Document Detail


Brainstem Tethering with Ondine's Curse.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22251510     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Brainstem tethering is a rare disease.
CASE DESCRIPTION: We report and discuss a 20-year-old patient who experienced paroxysmal apnea (a symptom of Ondine's curse) during sleeping, causing him to wake up and control his breathing consciously. A magnetic resonance imaging study revealed that his medulla oblongata was twisted and displaced posteriorly by an abnormal tissue cord. An operation was performed to detether the tethered brainstem, with a satisfying result reached.
CONCLUSION: Brainstem tethering is a rare but late complication of occipital encephalocele with insufficient operation. The symptoms of this disease are related to the dysfunction of the medulla oblongata and their adjunctive nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to identify the abnormal region and distinguish it from other medulla oblongata diseases. Surgery in the early stage of the brainstem tethering is helpful, but ventriculoperitoneal shunting is unnecessary or cannot be performed before detethering, although these patients usually have ventricular dilation.
Authors:
Zhan Liu; Yanyang He; Song Li; Lihua Wu; Qiangfang Jiao
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  World neurosurgery     Volume:  76     ISSN:  1878-8750     ISO Abbreviation:  World Neurosurg     Publication Date:  2011 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-01-18     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101528275     Medline TA:  World Neurosurg     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  592.e11-4     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosurgery, Zhengzhou Hospital, Henan province, People's Republic of China.
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