Delayed Cerebral Infarction Following Trans-Sylvian Surgery for Craniopharyngioma Presenting as Status Epilepticus

• Published in: Neurology India Vol. 68; no. 6; pp. 1428 - 1430
• Main Authors: Satpathy, D, Mitra, C, Samal, P, Pattnaik, S, Mohanty, B, Acharya, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01-11-2020; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Brain; Care and treatment; Case studies; Complications and side effects; Development and progression; Diagnosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Infarction; Pituitary gland tumors; Postoperative period; Status epilepticus; Surgery; Tumors in children; India; endocrine complications; postoperative complications; Craniopharyngioma; delayed vasospasm; status epilepticusKey Messages: Delayed cerebral infarction due to vasospasm following pituitary surgery may present as status epilepticus. Symptoms of new stroke may be missed in patients who are deeply comatosed. There should be a high index of suspicion in such cases
• ISSN: 0028-3886; 1998-4022
• DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.304097

The postoperative period after craniopharyngioma surgery has a high likelihood of complications and its management can be challenging. We present the case of a 10-year-old boy who was operated for craniopharyngioma. In the postoperative period he developed lacunar infarct, endocrine disturbances, delayed vasospasm leading to cerebral infarction and status epilepticus. The likely cause of status epilepticus was likely delayed cerebral infarction compounded with dyselectrolytemia. We discuss the possible etiology of delayed cerebral infarction.