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Background: The current technique of pterional craniotomy involves temporalis muscle incision followed by retrograde elevation. Feasibility of antegrade temporalis muscle elevation without any direct incision over its bulk is evaluated., Objective: Incisionless "antegrade, subgaleal, subfascial, and subperiosteal elevation" of temporalis muscle preserves vascularity and muscle bulk. Posterior maneuvering of "bare" temporalis muscle bulk either above (out rolling) or under (in rolling) the scalp for pterional craniotomy is discussed., Material and Methods: Technique of antegrade, subfascial, subperiosteal elevation, and posterior rotation of temporalis muscle without incising in its bulk by "out rolling" or "in rolling" along the posterior aspect of the scalp incision was carried out in 15 cadavers and later in 50 surgical cases undergoing pterional craniotomy. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated for subgaleal collection and periorbital edema. Operated side cosmesis and temporalis muscle bulk was compared with nonoperated temporalis muscle at 6 months interval., Results: Antegrade subperiosteal dissection of temporalis muscle was possible in all cases. "In-rolling" or "out rolling" technique provided adequate surgical exposure during pterional craniotomy. Postoperative subgaleal collection and periorbital edema was prevented. Facial nerve paresis or temporalis muscle-related complications were avoided., Conclusion: Antegrade, subgaleal, subfascial, and subperiosteal dissection techniques of temporalis muscle elevation without any direct incision in its bulk enables neurovascular and muscle volume preservation. Posterior maneuvering of elevated temporalis muscle with "out rolling" or "in-rolling" technique is easy, quick, and provides adequate exposure during pterional craniotomy. Opening and closing of scalp layers without violating subgaleal space prevent postoperative subgaleal hematoma and periorbital edema., Competing Interests: None

A 28-year-old normotensive female presented with Horner's syndrome and paresthesia over the left side of the chest. Imaging study showed a large heterogeneous enhancing lesion in short-T1 inversion recovery sequence with flow voids in T2W sequence of magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion was located in the left-sided D1 and D2 regions extending into the neural foramina and apical part of the lung. During surgery, even minimal dissection of the tumor resulted in marked fluctuation in hemodynamic parameters, requiring temporary suspension of the surgery multiple times until hemodynamic parameters were brought under control by the anesthesiologist with drugs. The massive fluctuation in hemodynamic parameters in an unprepared and unanticipated scenario was a challenge for the anesthetist and surgeon. The tumor was radically excised with improvement of paresthesia in the immediate postoperative period, but Horner's syndrome persisted. After 18-months of follow-up, she was relieved of all symptoms including Horner's syndrome. Histopathological examination confirmed our suspicion as paraganglioma., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Craniovertebral Junction and Spine.)

Objective  Usually, burr holes are placed along the line of a craniotomy. We describe a novel technique of burr hole placement to obtain smooth and beveled bony margin without any troughs and crests. Dural separation is obtained by minimizing the number of burr holes required. Methods  Fifty craniotomies of diameter ranging from 3.5 to 11.5 cm were accomplished by placing burr hole in the center of bone flap rather than along the craniotomy line permitting 360 degrees of dura separation dependent on the length of dura separator. Craniotomy < 9  cm in diameter was performed by placing a single burr hole and a larger size craniotomy was performed with two burr holes. Parasagittal craniotomy was performedby placing burr hole not > 2.5  cm away from expected craniotomy site, namely superior sagittal sinus area enabling separation of adhered dura and venous sinuses. The bone cutter was used in a particular fashion to create smooth margin and beveled edges. Results  Craniotomy < 9  cm in diameter was possible with single burr hole in 34 cases. Craniotomy larger than 9  cm in size was performed in 16 cases with double burr hole by strategically placing burr in the center of the desired bone flap. The craniotomy was achieved in all cases without damaging dura and venous structures. Conclusions  An optimally placed single burr hole is sufficient for small to moderately large size craniotomy. Larger size craniotomy is possible with minimum numbers of burr holes. This achieves good cosmesis and avoids sinking of the bone flap.

Background: Ideal tumor resection requires brain/spinal cord tumor interface separation in perfect and precise surgical planes within a few micrometers for radical tumor resection and maximum normal tissue preservation. Despite the availability of several dissection techniques, the search for additional alternatives and an ideal technique continues. We evaluated the feasibility and advantages of dissection using a No. 15-blade scalpel in special brain tumor surgery situations. We developed a leaf model wherein its outer layer is progressively dissected from its inner skeleton using a scalpel. An additional model used was a tomato wherein its skin was peeled off its pulp using the same technique., Objective: We developed an inexpensive leaf model. A scalpel knife was used in a microneurosurgical setting, and the leaf's outer layer is peeled off. The technique is then used in an operating room setup where surgery on extra-axial tumors like meningiomas and intra-axial brain and spinal cord tumors is done., Methods: A No. 15 scalpel was used for dissection between the layers of the Peltophorum pterocarpum leaf model. This dissection method was compared with other neurosurgical dissecting tools., Results: We dissected 120-μm thick leaves into 2 layers with removal of an 18- to 55-μm thick layer. Leaving behind a transparent layer was possible using a No. 15 blade scalpel. Similarly, it was possible to preserve a 35- to 40-μm thick arachnoid layer that separated a meningioma from the underlying brain parenchyma., Conclusion: A scalpel with a sharp edge could be used to perform precise and fine dissection. The scalpel deserves to occupy a place of pride as a dissecting tool in neurosurgery., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Limited data are available on pituitary gigantism, as it is a rare disorder. This study was carried out to assess the clinical, hormonal, and radiologic profiles and management outcomes of patients with pituitary gigantism., Methods: We conduced a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with pituitary gigantism who presented to a single tertiary care institute from 1990 to 2014., Results: Thirteen patients were male, and 1 was female. The mean age at diagnosis was 21.9 ± 6.1 years, with a mean lag period of 6.5 ± 5.6 years. The mean height SD score at the time of diagnosis was 3.2 ± 0.6. Symptoms of tumor mass effect were the chief presenting complaint in the majority (50%) of patients, while 2 patients were asymptomatic. Six patients had hyperprolactinemia. At presentation, the nadir PGGH (postglucose GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF 1)-ULN (× upper limit of normal) were 63.2 ± 94.9 ng/mL and 1.98 ± 0.5, respectively. All (except 1 with mild pituitary hyperplasia) had pituitary macroadenoma. Six patients had invasive pituitary adenoma. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was the primary modality of treatment in 13/14 patients, and it achieved remission in 4/13 (30.76%) patients without recurrence over a median follow-up of 7 years. Post-TSS radiotherapy (RT) achieved remission in 3/5 (60%) patients over a median follow-up of 3.5 years. None of the patients received medical management at any point of time., Conclusion: Gigantism is more common in males, and remission can be achieved in the majority of the patients with the help of multimodality treatment (TSS and RT).

Background and Objectives: Neurinoma arising from other than nonvestibular cranial nerves is less prevalent. Here we present our experiences regarding the clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, and the outcome of nonvestibular cranial nerve neurinomas., Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2011, the recorded documents of operated nonvestibular intracranial neurinomas were retrospectively studied for clinical profile, investigations, microneurosurgical management, complications, follow-up, and outcomes., Results: The average follow-up was 24.5 months. Total number of cases was 30, with age ranging from 9 to 60 years. Sixteen cases were males and 14 were females. Nonvestibular cranial nerve schwannomas most commonly originated from trigeminal nerve followed by glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve. There were three abducent nerve schwannomas that are very rare. There was no trochlear nerve schwannoma. Two glossopharyngeal+/vagus nerve schwannomas extended into the neck through jugular foramen and one extended into the upper cervical spinal canal. Involved nerve dysfunction was a common clinical feature except in trigeminal neurinomas where facial pain was a common feature. Aiming for no new neurodeficit, total resection of the tumor was done in 24 cases, and near-total resection or gross total resection or subtotal resection was done in 6 cases. Preoperative symptoms improved or disappeared in 25 cases. New persistent deficit occurred in 3 cases. Two patients died postoperatively. There was no recurrence of tumor till the last follow-up., Conclusion: Nonvestibular schwannomas are far less common, but curable benign lesions. Surgical approach to the skull base and craniovertebral junction is a often complex and lengthy procedure associated with chances of significant morbidity. But early diagnosis, proper investigations, and evaluation, along with appropriate decision making and surgical planning with microsurgical techniques are the essential factors that can result in optimum outcome.

A 53-year-old male patient presented with low back pain radiating to both lower limbs for 2 years and urinary incontinence for 2 months. He had swelled over his lower back since birth. The neurological examination revealed a decreased perianal sensation. Local examination of the lumbar swelling showed a brilliantly transilluminant, cystic midline swelling in the lumbar area with underlying spina bifida. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a low-lying conus at L3 level associated with spina bifida at L5 and a meningocoele sac. The patient underwent excision of the meningocoele and detethering of cord by extirpation of hypertrophied filum terminale. The patient had an immediate relief of his symptoms. At 3 month follow-up the lumbar wound had healed well, and there was a significant improvement in the perianal hypoesthesia. The adult presentation of a congenital meningocoele and spinal dysraphism is rare, especially in the fifth decade. The possible causes of this delayed presentation are analyzed, and the relevant literature on the subject is presented.

Context: Spinal paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors of the extra-adrenal paraganglionic system., Aims: This study describes the clinicopathological features of eight cases of spinal paraganglioma and highlights the significance of important morphological features and immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of paraganglioma at this unusual site., Material and Methods: All the cases of primary spinal paragangliomas diagnosed during the last six years (2008-2013) in the Department of Pathology at our hospital were reviewed., Results: There were six males and two females. The mean age at diagnosis was 50.4 years. All patients presented with low back pain. All tumors were located in the cauda equina or conus medullaris region. Magnetic Resonance Imaging and intraoperative appearance were that of a vascular, well-circumscribed intradural, extramedullary tumor suggestive of either schwannoma or ependymoma. All the patients underwent gross total resection of the tumor. Histopathology in five of the cases showed 'ependymoma-like histology' while only three cases had a predominant classic 'zellballen' pattern. Two cases had prominent 'gangliocytic differentiation'. In the five cases with 'ependymoma-like histology', the diagnosis was confirmed on Immunohistochemistry (IHC)., Conclusions: Even though relatively rare, paraganglioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spinal tumors and due to their clinical, radiological and histopathological similarity to schwannoma and ependymoma, the diagnosis should be based on close examination of the clinical, radiological and pathological findings.

An 8-month-old male infant had presented with a history of a fall from the crib a fortnight ago. He had developed progressive weakness of both lower limbs. On examination, the infant had spastic paraplegia. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical spine showed an epidural hematoma extending from the fourth cervical (C4) to the first dorsal (D1) vertebral level with cord compression. The patient had no bleeding disorder on investigation. He underwent cervical laminoplasty at C6 and C7 levels. The epidural hematoma was evacuated. The cervical cord started pulsating immediately. Postoperatively, the patient's paraplegia improved dramatically in 48 hours. According to the author's literature search, only seven cases of post-traumatic epidural hematoma have been reported in pediatric patients, and our patient is the youngest. The present case report discusses the etiopathology, presentation, and management of this rare case.

Aims: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) are usually removed through a transcranial approach. Recently, the sublabial transsphenoidal microscopic approach has been used to remove such tumours. More recently, endonasal extended transsphenoidal approach is getting popular for removal of tuberculum sellae meningioma. Here, we describe our initial experience of endonasal extended transsphenoidal approach for removal of suprasellar meningiomas in six consecutive cases., Materials and Method: Six patients (four female and two male) who presented for headache and visual loss were investigated with MRI of brain that showed tuberculum sellae meningioma compressing visual apparatus. Average size was 3 × 3 cm in three cases and 4 × 4 cm in rest of the three. All patients underwent endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal tumour removal, but in two patients with large tumour, microscopic assistance was needed. Complete tumour removal was done in all cases except one case where perforators seemed to be encased by the tumour and resulted in incomplete removal. The surgical dural and bony defects were repaired in all patients with thigh fat graft. Nasal packing was not used, but inflated balloon of Foley's catheter was used to keep fat in position., Result: There was mild postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in one patient on the fourth postoperative day after removal of lumbar CSF drain and stopped spontaneously on the seventh postoperative day. There were no postoperative CSF leaks or meningitis in the rest of the cases. In one patient, there was visual deterioration due to pressure on optic nerve by grafted fat and improved within 4 weeks. At 4 months after surgery, three patients had normal vision, two patients improved vision comparing with that of preoperative state but with some persisting deficit; one patient had static vision, no new endocrinopathy and no residual tumour on MRI in five cases but residual tumour in remaining case was static at the end of the ninth month., Conclusion: The endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal approach appears to be an effective minimally invasive method for removing relatively small to medium tuberculum sellae meningiomas. With more experience of the surgeon, larger tuberculum sellae meningioma may be removed by purely endoscopic techniques in near future.

Aim: Endonasal transsphenoidal approaches are getting rapidly popular in removing many midline skullbase lesions from crista galli to foramen magnum. For safe removal of these lesions, familiarity with endoscopic endonasal anatomy of circle of Willis is very important. Furthermore, for safe development of this approach in vascular neurosurgery in the near future, endoscopic endonasal exposure of circle of Willis is a fundamental step. The goals in this study were to dissect the circle of Willis completely through the endoscopic endonasal approach and to become more familiar with the views and skills associated with the technique by using fresh cadaveric specimens., Material and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, 26 fresh cadaver heads were used without any preparation. Using a neuroendoscope, complete exposure of the circle of Willis was done endonasaly, and various observations including relation of circle of Willis was recorded., Results: Complete exposure of the circle of Willis was made through an endonasal approach in all cases without injuring surrounding structures., Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal extended transsphenoidal exposure of CW can make the surgeon more efficient in removing midline skullbase lesions with safe handling of different parts of circle of Willis and it may help in development of endonasal endoscopic vascular neurosurgery in the near future.

Objective: To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, treatment modalities, and follow-up of pediatric patients with Cushing disease., Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed records of children (younger than 20 years) with Cushing disease who had undergone transsphenoidal adenomectomy in a tertiary health care center in India during the period of 1988 to 2008. Endogenous hypercortisolism was identified by a serum cortisol value ≥1.8 μg/dL during a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) with or without elevated midnight serum cortisol (≥3.2 μg/dL). Corticotropin dependence was defined by a basal plasma corticotropin concentration ≥5 pg/mL. Patients with normal pituitary imaging underwent bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS). Those with persistent or recurrent disease after surgery were treated with second-line interventions on a case-by-case basis., Results: Twenty-nine boys and 19 girls were included. Mean age was 14.85 (±2.5) years. Weight gain (98%), round facies (98%), and growth arrest (83%) were the most common manifestations. LDDST and midnight cortisol had 100% sensitivity for detecting endogenous hypercortisolism, while midnight corticotropin measurement had 100% sensitivity for defining corticotropin dependence. Magnetic resonance imaging and unstimulated BIPSS had 71% and 89% sensitivity, respectively, for diagnosing Cushing disease. Twenty-seven patients (56%) achieved remission after the first transsphenoidal operation with higher remission rates in those with microadenoma (75%). Basal serum cortisol <5 mg/dL on the fifth postoperative day predicted cure. Eight patients received postoperative radiotherapy, with 4 achieving remission., Conclusions: Clinical presentation and diagnostic yield with various tests were similar to those previously reported in the literature. Remission rates were poor after first transsphenoidal operation in patients with macroadenoma and outcome was dismal with a second transsphenoidal operation. Serum cortisol concentration <5 mg/dL on the fifth postoperative day predicted cure.

Background: Colloid cysts are typically located in the region of the anterior third ventricle in the proximity of foramen of Monro. Although 'endodermal cyst' has been identified in several regions of the brain, location of characteristic colloid cyst entirely within the confines of velum interpositum and outside the ventricles has not been reported earlier., Case Description: We report a unique case of colloid cyst located in the region of velum interpositum in a 33-year-old patient with headache and seizures. Such a location of the colloid cyst has not been identified earlier in the literature. The literature on pathogenesis of colloid cysts in general is briefly reviewed., Conclusions: Colloid cyst located in the velum interpositum is reported. Such a location gives additional information on the pathogenesis of these lesions.

We present a large cervicomedullary intramedullary lipoma in a 17-year-old boy, who presented with spastic quadriparesis and exaggerated reflexes. MRI revealed an intramedullary lipoma extending from the craniovertebral junction to the sixth cervical vertebra. There was no spinal dysraphism. Subtotal excision with primary dural closure was performed, which produced an improvement in the patient's condition. The technique we used is discussed.

Study Design: An index for measuring the vertical relationship of atlas and axis is described., Objective: Deduction and application of vertical atlantoaxial index (VAAI) for quantifying the vertical atlantoaxial relationship of atlas and axis and classifying basilar invagination (BI) based on the VAAI., Summary of Background Data: A number of craniospinal parameters have been described to quantify the amount of BI in relation to herniation of odontoid into the cranium. Successful treatment of BI by distraction of atlantoaxial facet joint, placement of a spacer to maintain the distraction, and lateral mass fixation has been described recently. The treatment is based on the understanding that BI is in fact a disease of the atlantoaxial facet joints and is a result of progressive vertical instability. With this new concept and technique that involves preserving all bony elements and reduction of BI in the form of reducing the vertical atlantoaxial subluxation, we thought it was prudent to formulate an index to quantify the relation of atlas and axis in the sagittal plane., Method: Mid-sagittal computerized tomography (CT) scan films of 90 cases of BI treated by us between October 1999 and May 2005 with distraction and lateral mass plate and screw fixation were analyzed before and after surgery. The age of the patients ranged from 8 to 55 years and the male:female ratio was 2.5:1. Additionally, mid-sagittal CT scan films of hundred normal subjects in the same age group were analyzed as a control group. The VAAI was measured in all cases. VAAI is an index that measures the vertical relationship of the atlas and axis. The images were compiled and copies of the compilation were made. Two observers independently performed the measurements and intraobserver as well as interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass corelation (ICC) ) test (SigmaStat)., Results: The preoperative mean and mode values of VAAI in this series of patients were 0.53 (0.20 to 0.67) and 0.61, respectively. The postoperative mean and mode values of VAAI are 0.78 (range, 0.60 to 0.89) and 0.80, respectively. The mean and mode values of VAAI in general population were 0.80 (range, 0.76 to 0.85) and 0.80, respectively. The results in preoperative patients with BI demonstrated excellent intraobserver (ICC=0.96 and 0.98) and interobserver corelation coefficient (ICC=0.96). The results in normal subjects and postoperative CT scans of operated patients with BI also showed excellent intraobserver (ICC=0.97 and 0.98) and interobserver corelation coefficient (ICC=0.97)., Conclusions: VAAI can be an excellent measurement tool for the assessment of relationship of atlas and axis. Nonrheumatoid BI can be graded and classified depending on the value of VAAI.

Unlabelled: Cushing's syndrome (CS) can pose a challenge in diagnosis and management. Successful management of CS needs accurate localization of the site of lesion. Present article narrates experience of a single center dealing with large number of patients with CS and highlights difficulties in diagnosis as well as management of Cushing's disease (CD)., Methods: All patients with CD, where histopathological lesion was documented were studied to evaluate yield from different diagnostic tests. Diagnosis was established by standard 2 days low dose dexamethasone suppression test. Localization of the lesion was achieved with high dose dexamethasone suppression (HDDS) and imaging. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was used whenever diagnosis was not arrived at with the standard tests., Results: Out of 100 consecutive patients of CS seen, 69 had CD. HDDS had sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 99% in localizing the lesion. Imaging localized the lesion in 68% of patients. Combination of HDDS and imaging localized the lesion in 90% of patients. IPSS helped to localise the lesion in remaining 10% of patients. Transsphenoidal surgery was carried out in 65/69 patients. Cure rate for microadenoma was 77% and for macroadenoma was 36%. Mortality and morbidity rate was 7% and 7% respectively. 2nd TSS, radiotherapy and bilateral adrenalectomy were the additional modalities used in that order, in patients who were not cured or who had recurrence., Conclusion: Management of CS is best carried in a center where a team of experienced endocrinologist and neurosurgeon is available.

Background: A retrospective analysis of clinical features and management strategy in 24 cases of epidermoids in the pineal region is done. Long-term outcome of radical surgical resection is analyzed., Methods: Twenty-four patients having epidermoids in the pineal region were surgically treated in our department during an 11-year period (1992 up to 2003). These cases were retrospectively analyzed. The average duration of follow-up was 5.2 years., Results: The age at the time of presentation ranged from 13 to 51 years (mean, 29.2 years). There were 15 male and 9 female patients. The average duration of complaints was 7 months. Headache and ataxia were the commonest symptoms. The infratentorial-supracerebellar approach and the interhemispheric posterior parietooccipital route were used to excise the epidermoids in 20 and 3 patients, respectively. In one patient, the tumor was removed in 2 stages, first by the infratentorial-supracerebellar approach and subsequently by the interhemispheric posterior parietooccipital surgical approach. Total excision of the solid part of the tumor and the capsule was achieved in 6 patients. In 13 cases, the solid part of the tumor was completely resected, but at least, a part of the tumor capsule was left behind. In 5 cases, a part of the solid portion of the tumor was either deliberately or inadvertently left behind. Incomplete tumor resection was primarily due to adhesions of the capsule to large veins in the region, dissection around which was considered hazardous, and extensive and invasive nature of extension of the tumor. During the period of follow-up, one patient had asymptomatic growth of the residual tumor after 6 years of surgery. One patient with residual tumor continued to get generalized seizures. All patients are leading active lives., Conclusion: Radical surgery for pineal region epidermoid tumors is associated with an excellent immediate postoperative and long-term outcome.

A rare case of an oligodendroglioma of the cerebellum in an 18-year-old male is presented. Radical surgical excision and craniospinal radiotherapy appear to be the treatment options for these potentially malignant lesions.

Background: Colloid cyst of the third ventricle is a relatively rare intracranial tumor. It generates tremendous interest for the neurosurgeon because of its benign nature, deep location, and an excellent prognosis when diagnosed early and excised., Method: A retrospective analysis of 105 cases of third ventricle colloid cyst treated between 1967 to 1998 was conducted. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, different surgical approaches, and outcome were analyzed. The transcallosal and transcortical-transventricular approaches were predominantly used. Memory and psychological assessment were carried out both pre- and postoperatively. A computerized tomography (CT) scan was performed during follow-up., Results: The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The age of the patients ranged from 10 to 68 years. Headache was the most common symptom. Papilledema and short-term memory disturbances were the most common signs. In 5 patients the colloid cyst was detected incidentally. Surgery for colloid cyst was performed in 93 patients. Transcallosal and transcortical-transventricular approaches were performed in 62 and 30 patients, respectively. In 1 patient the cyst was excised through the subfrontal lamina terminalis approach. Total excision was achieved in 90 patients, while partial cyst excision was done in three patients. Moderate to severe lateral ventricular enlargement was found in 76 patients at presentation. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was the only surgical procedure performed in 7 patients. In 16 patients colloid cyst excision was conducted after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion via a shunt. No surgical treatment of any kind was performed in 5 patients. Five patients died. Eighty-six patients came for follow-up, with a range from 1 month to 25 years (average 3 years and 8 months). Postoperatively, transient recent memory deficits occurred in 14 patients, while a permanent recent memory loss was noted in 2 patients. There was no incidence of postoperative disconnection syndrome or behavioral disturbance. A CT scan was performed in 44 patients during follow-up. Recurrence was detected in 1 patient in whom the cyst had been partially excised., Conclusions: Colloid cyst, although a benign tumor, is surgically challenging because of its deep midline location. Early detection and total excision of the colloid cyst carries an excellent prognosis.