bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective clinical validation of a meningioma consistency grading scheme: association with surgical outcomes and extent of tumor resection
Authors: Itamura Kyohei , Chang Ki-Eun , Lucas Joshua , Donoho Daniel A. , Giannotta Steven , Zada Gabriel
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to assess the clinical utility of a previously validated intraoperative meningioma consistency grading scale and its association with extent of resection (EOR) and various surgical outcomes.

METHODS

The previously validated grading system was prospectively assessed in 127 consecutive patients undergoing open craniotomy for meningioma by multiple neurosurgeons at two high-volume academic hospitals from 2013 to 2016. Consistency grading scores ranging from 1 (soft) to 5 (firm/calcified) were retrospectively analyzed to test for association with surgical outcomes and EOR, categorized as gross-total resection (GTR) or subtotal resection, defined by postoperative MRI.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-seven patients were included in the analysis with a tumor consistency distribution as follows: grade 1, 3.1%; grade 2, 14.2%; grade 3, 44.1%; grade 4, 32.3%; and grade 5, 6.3%. The mean tumor diameter was 3.6 ± 1.7 cm. Tumor consistency grades were grouped into soft (grades 1 and 2), average (grade 3), and firm (grades 4 and 5) groups for statistical analysis with distributions of 17.3%, 44.1%, and 38.6%, respectively. There was no association between meningioma consistency and maximal tumor diameter, or location. Mean duration of surgery was longer for tumors with higher consistency: grades 1 and 2, 186 minutes; grade 3, 219 minutes; and grades 4 and 5, 299 minutes (p = 0.000028). There was a trend toward higher perioperative complication rates for tumors of increased consistency: grades 1 and 2, 4.5%; grade 3, 7.0%; and grades 4 and 5, 20.8% (p = 0.047). The proportion of GTR for each consistency group was as follows: grades 1 and 2, 77%; grade 3, 68%; and grades 4 and 5, 43% (p = 0.0062).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to other important meningioma characteristics such as invasiveness, tumor consistency is a key determinant of surgical outcomes, including operative duration and EOR. Future studies predicting tumor consistency based on preoperative neuroimaging will help considerably with preoperative planning for meningiomas.
Role of photodynamic therapy using talaporfin sodium and a semiconductor laser in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Nitta Masayuki , Muragaki Yoshihiro , Maruyama Takashi , Iseki Hiroshi , Komori Takashi , Ikuta Soko , Saito Taiichi , Yasuda Takayuki , Hosono Junji , Okamoto Saori , Koriyama Shunichi , Kawamata Takakazu
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

In this study on the effectiveness and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using talaporfin sodium and a semiconductor laser, the long-term follow-up results of 11 patients with glioblastoma enrolled in the authors’ previous phase II clinical trial (March 2009–2012) and the clinical results of 19 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma prospectively enrolled in a postmarket surveillance (March 2014–December 2016) were analyzed and compared with those of 164 patients treated without PDT during the same period.

METHODS

The main outcome measures were the median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times. Moreover, the adverse events and radiological changes after PDT, as well as the patterns of recurrence, were analyzed and compared between the groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to assess the differences in OS and PFS between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors, including PDT, among patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

RESULTS

The median PFS times of the PDT and control groups were 19.6 and 9.0 months, with 6-month PFS rates of 86.3% and 64.9%, respectively (p = 0.016). The median OS times were 27.4 and 22.1 months, with 1-year OS rates of 95.7% and 72.5%, respectively (p = 0.0327). Multivariate analyses found PDT, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score, and IDH mutation to be significant independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Eighteen of 30 patients in the PDT group experienced tumor recurrence, including local recurrence, distant recurrence, and dissemination in 10, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. Conversely, 141 of 164 patients in the control group experienced tumor recurrence, including 101 cases of local recurrence. The rate of local recurrence tended to be lower in the PDT group (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that PDT with talaporfin sodium and a semiconductor laser provides excellent local control, with few adverse effects even in cases of multiple laser irradiations, as well as potential survival benefits for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Effect of deep brain simulation on arm, leg, and chin tremor in Parkinson disease
Authors: Katlowitz Kalman , Ko Mia , Mogilner Alon Y. , Pourfar Michael
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD)–related tremor has been well established. However, the relative impact on arm, leg, and chin tremor has been less clearly elucidated. The authors evaluated the distribution of tremors in a PD cohort undergoing STN DBS and sought to evaluate the differential impact of DBS as a function of tremor location.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with PD with tremor who underwent DBS surgery between 2012 and 2016 was performed to evaluate the impact of STN stimulation on overall and regional tremor scores.

RESULTS

Across 66 patients the authors found an average of 78% overall reduction in tremor after 6 months. In this cohort, the authors found that tremor reduction was somewhat better for arm than for leg tremors, especially in instances of higher preoperative tremor (84% vs 71% reduction, respectively, for initial tremor scores ≥ 2). No significant difference in response was found between patients with medication-responsive versus medication-nonresponsive tremors.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that although DBS improved tremor in all regions, the improvement was not uniform between chin, arm, and leg—even within the same patient. The reasons behind these differing responses are speculative but suggest that STN DBS may more reliably reduce arm tremors than leg tremors.
Quantitative versus qualitative blood amount assessment as a predictor for shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: García Sergio , Torné Ramon , Hoyos Jhon Alexander , Rodríguez-Hernández Ana , Amaro Sergio , Llull Laura , López-Rueda Antonio , Enseñat Joaquim
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Reliable tools are lacking to predict shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) development after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Quantitative volumetric measurement of hemorrhagic blood is a good predictor of SDHC but might be impractical in the clinical setting. Qualitative assessment performed using scales such as the modified Fisher scale (mFisher) and the original Graeb scale (oGraeb) is easier to conduct but provides limited predictive power. In between, the modified Graeb scale (mGraeb) keeps the simplicity of the qualitative scales yet adds assessment of acute hydrocephalus, which might improve SDHC-predicting capabilities. In this study the authors investigated the likely capabilities of the mGraeb and compared them with previously validated methods. This research also aimed to define a tailored mGraeb cutoff point for SDHC prediction.

METHODS

The authors performed retrospective analysis of patients admitted to their institution with the diagnosis of aSAH between May 2013 and April 2016. Out of 168 patients, 78 were included for analysis after the application of predefined exclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the use of all 4 methods (quantitative volumetric assessment and the mFisher, oGraeb, and mGraeb scales) to predict the likelihood of SDHC development based on clinical data and blood amount assessment on initial CT scans.

RESULTS

The mGraeb scale was demonstrated to be the most robust predictor of SDHC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.848 (95% CI 0.763–0.933). According to the AUC results, the performance of the mGraeb scale was significantly better than that of the oGraeb scale (χ2 = 4.49; p = 0.034) and mFisher scale (χ2 = 7.21; p = 0.007). No statistical difference was found between the AUCs of the mGraeb and the quantitative volumetric measurement models (χ2 = 12.76; p = 0.23), but mGraeb proved to be the simplest model since it showed the lowest Akaike information criterion (66.4), the lowest Bayesian information criterion (71.2), and the highest R2Nagelkerke coefficient (39.7%). The initial mGraeb showed more than 85% specificity for predicting the development of SDHC in patients presenting with a score of 12 or more points.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the authors’ data, the mGraeb scale is the simplest model that correlates well with SDHC development. Due to limited scientific evidence of treatments aimed at SDHC prevention, we propose an mGraeb score higher than 12 to identify patients at risk with high specificity. This mGraeb cutoff point might also serve as a useful prognostic tool since patients with SDHC after aSAH have worse functional outcomes.
Ablation dynamics of subsequent thermal doses delivered to previously heat-damaged tissue during magnetic resonance–guided laser-induced thermal therapy
Authors: Munier Sean M. , Hargreaves Eric L. , Patel Nitesh V. , Danish Shabbar F.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative dynamics of magnetic resonance–guided laser-induced thermal therapy (MRgLITT) have been previously characterized for ablations of naive tissue. However, most treatment sessions require the delivery of multiple doses, and little is known about the ablation dynamics when additional doses are applied to heat-damaged tissue. This study investigated the differences in ablation dynamics between naive versus damaged tissue.

METHODS

The authors examined 168 ablations from 60 patients across various surgical indications. All ablations were performed using the Visualase MRI-guided laser ablation system (Medtronic), which employs a 980-nm diffusing tip diode laser. Cases with multiple topographically overlapping doses with constant power were selected for this study. Single-dose intraoperative thermal damage was used to calculate ablation rate based on the thermal damage estimate (TDE) of the maximum area of ablation achieved (TDEmax) and the total duration of ablation (tmax). We compared ablation rates of naive undamaged tissue and damaged tissue exposed to subsequent thermal doses following an initial ablation.

RESULTS

TDEmax was significantly decreased in subsequent ablations compared to the preceding ablation (initial ablation 227.8 ± 17.7 mm2, second ablation 164.1 ± 21.5 mm2, third ablation 124.3 ± 11.2 mm2; p = < 0.001). The ablation rate of subsequent thermal doses delivered to previously damaged tissue was significantly decreased compared to the ablation rate of naive tissue (initial ablation 2.703 mm2/sec; second ablation 1.559 mm2/sec; third ablation 1.237 mm2/sec; fourth ablation 1.076 mm/sec; p = < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between TDEmax and percentage of overlap in a subsequent ablation with previously damaged tissue (r = −0.164; p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation of previously ablated tissue results in a reduced ablation rate and reduced TDEmax. Additionally, each successive thermal dose in a series of sequential ablations results in a decreased ablation rate relative to that of the preceding ablation. In the absence of a change in power, operators should anticipate a possible reduction in TDE when ablating partially damaged tissue for a similar amount of time compared to the preceding ablation.
Novel index for predicting mortality during the first 24 hours after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kim Hakseung , Lee Hack-Jin , Kim Young-Tak , Son Yunsik , Smielewski Peter , Czosnyka Marek , Kim Dong-Joo
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Failure of cerebral autoregulation and subsequent hypoperfusion is common during the acute phase of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The cerebrovascular pressure-reactivity index (PRx) indirectly reflects cerebral autoregulation and has been used to derive optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). This study provides a method for the use of a combination of PRx, CPP, and intracranial pressure (ICP) to better evaluate the extent of cerebral hypoperfusion during the first 24 hours after TBI, allowing for a more accurate prediction of mortality risk.

METHODS

Continuous ICP and arterial blood pressure (ABP) signals acquired from 295 TBI patients during the first 24 hours after admission were retrospectively analyzed. The CPP at the lowest PRx was determined as the optimal CPP (CPPopt). The duration of a severe hypoperfusion event (dHP) was defined as the cumulative time that the PRx was > 0.2 and the CPP was < 70 mm Hg with the addition of intracranial hypertension (ICP > 20 or > 22 mm Hg). The outcome was determined as 6-month mortality.

RESULTS

The cumulative duration of PRx > 0.2 and CPP < 70 mm Hg exhibited a significant association with mortality (p < 0.001). When utilized with basic clinical information available during the first 24 hours after admission (i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale score, age, and mean ICP), a dHP > 25 minutes yielded a significant predictive capacity for mortality (p < 0.05, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.75). The parameter was particularly predictive of mortality for patients with a mean ICP > 20 or > 22 mm Hg (AUC = 0.81 and 0.87, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A short duration (25 minutes) of severe hypoperfusion, evaluated as lowered CPP during worsened cerebrovascular reactivity during the 1st day after TBI, is highly indicative of mortality.
Medical photography with a mobile phone: useful techniques, and what neurosurgeons need to know about HIPAA compliance
Authors: Reynolds Rebecca A. , Stack Lawrence B. , Bonfield Christopher M.
Published: February 2019

Medical photographs are commonly employed to enhance education, research, and patient care throughout the neurosurgical discipline. Current mobile phone camera technology enables surgeons to quickly capture, document, and share a patient scenario with colleagues. Research demonstrates that patients generally view clinical photography favorably, and the practice has become an integral part of healthcare. Neurosurgeons in satellite locations often rely on residents to send photographs of diagnostic imaging studies, neurological examination findings, and postoperative wounds. Images are also frequently obtained for research purposes, teaching and learning operative techniques, lectures and presentations, comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes, and patient education. However, image quality and technique are highly variable. Capturing and sharing photographs must be accompanied by an awareness of the legal ramifications of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA compliance is straightforward when one is empowered with the knowledge of what constitutes a patient identifier in a photograph. Little has been published to describe means of improving the accuracy and educational value of medical photographs in neurosurgery. Therefore, in this paper, the authors present a brief discussion regarding four easily implemented photography skills every surgeon who uses his or her mobile phone for patient care should know: 1) provide context, 2) use appropriate lighting, 3) use appropriate dimensionality, and 4) manage distracting elements. Details of the HIPAA-related components of mobile phone photographs and patient-protected health information are also included.
Long-term outcomes following deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Hitti Frederick L. , Ramayya Ashwin G. , McShane Brendan J. , Yang Andrew I. , Vaughan Kerry A. , Baltuch Gordon H.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for several movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). While this treatment has been available for decades, studies on long-term patient outcomes have been limited. Here, the authors examined survival and long-term outcomes of PD patients treated with DBS.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis using medical records of their patients to identify the first 400 consecutive patients who underwent DBS implantation at their institution from 1999 to 2007. The medical record was used to obtain baseline demographics and neurological status. The authors performed survival analyses using Kaplan-Meier estimation and multivariate regression using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Telephone surveys were used to determine long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Demographics for the cohort of patients with PD (n = 320) were as follows: mean age of 61 years, 70% male, 27% of patients had at least 1 medical comorbidity (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, or deep vein thrombosis). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis on a subset of patients with at least 10 years of follow-up (n = 200) revealed a survival probability of 51% (mean age at death 73 years). Using multivariate regression, the authors found that age at implantation (HR 1.02, p = 0.01) and male sex (HR 1.42, p = 0.02) were predictive of reduced survival. Number of medical comorbidities was not significantly associated with survival (p > 0.5). Telephone surveys were completed by 40 surviving patients (mean age 55.1 ± 6.4 years, 72.5% male, 95% subthalamic nucleus DBS, mean follow-up 13.0 ± 1.7 years). Tremor responded best to DBS (72.5% of patients improved), while other motor symptoms remained stable. Ability to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs) remained stable (dressing, 78% of patients; running errands, 52.5% of patients) or worsened (preparing meals, 50% of patients). Patient satisfaction, however, remained high (92.5% happy with DBS, 95% would recommend DBS, and 75% felt it provided symptom control).

CONCLUSIONS

DBS for PD is associated with a 10-year survival rate of 51%. Survey data suggest that while DBS does not halt disease progression in PD, it provides durable symptomatic relief and allows many individuals to maintain ADLs over long-term follow-up greater than 10 years. Furthermore, patient satisfaction with DBS remains high at long-term follow-up.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations of the basal ganglia and thalamus: an international multicenter study
Authors: Chen Ching-Jen , Kearns Kathryn N. , Ding Dale , Kano Hideyuki , Mathieu David , Kondziolka Douglas , Feliciano Caleb , Rodriguez-Mercado Rafael , Grills Inga S. , Barnett Gene H. , Lunsford L. Dade , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus are associated with elevated risks of both hemorrhage if left untreated and neurological morbidity after resection. Therefore, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a mainstay in the management of these lesions, although its safety and efficacy remain incompletely understood. The aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of SRS for BG and thalamic AVMs and determine predictors of successful endpoints and adverse radiation effects.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed data on patients with BG or thalamic AVMs who had undergone SRS at eight institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) from 1987 to 2014. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RICs). Multivariable models were developed to identify independent predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 363 patients with BG or thalamic AVMs. The mean AVM volume and SRS margin dose were 3.8 cm3 and 20.7 Gy, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 86.5 months. Favorable outcome was achieved in 58.5% of patients, including obliteration in 64.8%, with rates of post-SRS hemorrhage and permanent RIC in 11.3% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of favorable outcome were no prior AVM embolization (p = 0.011), a higher margin dose (p = 0.008), and fewer isocenters (p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

SRS is the preferred intervention for the majority of BG and thalamic AVMs. Patients with morphologically compact AVMs that have not been previously embolized are more likely to have a favorable outcome, which may be related to the use of a higher margin dose.
Pain-free survival after vagoglossopharyngeal complex sectioning with or without microvascular decompression in glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Authors: Teton Zoe E. , Holste Katherine G. , Hardaway Fran A. , Burchiel Kim J. , Raslan Ahmed M.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain condition in which patients experience paroxysmal, lancinating throat pain. Multiple surgical approaches have been used to treat this condition, including microvascular decompression (MVD), and sectioning of cranial nerve (CN) IX and the upper rootlets of CN X, or a combination of the two. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term quality of life and pain-free survival after MVD and sectioning of the CN X/IX complex.

METHODS

A combined retrospective chart review and a quality-of-life telephone survey were performed to collect demographic and long-term outcome data. Quality of life was assessed by means of a questionnaire based on a combination of the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity scoring criteria and the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine pain-free survival.

RESULTS

Of 18 patients with GN, 17 underwent sectioning of the CN IX/X complex alone or sectioning and MVD depending on the presence of a compressing vessel. Eleven of 17 patients had compression of CN IX/X by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 1 had compression by a vertebral artery, and 5 had no compression. One patient (6%) experienced no immediate pain relief. Fifteen (88%) of 17 patients were pain free at the last follow-up (mean 9.33 years, range 5.16–13 years). One patient (6%) experienced throat pain relapse at 3 months. The median pain-free survival was 7.5 years ± 10.6 months. Nine of 18 patients were contacted by telephone. Of the 17 patients who underwent sectioning of the CN IX/X complex, 13 (77%) patients had short-term complaints: dysphagia (n = 4), hoarseness (n = 4), ipsilateral hearing loss (n = 4), ipsilateral taste loss (n = 2), and dizziness (n = 2) at 2 weeks. Nine patients had persistent side effects at latest follow-up. Eight of 9 telephone respondents reported that they would have the surgery over again.

CONCLUSIONS

Sectioning of the CN IX/X complex with or without MVD of the glossopharyngeal nerve is a safe and effective surgical therapy for GN with initial pain freedom in 94% of patients and an excellent long-term pain relief (mean 7.5 years).
IMPACT probability of poor outcome and plasma cytokine concentrations are associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Sungho , Hwang Hyunsoo , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Goodman J. Clay , Aisiku Imoigele P. , Gopinath Shankar , Robertson Claudia S.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) occurs frequently after TBI and independently worsens outcome. The present study aimed to identify potential admission characteristics associated with post-TBI MODS.

METHODS

The authors performed a secondary analysis of a recent randomized clinical trial studying the effects of erythropoietin and blood transfusion threshold on neurological recovery after TBI. Admission clinical, demographic, laboratory, and imaging parameters were used in a multivariable Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for MODS following TBI, defined as maximum total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score > 7 within 10 days of TBI.

RESULTS

Two hundred patients were initially recruited and 166 were included in the final analysis. Respiratory dysfunction was the most common nonneurological organ system dysfunction, occurring in 62% of the patients. International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) probability of poor outcome at admission was significantly associated with MODS following TBI (odds ratio [OR] 8.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.94–42.68, p < 0.05). However, more commonly used measures of TBI severity, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Scale, and Marshall classification, were not associated with post-TBI MODS. In addition, initial plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)–6, IL-8, and IL-10 were significantly associated with the development of MODS (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.20–1.80, p < 0.001 for IL-6; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.58, p = 0.042 for IL-8; OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.24–2.53, p = 0.002 for IL-10) as well as individual organ dysfunction (SOFA component score ≥ 1). Finally, MODS following TBI was significantly associated with mortality (OR 5.95, 95% CI 2.18–19.14, p = 0.001), and SOFA score was significantly associated with poor outcome at 6 months (Glasgow Outcome Scale score < 4) when analyzed as a continuous variable (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.40, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Admission IMPACT probability of poor outcome and initial plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were associated with MODS following TBI.
Evaluation of a more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screws: higher maximal insertional arc and more medial and safer screw angulation
Authors: Lin James D. , Wei Chao , Shillingford Jamal N. , Beauchamp Eduardo C. , Tan Lee A. , Kim Yongjung J. , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate that a more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screw insertion, produced by aggressively removing the dorsal transverse process bone down to the superior articular facet (SAF), results in a larger margin for error and more medial screw angulation compared to the traditional dorsal starting point (DSP). The margin for error will be quantified by the maximal insertional arc (MIA).

METHODS

The study population included 10 consecutive operative patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis who underwent primary surgery. All measurements were performed using 3D visualization software by an attending spine surgeon. The screw starting points were 2 mm lateral to the midline of the SAF in the mediolateral direction and in the center of the pedicle in the cephalocaudal direction. The DSP was on the dorsal cortex. The ventral starting point (VSP) was at the depth of the SAF. Measurements included distance to the pedicle isthmus, MIA, and screw trajectories.

RESULTS

Ten patients and 110 vertebral levels (T1–11) were measured. The patients’ average age was 41.4 years (range 18–64 years). The pedicle isthmus was largest at T1 (4.04 ± 1.09 mm), and smallest at T5 (1.05 ± 0.93 mm). The distance to the pedicle isthmus was 7.47 mm for the VSP and 11.92 mm for the DSP (p < 0.001). The MIA was 15.3° for the VSP and 10.1° for the DSP (p < 0.001). Screw angulation was 21.7° for the VSP and 16.8° for the DSP (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screws results in increased MIA and more medial screw angulation. The increased MIA represents an increased tolerance for error that should improve the safety of pedicle screw placement. More medial screw angulation allows improved triangulation of pedicle screws.
Machine learning modeling for predicting hospital readmission following lumbar laminectomy
Authors: Kalagara Saisanjana , Eltorai Adam E. M. , Durand Wesley M. , DePasse J. Mason , Daniels Alan H.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Hospital readmission contributes substantial costs to the healthcare system. The purpose of this investigation was to create a predictive machine learning model to identify lumbar laminectomy patients at risk for postoperative hospital readmission.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone a lumbar laminectomy procedure in the period from 2011 to 2014 were isolated from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. Demographic characteristics and clinical factors, including complications, comorbidities, length of stay, age, and body mass index, were analyzed in relation to whether or not the patients had been readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after their procedure by utilizing independent-samples t-tests. Supervised gradient boosting machine learning was then used to create two models to predict readmission—one with all collected patient variables and one with only the variables known prior to hospital discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 26,869 patients were evaluated, 5.59% (1501 patients) of whom had an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days of their procedure. Readmitted patients were older and had a greater number of complications and comorbidities, longer operative time, longer hospital stay, higher BMI, and higher work relative value unit (RVU) operation score (p < 0.01). They also had a worse health status prior to surgery (p < 0.01) and were more likely to be sent to a skilled discharge destination postoperatively (p < 0.01). The model with all patient variables accurately identified 49.6% of readmissions with an overall accuracy of 95.33% (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.8059), with postdischarge complications and comorbidities as the most important predictors. The predictive model built with only clinical information known predischarge identified 40.5% of readmitted patients with an accuracy of 79.55% (AUC = 0.6901), with discharge destination, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification as the most influential factors in identifying readmitted patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the authors analyzed hospital readmissions following laminectomy and developed predictive models to identify readmitted patients with an accuracy of over 95% using all variables and over 79% when using only predischarge variables. Using only the variables available predischarge, the authors created a model capable of predicting 40% of the readmitted patients. This study provides data that will assist in the development of predictive models for readmission and the creation of interventions to prevent readmission in high-risk patients.
Combined use of minimal access craniotomy, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and awake functional mapping for the resection of gliomas in 61 patients
Authors: Whiting Benjamin B. , Lee Bryan S. , Mahadev Vaidehi , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Ahuja Sanchit , Jia Xuefei , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Barnett Gene H. , Angelov Lilyana , Rajan Shobana , Avitsian Rafi , Vogelbaum Michael A.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Current management of gliomas involves a multidisciplinary approach, including a combination of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) helps to maximize extent of resection (EOR), and use of awake functional mapping supports preservation of eloquent areas of the brain. This study reports on the combined use of these surgical adjuncts.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of patients with gliomas who underwent minimal access craniotomy in their iMRI suite (IMRIS) with awake functional mapping between 2010 and 2017. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative adverse events, and treatment details were obtained. Volumetric analysis of preoperative tumor volume as well as intraoperative and postoperative residual volumes was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients requiring 62 tumor resections met the inclusion criteria. Of the tumors resected, 45.9% were WHO grade I or II and 54.1% were WHO grade III or IV. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring modalities included speech alone in 23 cases (37.1%), motor alone in 24 (38.7%), and both speech and motor in 15 (24.2%). Intraoperative MRI demonstrated residual tumor in 48 cases (77.4%), 41 (85.4%) of whom underwent further resection. Median EOR on iMRI and postoperative MRI was 86.0% and 98.5%, respectively, with a mean difference of 10% and a median difference of 10.5% (p < 0.001). Seventeen of 62 cases achieved an increased EOR > 15% related to use of iMRI. Seventeen (60.7%) of 28 low-grade gliomas and 10 (30.3%) of 33 high-grade gliomas achieved complete resection. Significant intraoperative events included at least temporary new or worsened speech alteration in 7 of 38 cases who underwent speech mapping (18.4%), new or worsened weakness in 7 of 39 cases who underwent motor mapping (18.0%), numbness in 2 cases (3.2%), agitation in 2 (3.2%), and seizures in 2 (3.2%). Among the patients with new intraoperative deficits, 2 had residual speech difficulty, and 2 had weakness postoperatively, which improved to baseline strength by 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective case series, the combined use of iMRI and awake functional mapping was demonstrated to be safe and feasible. This combined approach allows one to achieve the dual goals of maximal tumor removal and minimal functional consequences in patients undergoing glioma resection.
Phase I trial of convection-enhanced delivery of IL13-Pseudomonas toxin in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Heiss John D. , Jamshidi Aria , Shah Smit , Martin Staci , Wolters Pamela L. , Argersinger Davis P. , Warren Katherine E. , Lonser Russell R.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

In this clinical trial report, the authors analyze safety and infusion distribution of IL13-Pseudomonas exotoxin, an antitumor chimeric molecule, administered via intratumoral convection enhanced delivery (CED) in pediatric patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

METHODS

This was a Phase I single-institution, open-label, dose-escalation, safety and tolerability study of IL13-PE38QQR infused via single-catheter CED into 5 pediatric DIPG patients. IL13-PE38QQR was administered to regions of tumor selected by radiographic findings. Two escalating dose levels were evaluated: 0.125 µg/mL in cohort 1 and 0.25 µg/mL in cohort 2. Real-time MRI was performed during intratumoral infusions, and MRI and MR spectroscopy were performed before and after the infusions. Clinical evaluations, including parent-reported quality of life (QOL), were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks post-infusion.

RESULTS

Direct infusion of brainstem tumor with IL13-PE using the CED technique in patients with DIPG produced temporary arrest of disease progression in 2 of 5 patients, both of whom subsequently received a second infusion. All 5 patients showed signs of disease progression by 12 weeks after initial infusion. Two patients experienced transient cranial nerve deficits and lethargy after infusion, and these deficits resolved with corticosteroid treatment in both cases. No patient had radiographic evidence of acute or long-term treatment toxicity. Parent-reported QOL was consistent with medical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though IL13-PE delivered by CED did not reach the entire MRI-defined tumor volume in any patient, short-term radiographic antitumor effects were observed in 2 of the 5 patients treated. The patients’ performance status did not improve. Drug delivery using multiple catheters may produce improved outcomes.

Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00088061 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Long-term follow-up of intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial germ cell tumor
Authors: Takada Akinori , Ii Noriko , Hirayama Masahiro , Toyoda Hidemi , Matsubara Toshio , Toyomasu Yutaka , Kawamura Tomoko , Daimon Takashi , Sakuma Hajime , Nomoto Yoshihito
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

The authors analyzed the efficacy of intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) and evaluated the long-term late effects caused by chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective study. The subjects were 24 patients who received CRT between April 1994 and April 2015. After surgery, intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation was administered. For those with pure germinoma, who comprised the “good prognosis” group, five courses of conventional-dose chemotherapy (CDC) were administered, and radiotherapy (24 Gy) was applied to the whole ventricle. For all others, defined as the “intermediate and poor prognosis” group, two or three courses of CDC and high-dose chemotherapy were administered with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and radiotherapy (24–30 Gy) applied to the whole ventricle or a larger field with or without local boost irradiation (20 Gy), which was applied as needed.

RESULTS

The median period of follow-up was 112.5 months (range 28–261 months), and the 5-/10-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 100%/83.5% and 91.3%/86.5%, respectively. The 5-/10-year overall survival rates determined based on the histological subtypes were 100%/100% for pure germinoma and 93.8%/78.7% for others, respectively. The late toxicities were as follows: endocrine disorder (33% in pure germinoma, 56% in others), involuntary movements (17% in pure germinoma, 39% in others), ear and labyrinth disorders (17% in pure germinoma, 33% in others), and psychiatric disorders (0% in pure germinoma, 33% in others). Nineteen of 24 patients underwent MRI (T2*- or susceptibility-weighted imaging) after radiotherapy, and 16 (84%) of those 19 patients had microbleeds detected, while 2 (10.5%) had radiation-induced cavernous vascular malformations detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial GCTs had the same outcome as that reported in the literature, but late adverse effects after treatment were observed. Almost all of the complications were relatively mild but had the potential to lead to psychiatric disorders and intracranial hemorrhaging.
Treatment of only the fractional curve for radiculopathy in adult scoliosis: comparison to lower thoracic and upper thoracic fusions
Authors: Amara Dominic , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ames Christopher P. , Tay Bobby , Deviren Vedat , Burch Shane , Berven Sigurd H. , Chou Dean
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Many options exist for the surgical management of adult spinal deformity. Radiculopathy and lumbosacral pain from the fractional curve (FC), typically from L4 to S1, is frequently a reason for scoliosis patients to pursue surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of limited fusion of the FC only versus treatment of the entire deformity with long fusions.

METHODS

All adult scoliosis patients treated at the authors’ institution in the period from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with FCs from L4 to S1 > 10° and radiculopathy ipsilateral to the concavity of the FC were eligible for study inclusion and had undergone three categories of surgery: 1) FC only (FC group), 2) lower thoracic to sacrum (LT group), or 3) upper thoracic to sacrum (UT group). Primary outcomes were the rates of revision surgery and complications. Secondary outcomes were estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and discharge destination. Spinopelvic parameters were measured, and patients were stratified accordingly.

RESULTS

Of the 99 patients eligible for inclusion in the study, 27 were in the FC group, 46 in the LT group, and 26 in the UT group. There were no significant preoperative differences in age, sex, smoking status, prior operation, FC magnitude, pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), coronal balance, pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, or proportion of well-aligned spines (SVA < 5 cm, PI-LL mismatch < 10°, and PT < 20°) among the three treatment groups. Mean follow-up was 30 (range 12–112) months, with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The FC group had a lower medical complication rate (22% [FC] vs 57% [LT] vs 58% [UT], p = 0.009) but a higher rate of extension surgery (26% [FC] vs 13% [LT] vs 4% [UT], p = 0.068). The respective average estimated blood loss (592 vs 1950 vs 2634 ml, p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (5.5 vs 8.3 vs 8.3 days, p < 0.001), and rate of discharge to acute rehabilitation (30% vs 46% vs 85%, p < 0.001) were all lower for FC and highest for UT.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the FC only is associated with a lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay, and less blood loss than complete scoliosis treatment. However, there is a higher associated rate of extension of the construct to the lower or upper thoracic levels, and patients should be counseled when considering their options.
Inter-rater reliability of the modified Medical Research Council scale in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Dupépé Esther B. , Davis Matthew , Elsayed Galal A. , Agee Bonita , Kirksey Keneshia , Gordon Amber , Pritchard Patrick R.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for grading motor function in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

Two neurosurgical residents and 2 faculty members performed motor examinations in 6 chronic incomplete SCI patients for a total of 156 muscle groups. Examinations were performed using the modified MRC grading scale during routine clinic visits for each patient. Informed consent was obtained prior to enrollment. Patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale grade A (ASIA A) injuries were excluded. Inter-rater reliability coefficients were calculated using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

RESULTS

Sixty-four percent of the tested variables demonstrated extremely strong (W 0.71–0.9) or strong (0.51–0.7) inter-rater reliability using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and an ICC corresponding to excellent (ICC > 0.75) or fair to good (ICC 0.4–0.75) inter-rater reliability. An additional 7% showed poor inter-rater reliability (ICC < 0.4). The remaining variables tested did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The inter-rater reliability of the modified MRC scale was found to be high in the majority of tested variables, but the results suggest that discrepancy among trained observers does exist. Reliability was greatest in the lower-extremity muscle groups and least in the upper-extremity muscle groups in patients with chronic incomplete SCI.
Comparison of PROMIS Anxiety and Depression, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 to screen for anxiety and depression among patients presenting for spine surgery
Authors: Purvis Taylor E. , Neuman Brian J. , Riley Lee H. , Skolasky Richard L.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, the authors demonstrate to spine surgeons the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression among patients presenting for surgery and explore the relationships between different legacy and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) screening measures.

METHODS

A total of 512 adult spine surgery patients at a single institution completed the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7), 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) depression scale, and PROMIS Anxiety and Depression computer-adaptive tests (CATs) preoperatively. Correlation coefficients were calculated between PROMIS scores and GAD-7 and PHQ-8 scores. Published reference tables were used to determine the presence of anxiety or depression using GAD-7 and PHQ-8. Sensitivity and specificity of published guidance on the PROMIS Anxiety and Depression CATs were compared. Guidance from 3 sources was compared: published GAD-7 and PHQ-8 crosswalk tables, American Psychiatric Association scales, and expert clinical consensus. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine data-driven cut-points for PROMIS Anxiety and Depression. Significance was accepted as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In 512 spine surgery patients, anxiety and depression were prevalent preoperatively (5% with any anxiety, 24% with generalized anxiety screen-positive; and 54% with any depression, 24% with probable major depression). Correlations were moderately strong between PROMIS Anxiety and GAD-7 scores (r = 0.72; p < 0.001) and between PROMIS Depression and PHQ-8 scores (r = 0.74; p < 0.001). The observed correlation of the PROMIS Depression score was greater with the PHQ-8 cognitive/affective score (r = 0.766) than with the somatic score (r = 0.601) (p < 0.001). PROMIS Anxiety and Depression CATs were able to detect the presence of generalized anxiety screen-positive (sensitivity, 86.0%; specificity, 81.6%) and of probable major depression (sensitivity, 82.3%; specificity, 81.4%). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated data-driven cut-points for these groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PROMIS Anxiety and Depression CATs are reliable tools for identifying generalized anxiety screen-positive spine surgery patients and those with probable major depression.
Multidisciplinary surgical planning for en bloc resection of malignant primary cervical spine tumors involving 3D-printed models and neoadjuvant therapies: report of 2 cases
Authors: Ahmed A. Karim , Pennington Zachary , Molina Camilo A. , Xia Yuanxuan , Goodwin C. Rory , Sciubba Daniel M.
Published: February 2019

Effective en bloc resection of primary spinal tumors necessitates careful consideration of adjacent anatomical structures in order to achieve negative margins and reduce surgical morbidity. This can be particularly challenging in the cervical spine, where vital neurovascular and connective tissues are present in the region. Early multidisciplinary surgical planning that includes clinicians and engineers can both optimize surgical planning and enable a more feasible resection with oncological margins. The aim of the current work was to demonstrate two cases that involved multidisciplinary surgical planning for en bloc resection of primary cervical spine tumors, successfully utilizing 3D-printed patient models and neoadjuvant therapies.