Journal of neurological surgery. Part A, Central European neurosurgery最新文献

Operative management of spinal metastatic disease is largely for symptom palliation rather than curative and revolves around the expectation that postoperative survival will exceed recovery time. While several scoring systems and models to predict survival exist, few studies have unified diverse predictors into integrated models to predict short-term postoperative outcomes as indicators of recovery.The Merative™ MarketScan® Commercial Database and the accompanying Medicare Supplement were queried for adult patients receiving surgery for extradural spinal metastatic disease between 2006 and 2023. Primary outcomes of interest were non-home discharge (NHD) and unplanned 90-day postdischarge readmission. Inpatient length of stay (LOS) was assessed as a secondary outcome. Five models (Extreme Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Penalized Logistic Regression) were trained on a 70% training sample and validated on the withheld 30%.A total of 1,926 patients were included. Thoracic spine localization (vs. cervical, odds ratio [OR]: 2.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.74-4.58]) was associated with higher odds, while postresection arthrodesis (vs. no arthrodesis, OR = 1.24, [0.59-0.97]) and intraoperative neuromonitoring (vs. not, OR = 0.45, [0.31-0.66]) were associated with lower odds, of NHD. Utilizing a combined anterior and posterior approach (vs. anterior, OR = 0.50, [0.33-0.75]) and arthrodesis (OR = 0.96, [0.75-1.23]) were associated with lower odds of 90-day readmission. Similarly, using intraoperative neuromonitoring (B = - 1.84, [-2.72, -0.97]) or operating microscope (vs. not, B = - 1.71, [-2.66, -0.76]), postresection arthrodesis (B = - 0.17 [-2.66, -0.76]) were associated with shorter LOS, while thoracic localization (B = 1.67, [0.57, 2.76]) was associated with extended LOS. The random forest algorithm demonstrated the best overall predictive performance in the withheld validation cohort when assessing NHD (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.68, calibration slope = 0.82) and unplanned 90-day readmission (AUC = 0.67, calibration slope = 0.87).We developed and validated parsimonious predictive models to estimate the risk of NHD and 90-day readmission after surgery for extradural spinal metastatic disease. After integration into physician- and patient-facing interfaces, these models may serve as clinically useful decision tools to enhance prognostication and management.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are persistent, localized dilatations of the arterial wall that are found in ∼3% of the general population. The most severe complication of IAs is rupture, which results in devastating consequences such as subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain damage with serious neurologic sequelae. Numerous studies have characterized the mechanisms underlying IA development and growth and identified several environmental modifiable (smoking, hypertension) and nonmodifiable risk factors (related to the histology of cerebral arteries and genetic factors) in its pathogenesis. Hemodynamic stress also likely plays a crucial role in the formation of IAs and is conditioned by the geometry and morphology of the vessel tree, but its role in the natural history of unruptured IAs remains poorly understood; it is believed that changes in blood flow might generate the hemodynamic forces that are responsible for damage to the vascular wall and vessel remodeling that lead to IA formation. This review summarizes the most relevant data on the current theories on the formation of IAs, with particular emphasis on the roles of special conditions resulting from the microscopic anatomy of intracranial arteries, hemodynamic factors, bifurcation morphometry, inflammatory pathways, and the genetic factors involved in IA formation.

Lately, the wide availability of open-source modelling and rendering software in neurosurgery has led to the development of a methodological pipeline for creating patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) models based on preoperative imaging data. With recent innovations in virtual reality (VR) technology and 3D printing, these models can be applied to enhance preoperative planning and medical training. The main question this paper aims to answer is whether the proposed algorithm of intensity-based CT segmentation and basic 3D modelling is adequate to create a reference library of patient-specific models, categorized according to the AO Spine Injury Classification System, and suitable for VR and 3D printing-based preoperative planning.We used the open-source medical image viewer Horos to create volumetric renderings of CT scans of trauma patients from several European centers. The models were postprocessed using 3D modelling software and exported in appropriate formats for VR or 3D printing.We created 37 models of trauma patients, spanning from the upper cervical to the thoracolumbar segment, categorized according to the AO Spine Injury Classification System. Additionally, a remote case discussion conducted by uploading these models into a collaborative VR environment was demonstrated as a proof of concept.In the present study, we demonstrated that open-source software can create a database of patient-specific 3D models. Additionally, the communication between remote departments can be facilitated by uploading these models into a collaborative VR environment, and the comprehensive evaluation of spine fractures fostered through 3D printing. Further studies are needed to assess the database's educational value.

Collision tumors, defined as the simultaneous occurrence of two distinct neoplasms within the same anatomical location, are exceptionally rare in the clivus. The coexistence of chordoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) within the clivus has not been previously reported, making this case particularly noteworthy.We present the case of a 69-year-old woman with a known history of stable CLL who presented with a 3-month history of progressive right-sided horizontal diplopia and hemianopsia. Imaging revealed a large sellar/suprasellar lesion with significant involvement of both cavernous sinuses, prompting surgical intervention. An endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal and transclival approach was utilized to achieve near-total mass resection, with a small remnant left in the right cavernous sinus due to its proximity to the internal carotid artery. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a collision tumor composed of chordoma and CLL.This case represents the first reported instance of a collision tumor involving a chordoma and CLL within the clivus. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she remains stable at 3-month follow-up after receiving adjuvant radiotherapy. The rarity of such a collision tumor underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion and thorough pathological evaluation in cases presenting with atypical skull base lesions. The involvement of a multidisciplinary team was crucial in the management and favorable outcome of this complex case.

This study aimed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) without additional anterior plate fixation.A retrospective, single-center analysis was conducted. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Odom's criteria. Radiological outcomes were evaluated based on changes in segmental disc height (subsidence), and Cobb angle by X-rays. Fusion was defined as a consistent distance between spinous processes.The study population consisted of 98 patients (mean age of 55.8 years) with a follow-up of 22.1 months. Procedures included 55 one-level, 33 two-level, and 10 three-level surgeries. The study results demonstrated good clinical outcomes, with statistically significant reductions in NDI scores with notable improvements in VAS (p < 0.001). Radiologically, we recorded a subsidence and reduction in Cobb angle of 1.6 mm/2.2 degrees in one-level, 3.8 mm/3.0 degrees in two-level, and 2.5 mm/2.4 degrees in three-level surgeries, respectively. Complete postoperative fusion was recorded for 86.7% patients, comprising rates of 87.3% for one-level, 90.9% for two-level, and 70.0% for three-level procedures. No revision surgery had to be performed.ACDF without additional plating appears to be an effective procedure for the surgical treatment of single- and multilevel degenerative cervical disease with good clinical outcome.

Background and Objective Arachnoid cysts are extra-axial cerebrospinal fluid collections within the arachnoid membrane. Ruptured or hemorrhagic arachnoid cysts, though rare, present significant controversies in management. The present study is an attempt to analyze the factors contributing to management decision of ruptured/hemorrhagic arachnoid cysts using patient-level data from the literature. Methods A literature search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE to identify case reports and series of ruptured arachnoid cysts. Tree-augmented naïve Bayes (TAN) classifiers were implemented to analyze factors influencing surgical decision. The dataset was split into training and testing sets (0.75:0.25) and augmented using data augmentation techniques to address class imbalance. TAN classifiers were evaluated for accuracy and area under the curve (AUC), and a web application was developed to explore the networks. Results The dataset included 254 unique cases after exclusion of missing data. Middle cranial fossa cysts accounted for 95% of cases, with a male predominance (M:F ratio 4.29:1). Management was predominantly surgical (89.8%), with craniotomy being the most common procedure. TAN classifiers for surgery and type of surgery were validated internally with accuracies of 90.48% and 75%, respectively. Cyst location, presence and type of hemorrhage, patient age group, Galassi classification were key influencing variables. The choice of surgical modality was influenced by additional variables like head injury, seizure, and macrocrania. Conclusion TAN models highlighted the interrelated factors influencing management decision, but do not propose definitive strategies. The generalizability of the findings are limited by heterogenous data, imbalance of various management strategies, particularly conservative management and evolution of surgical techniques over time. The complexity of decision-making underscores the need for multicenter registries to improve data quality and to formulate optimal management strategy.

Acute epidural hematoma (AEDH) is recognized as one of the most urgent neurosurgical conditions. Traditionally, the primary treatment for AEDH has involved craniotomy with surgical evacuation of the hematoma. However, with the widespread adoption of neurointerventional techniques, interest in their application to various forms of traumatic brain injuries has increased. Among these, embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option for AEDH. This study evaluates the effectiveness of MMA embolization as a primary treatment for AEDH.We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated for AEDH with embolization of the MMA at our institution from January 2019 to July 2024. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, procedural details, and outcomes were analyzed.MMA embolization was successfully performed in 20 patients with AEDH, with only 2 cases requiring subsequent burr-hole evacuation. The thickness of the AEDH was 10 mm or more in 47.8% of cases, and a midline shift was observed in 65.2% of cases. The most common angiographic findings included arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and contrast extravasation. N-butyl cyanoacrylate was used as the embolic material in all cases. In one case, Squid 12 was added to enhance penetration at sites of extravasation. No patients experienced recurrent AEDH postintervention.MMA embolization is a promising minimally invasive treatment for AEDH, showing effectiveness as both a primary and adjuvant therapy. Future prospective multicenter studies are needed to validate preliminary findings and optimize treatment protocols for this high-risk patient population.

Intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors often presenting with dural-based lesions. These tumors can exhibit aggressive characteristics with high recurrence rates and extracranial metastasis. While SFTs occasionally invade venous sinuses, cases where the tumor arises within the venous sinus are rare. This case explores the surgical strategy for removing SFTs occupying the sigmoid sinus and the jugular bulb while preserving the flow of the vein of Labbé.A 59-year-old woman with progressive left hearing loss and facial nerve palsy was diagnosed with a left temporal bone tumor mainly located in the sigmoid sinus and the jugular bulb. Imaging revealed a vascularized tumor with occlusion of the left sigmoid sinus, and the vein of Labbé was preserved via retrograde perfusion of the transverse sinus. After preoperative embolization, surgery was performed using a trans-sigmoid approach. The tumor was carefully extracted, and the sigmoid sinus was ligated distant from the transverse-sigmoid junction to avoid the occlusion of the vein of Labbé outlet. Subtotal resection was achieved, and the patient experienced full recovery from facial paralysis within 3 weeks. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered, and no recurrence was observed 1 year later.SFTs arising within venous sinuses are rare but require thorough surgical planning, especially near critical venous structures like the vein of Labbé. This case highlights the feasibility of the operative technique of extracting the tumor from venous sinuses and the importance of individualized strategies for maximizing resection while preserving neurological function and venous patency.

Stereotactic procedures usually require burr hole trephination. To date, there is no Conformité Européenne-certified drilling system that can be integrated into a stereotactic apparatus, thus enabling stereotactically guided trephinations (SGTs). Therefore, free-hand burr hole trephination is the standard of care, often requiring time-consuming burr hole widening.We developed a novel drill, which can be picked up through a standard cordless drill and a novel guide sleeve (Instrument guide inner diameter: 10 mm for Riechert-Mundinger [RM] rail holder for microprobe insertion), which can be easily integrated into a stereotactic RM-system. This device enables stereotactic guidance of the drill. Over a period of 8 months, we recorded the trephination in all patients who underwent stereotactic-guided biopsy or catheter insertion in our department. In the first 4 months, a freehand trephination (FHT) using a standard trepan was performed; in the second half of the period, the novel SGT was performed. An unpaired t-test and chi-square test were used to compare SGT with FHT in terms of time for trephination, time from trephination to dura incision, and whether additional surgical measurements (osteoclastic enlargement, hemostasis) were necessary.Overall, 84 trephinations (SGT: n = 27, FHT = 57) for stereotactic biopsies were included. The mean time for completing the burr hole showed no difference between the groups (SGT: 64 s, FHT: 55 s, p = 0.485). The mean time until dura incision was significantly (p = 0.018) reduced when using SGT (FHT: 304 ± 170 s vs. SGT: 136 ± 89 s). Additional osteoclastic expansion was frequently necessary in the FHT group (81% [n = 46] vs. 3.7% [n = 1], p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for hemostasis, which was significantly less necessary in the SGT group (71% [n = 41] vs. 40% [n = 11], p = 0.006). We did not observe any difference between board-certified neurosurgeons and trainees for all these parameters.SGT significantly shortens the time until dura opening compared to FHT. Additionally, time-consuming hemostasis and osteoclastic entlargements are no longer necessary when using SGT. Furthermore, SGT seems to be successfully applied regardless of the surgeon's level of training.

Giant intracranial aneurysms require complex treatment strategies including clipping, coiling, stenting, parent artery occlusion, bypass, or combined procedures. Neurovascular hybrid operating rooms (h-OR) combine a conventional operating theatre with high-resolution digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We describe a one-step combined surgical and endovascular treatment in a h-OR for a pediatric internal carotid artery (ICA) giant aneurysm that can be an optimal solution to manage such challenging cases.An 11-year-old boy presented with rapid onset right hemiparesis and left eyelid ptosis. A 3-month history of headache associated with sporadic vomit was reported. A giant, unruptured, left ICA aneurysm was detected on imaging. The patient underwent surgical trapping of the aneurysm. Intraoperative DSA showed residual backflow from the posterior communicating artery and coils were placed to completely exclude the aneurysm. At 18-month follow-up, the patient showed a complete recovery and magnetic resonance imaging showed a progressive reduction of the sac aneurysm.Due to their morphological variability, intracranial giant aneurysms may require a different procedural strategy instead of direct clipping or coiling. The introduction of h-OR allows combined treatments to be performed simultaneously in the same room setting. The present case shows that combined treatment in a neurovascular h-OR can be an optimal solution to manage challenging cases, such as giant aneurysms, reducing operative time with the added benefit of selecting an appropriate strategy adjustment in a multidisciplinary effort.