Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2012
Review Meta AnalysisHypertonic saline for treating raised intracranial pressure: literature review with meta-analysis.
Currently, mannitol is the recommended first choice for a hyperosmolar agent for use in patients with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Some authors have argued that hypertonic saline (HTS) might be a more effective agent; however, there is no consensus as to appropriate indications for use, the best concentration, and the best method of delivery. To answer these questions better, the authors performed a review of the literature regarding the use of HTS for ICP reduction. ⋯ The available data are limited by low patient numbers, limited RCTs, and inconsistent methods between studies. However, a greater part of the data suggest that HTS given as either a bolus or continuous infusion can be more effective than mannitol in reducing episodes of elevated ICP. A meta-analysis of 8 prospective RCTs showed a higher rate of treatment failure or insufficiency with mannitol or normal saline versus HTS.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2012
Review Case ReportsReducing hemorrhagic complications in functional neurosurgery: a large case series and systematic literature review.
Hemorrhagic complications carry by far the highest risk of devastating neurological outcome in functional neurosurgery. Literature published over the past 10 years suggests that hemorrhage, although relatively rare, remains a significant problem. Estimating the true incidence of and risk factors for hemorrhage in functional neurosurgery is a challenging issue. ⋯ Age and a history of hypertension are associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage in functional neurosurgery. Surgical factors that increase the risk of hemorrhage include the use of MER and sulcal or ventricular incursion. The meticulous use of neuroimaging-both in planning the trajectory and for target verification-can avoid all of these surgery-related risk factors and appears to carry a significantly lower risk of hemorrhage and associated permanent deficit.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2012
ReviewCerebral aneurysms with intrasellar extension: a systematic review of clinical, anatomical, and treatment characteristics.
Intrasellar aneurysms are rare lesions that often mimic pituitary tumors, potentially resulting in catastrophic outcomes if they are not appropriately recognized. The authors aimed to characterize the clinical and anatomical details of this poorly defined entity in the modern era of neuroimaging and open/endovascular neurosurgery. ⋯ Aneurysms with intrasellar extension typically present due to mass effect on surrounding structures, and they can be classified as infradiaphragmatic cavernous or clinoid segment ICA aneurysms, or supradiaphragmatic ophthalmic ICA or anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Varying approaches exist for treating these complex aneurysms, and intervention strategies depend substantially on the anatomical subtype.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2012
Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 3: outcome predictors and risks after repeat radiosurgery.
The object of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and risks of repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for incompletely obliterated cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). ⋯ Repeat SRS for incompletely obliterated AVMs increases the eventual obliteration rate. Hemorrhage after obliteration did not occur in this series. The best results for patients with incompletely obliterated AVMs were seen in patients with a smaller residual nidus volume and no prior hemorrhages.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2012
Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 4: management of basal ganglia and thalamus arteriovenous malformations.
The authors conducted a study to define the long-term outcomes and risks of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the basal ganglia and thalamus. ⋯ Stereotactic radiosurgery is a gradually effective and relatively safe management option for deep-seated AVMs in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Although hemorrhage after obliteration did not occur in the present series, patients remain at risk during the latency interval between SRS and obliteration. The best candidates for SRS are patients with smaller volume AVMs located in the basal ganglia.