bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrocephalus and craniosynostosis
Authors: Cinalli Giuseppe , Sainte-Rose Christian , Kollar Eve Marie , Zerah Michel , Brunelle Francis , Chumas Paul , Arnaud Eric , Marchac Daniel , Pierre-Kahn Alain , Renier Dominique 
Published: June 2009

Object.A retrospective study of 1727 cases of craniosynostosis was undertaken to determine the interrelationship between abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics and craniosynostosis.Methods.The patients were divided into two groups: nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and syndromic craniosynostosis. Cases of occipital plagiocephaly without suture synostosis and cases of shunt-induced craniosynostosis were excluded from the study. The majority of patients (1297) were treated surgically for their cranial deformity; 95% of these patients had a postoperative follow-up review period lasting 5 years. Clinical and radiographic charts covering the time from presentation through the follow-up period were reviewed.Conclusions.Abnormal intracranial CSF hydrodynamics was found in 8.1% of the patients (3.4% of whom had received shunts and 4.5% of whom had not). Three types of CSF hydrodynamic disturbance were observed: progressive hydrocephalus with ventricular dilation, nonprogressive ventriculomegaly, and dilation of the subarachnoid spaces. Hydrocephalus occurred much more frequently in patients with syndromic craniosynostosis (12.1%) than in those with isolated craniosynostosis (0.3%). In fact, patients with kleeblattschädel exhibited hydrocephalus as a constant feature and patients with Crouzon's syndrome were far more likely to have hydrocephalus than those with other syndromes. In Apert's syndrome, ventricular dilation occurred very frequently, but it was almost always nonprogressive in nature. In most cases of syndromic craniosynostosis, venous sinus obstruction and/or chronic tonsillar herniation were found. Their role in the pathophysiology of hydrocephalus in craniosynostosis is discussed.
Surgical treatment of spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Morreale Vittorio M. , Atkinson John L. D. , Meyer Fredric B. , Piepgras David G. , Ebersold Michael J. 
Published: June 2009

Object. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are an increasingly recognized cause of intracranial hypotension and may require neurosurgical intervention. In the present report the authors review their experience with the surgical management of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks.
Methods. Between 1992 and 1997, 10 patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and intracranial hypotension were treated surgically. The mean age of the seven women and three men was 42.3 years (range 22–61 years). Preoperative imaging showed a single meningeal diverticulum in two patients, a complex of diverticula in one patient, and a focal CSF leak alone in seven patients. Surgical exploration in these seven patients demonstrated meningeal diverticula in one patient; no clear source of CSF leakage could be identified in the remaining six patients. Treatment consisted of ligation of the diverticula or packing of the epidural space with muscle or Gelfoam. Multiple simultaneous spinal CSF leaks were identified in three patients.
Conclusions. All patients experienced complete relief of their headaches postoperatively. There has been no recurrence of symptoms in any of the patients during a mean follow-up period of 19 months (range 3–58 months; 16 person-years of cumulative follow up). Complications consisted of transient intracranial hypertension in one patient and leg numbness in another patient.
Although the disease is often self-limiting, surgical treatment has an important role in the management of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks. Surgery is effective in eliminating the headaches and the morbidity is generally low. Surgical exploration for a focal CSF leak, as demonstrated on radiographic studies, usually does not reveal a clear source of the leak. Some patients may have multiple simultaneous CSF leaks.
Evaluation of intercostal to musculocutaneous nerve transfer in reconstructive brachial plexus surgery
Authors: Malessy Martijn J. A. , Thomeer Ralph T. W. M. 
Published: June 2009

Object.Direct coaptation of intercostal nerves (ICNs) to the musculocutaneous (MC) nerve was performed to restore elbow flexion in 25 patients with brachial plexus root avulsions.Methods.Seventy-five ICNs were transected as close as possible to the sternum to obtain sufficient length and then tunneled to the axilla and coapted to the MC nerve. Direct coaptation was achieved in 95% of ICNs, and functional elbow flexion was regained in 64% of the patients. The results were compared with several reported transfer techniques in which either an ICN or other donor nerves were used.Conclusions.Direct coaptation was equally effective and more straightforward than transfers involving interposition of grafts. The use of alternative donors such as the accessory nerve carries inherent disadvantages compared with the use of ICNs, and the results are not substantially better. Direct ICN—MC nerve transfer is a valuable reconstructive procedure.
Is routine transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring useful in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage?
Authors: Wardlaw Joanna M. , Offin Ruth , Teasdale Graham M. , Teasdale Evelyn M. 
Published: June 2009

Object. In this prospective observational study, the authors assess the impact of routine transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound monitoring on the diagnosis, management, and outcome of delayed ischemic neurological deficit complicating subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Methods. Over a 10-month period 186 patients admitted to a regional neurosciences center were included in the study. Three times a week, routine TCD examinations performed by neuroradiographers made an important positive contribution to the diagnosis of delayed ischemic neurological deficit in 72% of patients with this complication and led to altered management for the benefit of the patient in 43%. In 9% of patients with recent SAH, it was believed that the outcome might have been better if the TCD result had been acted upon appropriately. The TCD results did not adversely influence management or outcome and were generally accurate when compared with those obtained on angiography.
Conclusions. A routine TCD service provided by neuroradiographers is accurate and useful in diagnosing and managing elevated blood velocities and ischemic neurological deficit following SAH. In addition, it is possible that if the information gleaned from TCD findings was used more often in patient management, outcome might be improved; however, a randomized controlled trial is necessary to assess both these points definitively.
Arteriovenous malformations in the basal ganglia and thalamus: management and results in 101 cases
Authors: Sasaki Tomio , Kurita Hiroki , Saito Isamu , Kawamoto Shunsuke , Nemoto Shigeru , Terahara Atsuro , Kirino Takaaki , Takakura Kintomo 
Published: June 2009

Object. Because arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the basal ganglia and thalamus are difficult to treat, the authors conducted a retrospective study to determine the best management strategy for these lesions.
Methods. The authors reviewed the management and outcome in 101 patients with AVMs treated between 1971 and 1995. In 15 conservatively treated patients, hemorrhage occurred in 71.4% (annual rate 11.4%), and the morbidity and mortality rates were 7.1% and 42.9%, respectively, during a mean follow-up period of 6.6 years. Total microsurgical resection was performed in 15 patients with no mortality resulting, but motor function deteriorated permanently in three of them (20%). Postoperative morbidity correlated well with the location of the AVM and with preoperative motor function. In cases of lenticular AVMs without motor weakness, a postoperative decrease in motor function was significantly more common than in the remaining patients. In patients with motor weakness before surgery, AVMs in the thalamus or caudate nucleus were successfully resected. Among 66 patients treated with gamma knife radiosurgery, three had permanent radiation-induced neurological deficits, and three others experienced bleeding (new bleeding in one case and rebleeding in two). The treatment-associated morbidity rate was 6.7%, and the actuarial rate of complete obliteration was 85.7% at 2.5 years. In five patients treated with embolization alone, the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the procedure or bleeding were 40% and 20%, respectively. The morbidity and mortality rates in the pre—gamma knife era were 22.2% and 22.2%, whereas those for the post-gamma knife era are currently 10.4% and 1.5%, respectively.
Conclusions. These results indicate that conservatively treated AVMs are more likely to bleed and thus produce a high incidence of patient mortality. Multimodal treatment including radiosurgery, microsurgery, and embolization improved clinical outcomes by making it possible to treat difficult cases successfully.
Role of ferrous iron chelator 2,2′-dipyridyl in preventing delayed vasospasm in a primate model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Horky Laura L. , Pluta Ryszard M. , Boock Robert J. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: June 2009

Object.Oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) causes vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The most likely spasmogenic component of HbO2is iron. Various iron chelators, such as deferoxamine, have prevented vasospasm in vivo with limited success. However, only chelators of iron in the ferric state have been studied in animal models of vasospasm after SAH. Because free radical formation requires the ferrous (Fe++) moiety and Fe++is a potent binder of the vasodilator nitric oxide, the authors hypothesized that iron in the ferrous state causes vasospasm and that chelators of Fe++, such as 2,2′-dipyridyl, may prevent vasospasm. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of 2,2′-dipyridyl on vasospasm after induction of SAH in a primate model.Methods.Twelve cynomolgus monkeys were randomly divided into two groups and then both groups underwent placement of an arterial autologous blood clot in the subarachnoid space around the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The five animals in the control group received intravenously administered saline and the seven treated animals received intravenously administered chelator (2,2′-dipyridyl) for 14 days. Sequential arteriography for assessment of MCA diameter was performed before and on the 7th day after SAH.Conclusions.Prevention of cerebral vasospasm by means of treatment with continuous intravenous administration of 2,2′-dipyridyl is reported in a primate model of SAH. This result provides insight into the possible mechanism of delayed vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH and provides a potential preventive therapy for it.
Efficacy and biocompatibility of a photopolymerized, synthetic, absorbable hydrogel as a dural sealant in a canine craniotomy model
Authors: Alleyne Cargill H. , Cawley C. Michael , Barrow Daniel L. , Poff Bradley C. , Powell Michelle D. , Sawhney Amarpreet S. , Dillehay Dirck L. 
Published: June 2009

Object. A canine craniotomy model was used to evaluate the dural sealing efficacy and biocompatibility of a novel, synthetic, bioresorbable hydrogel.
Methods. Bilateral craniotomies were performed in 24 dogs assigned to six survival periods. In each animal a parasagittal durotomy was created and then repaired. At the treatment sites the hydrogel sealant was applied over the dural repair and photopolymerized. The repair was tested for leaks to 20 cm H2O by using a Valsalva maneuver. At the control sites the incisions were sutured and tested for leaks only. After uneventful survival periods, the leak test was repeated in three of the four animals in each group. Bone—dura adhesion was evaluated, after which the dura and underlying brain were removed, fixed, and examined histologically. En bloc histological investigation was performed on a specimen obtained from the fourth animal in each group.
Over a 56-day period, 18 treated sites were tested for leaks. A leak was detected at a site remote from that of the repair in one animal; this was excluded from analysis. Thus 17 of 17 treated sites remained free of leaks. On the control side of one animal, there was a leak from a new dural tear at the cranial end of the durotomy, which occurred when the bone flap was removed. This site was also excluded from analysis. Eleven of 17 leak-tested control sites remained free of leaks over the study period. Bone—dura adhesions occurred in 15 of 19 control sites and had a mean adhesion score of 1.37 (range 0–4), whereas adhesions occurred in 10 of 19 treated sites with a mean adhesion score of 0.84 (range 0–3). No cortical reaction was noted.
Conclusions. This novel hydrogel sealant is efficacious in sealing dural repair sites measuring up to 2 mm. Healing of the underlying dura is not compromised and exposed cortical tissue is not altered histologically.
Ruptured giant intracranial aneurysms. Part II. A retrospective analysis of timing and outcome of surgical treatment
Authors: Piepgras David G. , Khurana Vini G. , Whisnant Jack P. 
Published: June 2009

Object. This retrospective study was made to determine the relationship between surgical timing and outcome in all patients with ruptured giant intracranial aneurysms undergoing surgical treatment at the Mayo Clinic between 1973 and 1996.Methods. The authors studied 109 patients, 102 of whom were referred from other medical centers. The ruptured giant aneurysms were 25 to 60 mm in diameter. One hundred five of the patients survived the rupturing of the aneurysm to undergo operation, with direct surgery possible in 84% of cases. Excluding delayed referrals, the average time to surgery after admission to the Mayo Clinic was approximately 4 to 5 days. Patients admitted earlier tended to be in poorer condition, often undergoing earlier operation. On average, surgical treatment was administered later for patients with ruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation than for those with aneurysms in the anterior circulation. Temporary occlusion of the parent vessel was necessary in 67% of direct procedures, with an average occlusion time of 15 minutes. Among surgically treated patients, a favorable outcome was achieved in 72% harboring ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms and in 78% with ruptured posterior circulation lesions.Conclusions. The overall management mortality rate was 21.1%, and the mortality rate for surgical management was 8.6%. The authors believe that because of the technical difficulties and risk of rebleeding associated with ruptured giant intracranial aneurysms, timely referral to and well-planned treatment at medical centers specializing in management of these lesions are essential to effect a more favorable outcome.
Prevalence of cerebral aneurysms in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia: a reassessment
Authors: Cloft Harry J. , Kallmes David F. , Kallmes Michelle H. , Goldstein Jonas H. , Jensen Mary E. , Dion Jacques E. 
Published: June 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cerebral saccular aneurysms in patients with carotid artery and/or vertebral artery (VA) fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).Methods. A metaanalysis was performed using data from 17 previously reported series of patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or VA FMD that included information on the prevalence of cerebral aneurysms. In addition, the authors retrospectively evaluated their own series of 117 patients with ICA and/or VA FMD to determine the prevalence of cerebral aneurysms. The metaanalysis of the 17 earlier series, which included 498 patients, showed a 7.6 ± 2.5% prevalence of incidental, asymptomatic aneurysms in patients with ICA and/or VA FMD. In the authors' series of patients with FMD, 6.3 ± 4.9% of patients harbored an incidental, asymptomatic aneurysm. When the authors' series was combined with those included in the metaanalysis, the prevalence was found to be 7.3 ± 2.2%. The prevalence of aneurysms in the general population would have to be greater than 5.6% for there to be no statistically significant difference (chi-square test, p < 0.05) when compared with this 7.3% prevalence in patients with FMD.Conclusions. The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in patients with cervical ICA and/or VA FMD is approximately 7%, which is not nearly as high as the 21 to 51% prevalence that has been previously reported.
Direct packing of the isolated sinus in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas of the transverse—sigmoid sinus
Authors: Endo Shunro , Kuwayama Naoya , Takaku Akira , Nishijima Michiharu 
Published: June 2009

Object. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of direct packing of the isolated sinus (occluded both distally and proximally) in patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) of the transverse—sigmoid sinus.Methods. Eight patients were included in this study. There were seven men and one woman, ranging in age from 47 to 75 years (mean 60.4 years). Five patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage or venous infarction, one with convulsions, and two with pulsatile tinnitus. Prominent retrograde cortical venous drainage due to sinus isolation was angiographically demonstrated in all patients. All patients were treated by a small craniotomy and direct sinus packing with microcoils; the procedure was performed with the aid of digital subtraction angiography. Five patients were pretreated with transarterial embolization to reduce arterial inflow before the procedure, and intrasinus pressure and sinus blood gases were monitored throughout the operation. Postsurgery, the dural AVF was completely obliterated in all patients. The sinus pressure was 29 to 58% of systemic blood pressure, and sinus blood gas levels were purely arterial before packing. There was no morbidity related to direct sinus packing; however, one patient died as a result of acute myocardial infarction. Over a follow-up period ranging from 1 to 5 years, a faint asymptomatic dural AVF recurred in one patient on the cortex adjacent to the occluded sinus but regressed spontaneously within 1 year.Conclusions. Direct sinus packing was found to be highly effective for the treatment of dural AVFs that empty into the isolated sinus. Measurement of changes in sinus pressure and sinus blood gas levels was useful for monitoring the progress of direct sinus packing.
External hydrocephalus after aneurysm surgery: paradoxical response to ventricular shunting
Authors: Yoshimoto Yuhei , Wakai Susumu , Hamano Masaaki 
Published: June 2009

Object. The authors sought to investigate the mechanisms and pathophysiological effects of subdural fluid collection after surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Methods. The authors retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 76 patients who had undergone craniotomy. The patients included 55 with aneurysmal SAH (SAH group) and 21 with unruptured aneurysms (non-SAH group) who were used as controls. Subdural fluid collection was more common in the SAH than in the non-SAH group (38% compared with 14%, p < 0.05). Although older patients appeared to be at greater risk for subdural fluid collection in both groups (p < 0.05), this condition developed even in relatively young patients with SAH. In the SAH group most subdural fluid collection was associated with ventricular dilation (81%), and a significant correlation was seen between fluid collection and the need for subsequent shunt placement (48% compared with 21%, p < 0.05). These results point to an association between hydrodynamic dysfunction and subdural fluid collection. The course of patients with subdural fluid collection varied from spontaneous resolution to normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Seven patients with persistent subdural collections underwent shunt placement (ventriculoperitoneal [VP] shunt in six and lumboperitoneal in one), which resulted in resolution of fluid collection in all seven.Conclusions. The results indicate that for most patients in the SAH group, subdural fluid collection represented “external hydrocephalus” rather than simple “subdural hygroma.” Decreased absorption of cerebrospinal fluid because of SAH and surgically created tears in the arachnoid membrane communicating with the subdural space were factors in the development of external hydrocephalus. The authors believe that differentiating external hydrocephalus from subdural hygroma is extremely important, because VP shunt placement can be used to treat the former but could worsen the latter.
Neurotopographic considerations in the microsurgical treatment of small acoustic neurinomas
Authors: Koos Wolfgang T. , Day J. Diaz , Matula Christian , Levy David I. 
Published: June 2009

Object. The authors studied the relationships between tumor size, location, and topographic position relative to the intact facial nerve bundles in acoustic neurinomas to determine the influence of these factors on hearing preservation postoperatively. Consistent topographic relationships were found.Methods. Four hundred fifty-two patients with acoustic neurinoma treated via a retrosigmoid approach were analyzed with respect to hearing preservation and facial nerve function. One hundred fifteen tumors were identified as small and were categorized as Grades I and II. Patients with Grade I tumors, that is, purely intracanalicular lesions, all had good hearing preoperatively, defined by a less than 50-dB pure tone average and 50% speech discrimination score. All 14 Grade I tumors were removed, resulting in preservation of the patient's hearing by these criteria. There were no particular topographic anatomical relationships associated with these tumors that affected hearing preservation. Grade II tumors, defined as those protruding into the cerebellopontine angle without contacting the brainstem, were found in 101 patients and were divided by size into two grades: IIA (< 1 cm) and IIB (1–1.8 cm). In 90 patients with Grade IIA tumors, 72 (89%) of 81 who had preserved hearing preoperatively maintained it postoperatively, and in the 11 patients with Grade IIB tumors, six of whom had good hearing preoperatively, four (67%) had preserved hearing postoperatively. Six morphological types were identified based on their neurotopographic relationships to the elements of the vestibulocochlear nerve.Conclusions. Hearing preservation postsurgery by tumor type was as follows: 1A, 92%; 1B, 88%; 1C, 100%; 2A, 83%; 2B, 92%; and 3, 57%. Combined, this represents a hearing preservation rate of 87% after surgical treatment of Grade II acoustic neurinomas. Full nerve function was maintained in 88% of patients with anatomically preserved facial nerves in both Grade I and II tumors. The remaining 12% of patients retained partial function of the facial nerve. Two patients in the series lost anatomical integrity of the nerve due to surgery.