Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2006
Clinical TrialInjection therapy of lumbar facet syndrome: a prospective study.
Chronic low back pain remains a major health problem. Facet joint injection therapy is an easy to perform therapeutic option. However, few prospective studies use a standardized protocol to investigate injection therapy. The aim of our study was to evaluate quantity and duration of clinical improvement after this protocol, and to identify the best time for additional repetitive injection therapy. ⋯ Facet joint injection therapy using a standardized protocol is safe, effective, and easy to perform. The clinical effect is limited, and we recommend repetitive injection according to this protocol after 3 months.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2006
Embolization of wide-necked aneurysms with using three or more microcatheters.
A new and relatively simple endovascular technique, in which more than three microcatheters are used for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms for the first time, is described. ⋯ The multiple microcatheter technique can be one technical option for the endovascular treatment of wide necked aneurysms.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2006
Intracranial pulse pressure amplitude levels determined during preoperative assessment of subjects with possible idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
It was previously reported that the intracranial pulse pressure amplitudes were elevated in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients responding to shunt surgery. In this study, pulse pressure amplitudes were determined in all patients referred for tentative iNPH, and patients were selected for shunt surgery based on the determination of their threshold levels of intracranial pulse pressure amplitudes. ⋯ In this one-year material, mean wave amplitudes were elevated in 60% of iNPH patients. In those with elevated mean wave amplitudes who were treated with shunt, 91% had a significant clinical response.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2006
Case ReportsSpontaneous regression of a cystic cavum septum pellucidum.
A persistent cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) is present in approximately 0.73% of adults, although its incidence ranges from 0.14 to 18.9% depending on the detection method. Cystic CSP is even rarer. A cyst causing mass within the CSP can obstruct the intraventricular foramen, leading to blockage of CSF flow and possible hydrocephalus, often justifying surgical intervention. ⋯ Initial MRI showed a cystic CSP with lateral bowing of the septal walls to 1.9 cm. Follow-up MRI 15 months later demonstrated no lateral bowing, and the septal wall width was 1.0 cm. This spontaneous decompression was not explained by the one previously described case report of cystic CSP regression.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2006
ReviewSpinal brucellosis: Turkish experience based on 452 cases published during the last century.
Spinal brucellosis continues to be the leading cause of morbidity from infectious disease in the infested regions of the world, particularly in the rural areas including Turkey. The purpose of this review was to present the Turkish experience by analyzing the literature on the management of spinal brucellosis during the last century. ⋯ Based on this critical review of literature from Turkey, it is concluded that early diagnosis and correct management are important to prevent the harmful effects of brucellosis and its complications, and that the treatment of choice is antibiotic therapy alone in most cases of brucellosis involving the spine.