bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of intracranial and spinal cavernous malformations: a study of prevalence and natural history
Authors: Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Jacob Jeffrey T. , Edwards Diane A. , Krauss William E. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of intracranial cavernous malformations (CMs) in a large series of predominantly Caucasian patients with spinal cord CMs. The authors also studied the natural history of spinal CMs in patients who were treated nonoperatively.

Methods
The medical records of 67 consecutive patients (32 female and 35 male patients) in whom a spinal CM was diagnosed between 1994 and 2002 were reviewed. The patients’ mean age at presentation was 50 years (range 13–82 years). Twenty-five patients underwent resection of the lesion. Forty-two patients in whom the spinal CM was diagnosed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were followed expectantly. Thirty-three (49%) of 67 patients underwent both spinal and intracranial MR imaging. All available imaging studies were reviewed to determine the coexistence of an intracranial CM.
Fourteen (42%) of the 33 patients with spinal CMs who underwent intracranial MR imaging harbored at least one cerebral CM in addition to the spinal lesion. Six (43%) of these 14 patients did not have a known family history of CM. Data obtained during the long-term follow-up period (mean 9.7 years, total of 319 patient-years) were available for 33 of the 42 patients with a spinal CM who did not undergo surgery. Five symptomatic lesional hemorrhages (neurological events), four of which were documented on neuroimaging studies, occurred during the follow-up period, for an overall event rate of 1.6% per patient per year. No patient experienced clinically significant neurological deficits due to recurrent hemorrhage.

Conclusions
As many as 40% of patients with a spinal CM may harbor a similar intracranial lesion, and approximately 40% of patients with coexisting spinal and intracranial CMs may have the nonfamilial (sporadic) form of the disease. Patients with symptomatic spinal CMs who are treated nonoperatively may have a small risk of clinically significant recurrent hemorrhage. The findings will aid in evaluation of surveillance images and in counseling of patients with spinal CMs, irrespective of family history.
Comparison of multislice computerized tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography in the postoperative evaluation of patients with clipped aneurysms
Authors: Dehdashti Amir R. , Binaghi Stefano , Uske Antoine , Regli Luca 
Published: January 2008

Object
In this study the accuracy of multislice computerized tomography (MSCT) angiography in the postoperative examination of clip-occluded intracranial aneurysms was compared with that of intraarterial digital subtraction (DS) angiography

Methods
Forty-nine consecutive patients with 60 clipped aneurysms (41 of which had ruptured) were studied with the aid of postoperative MSCT and DS angiography. Both types of radiological studies were reviewed independently by two observers to assess the quality of the images, the artifacts left by the clips, the completeness of aneurysm occlusion, the patency of the parent vessel, and the duration and cost of the examination.
The quality of MSCT angiography was good in 42 patients (86%). Poor-quality MSCT angiograms (14%) were a result of the late acquisition of images in three patients and the presence of clip or motion artifacts in four. Occlusion of the aneurysm on good-quality MSCT angiograms was confirmed in all but two patients in whom a small (2-mm) remnant was confirmed on DS angiograms. In one patient, occlusion of a parent vessel was seen on DS angiograms but missed on MSCT angiograms. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting neck remnants on MSCT angiography were both 100%, and the sensitivity and specificity for evaluating vessel patency were 80 and 100%, respectively (95% confidence interval 29.2–100%). Interobserver agreements were 0.765 and 0.86, respectively. The mean duration of the examination was 13 minutes for MSCT angiography and 75 minutes for DS angiography (p < 0.05). Multislice CT angiography was highly cost effective (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Current-generation MSCT angiography is an accurate noninvasive tool used for assessment of clipped aneurysms in the anterior circulation. Its high sensitivity and low cost warrant its use for postoperative routine control examinations following clip placement on an aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography must be performed if the interpretation of MSCT angiograms is doubtful or if the aneurysm is located in the posterior circulation.
Long-term evaluation of deep brain stimulation of the thalamus
Authors: Pahwa Rajesh , Lyons Kelly E. , Wilkinson Steven B. , Simpson Richard K. , Ondo William G. , Tarsy Daniel , Norregaard Thorkild , Hubble Jean P. , Smith Donald A. , Hauser Robert A. , Jankovic Joseph 
Published: January 2008

Object
The effects of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson disease (PD) have been well documented, but there is a paucity of long-term data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the longterm safety and efficacy of DBS of the ventralis intermedius nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus for PD and ET.

Methods
Thirty-eight of 45 patients enrolled at five sites completed a 5-year follow-up study. There were 26 patients with ET and 19 with PD undergoing 29 unilateral (18 ET/11 PD) and 16 bilateral (eight ET/eight PD) procedures. Patients with ET were evaluated using the Tremor Rating Scale, and patients with PD were evaluated using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. The mean age of patients with ET was 70.2 years and 66.3 years in patients with PD. Unilaterally implanted patients with ET had a 75% improvement of the targeted hand tremor; those with bilateral implants had a 65% improvement in the left hand and 86% in the right compared with baseline. Parkinsonian patients with unilateral implants had an 85% improvement in the targeted hand tremor and those with bilateral implants had a 100% improvement in the left hand and 90% improvement in the right. Common DBS-related adverse events in patients receiving unilateral implants were paresthesia (45%) and pain (41%), and in patients receiving implants bilaterally dysarthria (75%) and balance difficulties (56%) occurred. Device-related surgical revisions other than IPG replacements occurred in 12 (27%) of the 45 patients.

Conclusions
Thalamic stimulation is safe and effective for the long-term management of essential and parkinsonian tremors. Bilateral stimulation can cause dysarthria and incoordination and should be used cautiously.
The human survivin promoter: a novel transcriptional targeting strategy for treatment of glioma
Authors: Van Houdt Winan J. , Haviv Yosef S. , Lu Baogen , Wang Minghui , Rivera Angel A. , Ulasov Ilya V. , Lamfers Martine L. M. , Rein Daniel , Lesniak Maciej S. , Siegal Gene P. , Dirven Clemens M. F. , Curiel David T. , Zhu Zeng B. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Malignant brain tumors have been proved to be resistant to standard treatments and therefore require new therapeutic strategies. Survivin, a recently described member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, is overexpressed in several human brain tumors, primarily gliomas, but is downregulated in normal tissues. The authors hypothesized that the expression of tumor-specific survivin could be exploited for treatment of gliomas by targeting the tumors with gene therapy vectors.

Methods
Following confirmation of survivin expression in glioma cell lines, an adenoviral vector containing the survivin promoter and the reporter gene luciferase was tested in established and primary glioma cells, normal astrocytic cells, and normal human brain tissues. High levels of reporter gene expression were observed in established tumor and primary tumor cell lines and low levels of expression in astrocytes and normal human brain tissue. To test oncolytic potency, the authors constructed survivin promoter–based conditionally replicative adenoviruses (CRAds), composed of survivin promoter–regulated E1 gene expression and an RGD-4C capsid modification. These CRAds could efficiently replicate within and kill a variety of established glioma tumor cells, but were inactive in a normal human liver organ culture. Finally, survivin promoter–based CRAds significantly inhibited the growth of glioma xenografts in vivo.

Conclusions
Together these data indicate that the survivin promoter is a promising tumor-specific promoter for transcriptional targeting of adenovirus-based vectors and CRAds for malignant gliomas. The strategy of using survivin–CRAds may thus translate into an experimental therapeutic approach that can be used in human clinical trials.
Dural plasmacytoma revealing multiple myeloma
Authors: Haegelen Claire , Riffaud Laurent , Bernard Marc , Carsin-Nicol Beatrice , Morandi Xavier 
Published: January 2008

✓The authors describe the case of a 72-year-old woman with dural plasmacytoma revealing an immunoglobulin (Ig) G-kappa multiple myeloma (MM). She presented with headaches and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a right frontal extraaxial lesion arising from the dura mater, and biological studies revealed hypercalcemia, hyperproteinemia, and a serum gamma globulin peak. A diagnosis of IgG-kappa MM was based on microscopic examination and immunohistochemical analysis of the dural plasmacytoma as well as on signs of systemic myeloma after surgery. The patient died 3 years after the first symptoms of MM despite systemic chemotherapy and no recurrence of the dural plasmacytoma.
Myelomatous involvement of the dura mater is a rare occurrence given that only three cases have been reported to date. Nevertheless, this pathological entity should be differentiated from solitary dural plasmacytoma (SDP) because the prognosis is radically different. Progression seems to be correlated with systemic disease in contrast to the long-term survival associated with SDP. Careful systemic evaluation should be made in such a presentation to rule out MM, which would require different management and has a different prognosis.
Ultrasonic bone curettage for optic canal unroofing and anterior clinoidectomy
Authors: Chang Han Soo , Joko Masahiro , Song Joon Suk , Ito Kiyoshi , Inoue Tatsushi , Nakagawa Hiroshi 
Published: January 2008

✓Extradural unroofing of the optic canal and subsequent mobilization of the optic nerve is a useful technique in the surgical treatment of parasellar tumors; however, the drilling procedure itself is associated with the risk of optic nerve damage. A safer technique would certainly be beneficial. The ultrasonic bone curette is a device developed in Japan for safer bone removal. Its use in intradural anterior clinoidectomy and opening of the internal auditory meatus has been reported before. In this article the authors describe their experience in using this device for extradural unroofing of the optic canal in patients with parasellar tumors.
Between March 2002 and November 2004, the aforementioned technique was used in the treatment of eight patients with parasellar tumors. After undertaking a frontotemporal craniotomy and orbital osteotomy, an ultrasonic bone curette was used to unroof the optic canal via an epidural approach; in five cases anterior clinoidectomy was added subsequently.
Using an ultrasonic bone curette, unroofing of the optic canal was completed safely and required much less expertise than that required for standard drilling. The mortality and major morbidity rates were 0%. The visual function outcome was satisfactory, with the overall visual status improving in all seven patients in whom this symptom was present preoperatively. The ultrasonic bone curette makes the unroofing of the optic canal safer and easier, possibly improving the visual outcome of patients undergoing surgery for parasellar tumors.
Impact of a neurointensivist on outcomes in patients with head trauma treated in a neurosciences intensive care unit
Authors: Varelas Panayiotis N. , Eastwood Dan , Yun Hyun J. , Spanaki Marianna V. , Bey Lotfi Hacein , Kessaris Christos , Gennarelli Thomas A. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a newly appointed neurointensivist on outcomes in head-injured patients in the neurological/neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods
The mortality rate, length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition of all patients with head trauma who had been admitted to a 10-bed tertiary care university hospital NICU were compared between two 19-month periods, before and after the appointment of a neurointensivist. Data regarding these patients were collected using the hospital database and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database. Samples of medical records were reviewed for Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score documentation.
The authors analyzed data pertaining to 328 patients before and 264 after the neurointensivist's appointment. The unadjusted mean in-hospital mortality rate increased 1.1% in the after period, but this increase was significantly lower compared with the UHC-based expected increase of 8.1% in the mortality rate during the same period (p < 0.0001). The unadjusted mean mortality rate in the NICU decreased from 13.4 to 12.9% (relative mortality rate reduction 4%) and the mean NICU LOS increased from 3.1 to 3.6 days (relative NICU LOS increase 16%), both nonsignificantly. A 51% reduction in the NICU-associated mortality rate (p = 0.01), a 12% shorter hospital LOS (p = 0.026), and 57% greater odds of being discharged to home or to rehabilitation (p = 0.009) were found in the after period in multivariate models after controlling for baseline differences between the two time periods. Better documentation of the GCS score by the NICU team was also found in the after period (from 60.4 to 82%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions
The institution of a neurointensivist-led team model had an independent, positive impact on patient outcomes, including a lower NICU-associated mortality rate and hospital LOS, improved disposition, and better chart documentation.
Contrast ultrasonographic assessment of cerebral perfusion in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Heppner Peter , Ellegala Dilantha B. , Durieux Marcel , Jane John A. , Lindner Jonathan R. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The aims of this study were to determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEU) could be used for noninvasive evaluation of cerebral perfusion in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to assess the effect of decompressive surgery on cerebral perfusion as measured by CEU.

Methods
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intravenous administration of a microbubble contrast agent was performed in six patients with TBI undergoing decompressive craniectomy. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed through a bur hole before craniectomy and through the calvarial defect immediately after craniectomy and on postoperative Days 1 and 2. For the latter two studies, patients were placed in the recumbent position and at a 35° incline to investigate changes in perfusion produced by modulation of intracranial pressure (ICP). Cerebral microvascular blood flow increased by almost threefold immediately after craniectomy, from a mean of 7.5 ± 6.9 (standard deviation [SD]) to 20.9 ± 11.6 (p < 0.05), and further improved on postoperative Day 1 (mean 37.1 ± 13.9 [SD], p < 0.05, compared with postcraniectomy microvascular blood flow) without subsequent change on Day 2. The change in microvascular perfusion correlated inversely with the initial ICP (p < 0.01), indicating less recovery of flow when preoperative ICP was markedly elevated. On postoperative Days 1 and 2, head-of-bed elevation produced an increase in microvascular perfusion on CEU (mean 37 ± 11 compared with 51 ± 20, p < 0.05) and a small decrease in ICP (mean 16 ± 5 mm Hg compared with 12 ± 4 mm Hg, p < 0.05). In patients with parenchymal hematoma, CEU provided spatial information on perfusion abnormalities in the hemorrhagic core and surrounding tissues.

Conclusions
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography has potential for the intraoperative and bedside assessment of cerebral perfusion in patients with TBI. The technique may be appropriate for evaluating responses to therapies aimed at preventing secondary ischemia and for assessing regional perfusion abnormalities.
Surgical anatomy of the cervical and infraclavicular parts of the long thoracic nerve
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Salter E. George , Custis James W. , Wellons John C. , Blount Jeffrey P. , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: January 2008

Object
There is insufficient information in the neurosurgical literature regarding the long thoracic nerve (LTN). Many neurosurgical procedures necessitate a thorough understanding of this nerve's anatomy, for example, brachial plexus exploration/repair, passes for ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, pleural placement of a ventriculopleural shunt, and scalenotomy. In the present study the authors seek to elucidate further the surgical anatomy of this structure.

Methods
Eighteen cadaveric sides were dissected of the LTN, anatomical relationships were observed, and measurements were obtained between it and surrounding osseous landmarks.
The LTN had a mean length of 27 ± 4.5 cm (mean ± standard deviation) and a mean diameter of 3 ± 2.5 mm. The distance from the angle of the mandible to the most proximal portion of the LTN was a mean of 6 ± 1.1 cm. The distance from this proximal portion of the LTN to the carotid tubercle was a mean of 3.3 ± 2 cm. The LTN was located a mean 2.8 cm posterior to the clavicle. In 61% of all sides the C-7 component of the LTN joined the C-5 and C-6 components of the LTN at the level of the second rib posterior to the axillary artery. In one right-sided specimen the C-5 component directly innervated the upper two digitations of the serratus anterior muscle rather than joining the C-6 and C-7 parts of this nerve. The LTN traveled posterior to the axillary vessels and trunks of the brachial plexus in all specimens. It lay between the middle and posterior scalene muscles in 56% of sides. In 11% of sides the C-5 and C-6 components of the LTN traveled through the middle scalene muscle and then combined with the C-7 contribution. In two sides, all contributions to the LTN were situated between the middle scalene muscle and brachial plexus and thus did not travel through any muscle. The C-7 contribution to the LTN was always located anterior to the middle scalene muscle. In all specimens the LTN was found within the axillary sheath superior to the clavicle. Distally, the LTN lay a mean of 15 ± 3.4 cm lateral to the jugular notch and a mean of 22 ± 4.2 cm lateral to the xiphoid process of the sternum.

Conclusions
The neurosurgeon should have knowledge of the topography of the LTN. The results of the present study will allow the surgeon to better localize this structure superior and inferior to the clavicle and decrease morbidity following invasive procedures.
Quantitation of and landmarks for the muscular branches of the ulnar nerve to the forearm for application in peripheral nerve neurotization procedures
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Custis James W. , Salter E. George , Blount Jeffrey P. , Oakes W. Jerry , Wellons John C. 
Published: January 2008

Object
In neurotization procedures, donor nerves—either whole or in part—with relatively pure motor function can be carefully chosen to provide the optimal nearby motor input with as little donor site morbidity as possible. In this context, the ulnar nerve branches to the forearm muscles are relatively dispensable; however, quantitation of and landmarks for these branches are lacking in the literature.

Methods
The ulnar branches to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) muscles in 20 upper extremities obtained in adult cadaveric specimens were dissected and quantified.
In the forearm, a mean of four nerve branches led to the FCU and FDP muscles. A mean of 3.4 branches led to the FCU muscle; of these, one to three were medial branches and zero to two were lateral. Medial branches to the FCU muscle originated a mean of 2.7 cm inferior to the medial epicondyle. Lateral branches to the FCU muscle originated at a mean of 3.3 cm inferior to the medial epicondyle. The mean length of the medial branches was 3.2 cm, whereas the mean length of the lateral branches was 3.3 cm. All nerves had a single trunk for the FDP muscle, and in all specimens this branch was located deep to the main ulnar nerve trunk, originating from the ulnar nerve a mean of 2.7 cm inferior to the medial epicondyle. These branches had a mean length of 5.6 cm. The mean diameter of all medial and lateral branches to the FCU muscle was 1 mm, and the mean diameter of the branch to the FDP muscle was 2.1 mm. All branches to both the FCU and FDP muscles arose from the ulnar nerve, over its first approximately 5 cm from the level of the medial epicondyle. Additionally, all branches could be easily lengthened by gentle proximal dissection from the main ulnar nerve.

Conclusions
Ulnar branches to the forearm can be easily localized and used for neurotization procedures. The branch to the FDP muscle had the greatest diameter and longest length, easily reaching the median nerve and posterior interosseous nerve via a transinterosseous membrane tunneling procedure. Furthermore, this branch could be teased away from the main ulnar nerve trunk and made to reach the distal branches of the musculocutaneous nerve in the arm.
Prospective controlled trial of gamma knife surgery for essential trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Régis Jean , Metellus Philippe , Hayashi Motohiro , Roussel Philippe , Donnet Anne , Bille-Turc Françoise 
Published: January 2008

Object
Stereotactic radiosurgery is an alternative to conventional surgery for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. The authors conducted a prospective evaluation of the safety and efficacy of this method in a large series of patients.

Methods
A total of 100 patients presenting with trigeminal neuralgia were treated and followed up for a minimum of 12 months. The mean age was 68.2 years; 54 patients were male, and 46 were female. Seven had a history of multiple sclerosis, and 42 had already received conventional surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. The intervention consisted of gamma knife surgery to the retrogasserian cisternal portion of the fifth cranial nerve. The median dose used at the maximum was 85 Gy (range 70–90 Gy). The number and intensity of pain attacks were recorded by the patient from 3 months before radiosurgery to a minimum of 12 months after treatment. Before and a minimum of 12 months after treatment, the patient completed a quality-of-life questionnaire. Neurological examination and quantitative sensory testing to evaluate sensory perception were performed by an independent neurologist over this same time period.
At the last visit 83 of 100 patients were reported to be pain free. Fifty-eight of these 83 patients had stopped taking medication during the study. All quality-of-life parameters were improved (p < 0.001). Six patients reported facial paresthesia, and four patients reported hypesthesia. These symptoms were classified as mild. None of the complications reported for other techniques were observed.

Conclusions
Radiosurgery is a safe and effective alternative treatment for trigeminal neuralgia and is associated with a particularly low rate of hypesthesia.