Acta Neurochirurgica最新文献

Background: Cortical contusions are common in moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cortical contusions often expand, potentially causing neuro-worsening several hours to days post-trauma. While contusion expansion (CE) may affect outcome, potential clinical and radiological markers that can predict CE have been insufficiently explored. In the present single-center retrospective observational cohort study, we evaluated clinical outcome by the Glasgow Outcome Scale extended (GOSE) scale and evaluated risk factor for CE.

Method: Adult TBI patients > 18 years of age, and of all injury severities, were included. Main variables of interest were low platelet count, defined as < 150 × 10⁹/L, presence of bifrontal contusions and CE, defined as absolute contusion volume increase in cm³. Factors associated with CE and clinical outcome according to GOSE were analyzed.

Results: Between 2012-2022, 272 patients were included. Contusion size on admission correlated positively with CE, as did the Marshall and Rotterdam radiological classification scores. Bifrontal contusions were significantly larger at admission, experienced larger CE, and had a worse outcome than contusions in other locations. Patients with a platelet count < 150 × 10⁹/L experienced a greater volume CE and had a worse outcome when compared to patients with a normal platelet count. In a multivariate analysis, CE remained significantly associated with a poor outcome six months post- injury.

Conclusion: Contusion volume at admission, Marshall CT classification and Rotterdam CT score, positively correlated to CE. Bifrontal contusions and a platelet count < 150 × 10⁹/L were associated with CE, and a poor clinical outcome. Large CE volumes were associated with a worse clinical outcome, and CE was per se associated with outcome in a multivariate analysis. Management of these risk factors for CE in the acute post-injury setting may be needed to attenuate contusion expansion and to improve clinical outcome in TBI patients suffering from cortical contusion injuries.

Objectives: A deep knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the target area is mandatory for a successful operative procedure. For this purpose, over the years, many teaching and learning methods have been described, from the most ancient cadaveric dissection to the most recent virtual reality, each with their respective pros and cons. Photogrammetry, an emergent technique, allows for the creation of three-dimensional (3D) models and reconstructions. Thanks to the spreading of photogrammetry nowadays it is possible to generate these models using professional software or even smartphone apps. This study aims to compare the neuroanatomical photogrammetric models generated by the two most utilized smartphone applications in this domain, Metascan and 3D-Scanner, through quantitative analysis.

Methods: Two human head specimens (four sides) were examined. Anatomical dissection was segmented into five stages to systematically expose well-defined structures. After each stage, a photogrammetric model was generated using two prominent smartphone applications. These models were then subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analysis, with a specific focus on comparing the mesh density as a measure of model resolution and accuracy. Appropriate consent was obtained for the publication of the cadaver's image.

Results: The quantitative analysis revealed that the models generated by Metascan app consistently demonstrated superior mesh density compared to those from 3D-Scanner, indicating a higher level of detail and potential for precise anatomical representation.

Conclusion: Enabling depth perception, capturing high-quality images, offering flexibility in viewpoints: photogrammetry provides researchers with unprecedented opportunities to explore and understand the intricate and magnificent structure of the brain. However, it is of paramount importance to develop and apply rigorous quality control systems to ensure data integrity and reliability of findings in neurological research. This study has demonstrated the superiority of Metascan in processing photogrammetric models for neuroanatomical studies.

Background: We describe techniques for safe resection of a Type 3 foramen magnum meningioma with dorsal displacement of the accessory nerve rootlets and vertebral artery which limits ventral access to the tumor.

Method: Partial sectioning of the accessory nerve rootlets may help create larger working space. Topical lidocaine placement on the rootlets of the spinal accessory nerve may mitigate trapezius muscle contraction and facilitates further progress throughout tumor resection.

Conclusion: Creating safe working corridors between the lower cranial nerves through mobilization or partial sectioning of rootlets in the case of CN XI facilitates tumor resection through a far lateral approach.

Purpose

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological syndrome defined by gait disturbance, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence. However, its clinical presentation can vary widely due to overlapping syndromes and common comorbidities in older adults. This study aims to provide practical guidance to aid in the clinical suspicion and support the diagnostic and therapeutic processes for these patients.

Methods

Six quantitative variables regarding clinical, functional, and demographic aspects were considered for a large sample of patients with diagnosed iNPH. Principal component analysis (PCA) was adopted to define the main dimensions explaining the variability of the phenomenon. Then, two clusters of iNPH patients were described.

Results

178 patients were included in the analysis. The PCA produced two dimensions covering 61.8% of the total variability. The first one relied mainly on both clinical (mRS, iNPHGs) and functional (TUG, Tinetti) variables, while the second one was represented mainly on the demographic pattern (age and education).

Cluster analysis depicted two main groups of patients. Cluster n.1 is composed of individuals who are older, more disabled, with poor functional performances, and highly symptomatic. Cluster n.2 patients are slightly younger, more educated, fitter, and with more nuanced clinical aspects.

Conclusions

Profiling iNPH patients using quantitative variables and cluster analysis can help identify distinct characteristics of these patients, aiding in the guidance of both medical and surgical interventions.

Objective

The ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is an established approach in treating normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). This study aims to examine the long-term effects of VPS regarding clinical and radiological outcomes, to explore interdependencies with comorbidities and medication, and to determine a suitable opening pressure of the programmable valve.

Methods

127 patients with VPS were retrospectively evaluated. The Hakim triad along with Evans index (EI) and callosal angle (CA) were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at various time points up to over thirty-six months. Preexisting comorbidities and medication were considered. Adjustments to valve settings were documented along with symptom development and complications. Wilcoxon and paired-sample t-tests were used to analyze postoperative change. Chi-square, Eta-squared, and Pearson coefficients were used in correlation analyses.

Results

Relief from individual symptoms was most prominent within the first 6 months (p < 0.01). EI and CA significantly decreased and increased, respectively (p < 0.05). Postoperative clinical and radiological improvement was largely maintained over the follow-up period. Diabetes mellitus and apoplexy correlated with surgical outcomes (p < 0.05). The median opening pressure as a function of overall symptom management was determined to be 120 mmH₂O for women and 140 mmH₂O for men.

Conclusion

VPS is effective in treating NPH with respect to both clinical and radiological outcomes, although these two components are independent of each other. Improvement is most pronounced in short-term and maintained in the long-term. Comorbidities have significant influence on the course of NPH. The valve setting does not forecast change in radiological findings; consequently, priority should be placed on the patient’s clinical condition.

Purpose

Instrumentation of the C1 vertebra requires either mobilization or transection of the C2 nerve root. This study investigates clinical and radiological outcomes and incidences of C2 neuropathic pain after posterior instrumented fusion in the cranio-cervical junction with or without division of the C2 nerve roots.

Methods

This retrospective study compared two cohorts of patients who underwent instrumented fusion in the cranio-cervical junction. Fifty patients (22 males and 28 females) were operated with complete resection of C2 nerve root ganglion (Ex group), and fifty-one patients (30 men, 21 women) with C2 nerve roots preservation (No group).

Results

The incidence of postoperative C2 neuropathy was eight times lower in the Ex group compared to the No group that was statistical significant, p = 0.039. Surgical time was significantly shorter in the No group (p = 0.001). The fusion rates were very high for both groups, without difference between groups (p = 1.0). Autografting from the iliac crest (p = 0.001) as well as postoperative immobilisation with a hard collar (p < 0.001) were required in fewer patients in the Ex group. Also, patients in the Ex group were mobilised faster after surgery (p = 0.49). Overall, complication rates were similar between groups, but the Ex group demonstrated fewer major medical complications (16% vs 31%). Male sex and iliac bone harvesting demonstrated significantly higher OR for development of postoperative complications (p = 0.023 and p = 0.034 respectively) and postoperative mobilization demonstrated significant higher OR for development of postoperative major complications (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Resection of the C2 nerve root ganglion during posterior instrumented fusion of the cranio-cervical junction is safe and rarely leads to C2 neuropathy. The technique tends to mitigate the odds of developing postoperative complications.

Background

Intraprocedural rupture (IPR) is a devastating complication of cerebral aneurysm treatment. While several studies have investigated its risk factors and clinical impact, further research with larger populations is warranted.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from 4,039 patients with 4,233 cerebral aneurysms treated at our institution between January 2009 and December 2018. Multivariate logistic regression with stepwise elimination was performed to identify the independent risk factors of IPR. Unfavorable clinical outcome was defined as a Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 points at 3 months post-treatment.

Results

IPR occurred in 61 (1.44%) of the 4,233 aneurysms. Multivariate analysis showed that previously ruptured aneurysms (odds ratio [OR] 3.182; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.851–5.470; p < 0.001), surgical clipping (OR 3.598; 95% CI 1.894–6.836; p < 0.001), and higher aspect ratio (OR 1.310; 95% CI 1.032–1.663; p = 0.024) were independent risk factors for IPR. Patients with IPR had significantly higher rates of unfavorable clinical outcomes (mRS ≥ 3) compared to those without (18.0% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). However, within the ruptured aneurysm subgroup, the rate of unfavorable outcomes did not differ significantly between IPR and non-IPR groups (22.7% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.594).

Conclusion

Ruptured aneurysms, surgical clipping, and higher aspect ratio were independently associated with IPR. IPR significantly increased the risk of unfavorable clinical outcomes regardless of treatment approach, except in the subgroup of ruptured aneurysms.