Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Feb 2016
Assessment of non-invasive ICP during CSF infusion test: an approach with transcranial Doppler.
This study aimed to compare four non-invasive intracranial pressure (nICP) methods in a prospective cohort of hydrocephalus patients whose cerebrospinal fluid dynamics was investigated using infusion tests involving controllable test-rise of ICP. ⋯ Out of the four methods, nICP_PI was the one with best performance for predicting changes in ∆ICP during infusion test, followed by nICP_BB. Unreliable correlations were shown by nICP_FVd and nICP_CrCP. Changes of ICP observed during the test were expressed by nICP values with only moderate correlations.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Feb 2016
Comparative StudyValved or valveless ventriculoperitoneal shunting in the treatment of post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus: a population-based consecutive cohort study.
Implant infection and obstruction are major complications for ventriculoperitoneal shunts in patients with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus. In an effort to (1) reduce the incidence of these complications, (2) reduce the rate of shunt failure and (3) shorten the duration of neurosurgical hospitalisation, we have implemented valveless ventriculoperitoneal shunts at our department for adult patients with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus and haemorrhagic cerebrospinal fluid at the time of shunt insertion. ⋯ The use of a valveless shunting for patients with post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus results in shorter duration of neurosurgical hospitalisation and lower rate of shunt infection, although these advantages should be held up against the risk of overdrainage. We propose valveless shunting to be used as first-line shunting strategy in this patient category, with careful follow-up ensuring that these are substituted by a valve-bearing system if necessary.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Feb 2016
The value of multimodality intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in treating pediatric Chiari malformation type I.
Chiari malformation type I is defined as a descent of cerebellar tonsils below the level of the foramen magnum. The traditional treatment for symptomatic patients is foramen magnum decompression (FMD) surgery. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) is an established surgical adjunct, which is proposed to reduce the potential risk of various surgical procedures. Though INM has been suggested as being helpful in patient positioning and in determining the optimal surgical extent of FMD (i.e., duroplasty, laminectomy, tonsillectomy), its shortcomings include prolongation of anesthesia and surgery as well as monetary costs. Multimodality INM including transcranial-electric motor evoked potential (TcMEP) is not routinely employed in most practices. This study evaluates efficacy of multimodality INM during FMD. ⋯ Multimodality INM can be useful in FMD surgery, particularly during patient positioning. TcMEP attenuations may occur independent of SSEPs. The clinical implications of these monitoring alerts have yet to be defined. There is a need to establish an optimal, cost-effective monitoring protocol for FMD.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Feb 2016
A radiological classification system for intraneural vascular anomalies: assessment of potential for resection with high-resolution MRI.
Intraneural hemangiomas and vascular malformations are rare, with approximately 50 cases reported in the literature. They present a therapeutic challenge; surgical resection can result in damage to the nerve and lesion recurrence is common. We introduce a new framework to classify intraneural vascular anomalies in relation to the anatomic compartments of the nerve and assess amenability to surgical resection. ⋯ We believe that the subparaneurial compartment-a potential space between the epineurium and paraneurium-provides a tissue plane within which benign vascular lesions can occur. Hemangiomas and vascular malformations are complex and can occupy different intraneural and extraneural compartments. The anatomic framework aids surgical decision-making and ensures that all components of the lesion are considered. We advocate a multimodal approach in the treatment of these rare lesions.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Feb 2016
Case ReportsTreatment strategy for cerebral hypotension caused by spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are rare (5 per 100,000 per year). Treatment generally consists of conservative therapy or interventional therapy with epidural blood patching. Surgical treatment is conducted rarely, usually in cases when conservative or interventional treatment has failed. The aim of our case series was to assess the clinical outcome after surgery. ⋯ Preoperative identification of a CSF leak with MRI was positive in only one case. In all other cases, a post-myelography CT had to be performed. In all cases, the preoperative symptoms improved after surgery. Surgical treatment is an effective treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in cases of refractory symptoms after failed conservative or interventional treatment.