mg/dL had a four times higher risk of having shunt malfunction than those with a concentration of less than 100 mg/dL. Patients with CSF protein in the 100-200 mg/dL range represent an intermediate zone. To conclude, patients with CSF protein concentration of more than 200 mg/dL have a significantly higher risk of shunt malfunction and hence have to be followed up closely.

Aim: To detect presence of urodynamic abnormalities in patients with traumatic brain injuries. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted recruiting patients sustaining moderate or severe head injuries. Clinical and radiological evaluat

Haemangioma calcificans is a relatively rare intracranial tumour, which is characterized by the presence of a calcified nodule in or near the brain. The patient is most often an adult of either sex, who develops seizures. The lesion can be large enough to produce raised intracranial pressure. The location of tumour is subcortical and often in the temporal lobe. It is usually solitary and benign in nature. Microscopically, there are thin-walled blood vessels separated by dense fibrous bands containing deposits of haemosiderin and calcium. On electron microscopy, tubular structures limited by a wall of electrodense material and irregular calcium deposits within them are prominent features. Four cases of haemangioma calcificans are described here with review of literature.