Pan Arab - Journals Vol4, No.2 - Message from the Editor

Volume 4, No.2

October 2000

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

“Spotlight on Marrekesh,” is an invited editorial from Prof. El Khamlichi on the success of Morocco being awarded the privilege of hosting the 13th WFNS Congress in 2005. This will be the first time that the WFNS will site their congress in an African continent and demonstrates the regard that our region has attained within the WFNS.

“Intracranial pressure and cerebral fluid dynamics,” a paper by a world authority on this subject and his colleagues outlines the history and principles of intracranial pressure monitoring. Various pressure sensors used for ICP monitoring are noted along with the procedure for correct measuring of the pressure. Various modes of ICP pressure monitoring have been well illustrated and the problems encountered in data registration, compliance and pressure volume index measurements have been outlined. CSF dynamics including circulation parameters, various wave constituents and their significance, and the artifacts encountered during the procedure are also mentioned.

“Pros and Cons of various stereotactic procedures for Parkinson’s Disease,” is a good introduction to stereotactic surgery, a procedure which is now becoming increasingly popular, for Parkinson’s disease. Surgical procedures like posteroventral pallidotomy and deep brain stimulation are discussed in detail, along with the selection criteria and indications for these procedures. The importance of choosing the correct procedure for specific symptoms in each patient has been emphasised.

“Cerebral salt wasting syndrome and syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion in subarachnoid haemorrhage,” a review article on these two conditions, which are often intermixed and poorly understood. Authors discuss the pathophysiology of these conditions and outline the various laboratory techniques to establish the diagnosis especially after subarachnoid haemorrhage. Treatment algorithm for syndrome of inappropriate ADH and cerebral salt wasting is detailed.

“Endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks - A viable alternative,” a good account of this common surgical problem encountered which may predispose to meningitis if left untreated. Endoscopic management of CSF leaks are becoming increasingly popular especially with the advent of computer guided navigation system or other endoscopic techniques for the management of sinus disease, if carried out in collaboration with otolaryngologist.

“Significance of spinal cord hyperintense signal opposite a bulging cervical disc in magnetic resonance imaging,” a series of 52 patients presenting with cervical disc herniation who were successfully operated upon. The importance of various imaging techniques and signals on MRI in patient presenting with bulging cervical discs is well elaborated upon by the authors.

“Non-operative management of atlanto-axial rotatory fixation of more than 4 weeks duration,” is an original paper outlining the aetiology of this poorly understood clinical condition, especially in children. Controversy regarding management, as mentioned in the literature, has been discussed along with the rationale supporting conservative management in these patients.

“Surgical treatment of aggressive vertebral hemangioma,” a series of asymptomatic lesions which became aggressive and caused cord compressions. These compressive lesions should be treated aggressively. The authors outline the means to investigate such patients and discuss various operative procedures available.

“Post-traumatic hydrocephalus in severe head injury,” an account of a series of 22 cases that were dealt with successfully by various CSF diversion procedures. This condition is increasingly being witnessed, particularly in our region, because of excessive number of accidents resulting in severe head injuries.

“Intramedullary thoracic cord subependymoma,” is a case report regarding these benign slow growing tumours, which are not easily recognised or diagnosed especially in the dorsal spine. Authors outline successful treatment of thoracic cord subependymoma and have carried out an extensive review of literature on the topic.

“Thoracic disc herniation,” is a series of 3 patients where surgical treatment through an antero lateral approach was carried out giving good results. Disc herniations in this area are rare but the approach for surgical treatment should depend on the site and side implicated. The authors outline clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of thoracic disc herniation and have carried out a literature review on the topic.

“Meningioma of the anterior part of the third ventricle in a child - Case report,” is an account of a rare benign tumour located in the third ventricle in children. Successful resection and post-operative course along with literature review have been mentioned.

“Spinal epidural cavernous angioma - Case Report,” an account on extradural thoracic cavernous angioma causing cord compression. The author highlights presentation, clinical features, diagnostic work-up and treatment.

“Chronic subdural haematoma at 3 sites: bilateral, supratentorial and left infratentorial - Case Report,” a case where chronic subdural haematoma was found at multiple sites both supra and infratentorial. The authors discuss the correct surgical management of these patients.

“Pneumosinus dilatans is a radiological sign of planum sphenoidale meningiomas - Case report,” a short interesting case where Pneumosinus dilatans was found in association with spheno-orbital meningiomas. Pneumosinus dilatans is reported by various authors to be associated with adjustment meningiomas as is the case in this report.

“Paediatric penetrating orbitocranial injury with a pencil,” is an interesting short case report comprising of 2 cases about a rare but potentially life threatening injury from a wooden foreign body into the orbit. This condition if not aggressively treated can result in considerable morbidity and mortality by direct damage to vital cerebral structures or by circulatory compromise. Comprehensive management of this problem is detailed in this paper

“Ulnar nerve syndromes in Education and Training section,” is a very educative and simplified explanation of various syndromes resulting from ulnar nerve injuries. Various indications and types of lesion most often implicated are highlighted.