No abstract

Recurrent chemical meningitis from cyclic leakage of cyst content from a craniopharyngioma is a rare phenomenon. Here, we report a case of leaking cystic craniopharyngioma presenting with recurrent episodes of sterile meningitis, depression, and paranoia. The diagnosis after an initial craniotomy and exploration was hypophysitis. Signs and symptoms were not alleviated by puncture and biopsy of the tumour but they disappeared after complete resection with a final histological diagnosis of craniopharyngioma.

No abstract

Caustic soda for the manufacture of a local variety of soap -the cause of untold suffering in the lives of children in a developing country. Mohammed Bukari,

Introduction: Tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are primary or secondary neoplasms located within the craniovertebral cavity. The incidence of CNS tumors is not uniform with variation between different countries, age groups and races. Objective: Our study aim was to generate new knowledge of the epidemiology of central nervous system tumors in Rwanda. Method: This was an observational retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with CNS tumors in Rwanda over a period of 10 years, from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2015. Results: 466 patients enrolled, (52.2% females, 47.8% males). The median age at diagnosis of was 37 years. Brain tumors were 82.7%; spine tumor patients were 16.4%. The average annual age-standardized incidence of CNS tumors was 0.43/100, 0000 person-years and varied with age groups. Tumors of meningothelial cells represented the majority of brain tumors (31.8%). Metastatic tumors were the far most common spine tumors category. 55.8 % of CNS tumors reported in our study were histologically confirmed and of nonmalignant meningiomas were the commonest (33.9%). Conclusion: This is the very first study done on epidemiology of CNS tumors in Rwanda, and generated data about incidence of CNS tumors in Rwanda and their location and histological distribution.

Background: We conducted a systematic evaluation of neurological, functional, quality of life and pain outcomes of patients who underwent spine surgery in our neurosurgery unit using patient reported outcome (PRO) assessment tools. Methods: The study was performed by assessing outcome of all the patients who underwent spine surgery at our department in a cross-sectional fashion using a 5-year operative database. This was an all-inclusive spine outcome study with 2 main groups; a trauma group composed of spinal cord injured patients and a non-trauma group composed of patients with spinal degenerative diseases, spinal tumors, deformity, infection, and vascular malformations. Results: Our analysis included 197 patients who met inclusion criteria for the study. The overall study population was mainly dominated by spinal cord injured patients and spinal degenerative disease patients; 34 % and 60.9 % respectively. The average age was 42 years (range: 15-78 years) with patients in the trauma group being substantially younger than the rest of the cohort. Eighty five percent of trauma patients presented with spinal cord injury causing neurological deficit, of which 58% had no preservation of motor function below the level of injury; ASIA IS A and B (35.8% and 22% respectively). Additionally, 68% of patients in the non-trauma group underwent surgery with severe disability. Overall, 60% of all trauma patients showed improvement of their neurological status as per ASIA IS. Of note, 40% of patients with preoperative ASIA IS B and 8% of patients with preoperative ASIA IS A gained full neurological recovery postoperatively (ASIA IS E). Using the Core outcome measurement Index (COMI) from patient’s perspective, 78.6% of patients reported to have no pain significant enough to make them stop their normal daily activities. Rate of overall return to work (RTW) in the non-trauma group was 77% with 52% of patients being fully functional without condition-related work interruptions. Conclusion: Careful selection of patients for surgery is key for good outcome of patients undergoing spine surgery. In contradiction to most other patients’ groups, patients with severe disability with spinal degenerative conditions might benefit most from surgery. Postoperative outcome of spinal cord injured patients with severe neurological deficits might be better than commonly believed. Controlled prospective data is likely to draw stronger conclusions.

No abstract