Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Aug 2016
Review Case ReportsStereotactic radiosurgery planning based on time-resolved CTA for arteriovenous malformation: a case report and review of the literature.
Stereotactic radiosurgery has long been recognized as the optimal form of management for high-grade arteriovenous malformations not amenable to surgical resection. Radiosurgical plans have generally relied upon the integration of stereotactic magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), standard contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) with biplane digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Current options are disadvantageous in that catheter-based biplane DSA is an invasive test associated with a small risk of complications and perhaps more importantly, the two-dimensional nature of DSA is an inherent limitation in creating radiosurgical contours. ⋯ A review of these series may allow the surgeon to pick and use a volume set that best outlines the nidus with least interference from feeding arteries or draining veins. In addition, 4D-CTA scans can be uploaded into radiosurgery programs and allow three-dimensional targeting. This is the first reported case demonstrating the use of a 4D CTA and an MRI to delineate the AVM nidus for Gamma Knife radiosurgery, with complete obliteration of the nidus over time and subsequent management of associated radiation necrosis with bevacizumab.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2016
Review Case ReportsCyst-cisternal shunting for cystic multirecurrent brainstem epidermoid: case report and literature review.
Surgical treatment of recurrent, posterior cranial fossa epidermoids in multioperated patients carries significant morbidity, mainly due to tumor adhesion to cranial nerves and vessels, and brainstem involvement. Radical resection is often not feasible; therefore surgery should aim to restore cerebrospinal fluid circulation, release engulfed neurovascular structures, and relieve brainstem compression. Intra-axial epidermoids are extremely rare. We present an innovative surgical technique of a cyst-cisternal shunting to treat cystic recurrent, unresectable brainstem epidermoids. ⋯ Cyst-cisternal shunting in case of recurrent, brainstem epidermoid is a safe and long-term effective technique to relieve mass effect into the brainstem.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2016
Review Case ReportsCyst-cisternal shunting for cystic multirecurrent brainstem epidermoid: case report and literature review.
Surgical treatment of recurrent, posterior cranial fossa epidermoids in multioperated patients carries significant morbidity, mainly due to tumor adhesion to cranial nerves and vessels, and brainstem involvement. Radical resection is often not feasible; therefore surgery should aim to restore cerebrospinal fluid circulation, release engulfed neurovascular structures, and relieve brainstem compression. Intra-axial epidermoids are extremely rare. We present an innovative surgical technique of a cyst-cisternal shunting to treat cystic recurrent, unresectable brainstem epidermoids. ⋯ Cyst-cisternal shunting in case of recurrent, brainstem epidermoid is a safe and long-term effective technique to relieve mass effect into the brainstem.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2015
ReviewVagus nerve stimulation lead removal or replacement: surgical technique, institutional experience, and literature overview.
With the growing use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for refractory epilepsy, there is a growing demand for complete removal or replacement of the VNS system. We evaluate the safety and efficacy of complete removal or replacement of the VNS system and provide an extensive description of our surgical technique. ⋯ Complete removal or replacement of the VNS system including lead and coils is feasible and safe. Although initial results seem promising, further research and longer follow-up are needed to assess whether lead replacement may affect VNS effectiveness.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2015
Review Meta AnalysisEpidemiology of traumatic brain injury in Europe.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a critical public health and socio-economic problem throughout the world, making epidemiological monitoring of incidence, prevalence and outcome of TBI necessary. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury in Europe and to evaluate the methodology of incidence studies. ⋯ Interpretation of published epidemiologic studies is confounded by differences in inclusion criteria and case ascertainment. Nevertheless, changes in epidemiological patterns are found: falls are now the most common cause of TBI, most notably in elderly patients. Improvement of the quality of standardised data collection for TBI is mandatory for reliable monitoring of epidemiological trends and to inform appropriate targeting of prevention campaigns.