The differential diagnosis of a sellar lesion includes pituitary adenoma, cranio-pharyngioma, tumour cyst, benign cyst, and other less common lesions such as aneurysm, squamous cell carcinoma and metastases. Pure cystic lesions within the sella turcica are not uncommon and may appear clinically and radiologically as pituitary adenoma. Intrasellar cysts are broadly classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic; the latter may be primary lesions of the pituitary fossa or they may arise from the parasellar region and invade into the sella. The lesions occupy space and may cause disturbance of pituitary function; if they extend into the suprasellar region they can affect visual fields and acuity. Non-neoplastic cystic lesions usually appear well defined radiologically and have distinct pathological features. Modern imaging modalities, such as computed axial tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, are important complementary tools of investigation for reaching a differential diagnosis, and for surgical planning. Most non-neoplastic sellar cysts can be approached through the trans-sphenoidal route, but large lesions with suprasellar extension may require transcranial surgery. We report the presentation and management of eight cases (four males, four females, all adult) of non-neoplastic cyst involving the sella turcica and the parasellar region. Investigations included computed tomography scan of the head for all and magnetic resonance imaging for six (75%) patients. Work-up included endocrinological and opthalmological evaluations. All presented with headache; six (75%) had visual acuity change, two (25%) had evidence of visual field defects, four (50%) had optic atrophy on fundoscopy, three (37.5%) had endocrine symptoms and hormone reduction was found in four (50%).
Background: Multiple-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB)-associated neonatal ventriculitis is a life-threatening complication that needs timely diagnosis and effective treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials in critical-care settings. Inadequate penetration of antibiotics through the blood–brain barrier also demands an intraventricular (IVT) route of administration. This study reports mortality and neurodevelopmental sequelae of neonates till 18 months of age, who received IVT-colistin for treating MDR-GNB associated ventriculitis.Methods: In a case series of seven neonates with ventriculitis due to MDR-GNB at NICU of Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, between June 2015 and 2018, we reviewed IVT-colistin therapy in critically ill neonates. Treatment outcomes were assessed based on clinical sign's resolution and MDR-GNB eradication in subsequent CSF cultures. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated at 18 months after discharge.Results: The average birth weight was 1.38 kg (range: 1.02–1.5 kg), and the average gestational age was 30.7 weeks (ranged: 26–34 weeks). All neonates reported colistin-sensitive MDR-GNB in CSF, five with Acinetobacter baumannii, and polymicrobial CNS infection was found in two patients (one due to Klebsiella pneumonia and A. baumannii and one due to K. pneumonia and Escherichia coli). All neonates received IVT colistin and concomitant intravenous meropenem, and five of them also received intravenous colistin. One neonate died. At the 18-month assessment, only one neonate had cerebral palsy and hydrocephaly and 50% had seizure disorders.Conclusion: Practicing intraventricular antibiotics in the neonatal population is challenging but may be used successfully, especially to overcome the limitation of poor penetration through the blood–brain barrier.
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