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Background: Despite global efforts to improve surgical care access, many low- and middle-income countries, especially in neurosurgery, face significant shortages. The Gambia exemplifies this, with only 1 fully qualified neurosurgeon serving its population of 2.5 million people. This scarcity results in higher morbidity and mortality., Objective: We aim to document the history and current state of neurosurgery in the Gambia to raise awareness and promote neurosurgery development., Methods: The study reviews the Gambia's health care system, infrastructure, neurosurgical history, workforce, disease burden, and progress, with information derived from reference sources as well as author experience and interviews with key partners in Gambian health care., Results: Neurosurgery in the Gambia began in the 1970s, facing constraints due to competing health care demands. Significant progress occurred much later in the early 2010s, marked by the initiation of Banjul Neuro Missions and the establishment of a dedicated neurosurgery unit. We report significant progress with neurosurgical interventions in the past few years showcasing the unit's dedication to advancing neurosurgical care in the Gambia. However, challenges persist, including a lack of trained neurosurgeons, equipment shortages such as ventilators and diagnostic imaging. Financial barriers for patients, particularly related to the costs of computer tomography scans, pose significant hurdles, impacting the timely diagnosis and intervention for neurological conditions., Conclusions: Neurosurgery in the Gambia is progressing, but challenges like equipment scarcity hinder further progress. We emphasize the need for addressing cost barriers, improving infrastructure, and fostering research. Engaging the government and international collaborations are vital for sustained development in Gambian neurosurgery., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Importance: Acute subdural hematoma in infants is often due to non-accidental causes such as shaken baby syndrome or abuse. Occasionally a rupture of the cerebral bridge veins after ventricular puncture can lead to a subdural hematoma in infant. In this article we report the very first case of acute subdural hematoma after ventricular puncture of cerebrospinal fluid., Case Presentation: It is a 40-day-old male infant received at the pediatric emergency room for an infectious syndrome. An etiological assessment was carried out including a ventricular puncture of the cerebrospinal fluid. Two days after the puncture, the child develops a sudden alteration of consciousness during hospitalization, with a Blantyre coma score of 3/5. The CT scan performed showed a right subdural parieto-temporal hematoma associated with a right fronto-temporal parietal parenchymal hypodensity. A right temporo-parietal decompressive craniectomy was performed with evacuation of the acute subdural hematoma. Clinical improvement was obtained and the child was discharged after 3 weeks of hospitalization., Clinical Discussion: Acute subdural hematoma post ventricular puncture is rarely reported in the literature. The mechanism would probably be a rupture of the bridging veins by sudden collapse of the parenchyma following rapid and excessive aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid. Its management is medico-surgical. This manuscript further demonstrates the importance of mastering the ventricular puncture technique which must be performed by an experienced neurosurgeon., Conclusion: The ventricular puncture remains a delicate gesture which must be carried out by a qualified neurosurgeon because of the risks of complications such as an acute subdural hematoma., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Decompressive craniectomy is a surgical technique considered to be the last step in the management of intracranial hypertension. The objective of our study was to evaluate our results in the management of intracranial hypertension by decompressive craniectomy. This was a retrospective study of 24 cases of decompressive craniectomy performed over a 9-year period (from January 2010 to December 2019) at the Fann Neurosurgery Clinic. The mean age of the patients was 33.82 years, there was a male predominance with a sex ratio of 2.42. The most frequent indication was severe cranioencephalic trauma with 50%. The cerebral computed tomography (CT) scan was the key examination and was performed in all our patients. Complications were entirely infectious and were the cause of 73.33% of deaths. Thirty-five percent of the patients had received prior treatment before the decompressive craniectomy. The functional prognosis was good in 44.44% of cases, moderate in 33.33% of cases, 1 (11.11%) patient had a severe disability and 1 (11.11%) patient was in a vegetative state. Mortality rate was 62.5% of patients in our study series. Despite the lack of sophisticated techniques for diagnosis and monitoring of intracranial hypertension, our results remain acceptable with 37.5% survival. The early completion of this surgery allows us to be more efficient with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: El Hadji Cheikh Ndiaye Sy et al.)

Objective: The aim of this study is to show the characteristics of pediatric intracranial aneurysms in a sub-Saharan country and to analyze the results of treatment in this challenging medical environment., Method: The authors reviewed retrospectively ten patients ≤ 18 years old between May 2013 and December 2016 in Neurosurgery department of Fann Hospital in Dakar. For each child, clinical features, radiological findings, and outcome were determined with mean follow-up of 22 months., Results: Ten children were treated for intracranial aneurysm including four boys and six girls. Two patients had evolutive infectious endocarditis with rheumatic heart disease at the time of diagnosis. Neurological signs of deficiency were present in six patients (WFNS ≥ 3). The diagnosis of aneurysm was made by CT angiography in all patients, and in two of them respectively arteriography and angioMRI were performed in complement. The aneurysm was on the middle cerebral artery in six patients, on the internal carotid artery in two others, anterior communicating artery in another, and the last one was located on the anterior cerebral artery on its 3rd segment. The treatment of the aneurysm was surgical in seven patients and endovascular in one of them. The postoperative course was excellent in two patients and good in the five patients. No postoperative worsening was noted. One child died 4 months in the postoperative course from acute cardiac deterioration., Conclusions: In Senegal, pediatric aneurysms represent about 8.3% of all intracranial aneurysms. They are most often located on the MCA and have commonly fusiform shape. Despite difficult treatment conditions, overall outcome was good.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, the management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) is difficult for many reasons. In this retrospective, 3-year study, the authors will demonstrate the particularities of the management of RIAs in Senegal., Methods: We analyzed retrospectively 102 consecutive cases of RIAs operated on between May 2013 and December 2016 in Neurosurgical Department of Fann Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Patients characteristics, imaging results, aneurysms, treatment, and outcome were analyzed., Results: One hundred two cases were operated in this 3-year period of a total of 129 cases of RIAs received in our department in the same period. A total of 65% of the patients were female. According to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale, 49% were WFNS I, and 33% WFNS III. Fisher scale showed 29% of Fisher 2 and 45% of Fisher 4. The aneurysms were located on anterior communicating complex in 38%, on the internal carotid artery in 28%, on the middle cerebral artery in 27% of cases and on posterior circulation in 9 cases. The pterional approach was used in 93 cases. According to the modified Rankin Scale, 67 patients (65.6%) had good outcome, 22 (21.5%) had poor outcome, and the mortality rate was 12.7% (13 patients) at last follow-up., Conclusions: This study demonstrates encouraging results if one refers to the global patient postoperative outcomes. However, the large number of patients not undergoing treatment also requires us to improve preoperative management conditions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Epidural lipomatosis is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of non-encapsulated grease in the epidural space. Although rare, it is a possible cause of lombosciatica or narrow lumbar channel. It is often associated with contributing factors such as prolonged corticosteroid therapy or obesity. We report the case of a patient presenting with disabling lombosciatalgias. Radiological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of compressive epidural lipomatosis. Patient's evolution was favorable after surgical decompression.

Introduction: Depressed skull fractures are common and frequent among neurosurgical diseases of whose danger stem from the associated intracranial lesions. The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiological characteristics of depressed skull fractures, to determine their etiology, to describe the clinical signs, to highlight the complications and sequelae and to evaluate care management., Patients and Methods: It was a retrospective and descriptive study from January to December 2013 including 72 patients admitted to the neurosurgical department of the Gabriel Toure hospital., Results: The frequency was 14.7% and the male to female ratio was 13.4. The peak frequency of these injuries occurred in the 16-to 25-year-old age group accounting for 38.9% of cases. Road traffic accidents were the most common causes of depressed skull fractures (59.7%). Neurosurgical treatment was performed in 25 (34.72%) patients and the most common surgical technique performed was the craniectomy in (64%). Infection of the wound was found in 15.3% and the mortality rate was 1.39%., Conclusions: Depressed skull fractures are a frequent neurosurgical disease in the Gabriel Touré hospital. Young people are most affected and road traffic accidents involving motorbikes are the main cause the fractures. The infection of the wound is a poor prognostic factor. Therefore, an early management is required to expect a good outcome., (Le comitée de rédaction se réserve le droit de revoyer aux auteurs avant toute soumission à l'avis des lecteurs les manuscrits qui ne seraient pas conformes à ces modalités de présentation. En outre il leur conseille de sonserver un examplaire du manuscrit, des figures et des tableaux.)

Introduction: Lumbar stenosis is a disease caused by a conflict between the neural structures (spinal cord and nerve roots) and spinal structures (bones and ligaments). The objectives of this study were to highlight the frequency, the diagnosis and therapeutics options, and to evaluate the treatment outcomes., Patients and Methods: It was a retrospective study from January 2012 to December 2012 including 24 patients admitted to the neurosurgical department of the Gabriel Touré Hospital., Results: The frequency of lumbar stenosis was 6.19% of all neurosurgical diseases. The sex-ratio was 0.71. The age ranged from 28 to 81 years with an average of 52 years. The neurogenic claudication was found in 87.5%. The straight leg raising test was positive in 41.7% of cases. The most vertebras involved were L4 and L5. Lumbar disc herniation was associated in 70.83%. Degenerative lumbar stenosis was the most common form, found in 66.67% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 29.17% of cases. The outcome was good in 85.6% of cases., Conclusions: Lumbar stenosis is a prevalent disease that occurs typically occurs around 50 years of age. The diagnosis was confirmed by myelography and a post myelographic CT scan. Good outcomes are achieved with both surgical or medical treatments., (Le comitée de rédaction se réserve le droit de revoyer aux auteurs avant toute soumission à l'avis des lecteurs les manuscrits qui ne seraient pas conformes à ces modalités de présentation. En outre il leur conseille de sonserver un examplaire du manuscrit, des figures et des tableaux.)

Introduction: Intracranial empyema is a frequent complication of ear-nose-throat (ENT) infections. Limited studies have been carried-out on cerebral empyema during recent years in Senegal. Despite new imaging techniques, diagnostic and therapeutic problems as well as outcome still remain in our regions. We report our experience compared to that of the literature. The study focused on epidemiological aspects, difficulties in diagnosis and treatment as well as prognosis of this condition., Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted from January 2008 to December 2011 of 100 clinical cases. Diagnosis was made based on contrast CT-scan. Twenty-one percent of patients received medical treatment alone, while 79% underwent surgery. The duration of the treatment varied from 4 to 8 weeks. The follow-up was clinical and radiological with a mean follow-up time of 12 months., Results: Cerebral empyema represented 44.4 % of all intracranial suppuration cases and the mean age was 21 years. The etiology was ENT in 35%, meningitis 10%, unknown 25%. Localization was sub-dural in 57%, extra-dural in 22%, inter-hemispheric in 10% of the cases. Empyema was associated with an abscess in 7 cases. One case was located in the posterior fossa. The evolution was favorable in 78% of the cases and in 12.5% some neurologic sequelae were observed. Eleven patients died and 3% of the patients had recurrences., Conclusion: The frequency of intracranial empyema is still high in Senegal. Difficulties in diagnosis, therapeutics and low economic incomes account for the gravity of intracranial empyema. In spite of these risks, early stage and effective treatment is necessary to reduce the morbi-mortality, especially in young aged children., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Introduction: Since its advent, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been an effective alternative to shunt placement for the treatment of hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to report the results of our experience with this technique in children in Senegal., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 70 cases of children aged between 5 months to 15 years who were treated by ETV in the Neurosurgery Department of Fann Hospital in Dakar, between January 2010 to December 2012. The results were evaluated based on the clinical criteria of Drake and the Canadian Pediatric Neurosurgery Study Group. The mean follow-up duration was 24 months (9-32 months)., Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 29 months. A male predominance (sex-ratio 1/3) was observed. We also noted a macrocephaly in 64.4 % of cases, psychomotor retardation in 40 % and decreased vision in 31.4 %. Headache and vomiting were found in 42.8 % and 61.4 % respectively. The main etiology was a stenosis of the mesencephalon aqueduct (30 %), followed by a Dandy-Walker malformation (25.7 %). Significant intraoperative bleeding was found in 2.8 % of patients. The most common postoperative complication was CSF leakage (18.6 %), followed by infections (14.2 %). The success rate according to the clinical criteria of Drake was 71.4 %. This success rate was influenced by the age of patients and the hydrocephalus etiology. No deaths occurred., Conclusion: The endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a simple, safe and effective technique. Its advantages in terms of quality of life and morbidity compared with bypass valves makes it the technique of choice, particularly in developing countries., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The cervical disc hernia is uncommon. Its diagnosis is usually easy. But his surgery known controversy between discectomy with or without graft associated or not osteosynthesis. Accordingly we report our experiment of this surgery through a small serie of 9 patients operated by anterior approach., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of nine (9) patients supported by an anterior cervical disk herniation between 2001 and 2006 at the General Hospital of Grand Yoff in Dakar. The diagnosis was made on clinical and cervical myéloscanner. The postoperative decline was between 1 and 5 years., Results: The average age of patients was 43 years ranging from 20-68 years. A male prevalence (2/1) was noted. The majority of hernias was degenerative. It was mostly soft disc hernia that prevailed on floors C4-C5 and C5-C6. We always operated on the right side of the patient. We performed a discectomy of a floor in 8 cases and 2 floors in 1 case. The vertebral posterior longitudinal ligament was opened routinely. Graft with osteosynthesis was used in 4 cases. The outcome was good. A spontaneous fusion was noted in 7 cases., Conclusion: The surgical treatment of cervical disc hernia is usually anterior approach. It is usually associated with good postoperative results., (Le comitée de rédaction se réserve le droit de revoyer aux auteurs avant toute soumission à l'avis des lecteurs les manuscrits qui ne seraient pas conformes à ces modalités de présentation. En outre il leur conseille de sonserver un examplaire du manuscrit, des figures et des tableaux.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of spinal cord compression at the Lomé-Campus teaching hospital., Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed the files of all patients hospitalized for spinal cord compression at Lome-Campus teaching hospital from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2007., Results: 39 files were selected, mostly of men (77%). The mean age was 53 years (range: 22 to 79). Median time from the start of symptoms to hospital admission was 14.9 ± 24.5 weeks. The spinal cord compression was confirmed by myeloscan in 35 cases (90%), myelography in 2 (5%) and magnetic resonance imaging in 2 cases (5%). The thoracic spine was the most common site of involvement. The principal cause was malignant neoplasm (17 cases: 44%), followed by cervical spondylotic myelopathy (9 cases: 23%) and Pott's disease (7 cases: 18%). Only one patient underwent surgery., Conclusion: Spinal cord compression appears to be a rare condition in Togo. It is a true medical emergency and immediate intervention is required. Its management remains precarious and its prognosis poor.

Human schistosomiasis is the second endemic disease after malaria. About 200 millions people are concerned, particularly in Africa, South America and Asia. Schistosomal spinal cord compression is under reported in Africa and not well known. Authors present the case of a 10-year-old boy with no suggestive past-medical story, admitted for spinal cord compression. MRI shows tumor like intra dural lesion. Schistosomal granuloma was found after lesion removal by posterior approach. Treatment was completed by praziquantel. Controversies of the treatment are presented., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

From January 2005 to December 2009, 20 patients have been treated for bilateral chronic subdural hematoma at the Grand Yoff General Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. This was a retrospective study concerning clinical, imaging, and therapeutic issues faced and comparing them to unilateral chronic subdural hematoma issues recorded during the same time period., Median age was 71 years old, ranging from 35 to 95 years old. 17 patients were male and were 3 female. Previous head trauma had been reported for 55% of the patients, high blood pressure - associated or not with diabetes mellitus - had been recorded in 45% of the patients., Clinical symptoms were marked by high intracranial pressure and motor deficits in 70% of cases and 40% showed a mental confusion., Brain CT scans were the key diagnostic tools; all patients undertook a scan and results demonstrated blood subdural collection with variable density in the right brain hemisphere (in 30% of cases)., The focus of the surgical treatment was a bilateral burr hole, evacuation of the hematoma and no more than 3 days of postoperative drainage. The medical treatment consisted of an adapted hydro-electrolytic rehydration. The outcome of treatment was positive for 17 patients (85%), 2 patients suffered from subsequent hematoma and 1 patients passed away., (Le comitée de rédaction se réserve le droit de revoyer aux auteurs avant toute soumission à l'avis des lecteurs les manuscrits qui ne seraient pas conformes à ces modalités de présentation. En outre il leur conseille de sonserver un examplaire du manuscrit, des figures et des tableaux.)

Background: Venous thromboembolism is a common and preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. There is a lack of data on the distribution of risk factors and prophylaxis practices in sub-Saharan Africa., Aim: To assess the prevalence of venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalized patients and to determine the proportion of at-risk patients who receive prophylaxis., Methods: The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey. On the basis of the global ENDORSE methodology, patients aged≥40 years admitted to a medical ward or those aged≥18 years admitted to a surgical ward were assessed for risk of venous thromboembolism by hospital chart review. Distribution of risk factors and coverage of prophylaxis in at-risk patients were determined using the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based consensus guidelines., Results: From October to November 2008, 520 patients (278 medical; 242 surgical) were enrolled in 12 hospitals across Senegal. Two hundred and ninety-eight (57%) were at risk of venous thromboembolism; 152 (57.4%) medical patients and 146 (60.3%) surgical patients. Among those at risk, 48 (31.6%) medical patients and 52 (35.6%) surgical patients received a prescription for prophylaxis. Among patients without contraindication to anticoagulants, 33.8% (46/136) on medical wards and 37.5% (48/128) on surgical wards received prophylaxis., Conclusion: The risk of venous thromboembolism was frequent in hospitalized patients in Senegal but only a few received the recommended prophylaxis. There is a need to implement a programme to improve venous thromboembolism awareness and prophylaxis., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The posterior cerebral fossa is an uncommon location for cerebral abscess. In most cases diagnosis is made at the encapsulation stage with the risk of life-threatening tonsillar herniation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe our experience in the management of four cases of abscess located in the posterior cerebral fossa between January 2000 and December 2004. All patients benefited from clinical examination and radiological study (CT-scan). Surgical treatment performed in all cases consisted of trepano-puncture of the abscess. The minimum duration of post-operative follow-up was 6 months. Mean patient age was 38.75 years. All patients presented infectious syndrome and intracranial hypertension. The male:female sex ratio was 3:1. A history of chronic middle ear otitis was noted in two patients. Diagnosis of abscess in the posterior cerebral fossa was confirmed by CT-scan in 2 cases. Cholesteatoma and triventricular hydrocephaly were noted in 2 cases. All patients benefited from trepano-puncture of the abscess. Bacteriologic study of pus was positive for Staphylococcus aureus in 1 case, and Providencia Sp associated with Bactéroïdes fragilis in another. Second-stage radical mastoidectomy was performed in 2 cases. One patient died. The outcome was favorable in 3 cases. Because of the small size of the posterior cerebral fossa, abscess in that location requires emergency treatment. Delay can be life-threatening due to the risk of obstructive hydrocephaly and tonsillar herniation.

The encephaloceles belong to dysraphic state abnormalities. Publications on this issue are rare and sparse in Africa. The aim of our study is to describe clinical patterns of occipital encephaloceles, and emphasize on surgery. We collect retrospectively a population of 16 patients. Cranial Ultrasound Echographia has been done for all of them. Only 3 patients got brain CT scan. Medium age was 2 months. The sex ratio was coted 1. The consanguinity was noted in 37% of the cases. The pedicular aspects were more frequent. With neuroimaging studies the diagnosis was reached everytime. It showed hydrocephalus on 3 patients. 15 patients have been operated. One dead before going to surgery. The outcome was good for 13 patients (81%). But 3 patients (18%) deaded, and among them, 2 deaded during post surgery period. A better clinical evaluation showed be done using MRI. The control of epidemiology of these conditions depend on the improvement of the quality of eating in particularly in women bearing child, and performing a genetic counseling.

Mycetomas inflammatory-like tumors presenting as fistulas found in the skin and soft tissues. Inoculation, generally in tropical areas, occurs by skin injury. The foot is the main infection site. Other uncommon infection sites include the cranial and cervical areas which are rare. We present three cases of cranial and cervical mycetoma. Clinical sign were dominated by headache, cervical pain and cervico-occipital tumefaction with formation of pus and granules (red in two cases, black in one). A motor deficit was noted in one patient. Radiographic examinations including CT scan showed extensive mass lesions, associated with bone destruction. Laboratory tests identified Leptospheria senegalensis in one patient and Actinomadura pelletieri in two. A medicosurgical procedure was performed. The course was unfavourable in one patient. Several factors are important for treating such infections: early diagnosis, improvement of the social and economic environment, use of new drugs.

Meningioma is an uncommon tumor of childhood. In this group, supra tentorial forms predominate. We report the case of a 14 years old boy without any past medical history. He presented headaches, vomiting and cerebellar syndrome. CT scan shows cerebellar tumor, enhanced by contrast and surrounded by edema, looking like tuberculoma. After fail of tuberculosis treatment, the boy is operated by suboccipital approach. Histology and immuno histochemical examination show fibroblastic meningioma. Even if it is rare, meningioma can occur in childhood, without neurofibromatosis disease. It can present many points of likeness with tuberculoma and therefore biopsy is mandatory before tuberculosis drugs giving.

A retrospective study of 9 cases of fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles is reported. Cases have been gathered from the files of Dakar University Neurosurgical Unit. Fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles were about 9.8% of all encephaloceles. In all the cases the exit hole from the anterior cranial fossa is at the site of the foramen caecum. The location of the tumor was fronto-nasal in seven patients and naso-ethmoïdal in two. The cranio-facial deformity consisted of increase of local volume and a lateral displacement of medial canthus in six cases, a down ward drift of the tip of the nose in two cases and one case of orbital hypertelorism. Eight cases were meningo-encephaloceles and the last a meningo-encephocystocele. Diola was the most ethnic group involved. All patients have been operated by a simple neurosurgical procedure without obstruction of the cranial defect nor bony displacement. In five cases mental and aesthetic results were good when operation was done during the first year of live. The authors stress early surgical treatment for fronto-ethmoïdal encephaloceles.

Authors report the case of 3 years old boy. He represented a severe head injury with dura mater damage and skull fracture. He has been operated and few years later, he present a vault tumefaction. CT scan show a very large bone defect, a cerebral and ventricular hernia. Mecanism and causal factors are discussed.

The authors report in a retrospective study, 20 cases of cauda equina compressions operated in the Neurosurgical department of the University Hospital of Dakar. Clinical aspects, aetiologies, and prognosis are discussed. Cauda equina compressions represented 13.2% of all medullar and radicular compressions. Diagnosis was delayed with a mean duration of 11.2 months. Chronic lumbar pain is the main initial sign, diagnosis is made at the state of paraplegia with sphincter dysfunction. Lumbar canal stenosis (40%) and herniated disc (30%) were the most frequent causes, tumors were rare. Surgical treatment gave good results about motor deficit; urinary incontinence is a frequent sequella. The authors emphasize an early diagnosis for prognosis improvement.

The intramedullary abscess (I.M.A.) is an uncommon and heavy etiology of intramedullary mass syndrom. Since the first description by HART in 1830, about 82 cases have been reported in literature and in one case, it was associated to H.I.V. infection. The authors report a new case in a 52 years old Senegalese man with per operative diagnosis of I.M.A. and post operative diagnosis of H.I.V. infection. They set up difficulties of pre operative diagnosis, and poor results of treatment in such an association. Also they discuss pathogeny and share Magnetic Resonance Imaging (R.M.I.) studies in management.

It is about a retrospective study dealing with the place of tuberculous spondylitis with discitis among medullary wounds hospitalized in our service from January 1995 to June 1998 and their medical care. Twenty reports have been done making: 30.30% of our medullary wounds. We have noted a male prevalence and precocity. The flaccido-spastic paraplegia with sensitive level prevails the clinical chart (45%) this in correlation with thoracic and lumbar localization predominance (75%) at the radiography. All patients have had for their benefit an anti-tuberculous treatment and eleven among them had also tetracosactide (synactène retard). This has allowed us to observe a quick recovery of the motor deficit for nine patients: 81.8% of the patients who have had the therapeutic association; 45% of the whole. No patient had an operation.

We report our experience with 79 intracranial meningiomas operated on between 1960 and 1995 in Dakar Senegal. In our geographical region issues concerning diagnosis, therapy and clinical course are still a topic of debate due mainly to the lack of high-performance technical units. All patients were admitted with evident symptoms. The classically described prevalence was not found in this series. Thirty-one cases presented intracranial hypertension with or without a focal syndrome which evidenced a motor deficit in 32 cases and irritative lesions in 24. External bulging of the meningioma was observed in a large number of cases (11.4%). Until 1994, angiography was the only available means of diagnosis. Mortality was high (30 cases) and results depended on delay to surgery, tumor localization and operative conditions. Our results have been improving over the years but cannot be sustained unless the technical unit is upgraded.

This is the presentation of an adolescent's clinical case who tried to commit suicide with a fire arm during a depressive crisis. An emphasis is placed on the family interaction model and on a more global approach of the patient's personality. The authors underlined some of the problems raised by the diagnostic approach linked to the delirious syndrome, full of psychotic elements: themes of persecution, mystico-religious themes associated with impulsive escapade, all of them going with a depressive state. They gave also an important place to a pluridisciplanary treatment in those particular stages of crisis.

Cervical spondylotic arthRosis may lead to a myelopathy and the question which can rise is: posterior surgical decompression is adequate regarding the others surgical technics discussed? In this paper the authors describe the postoperative results of 42 patients who have been operated on by laminectomy from 1971 to 1995 at Fann Hospital in Dakar. The median age was 42 years and the median delay between the onset of neurological disorders and operation was 5.9 months. All patients showed symptoms of spinal cord and root disturbances. Neuro-imaging studies with plan X-rays and myelography reveal arthrosis and the impact of this arthrosis on nervous system. With a follow up of 6 months we found a mortality rate of 4.7% (two cases of death), 66.8% of good results and 28.5% of fail. Eighteen months post surgery results were respectively 52.3% and 45.7% of good and poor results. The complications of the laminectomy were peri operative hemorrhage (19%); sepsis (21.4%); spine cord traumatic injuries (9.5%) spondylolisthesis (4.7%). Laminectomy has been found to improve "spine syndrome"; paresthesia; fasciculations, and sensory deficits. Also three level laminectomy and surgery which can take place before six months are good prognosis factors. The authors stressed on laminectomy because of our low medical care situations particularly that no other surgical procedures through the modern literature leads to better results.

The authors report a surgical experience on eight case of intra spinal lipomas. These lumbo-sacral malformations belong to post-neurulation defect, in such conditions spinal cord undergoes tethering while child growing that lead to a slow neurological disturbance. Through this study, authors show that female is more involved than male (5/3. On 6 cases the diagnosis have been made before the age of 2 years old. Three groups of signs characterize dramatically intra spinal lipomas: skin-median lumbo-sacral stigmata (8 cases) such as hypertrichosis, nevi etc. neuro-orthopedic disturbance(3 cases): club foot, paraparesis. sphincter disturbance: vesical or anal incontinence. In the lack of C.T. scan and M.R.I. contrast medium myelography confirm the diagnosis. Surgical excision lead to characterization of 4 extra dural lipomas, one sub dural, and 3 mixed lipomas. 75% of the patient improved well. One dealing with this kind of pathology must avoid the misdiagnosis of enuresis.

Authors present 13 cases of spinal neurinomas and neurofibromas out of 418 non- pottic, non-traumatic medullary compression operated between 1965 and 1995. All cases were histologically documented. Neurinomas and neurofibromas represent 3.1% of all non pottic, non traumatic medullary compression and 12.8% of tumour medullary compression operated in our service. The illness started with radicular pains (6 cases) and spinal ache (5 cases) and most of the time, the medullary compression diagnosis is completed at the spasmodic paraplegia status. No patient has done any C.T. scan but in the other hand a myelography has been completed in all cases, resulting in the blockage of the contrast product which in 4 cases was of an epidural type, and in 2 cases of intra dural type. All patients were operated through a posterior approach, which ended in 10 cases to a total removal, and in 3 cases to a partial one. 7 extradural localizations were noticed and 3 neurinomas, 3 neurofibromas and 1 neurofibrosarcoma were histologically identified. A post operative follow-up was done on 11 patients and a satisfactory result was obtained on 6 of them. In 2 cases, the neurological status remained unchanged. In 2 cases a deterioration occurred and a patient with neurofibrosarcoma passed away.

The authors report a retrospective study over two years in order to assess computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of intracranial tumors. Results were analysed on the epidemiological, clinical and CT point of view. CT is a sensitive and non invasive exploration which should be performed first when intracranial tumor is suspected. However its cost remain high for most of the patient.

Penetrating spinal cord injuries (P.S.C.I.) are rarely described in Sub Saharian countries in spite of an increasing number of wars. To study epidemiology management and prognosis of P.S.C.I. in Senegal, population of 16 patients collected from Fann Hospital in Dakar has been studied. 9 cases were related on gunshot or shrapnel injuries and 6 were stab-wounded. 8 came from war practice and 7 from civilian practice. The point of entry was at the posterior or lateral part of the body and continuous leaking of cerebral spinal fluid from this point was founded only in one patient. Patients showed a clinical picture of a complete spinal cord section syndrome, 3 spinal cord hemisection Brown Sequard syndromes, 3 cauda equina syndromes and 1 monoradicular syndrome. Spinal X-rays or myelography may lead to an accurate evaluation of the extent of bone tissue destruction. Anatomical evaluation of roots and spinal cord lesions were more difficult when C.T. scan or R.M.I. is not available. Penetrating spinal cord injury with foreign body included or myelography stop or showing cauda equina syndrome should be operated on. 9 of our patients has benefited of spine surgical posterior approach (laminectomy). Immediate vital prognosis is good regarding the fact that visceral associated lesions were rare (2 cases). Functional recovery is fair only 46.6% of patients expressed partial or complete recovery. Prognosis factors such as injuring agent and initial neurological status has been discussed. Prognosis of penetrating spinal cord injuries could be improved by immediate and multidisciplinary management.

From 1975 to 1995, 335 patients were operated for hydrocephalus in neurosurgical clinic of CHU Fann, and got ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. 3 cases of patients presenting an uncommon complication of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt: abdominal pseudo cyst, are reported and discussed. The digestive symptoms are the first to manifest themselves for a period of time, then confusing with other forms of abdominal cysts. The suggested treatment is to remove the shunt from the peritoneal cavity and perform a ventriculo-atrial shunt, then to proceed to a laparotomy, drain the fluid and resect the cyst wall. The results are excellent.