Lhermitte-Duclos disease (LDD), also known as dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma, is a rare, slow-growing, benign lesion that occurs in the cerebellum and is very uncommon in the pediatric population. There is a lack of literature and evidence about LDD management, and only one systematic review is available. Thus, more case reports and studies are warranted. This study reports a pediatric case diagnosed with LDD and describes the patient\'s clinical presentation, radiological findings, and histopathological criteria. In addition, important aspects of the disease are discussed to help reach the best management options. The main management option is surgical resection, though a \"wait and see\" approach is also an alternative, especially for asymptomatic patients. More studies are still needed to determine the best management options.

BACKGROUND: Metachronous intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs)-unrelated, histologically different iGCTs occurring at different time points-occurring within the same patient remain a rarity. Herein, the authors report such a case and discuss the literature and potential pathophysiological mechanisms leading to this phenomenon.
METHODS: A 9-year-old boy presented with new-onset impaired balance, headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, and left facial paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a suspected pineal region teratoma originating from the pineal gland with consecutive obstructive hydrocephalus. A mature teratoma was diagnosed and resected. Postoperative recovery was good, and the patient could return to his normal daily activities. However, a new, slowly progressive lesion in the sellar region with an enlarged infundibular stalk was detected on follow-up MRI 3.5 years after initial pineal region teratoma resection. Biopsy revealed a newly developed pure germinoma. The patient was treated with radiotherapy plus chemotherapy and remained relapse free at the last follow-up. Sixteen other cases have reported a surgically resected primary mature teratoma, wherein patients developed metachronous germinomas during follow-up. Different theories try to elaborate this phenomenon, yet none can completely account for it.
CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, metachronous iGCT is a phenomenon neurosurgeons should be aware of. In patients treated for iGCT, close long-term clinical, imaging, and laboratory follow-up is recommended. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2443.

Pott\'s puffy tumors are assumed to be infrequent concomitant intra- and extracranial abscesses, mainly secondary to complicated frontal sinusitis during infancy. Due to the close proximity to the superior sagittal sinus, there is a risk of developing venous infections, thrombosis, and morbidity. In this case report, we present a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with headache and face edema. After recognizing the Pott\'s puffy tumor pattern on the CT scan and brain MRI, the neurosurgical approach involved pus evacuation and frontal sinus blockage, and the patient received antibiotic therapy and was evaluated for total recovery. To our knowledge, the prompt diagnosis and treatment of such conditions are paramount to avoid complications, and differential diagnosis should be encouraged in medical practice.

OBJECTIVE: Calvarial dermoid and epidermoid cysts are benign lesions common in pediatric neurosurgery. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, with frequent but inconsistent use of imaging. Dermoids have been shown to possess distinct sonographic features, but ultrasound (US) remains underutilized in their management. The purpose of this study is to investigate the independent reliability of US in managing pediatric calvarial dermoids and distinguishing them from other calvarial lesions.
METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients ≤ 21 years of age with surgically resected calvarial masses between 2017-2024 was performed. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were analyzed. Pearson chi-squared tests were used for comparison of categorical variables and a binomial linear model was generated controlling for age, lesion tenderness, growth, and suture location.
RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with 61 lesions (31 in females; median age 13 months) were included. Dermoids were more common in younger patients (median age 12 months), along suture lines, and were less likely to present with tenderness (p < 0.001) or rapid growth (p = 0.003). Ultrasound was used in 83% of cases and was the sole imaging modality in 33%. On multivariate analysis, suture location was a significant positive predictor of a dermoid diagnosis (OR = 8.08, 95% CI = 1.67-44.18), while rapid growth was a significant negative predictor (OR = 0.08, 95% CI = 0.003-0.80).
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound presents a sensitive and reliable method for the evaluation of most pediatric calvarial lesions, especially dermoid cysts, and warrants being part of standard workup. With appropriate patient selection, US obviates the need for additional imaging in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the obstetric factors affecting the development of depressed skull fracture in neonates.
METHODS: This was a retrospectively cohort study on neonates born between July 2016 and August 2021. Neonates diagnosed with depressed skull fractures within one week of birth through X-ray and/or brain ultrasonography were included, and their mothers\' obstetric characteristics were reviewed.
RESULTS: There were 12 cases in 6791 live births. Five women were over 35 years old. All except two were nulliparous. Five cases were delivered from labor induction and others presented with spontaneous labor. Except for two cases, delivery occurred within an hour after full cervical dilatation. Two cases were assisted by vacuum. None displayed fetal distress signs such as low Apgar scores below 7, meconium staining, and umbilical cord pH under 7.2. All depressed fractures were found in the right parietal area. Three cases resulted in focal hyperechoic lesion in brain ultrasonography and two of them showed small hemorrhage-like lesion in magnetic resonance imaging. All depressed skull fractures improved within 6 months in followed X-rays or ultrasonography.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no definitely associated obstetric condition for depressed skull fracture of neonates although nulliparous women were majority of the affected cases.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease, a progressive occlusive arteriopathy mainly affecting the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, leads to abnormal \"Moyamoya vessels\" and ischemic events in children due to decreased cerebral blood flow. Surgery, especially indirect revascularization, is suggested for pediatric Moyamoya cases.
METHODS: We present the Encephalo-Duro-Mio-Synangiosis (EDMS) technique, illustrated with figures and videos, based on 14 years\' experience performing 71 surgeries by the senior author (SGJ) and the Moyamoya Interdisciplinary Workteam at \"Prof. Dr. J. P. Garrahan\" Pediatric Hospital.
CONCLUSIONS: EDMS is a simple and effective treatment for Moyamoya disease, enhancing procedure precision and safety, reducing associated risks, complications, and improving clinical outcomes.

Spasticity is a challenging feature of cerebral palsy (CP) that may be managed with selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Although standard work tools (SWTs) have recently been utilized to inform a standard of care for neurosurgical procedures, no SWTs for SDR have been previously described. The authors present the multidisciplinary approach SWTs for SDR used at their institutions to promote consistency in the field and minimize complication rates.
A multidisciplinary approach was used to define all steps in the SDR pathway. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative workflows were synthesized, with specific efforts to improve mobility through inpatient rehabilitation and minimize infection.
The SWTs have been implemented at two institutions for 7 years. An illustrative case of a patient aged 3 years 10 months with a history of premature birth at 29 weeks, spastic-diplegic CP, right-sided periventricular leukomalacia, and developmental delay who underwent L2-S1 SDR is presented.
The authors detail SWTs for SDR developed by a multidisciplinary team with specific steps at all points in the patient pathway. The illustrative case emphasizes that SWTs may help ensure the safety of SDR while maximizing its long-term efficacy for individuals with CP.

Single-level selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), typically indicated for ambulatory patients, is a controversial topic for severe spastic cerebral palsy (CP) with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level IV or V. The objective of this case series and systematic literature review was to outline the indication and outcome of palliative SDR for nonambulatory patients with CP and GMFCS level IV and V, focusing on improvement of spasticity and of patient and caregiver reported quality of life assessment.
A retrospective case series of patients with CP and GMFCS level IV or V who underwent single-level SDR at the authors\' institution is presented. Furthermore, two databases (PubMed and Embase) were searched and a systematic review with a search string based on the terms \"selective dorsal rhizotomy,\" \"cerebral palsy,\" and \"outcome\" was conducted. The primary outcome was the reduction of spasticity based on the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). Secondary outcomes were change on the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66), evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), surgical morbidity, and mortality.
Eleven consecutive children under the age of 25 years undergoing palliative single-level SDR were included. All patients showed a reduction in MAS score (mean 1.09 ± 0.66 points) and no surgical morbidity and mortality occurred. For the systematic review results from our case series, in addition to 4 reports, 274 total patients were included. Reduction of spasticity based on MAS score was noted in all studies (mean range 1.09-3.2 points). Furthermore, in 2 studies spasticity of the upper extremities showed a MAS score reduction as well (range 1.7-2.8 points). The GMFM-66 score improved in 72% of the patients, while bladder function improved in 78% of the patients. Based on the PROMs, 92% of the patients/caregivers were satisfied with the outcome and their quality of life after the procedure. Two wound infections (2.7%) and one CSF leak (1.3%) occurred, while no surgery-related deaths were described.
This analysis showed an improvement in spasticity, daily care, and comfort for patients with CP and GMFCS levels IV and V. Larger cohorts analyzing the outcome of palliative single-level SDR, based on the MAS, GMFM-66, and PROMs, are still needed and should be the focus of future studies. Systematic review registration no.: CRD42024495762 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).

BACKGROUND: Pineal region lesions in children are heterogenous pathologies often symptomatic due to occlusive hydrocephalus and thus elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). MRI-derived parameters to assess hydrocephalus are the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a surrogate for ICP and the frontal occipital horn ratio (FOHR), representing ventricle volume. As elevated ICP may not always be associated with clinical signs, the adjunct of ONSD could help decision making in patients undergoing treatment. The goal of this study is to assess the available magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with pineal region lesions undergoing surgical treatment with respect to pre- and postoperative ONSD and FOHR as an indicator for hydrocephalus.
METHODS: Retrospective data analysis was performed in all patients operated for pineal region lesions at a tertiary care center between 2010 and 2023. Only patients with pre- and postoperative MRI were selected for inclusion. Clinical data and ONSD at multiple time points, as well as FOHR were analyzed. Imaging parameter changes were correlated with clinical signs of hydrocephalus before and after surgical treatment.
RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with forty operative cases met the inclusion criteria. Age at diagnosis was 10.9 ± 4.6 years (1-17 years). Hydrocephalus was seen in 80% of operative cases preoperatively (n = 32/40). Presence of hydrocephalus was associated with significantly elevated preoperative ONSD (p = 0.006). There was a significant decrease in ONSD immediately (p < 0.001) and at 3 months (p < 0.001) postoperatively. FOHR showed a slightly less pronounced decrease (immediately p = 0.006, 3 months p = 0.003). In patients without hydrocephalus, no significant changes in ONSD were observed (p = 0.369). In 6/6 patients with clinical hydrocephalus treatment failure, ONSD increased, but in 3/6 ONSD was the only discernible MRI change with unchanged FOHR.
CONCLUSIONS: ONSD measurements may have utility in evaluating intracranial hypertension due to hydrocephalus in patients with pineal region tumors. ONSD changes appear to have value in assessing hydrocephalus treatment failure.

OBJECTIVE: The current pediatric neurosurgery capacity in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in South America is poorly understood. Correspondingly, the authors sought to interrogate the neurosurgical inpatient experience of the sole publicly funded pediatric hospital in one of the largest regional departments of Bolivia to better understand this capacity.
METHODS: A retrospective review of all neurosurgical procedures performed at the Children\'s Hospital of La Paz, Bolivia (Hospital del Niño \"Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uria\") between 2019 and 2023 was conducted after institutional approval using a recently implemented national electronic medical record system.
RESULTS: A total of 475 neurosurgical admissions satisfied inclusion for analysis over the 5-year span. The majority of admissions were from within the La Paz Department (87%) via the emergency department (77%), without private insurance (83%). The most common indications for neurosurgical intervention were trauma (35%), followed by hydrocephalus (28%), congenital disease (12%), infection (5%), and craniosynostosis (3%). Overall, the median age at time of surgery was 2.0 years, and the median operating time was 1.5 hours with a minority of intraoperative complications (2%). The most common inpatient complication was unplanned return to the operating room (19%), most commonly seen in congenital indications. At final discharge, the median postoperative length of stay was 10 days. Twenty-seven (6%) of the 475 patients died during hospitalization, most commonly seen in tumor indications. Of the 448 patients who were discharged, 299 (67%) returned for at least one follow-up appointment.
CONCLUSIONS: There is restricted breadth in neurosurgical indications and outcomes achievable at the Children\'s Hospital of La Paz, Bolivia. As such, the capacity of pediatric neurosurgery at institutions in LMICs in South America such as this one is very limited. Identifying and prioritizing actionable interventions to improve this capacity is institution- and LMIC-dependent, and as such, future efforts will need to be tailored appropriately.