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Pineal-region tumors are a histologically heterogeneous group of tumors and represent a rare occurrence, accounting for less than 1% of all adult intracranial tumors. Among these, primary pineal malignant melanomas (PPM) represent an even rarer entity, with only twenty-five cases being reported in the literature to date. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who presented in our department for progressive headache, gait disturbance and memory impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a solid mass in pineal region, measuring 2.2 × 1.2 × 2.0 cm and causing obstructive hydrocephalus. He underwent a third ventriculostomy, but we failed to obtain a sample for diagnostic purposes. The intraoperative surprise was the presence, at the level of the third ventricle, of multiple melanin deposits, which were not picked up by the MRI. Although the biopsy could not be performed and had to be obtained by stereotactic biopsy in a second intervention, the endoscopy findings allowed for the correct staging of the intracranial disease and appropriate treatment management.

The immobility of patients confined to continuous bed rest continues to raise a couple of very serious challenges for modern medicine. In particular, the overlooking of sudden onset immobility (as in acute stroke) and the delay in addressing the underlying conditions are of utmost importance for the patient and, in the long term, for the medical and social systems. This paper describes the design principles and concrete implementation of a new smart textile material that can form the substrate of intensive care bedding, that acts as a mobility/immobility sensor in itself. The textile sheet acts as a multi-point pressure-sensitive surface that sends continuous capacitance readings through a connector box to a computer running a dedicated software. The design of the capacitance circuit ensures enough individual points to provide an accurate description of the overlying shape and weight. We describe the textile composition and circuit design as well as the preliminary data collected during testing to demonstrate the validity of the complete solution. These results suggest that the smart textile sheet is a very sensitive pressure sensor and can provide continuous discriminatory information to allow for the very sensitive, real-time detection of immobility.

Introduction. MRgFUS is a novel technology, which can have profound implications in the current treatment of neurological disorders. Its applications range widely, from the alteration of the blood-brain barrier, ablation of tumours to the treatment of movement disorders. Objective. To review, following thorough research of the literature, the principles of its use in the treatment of neurological diseases and the main reported evidence of its clinical implementation. Material and method. Interrogation of the MEDLINE database, using the PubMed search engine, for the following MESH words: “MRgFUS”, “FUS” “BRAIN”, from 2000 to the current year. Conclusion. MRgFUS can be safely used today for the treatment of Essential Tremor. New research is warranted for the evaluation of its safety and effectiveness in other neurological disorders.

Thoraco-lumbar fracture-dislocations represent one of the most instable lesions and are frequently associated with neurological deficit. We present a patient with a T11 – T12 fracture-dislocation with complete neurological deficit – ASIA - A, who underwent partial vertebrectomy, shortening of the spine and posterior instrumentation 21 days after a motor vehicle accident.