bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A probabilistic and interactive decision-analysis system for unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ghinea Narcyz , van Gelder James M.
Published: January 2008

Object

The goal in this study was to develop an interactive, probabilistic decision-analysis system for clinical use in the decision to treat or observe unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Further goals were to enable users of the system to adapt decision-analysis methods to individual patients and to provide a tool for interactive sensitivity analysis.

Methods

A computer program was designed to model the outcomes of treatment and observation of unruptured aneurysms. The user supplies probabilistic estimates of key parameters relating to a specific patient and nominates discount rate and quality of life adjustments. The program uses Monte Carlo discrete-event simulation methods to derive probability estimates of the outcomes of treatment and observation. Results are expressed as summary statistics and graphs. Discounted quality-adjusted life years are graphed using survival methods. Hierarchical simulations are used to enable investigators to perform probabilistic sensitivity analysis for one or multiple parameters simultaneously. The results of sensitivity analysis are expressed in graphs and as the expected value of perfect information. The system can be distributed and updated using the Internet.

Conclusions

Further research is required into the benefits of clinical application of this system. Further research is also required into the optimum level of complexity of the model, into the user interface, and into how clinicians and patients are likely to interpret results. The system is easily adaptable to a range of medical decision analyses.
Cervical osteomyelitis: a brief review
Authors: Barnes Bryan , Alexander Joseph T. , Branch Charles L.
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors conducted a literature-based review of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis (CVO).

Methods

A Medline (PubMed) search using the key words “cervical vertebral osteomyelitis” yielded 256 articles. These were further screened for relevance, yielding 15 articles. Each publication was reviewed, and several others not identified in the PubMed search were screened and included in the review according to relevance. Each article was identified as involving either the epidemiology/etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of CVO. Separate categories were created for case reports and general reviews.

Conclusions

Cervical vertebral osteomyelitis has a spectrum of origins, which include spontaneous, postoperative, traumatic, and hematogenously spread causes. The majority of patients have medical risk factors and comorbidities that include diabetes, trauma, drug abuse, and infectious processes in extraspinal areas. The diagnosis of CVO can be accomplished in most cases by using plain x-ray films and computerized tomography scans. Nevertheless, preferential use of magnetic resonance imaging in cases in which there is a neurological deficit is helpful in identifying epidural compressive processes. Treatment for CVO can be successfully initiated with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Nevertheless, in cases in which there is a neurological deficit, spinal deformity and/or progressive lysis, or intractable pain, the earliest feasible surgical intervention with debridement and fusion is warranted.
Nonspecific pyogenic spondylodiscitis: clinical manifestations, surgical treatment, and outcome in 24 patients
Authors: Mann Sascha , Schütze Michael , Sola Steffen , Piek Jürgen
Published: January 2008

Object

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis is of special interest to neurosurgeons because it often results in acute neurological deterioration and requires a combination of adequate surgical and conservative treatment. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the strategy of a primary surgical approach to this disease.

Methods

A group of 24 patients with the clinical and radiological signs of acute pyogenic spondylodiscitis was prospectively followed from 1998 to 2004. Of these, 20 had underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic alcoholism, and liver cirrhosis. The main causative organism was Staphylococcus aureus. Most infections were localized in the thoracic or lumbar spine (10 cases each); 15 infections were associated with epidural abscesses. Because of a delay in diagnosis, 13 patients presented with neurological deficits on admission.

Patients with a complete or rapidly progressing neurological deficit underwent immediate surgery. In patients with minor or no deficits or in a stable neurological condition, surgery was delayed for 3 to 5 days. This group was treated with immobilization and intravenous antibiotic drugs before surgery. Surgical procedures included ventral, dorsal, and combined approaches in one- or two-stage operations. Antibiotic treatment included the use of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs delivered intravenously for at least 10 days, followed by orally administered antibiotics for 3 months.

Twenty patients were independent on follow-up review, 15 with no or minor handicaps. Severe septicemia and multiorgan failure developed in two patients, and these two died of their disease. Major complications were mainly due to long-term antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment is the modality of choice in patients with acute spinal osteomyelitis. It is especially indicated in patients with progressive or severe neurological deficits and spinal deformity. In experienced hands, surgery is safe and offers the advantages of spinal cord decompression, immediate mobilization, and correction of spinal deformity. The decision whether an anterior or posterior approach should be used must be made on an individual basis.
Single-stage debridement and instrumentation for pyogenic spinal infections
Authors: Ogden Alfred T. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: January 2008

Surgical intervention is indicated for pyogenic vertebral discitis and osteomyelitis in patients in whom medical therapy has failed, and in those with neurological compromise, mechanical instability, epidural abscess, or intractable pain. Surgical management has evolved to include single-stage operations for debridement and stabilization as well as more aggressive reconstruction strategies with respect to instrumentation. A review of the literature demonstrates excellent outcomes with single-stage operations and placement of hardware wherever it is required. Using this method, the authors have treated 16 patients without a single incidence of recurrent infection or hardware failure after almost 2 years of follow up.
Recurrent spinal hydatidosis in North America
Authors: Schnepper Gregory D. , Johnson Walter D.
Published: January 2008

Spinal hydatidosis is an uncommon manifestation of the parasite Echinococcus, affecting fewer than 1% of patients with hydatid disease. The authors report on a 34-year-old Turkish woman who presented with recurrent primary spinal hydatid disease. The patient originally presented with progressive numbness and paraparesis that was reversed after T5–6 laminectomy and cyst removal. Pathological findings indicated parasitic infection and she underwent treatment for cysticercosis. Nevertheless, she returned 4 years later with back pain, numbness, and monoparesis. Neuroimaging studies revealed spinal cord compression with multiple cysts that were again resected. Pathological findings were consistent with Echinococcus.

Although this disease is uncommon, particularly in North America, the authors conclude that spinal hydatidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient who has lived or traveled within endemic areas and who presents with spine lesions and cord compression. The authors review the literature pertaining to the epidemiological features, presentation, diagnosis, neuroimaging characteristics, recommended treatments, and overall prognosis of spinal hydatidosis.
Contemporary management of incidental intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Tummala Ramachandra P. , Bas ¸Kaya Mustafa K. , Heros Roberto C.
Published: January 2008

The management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms has changed significantly in recent years and continues to evolve. The three main factors that have affected the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms are as follows: 1) increased availability of noninvasive imaging technology, resulting in increased detection of incidental aneurysms; 2) improved understanding of the natural history of unruptured aneurysms; and 3) the advent of neuroendovascular therapy. In this report, the authors discuss the implications of these factors in the diagnosis and management of truly incidental, asymptomatic aneurysms and review the current practice patterns at their institution.

Historical and current articles regarding noninvasive neuroimaging, aneurysm screening, endovascular and surgical therapy, and the natural history of unruptured aneurysms were reviewed. Current practices used for diagnosis and management of incidental aneurysms at the authors' institution were also reviewed.

The management of incidental intracranial aneurysms has become an increasingly controversial subject in recent years. Improvements in noninvasive imaging resulting in detection of an increasing number of incidental aneurysms, the establishment of endovascular therapy as an attractive alternative to surgery, and studies indicating a more benign natural history for unruptured aneurysms than previously thought have led to significant changes in neurosurgical practice. Safety and long-term efficacy are the goals of treatment for unruptured aneurysms. Until conclusive studies are completed, the experience of the neurovascular team at each institution and the art of patient selection for treatment will continue to play a fundamental role in the management of these lesions.
Review: Yadav JS, Wholey MH, Kuntz RE, et al: Protected carotid-artery stenting versus endarterectomy in high-risk patients. N Engl J Med 351:1493–1501, 2004
Authors: Gottfried Oren N. , Couldwell William T.
Published: January 2008

Background

Carotid endarterectomy is more effective than medical management in the prevention of stroke in patients with severe symptomatic or asymptomatic atherosclerotic carotid-artery stenosis. Stenting with the use of an emboli-protection device is a less invasive revascularization strategy than endarterectomy in carotid-artery disease.

Methods

We conducted a randomized trial comparing carotid-artery stenting with the use of an emboli-protection device to endarterectomy in 334 patients with coexisting conditions that potentially increased the risk posed by endarterectomy and who had either a symptomatic carotid-artery stenosis of at least 50 percent of the luminal diameter or an asymptomatic stenosis of at least 80 percent. The primary end point of the study was the cumulative incidence of a major cardiovascular event at 1 year—a composite of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction within 30 days after the intervention or death or ipsilateral stroke between 31 days and 1 year. The study was designed to test the hypothesis that the less invasive strategy, stenting, was not inferior to endarterectomy.

Results

The primary end point occurred in 20 patients randomly assigned to undergo carotid-artery stenting with an emboli-protection device (cumulative incidence, 12.2 percent) and in 32 patients randomly assigned to undergo endarterectomy (cumulative incidence, 20.1 percent; absolute difference, −7.9 percentage points; 95 percent confidence interval, −16.4 to 0.7 percentage points; P=0.004 for noninferiority, and P=0.053 for superiority). At one year, carotid revascularization was repeated in fewer patients who had received stents than in those who had undergone endarterectomy (cumulative incidence, 0.6 percent vs. 4.3 percent; P=0.04).

Conclusions

Among patients with severe carotid-artery stenosis and coexisting conditions, carotid stenting with the use of an emboli-protection device is not inferior to carotid endarterectomy.
Hemodynamic instability after carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement: a review of the literature
Authors: Gupta Rishi , Horowitz Michael , Jovin Tudor G.
Published: January 2008

In this review of the literature the goal was to determine the frequency and relevance of hemodynamic instability after carotid artery (CA) angioplasty and stent placement.

Hemodynamic instability after CA angioplasty and stent placement is a well-recognized phenomenon that occurs in 29 to 51% of patients undergoing the procedure. In some patients this problem is severe enough to warrant treatment with vasopressor agents. Features observed on clinical and angiographic evaluation can help clinicians identify patients who are at risk. Hemodynamic fluctuations encountered as a result of CA angioplasty and stent placement may have adverse clinical consequences, including a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke. Proposed measures to prevent this complication include prophylactic placement of transvenous pacemakers or pretreatment with atropine. Unfortunately, no randomized trials are currently available to assess the efficacy of these approaches.

Hemodynamic instability is a common finding after CA angioplasty and stent placement. Clinicians can predict which patients are at risk by considering angiographic and clinical features.
Nondysraphic intramedullary spinal cord lipomas: a review
Authors: Bhatoe Harjinder Singh , Singh Prakash , Chaturvedi Aarti , Sahai Kavita , Dutta Vibha , Sahoo P. K.
Published: January 2008

Object

Lipomas of the spinal cord are often a component of spinal dysraphic states. Nondysraphic intramedullary spinal cord lipomas are rare, and their presentation, in the form of gradually worsening myelopathy, is nonspecific. The authors report on the methods used for diagnosis and treatment in patients presenting with these lesions at their institution, and they review the relevant literature.

Methods

The authors treated 14 patients who presented with intramedullary lipomas over a period of 12 years. None of these patients had segmentation anomaly or dysraphism of the spine, or any hindbrain anomaly. Admission magnetic resonance images were diagnostic in all patients. All tumors were located dorsally in the spinal cord, the majority of them in the cervicodorsal cord. The lipomas were partially excised with the help of a carbon dioxide laser in all patients in an attempt to preserve neurological function. All patients attained improvement in their sensory and motor symptoms.

Conclusions

Because these lesions do not have a clear-cut margin, it is vital to preserve neurological function at the time of surgery, even if it entails incomplete resection.
Prospective analysis of self-perceived quality of life before and after posterior fossa decompression in 112 patients with Chiari malformation with or without syringomyelia
Authors: Mueller Diane , Oro' John J.
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine if there was a difference in the self-perceived quality of life (QOL) before and after surgery among patients with Chiari I malformations with or without syringomyelia. Most patients with Chiari I malformations report improvement in their QOL after decompression surgery; however, specific outcome data have not been empirically studied in this patient population.

Methods

One hundred seventy-two consecutive patients who underwent posterior fossa decompression based on neuroimaging evidence of a Chiari I malformation with or without syringomyelia were prospectively offered participation in the study. The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) was chosen as the instrument for data collection.

Completed questionnaires were returned by 112 patients. A statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in SIP scores (self-reported QOL) was noted in 84% of participants after decompression surgery. Patient age, amount of tonsillar herniation, and evidence of syringomyelia before surgery did not correlate with or adversely affect outcomes. Among 16 participants who reported worsening in their QOL, anecdotal information revealed extraneous factors unrelated to the Chiari I malformation that they perceived as negatively influencing their outcome. Among the extraneous variables noted by the participants were general health status, unrelated injury, other illnesses, and significant stress.

Conclusions

The majority of participants who underwent posterior fossa surgery for a Chiari I malformation reported significant improvement in their QOL after surgery.
Combined surgical and endovascular treatment of a recurrent A3–A3 junction aneurysm unsuitable for standalone clip ligation or coil occlusion
Authors: Kim Louis J. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , McDougall Cameron , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: January 2008

Recurrent aneurysms of the anterior circulation that are distal to the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) but proximal to the callosomarginal–pericallosal bifurcation can pose a treatment challenge. The authors present one such case, in which the patient was treated with pericallosal artery–pericallosal artery (PerA–PerA) side-to-side bypass, followed by endovascular obliteration of the proximal A2 parent vessel. This patient, in whom an ACoA aneurysm had been treated with clip ligation 5 years previously, presented with a new, mid-A2, right-sided aneurysm with the out-flow artery arising from the dome of the lesion.

The treatment plan included two steps: an interhemispheric transcallosal approach for PerA–PerA side-to-side anastomosis; and endovascular coil embolization of the right A2 branch feeding the aneurysm. Postprocedure angiography demonstrated no ipsilateral aneurysm filling and excellent bilateral distal outflow from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA).

The use of PerA–PerA side-to-side bypass for the treatment of an ACA aneurysm, followed by parent vessel occlusion, offers an elegant solution for the treatment of A2 aneurysms that are not amenable to stand-alone clip ligation or coil occlusion. Such combined methods are invaluable in the management of complex cerebral aneurysms.
Stent placement for the treatment of nonsaccular aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar system
Authors: Hanel Ricardo A. , Boulos Alan S. , Sauvageau Eric G. , Levy Elad I. , Guterman Lee R. , Hopkins L. Nelson
Published: January 2008

Vertebrobasilar nonsaccular aneurysms represent a small subset of intracranial aneurysms and usually are among the most challenging to be treated. The aim of this article was to review the literature and summarize the experience in the treatment of these lesions with endovascular approaches. The method of stent implantation as it is performed at the authors' institution, including options available for vertebral artery access, is described. Practitioners involved in the treatment of these lesions should be aware of the potential application of intravascular stent placement as well as the associated postprocedure risks and potential complications.
Kyphoplasty-augmented short-segment pedicle screw fixation of traumatic lumbar burst fractures: initial clinical experience and literature review
Authors: Acosta Frank L. , Aryan Henry E. , Taylor William R. , Ames Christopher P.
Published: January 2008

Object

Surgical intervention for thoracolumbar burst fractures is indicated for patients with neurological deficits and/or evidence of severe spinal instability. The goals of surgery are decompression, deformity correction, and stabilization. Nevertheless, the optimal surgical strategy to achieve these goals remains a subject of debate. Short-segment pedicle screw fixation is associated with a 20 to 50% incidence of pedicle screw failure and progressive spinal deformity. Initial biomechanical and clinical studies have shown that reinforcement of short-segment pedicle screw fixation with vertebroplasty improves spinal stability and decreases instrument failure rates. In this study, the authors describe their initial clinical experience with kyphoplasty used to augment short-segment pedicle screw fixation of traumatic lumbar burst fractures.

Methods

Five patients with traumatic burst fractures of the lumbar spine were included in this retrospective review of patients treated for this disorder at the University of California, San Diego and the University of California, San Francisco between 2002 and 2004. All patients underwent transpedicular kyphoplasty and short-segment pedicle screw fixation. The mean follow-up period was 10.6 months (range 6–18 months). All patients underwent short-segment pedicle screw fixation reinforced with polymethyl methacrylate kyphoplasty. The preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up plain x-ray films were evaluated. Radiographic analysis included measurements of kyphotic angulation, anterior vertebral body height, and evidence of bone fusion. Clinical evaluation was performed postoperatively and at follow-up review.

Conclusions

Based on the authors' initial experience, kyphoplasty supplementation may improve the long-term integrity of short-segment pedicle screw constructs and allow for improved rates of fusion and better clinical outcomes in patients with traumatic lumbar burst fractures.
A novel percutaneous system for bone graft delivery and containment for elevation and stabilization of vertebral compression fractures
Authors: Lam Sandi , Khoo Larry T.
Published: January 2008

Object

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat persistently symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Both interventions usually involve injection of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The purpose of this technical note was to review the theory and surgical technique for a novel percutaneous system for fracture reduction and stabilization of VCFs by using bone graft.

Methods

This technical note highlights the Optimesh system as an alternative method of minimally invasive VCF reduction and stabilization with the delivery of a bone graft containment device. Instead of using PMMA as in vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, this system allows the delivery of allograft and/or autograft bone, with its osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties.

Conclusions

This system allows for restoration of sagittal alignment of the spine with direct control of bone graft delivery by using a mesh graft containment device that allows for ingrowth of new bone and vascular tissue.
Endoscopic thoracic microdiscectomy
Authors: Oskouian Rod J. , Johnson J. Patrick
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate surgical and neurological outcomes in thoracic disc surgery in a prospective fashion.

Methods

Quantifiable outcome data such as operating time, blood loss, duration of chest tube drainage, narcotic drug use, length of hospital stay (LOS), and long-term follow up of neurological function and pain-related symptoms were collected prospectively.

In patients with myelopathy there was an improvement of two Frankel grades in the thoracoscopic discectomy group and one Frankel grade in the patients treated with thoracotomy; however, patients in the thoracotomy group were significantly worse preoperatively. None of the patients experienced worsened pain, and pain related to radiculopathy was improved by 75% in the thoracoscopic group.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic discectomy yields acceptable surgical results and has several distinct advantages, with reduced postoperative pain, morbidity, and LOS.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: techniques for avoiding complications and pitfalls
Authors: Wong Wade , Mathis John M.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this article is to present a series of common complications and pitfalls associated with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, with discussions on how to avoid those problems in a practical, case-based essay.
Intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based computerized tomography guidance for percutaneous kyphoplasty
Authors: Villavicencio Alan T. , Burneikiene Sigita , Bulsara Ketan R. , Thramann Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2008

Object

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is an established method for the treatment of pathological vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). This procedure is usually performed with the aid of biplanar fluoroscopic image guidance. There are currently no published clinical studies in which the use of three-dimensional (3D) image guidance to facilitate this technique has been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of isocentric fluoroscopy-based navigation for the kyphoplasty procedure, with special reference to operating time and the amount of radiation exposure.

Methods

A prospective clinical study was performed in which 11 consecutive patients with painful pathological VCFs that did not respond to conservative treatment underwent the kyphoplasty procedure. During this procedure, cannulation of the pedicle and vertebral body was performed with the aid of isocentric 3D fluoroscopy visualization. Total operating time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time for this group was compared with a cohort of nine patients who underwent the procedure prior to the availability of isocentric fluoroscopy (only biplanar fluoroscopy was used). Possible complications such as cement extravasations were evaluated during the procedure and on postoperative computerized tomography scans.

The mean duration of surgery for the 3D isocentric fluoroscopic guidance group was 60 minutes (range 36–89 minutes) for one-level and 68.5 minutes (range 65–75 minutes) for two-level cases. Because of a learning curve with the equipment, the operating time for the initial cases was significantly longer than with the later ones. Even with the initial cases included, the mean operating time was shorter compared with the biplanar fluoroscopy-assisted procedures, which averaged 69.2 minutes (range 44–113 minutes) for one-level procedures. This difference was not statistically significant. The mean fluoroscopy exposure time was 41.3 seconds (range 25–62 seconds) in the isocentric fluoroscopy-assisted procedures, with an additional 40 seconds of fluoroscopy time used for the 3D fluoroscopy “spin,” compared with 293.2 seconds (range 180–400 seconds) in the biplanar fluoroscopy-assisted procedures. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). All pedicles were accessed without difficulty and no complications were encountered in either group of patients.

Conclusions

The main advantage of isocentric fluoroscopy is the significant reduction in radiation exposure for the patient and surgical staff without an increase in the mean operating time. This technique is a significant advancement over biplanar fluoroscopy in this setting.
Combination kyphoplasty and spinal radiosurgery: a new treatment paradigm for pathological fractures
Authors: Gerszten Peter C. , Germanwala Anand , Burton Steven A. , Welch William C. , Ozhasoglu Cihat , Vogel William J.
Published: January 2008

Object

Patients with symptomatic pathological compression fractures require a stabilization procedure for mechanical control of back pain as well as radiation therapy for the underlying malignant process. In this study the authors evaluated a treatment paradigm of closed fracture reduction and fixation in which kyphoplasty was used, followed by single-fraction spinal radiosurgery performed with the CyberKnife.

Methods

Twenty-six patients (six men and 20 women, mean age 72 years) with histologically confirmed pathological compression fractures (16 thoracic, 10 lumbar) were prospectively evaluated. For inclusion in the study, the patients' presenting symptoms were limited to pain without neurological deficits. Histological findings included 11 lung, nine breast, and four renal carcinomas, one cholangiocarcinoma, and one ocular melanoma. All patients underwent kyphoplasty of the affected vertebral body, for which a percutaneous transpedicular procedure was used. Fiducial markers that allow image guidance for CyberKnife radiosurgery were placed into the pedicles at the adjacent levels at the time of the kyphoplasty procedure. Patients then underwent single-fraction radiosurgery (at a mean of 12 days after kyphoplasty) in an outpatient setting. The tumor dose was maintained at 16 to 20 Gy to the 80% isodose line (mean 18 Gy). Treated tumor volume ranged from 12.7 to 37.1 cm3. Axial pain improved in 24 (92%) of 26 patients during the follow-up period of 7 to 20 months.

Conclusions

A combined kyphoplasty and spinal radiosurgery treatment paradigm was found to be safe and clinically effective for patients with pathological fractures without significant spinal canal compromise. This technique combines two minimally invasive surgical procedures, thereby avoiding the morbidity associated with open surgery while providing immediate fracture fixation as well as a single-fraction tumoricidal radiation dose.
Prizes, lectures, and awards of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons Section on Tumors
Authors: Barker Fred G. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: January 2008

An important goal of the Section on Tumors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) since its founding in 1985 has been to foster both education and research in the field of brain tumor treatment. As one means of achieving this, the Section awards a number of prizes, research grants, and named lectures at the annual meetings of the AANS and CNS. After a brief examination of similar honors that were given in recognition of pioneering work by Knapp, Cushing, and other early brain tumor researchers, the authors describe the various awards given by the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors since its founding, their philanthropic donors, and the recipients of the awards. The subsequent career of the recipients is briefly examined, in terms of the rate of full publication of award-winning abstracts and achievement of grant funding by awardees.
Prognosis of gliomas in the 1970s and today
Authors: Oertel Joachim , von Buttlar Ekaterina , Schroeder Henry Werner Siegfried , Gaab Michael Robert
Published: January 2008

The benefit of the current strategy for diagnosis (magnetic resonance [MR] imaging) and treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) of gliomas, in contrast to the standard treatment in use before MR imaging and the micro-surgical era, has not yet been determined. A retrospective statistical analysis was performed for all patients with glioma who underwent surgery at a single institution between 1965 and 1974 (Group I, 88 patients) or 1986 and 1995 (Group II, 249 patients). There were no major differences in symptomatology, tumor localization, and number of surgical procedures. The mean time until tumor diagnosis was significantly shorter in Group II (Group I, 48 weeks; Group II, 19.5 weeks). Also, the mean time from initial symptoms to surgery was significantly shorter for high-grade gliomas in Group II (Group I, 16.3 weeks; Group II, 11.7 weeks). For high- as well as low-grade gliomas, there was a clear reduction of the perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in Group II. Nevertheless, for the postoperative duration of survival, no significant differences were demonstrated for high- or low-grade gliomas. Based on the results of this study, the perioperative morbidity and mortality rate as well as the time from diagnosis to treatment have been remarkably reduced within the last 30 years. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis for patients with gliomas has not changed from the 1970s until today. Thus, the introduction of modern diagnostic modalities and surgical procedures has not improved the outcome in patients with glioma. Further research to improve the treatment of this disease is urgently needed.
History of infection control and its contributions to the development and success of brain tumor operations
Authors: Miller Jason T. , Rahimi Scott Y. , Lee Mark
Published: January 2008

Before advancements in infection control, only conditions that brought patients near death warranted the risk of surgical intervention. If patients survived the operation, infection was nearly inevitable and death by overwhelming sepsis was knocking at their door. In the late 19th century, with the development of germ theory by Louis Pasteur and its subsequent application to surgical sterility by Joseph Lister, surgeons were able to operate with a substantially reduced risk of infection. Consequently, surgeons became more confident and began to explore more extravagant procedures, including elective operations within the cranial vault. As scientific knowledge expanded in the 20th century, so did the advancement of infection control with the use of prophylactic antibiotic drugs, heat sterilization of instruments, and microbial barriers. Recent reports have placed the rate of complications due to infection between 0.75 and 2.32% for intracranial operations.
Percutaneous balloon compression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: results in 56 patients based on balloon compression pressure monitoring
Authors: Brown Jeffrey A. , Pilitsis Julie G.
Published: January 2008

Object

Percutaneous balloon compression is an effective and technically simple method for treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Nevertheless, dysesthesias (10–20%) and masseter muscle weakness (66%) following the procedure have been noted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of testing TN with percutaneousballoon compression aided by intraluminal pressure monitoring.

Methods

In this study the authors review the results and complications associated with percutaneous balloon compression by using intraluminal pressure monitoring data obtained in 65 procedures performed in 56 consecutive patients over 4 years. The mean patient age was 71 years (range 37–92 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 17 months (range 3–38 months). The mean intraluminal compression pressure was (1160 ± 62 mm Hg), and the mean duration of compression was 1.15 ± 0.27 minutes. The trigeminal depressor response was observed in 60 (92%) of 65 procedures, and initial pain relief occurred in 92% of patients. The recurrence rate in patients who had initial relief was 16% (nine of 56). The mean time until recurrence in patients who experienced pain relief after surgery was 13 months (range 3–23 months). Mild numbness immediately after surgery was observed in 83% of patients. At the most recent evaluation, 17% of patients reported persistent, nontroublesome numbness and none had moderate or severe numbness. Minor dysesthesia was present in two patients (4%). Mild masseter muscle weakness occurred in 24% of patients and resolved within a maximum period of 1 year. No patient experienced anesthesia dolorosa, corneal keratitis, or other cranial nerve deficits. These morbidity rates are lower than the incidence reported in the literature when pressure monitoring is not used.

Conclusions

These data show that by monitoring compression pressure and limiting the duration of compression, it is possible to reduce the incidence of dysesthesias, severe numbness, and masseter weakness after surgery without increasing the rate of recurrent pain in patients with classic TN.
Role of patient history and physical examination in the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Casey Kenneth F.
Published: January 2008

The diagnosis of facial pain has been a source of confusion for neuroscientists and primary care givers alike. The profusion of various subtypes, differential syndromes, and confusing nomenclature is silent testimony to this dilemma. The author presents a simple scheme with which to arrive at the diagnosis. The use of the patient's history, confirmed by the physical examination, can be supplemented with some of the tests described herein.
Historical perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Cole Chad D. , Liu James K. , Apfelbaum Ronald I.
Published: January 2008

Since the earliest recorded history of medicine, physicians have been challenged by the difficulty in relieving the great pain experienced by individuals suffering from trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The nature of the pain and the events that incite it have been well described, but effective treatments with acceptable levels of side effects remained elusive until the latter part of the 20th century. As a result, many theories about the origins of TN have been proposed, along with numerous treatment modalities. The pathophysiological causes of TN remain incompletely understood, but the medical and surgical treatment techniques currently used offer effective ways to relieve this extremely painful condition. In this historical review the authors discuss the initial descriptions of tic douloureux, Fothergill disease, and TN, along with various therapeutic interventions and their refinements.
Comparison of posterior fossa exploration and stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with previously nonsurgically treated idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Pollock Bruce E.
Published: January 2008

Object

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is commonly performed in patients with trigeminal neuralgia, and numerous investigators have found that facial pain outcomes after this procedure are better for patients in whom prior surgery did not fail. Researchers in some centers claim that the results of SRS are equivalent to posterior fossa exploration (PFE). The goal in this study was to verify that claim.

Methods

Information was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database of patients less than 70 years old with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia who underwent PFE (55 patients) or SRS (28 patients) as their initial surgery between 1999 and 2004. Of the two groups, patients who underwent radiosurgery were older (60.5 compared with 50.7 years, p < 0.001). Microvascular decompression was performed in 49 patients (89%) and partial nerve section was performed in six (11%) in the PFE group. The mean maximum dose for SRS was 89.1 Gy. At a mean follow-up duration of 25.5 months, patients who had undergone PFE were more commonly pain free without medications (75% at 1 year, 72% at 3 years) compared with the patients treated with SRS (59% at 1 and 3 years; p = 0.01). Additional surgery was performed in 10 patients (18%) after PFE, compared with eight patients (29%) after SRS (p = 0.4). Eight patients (15%) had either new facial numbness (six cases) or dysesthesias (two cases) after PFE, whereas 12 (43%) had either new facial numbness (eight cases) or dysesthesias (four cases) after SRS. No correlation was noted between the development of facial numbness and facial pain outcome after PFE (p = 0.37), whereas patients in whom trigeminal dysfunction developed after radiosurgery were more frequently free of pain (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The results support PFE as a more effective primary surgery than SRS in patients with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Moreover, injury to the trigeminal nerve during PFE is not required to achieve excellent facial pain outcomes.
A novel brainstem tumor model: guide screw technology with functional, radiological, and histopathological characterization
Authors: Lee James , Jallo George I. , Guarnieri Michael , Carson Benjamin S. , Penno Margret B.
Published: January 2008

Object

Survival rates for high-grade brainstem tumors are approximately 10% and optimal therapy has yet to be determined. Development of a satisfactory brainstem tumor model is necessary for testing new therapeutic paradigms that may prolong survival. The authors report the technique, functional progression, radiological appearance, and histopathological features of a novel brainstem tumor model in rats.

Methods

Thirty female Fischer 344 rats were randomized (10 animals/group) to receive an injection of either 3 μl of 9L gliosarcoma cells (100,000 cells), 3 μl of F98 glioma cells (100,000 cells), or 3 μl of medium (Dulbecco modified Eagle medium) into the pontine tegmentum of the brainstem. Using a cannulated guide screw system implanted in the skull of the animal, rats in each group were injected at coordinates 1.4 mm to the right of the sagittal and 1 mm anterior to the lambdoid sutures, at a depth of 7 mm from the dura mater. The angle of the syringe during injection was anteflexed 5° from the vertical. Postoperatively, the rats were evaluated for neurological deficits by using an automated rotarod test. High-resolution [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) fused with computerized tomography (CT) scans were acquired pre- and postoperatively through the onset of hemiparesis and correlated accordingly. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated for survival and disease progression, and brains were processed postmortem for histopathological investigation.

The 9L and F98 tumor cells grew in 95% of the animals in which they were injected and resulted in a statistically significant mean onset of hemiparesis of 16.5 ± 0.56 days (p = 0.001, log-rank test), compared with animals in the control group, which had no neurological deficits by Day 45. The FDG-PET studies coregistered with CT scans demonstrated space-occupying brainstem lesions, and this finding was confirmed by histological studies. Animals in the control group showed no functional, radiological, or pathological signs of tumor.

Conclusions

Progression to hemiparesis was consistent in all tumor-injected animals, with predictable onset of symptoms occurring approximately 17 days postsurgery. The histopathological and radiological characteristics of the 9L and F98 brainstem tumors were comparable to those of aggressive primary human brainstem tumors. Establishment of this animal tumor model will facilitate the testing of new therapeutic paradigms for the treatment of these lesions.
Endoscopic management of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Souweidane Mark M.
Published: January 2008

Object

Primary endoscopic procedures for children with intraventricular brain tumors include endoscopic tumor biopsy and endoscopic tumor removal. The simultaneous treatment of hydrocephalus with endoscopic third ventricu-lostomy (ETV) or endoscopic septostomy increases the appeal of a minimally invasive endoscopic approach.

Methods

Eighty-five patients who underwent endoscopic management of an intraventricular brain tumor were identified from a prospective database. Of these patients, 26 were younger than 21 years of age at the time of diagnosis. The surgical technique, its success rate, and patient outcome were assessed. Illustrative cases are used in this study to detail the procedure of endoscopic tumor biopsy and resection.

Endoscopic tumor procedures were successful in 96% of cases (23 of 24 endoscopic tumor biopsy samples and both endoscopic tumor removals). Fourteen simultaneous procedures were performed to treat hydrocephalus successfully. There was no recognized morbidity from the surgical procedures.

Conclusions

Endoscopic surgery in children with intraventricular brain tumors is an effective and safe method for sampling of the lesion and, in select cases, its resection. This minimally invasive technique should be considered in situations in which the patient might thereby avoid a more conventional procedure, given the high rate of success and low morbidity associated with endoscopic management.
Neuroendoscopic resection of posterior third ventricular ependymoma
Authors: Luther Neal , Souweidane Mark M.
Published: January 2008

✓ The practice of neuroendoscopy in the definitive management of cystic tumors and hydrocephalus has been well established. Resection of solid intraventricular tumors by a primary endoscopic technique, however, has rarely been demonstrated. The authors present the case of a 31-year-old woman in whom endoscopic resection of a posterior third ventricular ependymoma was successfully accomplished. Metastatic workup yielded no sites of dissemination, adjuvant radiation therapy was deferred, and the patient has been without radiographic evidence of disease after 6 months of follow up. Endoscopic resection of solid tumors appears feasible in select patients and warrants further evaluation.
Pediatric sellar tumors: diagnostic procedures and management
Authors: Jagannathan Jay , Dumont Aaron S. , Jane John A. , Laws Edward R.
Published: January 2008

The diagnosis and management of pediatric sellar lesions is discussed in this paper. Craniopharyngiomas account for the majority of pediatric sellar masses, and pituitary adenomas are extremely uncommon during childhood. The diagnosis of sellar lesions involves a multidisciplinary effort, and detailed endocrinological, ophthalmological, and neurological testing is critical in the evaluation of a new sellar mass. The management of pituitary adenomas varies depending on the entity. For most tumors other than prolactinomas, transsphenoidal resection remains the mainstay of treatment. Less invasive methods, such as endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, have shown promise as primary and adjuvant treatment modalities, respectively.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system: management and outcomes
Authors: Chen Michael L. , McComb J. Gordon , Krieger Mark D.
Published: January 2008

Object

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) represent a relatively newly categorized neoplastic entity. They commonly present in childhood, and have a rapidly progressive clinical course with a survival time of less than 1 year. Treatment regimens have been nonuniform. In this retrospective review of patients with ATRTs who were treated at the authors' institution according to a uniform protocol, the goal was to assess the efficacy of the treatment and its outcome.

Methods

Over a 7-year period, ATRT was diagnosed in 11 patients (six boys and five girls). The median age of the patients was 61 months, and their ages ranged from 3 months to 17 years. Signs and symptoms began, on average, a little more than 1 month before diagnosis and included the following: headache (36%), nausea and vomiting (46%), lethargy (18%), seizures (27%), cranial nerve findings (46%), ataxia (18%), long tract findings (18%), and hydrocephalus (46%). Tumor location was cortical in four patients, in the pineal region in four, in the posterior fossa in two, and spinal in one. In one patient disseminated disease was revealed on the initial imaging study; seven patients had disseminated tumor subsequently. Treatment consisted of chemotherapy in 11 patients, chemotherapy and local radiation in five, and chemotherapy and craniospinal radiation in three. Six patients are alive, three have died, and two were lost to follow-up review. The mean time to death was 24 months, and ranged from 2 to 67 months. Among the surviving patients the mean duration of follow up is 18.5 months and ranges from 2 to 37 months. The median time to progression was 3.5 months.

Conclusions

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors are malignant lesions with rapid progression. Further study is necessary to determine the efficacy of therapy.
Skull base surgery: past, present, and future trends
Authors: Maroon Joseph C.
Published: January 2008

The author outlines the history of skull base surgery and describes the new paradigm emerging with increasing use of endoscopic microneurosurgery.