ARACHNOIDITIS ossificans （AO） is a rare type of chronic arachnoiditis presence of calcification spinal arachnoid. Small characterized by the in, or ossification of the plaques of calcificationof the dura mater are f...ARACHNOIDITIS ossificans （AO） is a rare type of chronic arachnoiditis presence of calcification spinal arachnoid. Small characterized by the in, or ossification of the plaques of calcificationof the dura mater are frequently observed in radiography or during surgery, which are often asymptomatic and have no apparent clinical significance. AO and dura calcification should not be confused.展开更多
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,name...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.展开更多
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 sur...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.展开更多
Objective： To assess if arachnoid cells have the capability to present antigen and activate T-lymphocytes after stimulation by bloody cerebrospinal fluid （CSF）, and to illuminate the mechanism of coagulation-initia...Objective： To assess if arachnoid cells have the capability to present antigen and activate T-lymphocytes after stimulation by bloody cerebrospinal fluid （CSF）, and to illuminate the mechanism of coagulation-initiated inflammation in the subarachnoid space after subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Methods： Arachnoid cells were cultured, characterized, and examined by immunofluorescence for the basal expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR （HLA-DR）, Expression of HLA-DR, after co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, was investigated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry （FCM）. The variation of arachnoid cells＇ ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope （TEM）. Arachnoid cells were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. The content of soluble interleukin-2 receptor （slL-2r） in culture medium was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： （1） Arachnoid cells were successfully cultured for many passages. The immunofluorescent staining was positive for HLA-DR in over 95% of the human arachnoid cells. The punctate HI_A-DR was distributed in cytoplasm and not in the karyon. （2） After co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, numerous particles with strong fluorescence appeared in the cytoplasm on Day 6. On Day 8, the quantity of particles and fluorescent intensity were maximal. FCM showed that the percentage of HLA-DR expressing cells was （2.5＋_0.4）% at the first 5 d, increasing to （60.8＋_3.6）% on Day 7. （3） After co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, many lysosome and secondary lysosome particles were present in the cytoplasm. Hyperplasia of rough endoplasmic re- ticulum and enlarged cysts were observed, with numerous phagocytizing vesicles also observed at the edge of the arachnoid cells. （4） Arachnoid cells stimulated by bloody CSF were co-cultured in vitro with PBMCs. The content of slL-2r in the culture medium, having been maintained at around 1.30 ng/ml during the first 3 d, had increased by Day 4. The content of slL-2r peaked 7.53 ng/ml on Day 7 and then reduced gradually. Conclusions： （1） Basic HLA-DR expression is present in arachnoid cells. （2） After stimulation by bloody CSF, arachnoid cells have the potential to serve as antigen presenting cells （APCs） and the ability to activate T-lymphocytes, indicating that arachnoid cells are involved in the mechanism of coagulation-initiated inflammation in the subarachnoid space after SAH.展开更多
The paper reports a successful case of unilateral oculomotor palsy treated with acupuncture in a Chinese boy aged 5 years and 3 months.Filiform needles were applied for ptosis,ocular motility impairment and blurred vi...The paper reports a successful case of unilateral oculomotor palsy treated with acupuncture in a Chinese boy aged 5 years and 3 months.Filiform needles were applied for ptosis,ocular motility impairment and blurred vision of the left oculomotor palsy after arachnoid cyst surgery.Two stages of treatment with acupuncture were composed.Acupuncture in the first stage focused on resolving stasis,unblocking meridians and activating qi and blood circulation,especially at the acupoints around the eye,combined with the distal points(four gate points)to enhance qi movement and activate blood circulation,once daily.Besides,the western medicines for nerve nutrition were added.One month later,all the symptoms were alleviated,and the eyelid could be lifted.Then,the second stage of acupuncture started,during which,the western medicine for nerve nutrition was withdrawal,acupuncture was continued with the same acupoints as the first stage,once every two days.Besides,the thumb-tack needle was used to maintain the effect of filiform needle,and Zusanli(ST36)was added to replenish qi of spleen and stomach and promote circulation of meridians.Another month later,the lift of the left eyelid and the ocular motility were basically symmetrical to the right eye,and the left eye vision returned normal.Follow-up until the time of publication,the motility and function of the affected eye were basically the same as those of the healthy side.This case suggests that the staged intervention with acupuncture could be effective in child with unilateral oculomotor palsy after arachnoid cyst surgery and were acceptable for child.Further studies are needed to confirm the effect and mechanism of acupuncture intervention on postoperative oculomotor palsy.展开更多
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 f...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.展开更多
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 typica...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.展开更多
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 arachno...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.展开更多
Congenital spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with intrathoracic meningocele is very rare.We report a case in a 9-year-old Chinese boy who presented with a two-week history of progressive paraparesis and gait...Congenital spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with intrathoracic meningocele is very rare.We report a case in a 9-year-old Chinese boy who presented with a two-week history of progressive paraparesis and gait ataxia.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a dorsal intradural extramedullary cystic lesion extended from T1 to T5 and compressed the spinal cord.A left lateral intrathoracic meningocele pouch was found incidentally at the level of T1.The arachnoid cyst as well as meningocele was removed and the spinal cord compression was relieved.Arachnoid cyst was confirmed by histological examination.The patient recovered well postoperatively.This is the second report of such a case in the world according to the available literature.The take-home message for our case is that the surgical approach should be individualized,depending on the size and location.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
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 sympt...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.展开更多
A 56-year-old man presented with a 6-mo history of headache. Although neurological and laboratory examinations were normal, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed which revealed multiple occipital osteolytic lesi...A 56-year-old man presented with a 6-mo history of headache. Although neurological and laboratory examinations were normal, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed which revealed multiple occipital osteolytic lesions, which were suspected to be multiple myeloma. Subsequently nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that these lesions presented with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like signal intensity, no diffusional restriction and intrinsic mass-like enhancement on conventional sequences were seen. T2 relaxation time was similar to that of CSF in the ventricles and adjacent subarachnoid space on T2-mapping. Single photon emission CT with <sup>99m</sup>Tc-Methyl diphosphonate was performed which revealed no increased radiotracing accumulation. Finally, these lesions were diagnosed as mutiple arachnoid granulations (AGs). The headache was treated symptomatically with medical therapy. On follow up examination after 6 mo no evidence of tumor was detected. This report aimed to illustrate the appearance and differentiation of occipital defects caused by multiple AGs on CT and MRI, with emphasis on the findings from T2 mapping.展开更多
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-e...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.展开更多
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. T...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.展开更多
There is reason to believe that the vagus nerve carries sensory afferent messages from the intracranial cavity as it does from the other body cavities. Considering the arachnoid granulations as a secretory apparatus i...There is reason to believe that the vagus nerve carries sensory afferent messages from the intracranial cavity as it does from the other body cavities. Considering the arachnoid granulations as a secretory apparatus instead of an organ transporting cerebrospinal fluid, a simple model can be built. Assuming that the arachnoid granulations produce nitric oxide in accordance with changes in the intracranial pressure, the jugular foramen with the vagus nerve lying just subendothelially is where this message would be received. Other chemical substances from the granulations or other intracranial tissues could of course also act as messengers. This would mean that the brain stem could adjust to changes in intracranial pressure with small changes in cerebral venous resistance. The general idea is that intracranial pressure is a passive function of the intracranial pressure-volume relationship. But the hypothesis suggests that the vagus nerve constantly mediates changes in intracranial pressure to the brain stem that can rapidly adjust cerebral venous resistance. This control is totally intracranial and easily overridden by considerable changes in absorption of spinal fluid or intracranial calamities. This article looks for clues in support of the idea that the vagus nerve mediates intracranial pressure changes to the brain stem.展开更多
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 symptom...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.展开更多
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 unknow...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.展开更多
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 mo...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.展开更多
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a devious phenomenon. It is a disease that is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat, the only treatment being a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, though good shunting results rarely ...Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a devious phenomenon. It is a disease that is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat, the only treatment being a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, though good shunting results rarely pass a 70% level of effectiveness. We need to understand its pathophysiology better before things will improve. Although some colleagues know it as a possible “reversible dementia” others hardly know about its existence. Solutions would also have value for the general understanding of hydrocephalus of other types. Many theories have been published recently in the search for the missing pieces in this puzzle and I feel that my own postulations could turn out to be useful. After years of diagnosing and operating on hydrocephalus patients I propose that: 1) There is reason to believe that patients with the Apoprotein E3/3 genotype and a high head size percentile are particularly vulnerable to developing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). 2) The classical theory that the arachnoid granulations (AG) transport cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the venous circulation is wrong. I postulate, that the AG essentially are sensors, registering the pressure differences between the CSF in the subarachnoidal space at the top of the skull and the venous pressure in the sagittal sinus. The AG’s endothelium produces nitric oxide (NO) as a messenger that is received by the vagus nerve at the jugular foramen. 3) The disease has its fundamental pathology in the subpial space in the large cisternas and along the large vessels under the brain. Here the intravenous absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) takes place. Cerebrospinal fluid is transported into the subpial venules and veins, driven by the pulse pressure of the subpial arteries. Morphological changes in the pial/subpial anatomy explain the existence of acquired normal pressure hydrocephalus (aNPH).展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
文摘ARACHNOIDITIS ossificans （AO） is a rare type of chronic arachnoiditis presence of calcification spinal arachnoid. Small characterized by the in, or ossification of the plaques of calcificationof the dura mater are frequently observed in radiography or during surgery, which are often asymptomatic and have no apparent clinical significance. AO and dura calcification should not be confused.
文摘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.
文摘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.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30370497)the Science and Technology Research Program of Zhejiang Province,China (No. 2007-C-33039)
文摘Objective： To assess if arachnoid cells have the capability to present antigen and activate T-lymphocytes after stimulation by bloody cerebrospinal fluid （CSF）, and to illuminate the mechanism of coagulation-initiated inflammation in the subarachnoid space after subarachnoid hemorrhage （SAH）. Methods： Arachnoid cells were cultured, characterized, and examined by immunofluorescence for the basal expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR （HLA-DR）, Expression of HLA-DR, after co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, was investigated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry （FCM）. The variation of arachnoid cells＇ ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscope （TEM）. Arachnoid cells were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）. The content of soluble interleukin-2 receptor （slL-2r） in culture medium was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Results： （1） Arachnoid cells were successfully cultured for many passages. The immunofluorescent staining was positive for HLA-DR in over 95% of the human arachnoid cells. The punctate HI_A-DR was distributed in cytoplasm and not in the karyon. （2） After co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, numerous particles with strong fluorescence appeared in the cytoplasm on Day 6. On Day 8, the quantity of particles and fluorescent intensity were maximal. FCM showed that the percentage of HLA-DR expressing cells was （2.5＋_0.4）% at the first 5 d, increasing to （60.8＋_3.6）% on Day 7. （3） After co-culturing arachnoid cells in vitro with bloody CSF, many lysosome and secondary lysosome particles were present in the cytoplasm. Hyperplasia of rough endoplasmic re- ticulum and enlarged cysts were observed, with numerous phagocytizing vesicles also observed at the edge of the arachnoid cells. （4） Arachnoid cells stimulated by bloody CSF were co-cultured in vitro with PBMCs. The content of slL-2r in the culture medium, having been maintained at around 1.30 ng/ml during the first 3 d, had increased by Day 4. The content of slL-2r peaked 7.53 ng/ml on Day 7 and then reduced gradually. Conclusions： （1） Basic HLA-DR expression is present in arachnoid cells. （2） After stimulation by bloody CSF, arachnoid cells have the potential to serve as antigen presenting cells （APCs） and the ability to activate T-lymphocytes, indicating that arachnoid cells are involved in the mechanism of coagulation-initiated inflammation in the subarachnoid space after SAH.
基金Supported by Shanghai municipality to further accelerated the three-year action plan for the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine project funding:ZY(2018-2020)-ZYBZ-17。
文摘The paper reports a successful case of unilateral oculomotor palsy treated with acupuncture in a Chinese boy aged 5 years and 3 months.Filiform needles were applied for ptosis,ocular motility impairment and blurred vision of the left oculomotor palsy after arachnoid cyst surgery.Two stages of treatment with acupuncture were composed.Acupuncture in the first stage focused on resolving stasis,unblocking meridians and activating qi and blood circulation,especially at the acupoints around the eye,combined with the distal points(four gate points)to enhance qi movement and activate blood circulation,once daily.Besides,the western medicines for nerve nutrition were added.One month later,all the symptoms were alleviated,and the eyelid could be lifted.Then,the second stage of acupuncture started,during which,the western medicine for nerve nutrition was withdrawal,acupuncture was continued with the same acupoints as the first stage,once every two days.Besides,the thumb-tack needle was used to maintain the effect of filiform needle,and Zusanli(ST36)was added to replenish qi of spleen and stomach and promote circulation of meridians.Another month later,the lift of the left eyelid and the ocular motility were basically symmetrical to the right eye,and the left eye vision returned normal.Follow-up until the time of publication,the motility and function of the affected eye were basically the same as those of the healthy side.This case suggests that the staged intervention with acupuncture could be effective in child with unilateral oculomotor palsy after arachnoid cyst surgery and were acceptable for child.Further studies are needed to confirm the effect and mechanism of acupuncture intervention on postoperative oculomotor palsy.
基金The Science and Technology Program of Nantong Health Committee,No.MA2019003 and No.KEY03.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘Congenital spinal intradural arachnoid cyst associated with intrathoracic meningocele is very rare.We report a case in a 9-year-old Chinese boy who presented with a two-week history of progressive paraparesis and gait ataxia.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a dorsal intradural extramedullary cystic lesion extended from T1 to T5 and compressed the spinal cord.A left lateral intrathoracic meningocele pouch was found incidentally at the level of T1.The arachnoid cyst as well as meningocele was removed and the spinal cord compression was relieved.Arachnoid cyst was confirmed by histological examination.The patient recovered well postoperatively.This is the second report of such a case in the world according to the available literature.The take-home message for our case is that the surgical approach should be individualized,depending on the size and location.
文摘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.
基金Supported by the Program of Scientific Development of Jilin Province,China,No.20190201066JCthe Health Appropriate Technology Poverty Alleviation Project of Jilin Province China,No.2018FP043.
文摘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.
文摘A 56-year-old man presented with a 6-mo history of headache. Although neurological and laboratory examinations were normal, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed which revealed multiple occipital osteolytic lesions, which were suspected to be multiple myeloma. Subsequently nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that these lesions presented with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-like signal intensity, no diffusional restriction and intrinsic mass-like enhancement on conventional sequences were seen. T2 relaxation time was similar to that of CSF in the ventricles and adjacent subarachnoid space on T2-mapping. Single photon emission CT with <sup>99m</sup>Tc-Methyl diphosphonate was performed which revealed no increased radiotracing accumulation. Finally, these lesions were diagnosed as mutiple arachnoid granulations (AGs). The headache was treated symptomatically with medical therapy. On follow up examination after 6 mo no evidence of tumor was detected. This report aimed to illustrate the appearance and differentiation of occipital defects caused by multiple AGs on CT and MRI, with emphasis on the findings from T2 mapping.
基金2020 Hainan Province Key Research and Development Program(No.ZDYF2020225)。
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘There is reason to believe that the vagus nerve carries sensory afferent messages from the intracranial cavity as it does from the other body cavities. Considering the arachnoid granulations as a secretory apparatus instead of an organ transporting cerebrospinal fluid, a simple model can be built. Assuming that the arachnoid granulations produce nitric oxide in accordance with changes in the intracranial pressure, the jugular foramen with the vagus nerve lying just subendothelially is where this message would be received. Other chemical substances from the granulations or other intracranial tissues could of course also act as messengers. This would mean that the brain stem could adjust to changes in intracranial pressure with small changes in cerebral venous resistance. The general idea is that intracranial pressure is a passive function of the intracranial pressure-volume relationship. But the hypothesis suggests that the vagus nerve constantly mediates changes in intracranial pressure to the brain stem that can rapidly adjust cerebral venous resistance. This control is totally intracranial and easily overridden by considerable changes in absorption of spinal fluid or intracranial calamities. This article looks for clues in support of the idea that the vagus nerve mediates intracranial pressure changes to the brain stem.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a devious phenomenon. It is a disease that is difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat, the only treatment being a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, though good shunting results rarely pass a 70% level of effectiveness. We need to understand its pathophysiology better before things will improve. Although some colleagues know it as a possible “reversible dementia” others hardly know about its existence. Solutions would also have value for the general understanding of hydrocephalus of other types. Many theories have been published recently in the search for the missing pieces in this puzzle and I feel that my own postulations could turn out to be useful. After years of diagnosing and operating on hydrocephalus patients I propose that: 1) There is reason to believe that patients with the Apoprotein E3/3 genotype and a high head size percentile are particularly vulnerable to developing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). 2) The classical theory that the arachnoid granulations (AG) transport cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the venous circulation is wrong. I postulate, that the AG essentially are sensors, registering the pressure differences between the CSF in the subarachnoidal space at the top of the skull and the venous pressure in the sagittal sinus. The AG’s endothelium produces nitric oxide (NO) as a messenger that is received by the vagus nerve at the jugular foramen. 3) The disease has its fundamental pathology in the subpial space in the large cisternas and along the large vessels under the brain. Here the intravenous absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) takes place. Cerebrospinal fluid is transported into the subpial venules and veins, driven by the pulse pressure of the subpial arteries. Morphological changes in the pial/subpial anatomy explain the existence of acquired normal pressure hydrocephalus (aNPH).
文摘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.
