bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Operative intracranial infection following craniotomy
Authors: Dashti Shervin R. , Baharvahdat Humain , Spetzler Robert F. , Sauvageau Eric , Chang Steven W. , Stiefel Michael F. , Park Min S. , Bambakidis Nicholas C. 
Published: June 2008

Object
Postoperative infection after cranial surgery is a serious complication that requires immediate recognition and treatment. In certain cases such as postoperative meningitis, the patient can be treated with antibiotics only. In cases that involve a bone flap infection, subdural empyema, or cerebral abscess, however, reoperation is often needed. There has been significant disagreement regarding the incidence of postoperative central nervous system (CNS) infections following cranial surgery. In this paper the authors' goal was to perform a retrospective review of the incidence of CNS infection after cranial surgery at their institution. They focused their review on those patients who required repeated surgery to treat the infection.

Methods
The authors reviewed the medical records and imaging studies in all patients who underwent a craniotomy or stereotactic drainage for CNS infection over the past 10 years. Subgroup analysis was then performed in patients whose infection was a result of a previous cranial operation to determine the incidence, factors associated with infection, and the type of infectious organism. Patients treated nonoperatively (that is, those who received intravenous antibiotics for postoperative meningitis or cellulitis) were not included. Patients treated for wound infection without intracranial pus were also not included.

Results
During the study period from January 1997 through December 2007, ~ 16,540 cranial surgeries were performed by 25 neurosurgeons. These included elective as well as emergency and trauma cases. Of these cases 82 (0.5%) were performed to treat postoperative infection in 50 patients. All 50 patients underwent their original surgery at the authors' institution. The median age was 51 years (range 2–74 years). There were 26 male and 24 female patients.
The most common offending organism was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, which was found in 10 of 50 patients. Gram-negative rods were found in 15 patients. Multiple organisms were identified in specimens obtained in 5 patients. Six patients had negative cultures. Most craniotomies leading to subsequent infection were performed for tumors or other mass lesions (23 of 50 patients), followed by craniotomies for hemorrhage and vascular lesions. Almost half of the patients underwent > 1 cranial operation before presenting with infection.

Conclusions
Postoperative infection after cranial surgery is an important phenomenon that needs immediate recognition. Even with strict adherence to sterile techniques and administration of antibiotic prophylaxis, a small percentage of these patients will develop an infection severe enough to require reoperation.
Cerebral hydatid cysts: technique and pitfalls of surgical management
Authors: Izci Yusuf , Tüzün Yusuf , Seçer Halil Ibrahim , Gönül Engin 
Published: June 2008

Object
Hydatid cysts are rare, but most often they occur in the liver and lungs. Cerebral manifestation is very rare, and surgery is the main treatment. The goal of surgery is to remove the cysts in toto without rupture. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical technique of removing cerebral hydatid cysts and to show the possible pitfalls of surgery.

Methods
This study included 17 patients who underwent surgery for an intracranial hydatid cyst. The Dowling technique was used in all patients. This technique is based on the large cranial opening, careful handling, meticulous cortical dissection, and removal of the cyst by hydrostatic assistance.

Results
The hydatid cysts were removed unruptured in 88% of the cases. The cysts ruptured intraoperatively in 2 patients, and the ventricular system was opened in 1 of them. Anaphylactic reaction or chemical meningitis did not occur, but recurrence and spinal seeding were observed in the follow-up of these patients. The thin cyst wall, periventricular locations, and microadhesions to the surrounding brain tissue were the main surgical problems. None of the patients died after the surgery.

Conclusions
Although this technique seems safe and easy, there are some pitfalls concerning the cyst location and surgical approach. Successful management requires a flexible therapeutic strategy and meticulous dissection by an experienced surgeon.
Brain abscess: analysis of results in a series of 51 patients with a combined surgical and medical approach during an 11-year period
Authors: Çavuşoglu Halit , Kaya Ramazan Alper , Türkmenoglu Osman Nuri , Çolak Ibrahim , Aydin Yunus 
Published: June 2008

Object
In this study the authors' goal was to present the clinical and imaging results of the combined surgical and medical treatment of intracranial abscesses.

Methods
The authors retrospectively analyzed the data in 51 patients with intracranial abscesses who underwent surgery between January 1997 and November 2007. Patients were treated with aspiration through a single bur hole, total resection with open craniotomy, or image-guided stereotactic aspiration. Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was performed ~ 24 hours after surgery to evaluate the size of the abscess and almost weekly during follow-up until the abscess and/or cerebral edema was reduced. Clinical results were analyzed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results
There were 36 male and 15 female patients, and their ages ranged from 14 months to 58 years (mean 29 years). Adjacent localized cranial infection was the most common predisposing factor in 31 patients (61%). Thirty-two patients were treated by repeated aspiration via a single bur hole. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species were isolated most frequently. No statistically significiant difference between causative organisms and clinical outcome was identified (p > 0.05). Assessment of overall 1-year clinical outcomes was favorable (mRS Scores 0–2) in 76.5% of patients (39 of 51 patients). The initial neurological condition was strongly correlated with the clinical outcome (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
A combination of surgical aspiration or removal of all abscesses > 2.5 cm in diameter, a 6-week or longer course of intravenous antibiotics, and weekly neuroimaging should yield cure rates of > 90% in patients with intracranial abscesses.
Wall enhancement, edema, and hydrocephalus after endovascular coil occlusion of intradural cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Fanning Noel F. , Willinsky Robert A. , terBrugge Karel G. 
Published: June 2008

Object
Symptomatic local inflammation, aseptic meningitis, and hydrocephalus are reported in a group of patients treated with second generation/modified platinum coils. The purpose of this study was to define the frequency and determinants of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of aneurysm wall enhancement, perianeurysmal edema, and hydrocephalus in a cohort of coil-embolized intradural cerebral aneurysms treated with bare platinum or modified platinum coils (Matrix or HydroCoils).

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed 359 Gd-enhanced MR follow-up studies of 181 treated aneurysms (125 ruptured) for mural enhancement. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to define mural enhancement associations with demographic, clinical, angiographic, treatment, and follow-up data. Embolization-related edema and hydrocephalus were defined in 95 MR imaging studies of 56 unruptured aneurysms.

Results
Asymptomatic wall enhancement was observed in lesions treated with all coil types, occurring in 21 (18.6%) of 113 bare platinum coil–treated aneurysms. Independent associations were HydroCoil treatment (odds ratio [OR] 9.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.45–30.75) and increasing aneurysm size (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.99–6.95). Five (8.9%) unruptured aneurysms had asymptomatic de novo edema, and 3 (5.3%) demonstrated hydrocephalus; all had been treated with HydroCoils. Hydrocephalus presentation was delayed (8–31 months) and symptomatic in 2 patients.

Conclusions
Asymptomatic aneurysm wall enhancement occurred in 18.6% of embolizations performed with bare platinum coils, and probably represents a normal healing response. Perimural edema and hydrocephalus were observed only in patients treated with HydroCoils, but have been reported in patients treated with other modified platinum coils. These symptoms appear to represent an exaggerated inflammatory response during aneurysm healing. Increased vigilance for delayed hydrocephalus is required. Judicious clinical use of modified platinum coils is warranted until results of randomized trials are published.
Use of the sole stenting technique for the management of aneurysms in the posterior circulation in a prospective series of 20 patients
Authors: Zenteno Marco Antonio , Santos-Franco Jorge Arturo , Freitas-Modenesi Jose Maria , Gómez Camilo , Murillo-Bonilla Luis , Aburto-Murrieta Yolanda , Díaz-Romero Ricardo , Nathal Edgar , Gómez-Llata Sergio , Lee Angel 
Published: June 2008

Object
The use of intracranial stents in stent-assisted coil embolization is now a current neurosurgical practice worldwide. The clinical utility of these stents in the sole stenting (SS) technique, however, has not been thoroughly described, and the published reports of this experience are scarce. This study was designed to evaluate SS treatment of dissecting and nondissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation.

Methods
This prospective and descriptive study was conducted in 20 consecutive patients who harbored single aneurysms of the posterior circulation and who were treated using the SS approach in the last 3 years. The clinical and radiological assessment and follow-up of the patients were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale as well as with computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography at discharge and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results
Eleven of the 20 patients had subarachnoid hemorrhages, 3 presented with ischemia, 1 presented with brainstem compression, and the remaining 5 patients had incidentally discovered, asymptomatic lesions. Only 1 patient had a complication (occipital infarction) attributable to the SS procedure. One patient died of rebleeding 2 weeks after the procedure. At 1 month, 40% of the patients had a subtotal or total occlusion, which increased to 55% at 3 months and 85% at 6 months, with a final subtotal or total occlusion rate of 80% at 1 year. The SS procedure in 1 case was considered a failure at 6 months because no change had been noted since the 1-month follow-up. One case showed partial occlusion and 1 case showed recanalization.

Conclusions
Use of SS for aneurysms in the posterior circulation complex is a safe and effective technique, demonstrating an occlusion rate of 80% at the 1-year follow up.
Impact of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation on survival after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Tetri Sami , Mäntymäki Liisa , Juvela Seppo , Saloheimo Pertti , Pyhtinen Juhani , Rusanen Harri , Hillbom Matti 
Published: June 2008

Object
The well-known predictors for increased early deaths after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) include the clinical and radiological severity of bleeding as well as being on a warfarin regimen at the onset of stroke. Ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation may also increase early deaths. In the present study the authors aimed to elucidate the role of the last 2 factors.

Methods
The authors assessed the 3-month mortality rate in patients with spontaneous ICH (453 individuals) who were admitted to the stroke unit of Oulu University Hospital within a period of 11 years (1993–2004).

Results
The 3-month mortality rate for the 453 patients was 28%. The corresponding mortality rates were 42% for the patients who had ischemic heart disease and 61% for those with atrial fibrillation on admission. The following independent predictors of death emerged after adjustment for sex and the use of warfarin or aspirin at the onset of ICH: 1) ischemic heart disease (hazard ratio [HR] 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.48, p < 0.02); 2) atrial fibrillation on admission (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12–2.86, p < 0.02); 3) the Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission (HR 0.82 per unit, 95% CI 0.79–0.87, p < 0.01); 4) size of hematoma (HR 1.11 per 10 ml, 95% CI 1.07–1.16, p < 0.01); 5) intraventricular hemorrhage (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.71–4.02, p < 0.01); 6) age (HR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.02–1.06, p < 0.01); and 7) infratentorial location of the hematoma (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.26–2.97, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Both ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation independently and significantly impaired the 3-month survival of patients with ICH.
The effect of lumboventricular lavage and simultaneous low-frequency head-motion therapy after severe subarachnoid hemorrhage: results of a single center prospective Phase II trial
Authors: Hänggi Daniel , Liersch Julia , Turowski Bernd , Yong Mei , Steiger Hans-Jakob 
Published: June 2008

Object
The authors of recent publications have suggested that a combination of cisternal irrigation and head-shaking therapy might reduce cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and therefore improve outcome. The authors undertook this prospective nonrandomized Phase II study to analyze the effect of enhanced washout by lumboventricular irrigation in combination with head motion (lateral rotational therapy) on the clot clearance (CC) rate, development of cerebral vasospasm, and clinical outcome.

Methods
Forty patients with aneurysmal SAHs of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades II–V (Glasgow Coma Scale Scores 13–3) and Fisher Grade 3 or 4 were included in this study. The study and control groups each consisted of 20 patients. The protocol in the study group, after the aneurysm was secured and a ventricular drain inserted, included the insertion of 2 lumbar catheters for intrathecal irrigation with Ringer solution and intrathecal pressure monitoring. Moderate head rotation in a kinetic system was also applied and was continued for 5 days. The CC rate was monitored on daily computed tomography (CT) scans. Vasospasms were identified clinically with a focus on delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs), daily transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography studies, and analysis of infarction rate on CT and cerebral angiography. The data obtained in both groups were statistically evaluated.

Results
There were no procedure-related complications. The overall CC rate did not differ significantly between the groups, but there was a trend toward accelerated resolution in the study group. During observation, a new neurological deficit developed in 1 patient (5%) in the study group and 4 patients (20%) in the control group. Ischemic areas on CT scans related to vasospasm were demonstrated in 2 patients (10%) in the study group and 6 patients (30%) in the control group. The incidence of angiographic vasospasm was approximately the same in both groups. The pooled TCD flow velocities measured over a period of 14 days showed lower mean values in the study group than in the control group (p = 0.00002). The clinical outcome in the study group as evaluated with the modified Rankin scale was better in the study group than in the control group after 3 (p = 0.008) and 6 (p = 0.005) months.

Conclusions
The present study demonstrates that a combination of lumboventricular lavage and mechanical head motion reduces vasospasm on TCD ultrasonography, the incidence of DIND, and secondary infarctions on CT and improves clinical outcome. No obvious effect could be found on the rate of angiographic vasospasm.
Long-term surgical results with aneurysms involving the ophthalmic segment of the carotid artery
Authors: Raco Antonino , Frati Alessandro , Santoro Antonio , Vangelista Tommaso , Salvati Maurizio , Delfini Roberto , Cantore Giampaolo 
Published: June 2008

Object
Because of the anatomical complexity of the paraclinoid region, the surgical treatment of aneurysms arising in the C6 segment of the internal carotid artery is extremely challenging. The authors' aim in this study was to describe the extended clinical follow-up and assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of surgical treatment for these aneurysms, focusing on the clinical outcome and degree of aneurysm occlusion and recurrence.

Methods
The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical records for patients treated surgically between 1973 and 2004 at the University of Rome, “La Sapienza.” Aneurysms were classified into the following 3 groups according to the site where they arose: the anteromedial, anterior or anterolateral, and posteromedial wall of the C6 segment.

Results
Of the 108 aneurysms in 104 patients treated, 63 (58%) were large or giant. Eighty-eight aneurysms in 84 patients were clipped, 16 underwent a high-flow bypass, 2 were trapped, 1 was wrapped, and 1 was left untreated. The mean follow-up was 126 months; 47 patients had a follow-up of > 10 years. Of the 88 aneurysms that were clipped, 6 (6.8%) had an incomplete occlusion that required an immediate reoperation in 1 case and at 2 years in another. Overall 6 patients (5.8%) had surgery-related permanent complications.

Conclusions
Mortality and morbidity rates depend mainly on the patient's preoperative Hunt and Hess grade subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas surgical morbidity principally reflects excessive manipulation of the optic nerve or ischemic problems due to excessive temporary trapping undertaken without adequate neuroprotection. In expert hands, surgery (clipping and bypass procedures) is a definitive treatment for C6 aneurysms and has an acceptable complication rate.
Initial management of hydrocephalus associated with Chiari malformation Type I–syringomyelia complex via endoscopic third ventriculostomy: an outcome analysis
Authors: Hayhurst Caroline , Osman-Farah Jibril , Das Kumar , Mallucci Conor 
Published: June 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) and hydrocephalus with or without syringomyelia.

Methods
The authors identified, in a prospective endoscopy database, 16 adults and children (age range 2–68 years) with CM-I and hydrocephalus that had been managed with ETV. They reviewed the clinical features and radiographic findings for all patients. Fifteen patients underwent ETV as a primary treatment, whereas 1 patient underwent the procedure at the time of shunt failure. All patients had symptomatic hydrocephalus with either aqueductal or fourth ventricular outflow obstruction. The mean duration of follow-up was 42 months.

Results
Fifteen patients (94%) remain shunt free following ETV for CM-I. Five (83%) of the 6 patients with a syrinx had improvement or resolution of the syrinx following ETV. Six patients (37.5%) underwent foramen magnum decompression for persistent CM-I– or syrinx-related symptoms. There was no cerebrospinal fluid leakage or intracranial pressure–related problem following foramen magnum decompression.

Conclusions
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy provides a durable method of treatment for hydrocephalus associated with CM-I. It is effective as a primary treatment, and the authors advocate its use as a replacement for routine ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in these patients. Management of the hydrocephalus alone is often sufficient and may obviate decompression, although a significant proportion of patients will still need both procedures.
Hand prehension recovery after brachial plexus avulsion injury by performing a full-length phrenic nerve transfer via endoscopic thoracic surgery
Authors: Xu Wen-Dong , Lu Jiu-Zhou , Qiu Yan-Qun , Jiang Su , Xu Lei , Xu Jian-Guang , Gu Yu-Dong 
Published: June 2008

Object
The functional recovery of hand prehension after complete brachial plexus avulsion injury (BPAI) remains an unsolved problem. The authors conducted a prospective study to elucidate a new method of resolving this injury.

Methods
Three patients with BPAI underwent a new procedure during which the full-length phrenic nerve was transferred to the medial root of the median nerve via endoscopic thoracic surgery support. All 3 patients were followed up for a postoperative period of > 3 years.

Results
The power of the palmaris longus, flexor pollicis longus, and the flexor digitorum muscles of all 4 fingers reached Grade 3–4/5, and no symptoms of respiratory insufficiency occurred.

Conclusions
Neurotization of the phrenic nerve to the medial root of the median nerve via endoscopic thoracic surgery is a feasible means of early hand prehension recovery after complete BPAI.
A novel endovascular clip system for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: technology, concept, and initial experimental results
Authors: Marotta Thomas R. , Gunnarsson Thorsteinn , Penn Ian , Ricci Donald R. , Mcdougall Ian , Marko Alexei , Bourne Gyasi , Costa Leodante Da 
Published: June 2008

Object
The authors describe a novel device for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, the endovascular clip system (eCLIPs). Descriptions of the device and its delivery system as well as the results of flow model tests and the treatment of experimental aneurysms are provided.

Methods
The eCLIPs comprises a flexible hybrid implantable device (an anchor and a covered leaf) and a balloon catheter delivery system, designed to be positioned and activated in the parent vessel in such a way that the covered portion will abut the aneurysm neck. The eCLIPs was subjected to testing in glass, elastomeric, and cadaveric flow models to determine its navigability, orientation, and activation compared with commercially available stents. In a second experiment, 8 carotid artery sidewall aneurysms in swine were treated using eCLIPs. The degree of occlusion was observed on angiography immediately following and 30 days after device activation, and a histological analysis was performed at 30 days.

Results
The device could navigate tortuous glass models and human cadaveric vessels. Compared with commercially available stents, the eCLIPs performed well. It could be navigated, oriented, and activated easily and reliably. With regard to the 8 porcine experimental aneurysms, immediate postactivation angiograms confirmed complete occlusion of 4 lesions and near occlusion of the other 4. Angiographic follow-up at 30 days postactivation showed occlusion of all 8 aneurysms and patency of all parent vessels. Histopathological analysis revealed aneurysm healing, with smooth-muscle cells growing across the lesion neck to allow reendothelialization.

Conclusions
Aneurysm occlusion with a single extrasaccular endovascular device has potential advantages. The authors believe that eCLIPs may prove to be a useful tool in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The system should reduce risks associated with coiling, procedure time, costs, and radiation exposure. The device satisfactorily occluded 8 experimental sidewall aneurysms. The observed healing pattern is similar to that seen after microsurgical clipping.