Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society最新文献

Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with metastatic spinal tumors who underwent either short-segment fixation with anterior support or long-segment fixation with a separation surgery in the thoracic or lumbar spine.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients who were treated surgically for spinal metastases in the thoracic or lumbar spine at a single tertiary referral center between April 2014 and December 2022. Surgical treatments included spinal cord decompression, short-segment fixation with maximal circumferential debulking of the lytic tumor portion and anterior support, or longsegment fixation without anterior support, followed by separation surgery and posterolateral fusion. We compared the two fixation strategies based on patient demographics, preoperative diagnoses, surgical data, neurological assessments, and changes in segmental Cobb angles immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up.

Results: A total of 91 patients were included (short-segment, 44; long-segment, 47). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding age, sex, comorbidities, primary cancer location, postoperative complications, or reoperation rates. Furthermore, no significant differences in the sagittal Cobb angles, including global angle (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis) and segmental angle were noted from the preop to the final follow-up. Compared to traditional long-segment fixation, short-segment fixation with anterior support significantly improved neurological outcomes in the thoracic region and reduced the length of hospital stay. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding complications or other clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: Short-segment fixation is comparable to long-segment fixation in the management of thoracolumbar metastatic spinal tumors, with no significant differences in radiographic outcomes. However, short-segment fixation provides the added advantages of improved neurological outcomes in the thoracic region and shorter hospital stays.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcomes. Prompt occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm at an early stage is crucial to prevent rebleeding, which can result in even higher mortality and more severe disabilities. The most critical initial decision in SAH management is the choice of treatment method with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline to select the optimal initial treatment in patients with SAH. We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer two population, intervention, comparison, outcome questions comparing clipping and coiling. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcome and mortality. We included six randomized control trials (RCTs) and 58 observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that coiling improved functional outcomes compared to clipping (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-0.97). No significant mortality difference was observed in RCTs (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91-2.09), but non-RCTs favored clipping for reduced mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.86). However, it is difficult to generalize these findings to all clinical situations, as patients with SAH have a highly variable clinical course. Final treatment decision should be tailored to the individual patient's status, including aneurysm location, morphology, and the expertise available at the treatment center. Such decisions are best made by specialists such as a board-certified physician and should be explained to the patient and their caregivers, along with the rationale for selecting the most appropriate treatment at the given hospital. Korea has many certified endovascular neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular surgeons, and certified cerebrovascular centers. Proper selection of the most suitable treatment method by certified physicians and centers would greatly benefit patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.

The mothership (MS) model, where patients are directly transferred to a thrombectomy-capable center, and the drip-and-ship (DS) model, where thrombolysis is initiated at the nearest primary stroke center before transfer for thrombectomy, are the primary transport modes for patients with stroke. We aimed to establish guidelines for selecting the appropriate transfer strategy based on emergent large vessel occlusion (LVO). We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer three Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions comparing MS and DS models. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcomes, mortality, and successful recanalization. Twenty-six non-randomized controlled studies showed that the MS model improved good functional outcomes by approximately 14% compared with the DS model (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.30). Fifteen studies reported that mortality in the MS and DS models showed no significant differences (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84-1.11). Twenty-four studies revealed no significant difference in successful recanalization between the MS and DS models (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68-1.10). The MS model should be considered first to improve the functional outcome of patients with LVO. However, if thrombectomy cannot be performed immediately after thrombolysis, or if a thrombectomy-enabled hospital is not nearby, the DS model should be considered by stroke specialists depending on transportation time and regional factors. We suggest a mixed approach with the DS model based on specific circumstances or regions to ensure the optimum treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Appropriate transport for patients with LVO improves the prognosis of AIS.

Objective: This study aimed to identify risk factors predicting the loss of cervical lordosis (LCL) in patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after laminoplasty. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of these factors on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent laminoplasty at Chonnam National University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. A range of radiological parameters and clinical outcome measures were collected perioperatively. Patients were divided into two groups based on the severity of LCL. We then evaluated preoperative radiological parameters associated with LCL and clinical outcomes, including HRQOL.

Results: A total of 110 patients (93 men and 17 women; mean age, 61.31±10.80 years) were included in the analysis. A higher T1 slope (T1S) (β=-0.412; p=0.004) and a lower extension ratio (β=0.107; p=0.006) were associated with an increased risk of LCL. T1S proved to be an excellent predictor of LCL, with a cutoff value of 28° (p<0.001; area under the curve, 0.918). Furthermore, T1S was the only factor significantly correlated with HRQOL after laminoplasty (r=-0.330; p<0.001).

Conclusion: T1S was significantly associated not only with LCL but also with HRQOL among patients with multilevel OPLL after laminoplasty. With a T1S cutoff of 28°, a T1S exceeding this threshold can be considered an important prognostic factor when planning laminoplasty in these patients.

Objective: A twig-like middle cerebral artery (T-MCA) is a rare condition characterized by steno-occlusion of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with nearby collateral arterial networks. Despite unclear pathophysiology, it is often classified as a congenital anomaly caused by failure of fusion of the plexiform MCA arterial plexus. We aimed to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of T-MCAs by analyzing incidental T-MCA findings and their natural history.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed between January 2011 and December 2023 at three medical centers treating both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Patients with suspected MCA lesions were selected through radiology reports from computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction imaging.

Results: We identified 51 T-MCA cases from a radiology report search spanning 13 years across three medical centers. The study included 9875 patients with ischemic stroke and 2097 with hemorrhagic stroke. Of the 51 T-MCA cases, incidental findings accounted for 25 (49.0%), ischemic stroke for 18 (35.3%), and hemorrhagic strokes accounted for eight cases (15.7%). T-MCA related ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes accounted for 0.18-0.38% of all strokes. The RNF213.R4810K mutation was identified in seven of 15 patients (46.7%) tested. We found three cases of a de-novo T-MCA that progressed from a normal MCA architecture.

Conclusion: T-MCAs may represent an acquired secondary anomaly rather than a congenital lesion, followed by steno-occlusion of the focal MCA with new arterial network formation. Both Moyamoya angiopathy and chronic atherosclerosis likely contributed to disease progression. Formation of a microaneurysm, dilatation of the lenticulostriate artery, and hemodynamic stress can lead to stroke.

Accurate and early identification of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) in emergency settings is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the efficient allocation of medical resources. This clinical practice guideline systematically reviews domestic and international literature and conducts meta-analyses to evaluate the utility and diagnostic accuracy of stroke assessment tools used in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). We developed a guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of diagnostic EMS assessment tools for diagnosing stroke and LVO. Overall, 70 non-randomized control studies were selected for this study. A meta-analysis was conducted with a subgroup analysis to distinguish between patients with stroke and those with LVO. EMS tools demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing stroke. In the prehospital setting, using validated EMS stroke assessment tools is recommended for the early identification of stroke and LVO. Upon hospital arrival, stroke specialists should conduct further evaluation and triage to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management. Delays in diagnosing LVO are frequently unacceptable. While experts advocate for the use of EMS assessment tools to facilitate early identification of LVO, these tools alone lack adequate sensitivity. Therefore, further diagnostic evaluations and consultation with stroke specialists upon hospital arrival are recommended.

Objective: Ependymomas is a rare brain tumor. Accumulative evidence has revealed that there are differences between pediatric and adult patients. However, the clinical features and survival prognosis of pediatric and adult patients with brainstem ependymomas remain unclear.

Methods: Pediatric and adult patients with brainstem ependymomas diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End.

Results: (SEER) database. The clinical characteristics (age, sex, race, tumor size treatment methods, etc.) of the included patients were reviewed, and the survival analysis was estimated via the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results: A total of 701 patients, including 269 pediatric patients and 432 adult patients, were identified. The median age of pediatric patients is 3.0 years old and the adult patients is 46.0 years old. Compared with adult brainstem ependymomas, pediatric patients showed a higher prevalence of anaplastic ependymoma, larger tumor size, and more frequent receipt of gross total resection (GTR), radiation, and chemotherapy (all P<0.001). Cox regression analysis identified that black race (P=0.032), and chemotherapy (P=0.048) are independent risk factors for pediatric brainstem ependymomas, and aging (P<0.001), male (P=0.034), and black race (P=0.002) for adult brainstem ependymomas. Survival analysis showed that GTR combined with radiation had significant overall survival advantage compared with other treatment regimens in both pediatric and adult cohorts (P=0.045 and P=0.034, respectively).

Conclusion: This study comprehensively investigated the clinical features and survival outcomes of patients with brainstem ependymomas, and identified several independent prognostic variables. The best recommended treatment method was GTR combined with radiation.

Objective: Various skull base reconstruction techniques have been proposed for the endoscopic trans-sphenoidal approach (eTSA). These methods often involve multilayer closure using autologous fat grafts and fascia lata, frequently combined with lumbar drainage (LD). This study suggests a modification of graded reconstruction methods for low-grade (Grade 0-2) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, particularly Grade 2 leaks, following eTSA for pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET).

Methods: A total of 401 consecutive patients who underwent eTSA for PitNET between 2017 and 2022 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed, and ultimately 338 patients with intraoperative low-grade CSF leaks were included. Skull base reconstruction was performed according to intraoperative CSF leak grades. Grade 2 leaks were further subcategorized into 2a and 2b based on the size of the diaphragmatic defect. Grades 0, 1, and 2a leaks were reconstructed using fibrin sealant patches, hydrogel sealant, and reinforcement with nasoseptal flap (NSF) where required. Grade 2b cases underwent rigid reconstruction with hydroxyapatite (HXA). Autologous fat grafts, fascia lata, and perioperative LD were not used. Postoperative CSF leaks and other complications were analyzed.

Results: Among the 338 cases, there were 235 Grade 0, 55 Grade 1, 40 Grade 2a and 8 Grade 2b intraoperative CSF leaks. No postoperative CSF leaks occurred. Two cases of postoperative meningitis were observed in Grade 2a, all of whom were treated successfully with antibiotics.

Conclusion: Our graded reconstruction approach is an effective and efficient method to prevent CSF leaks after eTSA in PitNET patients with low-grade intraoperative CSF leaks. Further subdividing Grade 2 leaks based on defect size enables more precise and reliable skull base reconstruction. Moreover, autologous fat grafts, fascia lata, and perioperative LD appear unnecessary in low-grade cases.