Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2013
Magnetic resonance imaging validation of pituitary gland compression and distortion by typical sellar pathology.
Identification of the normal pituitary gland is an important component of presurgical planning, defining many aspects of the surgical approach and facilitating normal gland preservation. Magnetic resonance imaging is a proven imaging modality for optimal soft-tissue contrast discrimination in the brain. This study is designed to validate the accuracy of localization of the normal pituitary gland with MRI in a cohort of surgical patients with pituitary mass lesions, and to evaluate for correlation between presurgical pituitary hormone values and pituitary gland characteristics on neuroimaging. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be accurate in identifying the normal gland in patients with pituitary mass lesions, and was useful for preoperative surgical planning.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2013
Review Case ReportsCerebral melioidosis for the first time in the western hemisphere.
This report is the first published case of cerebral melioidosis in the western hemisphere. In this paper the authors review the literature on neurological melioidosis and its presentation and treatment in endemic areas, describe the clinical course of this unique case of a presentation of the disease with cranial abscess in the US, review the pathological and radiological findings associated with this seminal case, and put forth recommendations for recognizing and treating possible future instances of the disease within the western hemisphere.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2013
ReviewSelection of intraoperative tasks for awake mapping based on relationships between tumor location and functional networks.
Intraoperative electrical brain mapping is currently the most reliable method to identify eloquent cortical and subcortical structures at the individual level and to optimize the extent of resection of intrinsic brain tumors. The technique allows the preservation of quality of life, not only allowing avoidance of severe neurological deficits but also facilitating preservation of high neurocognitive functions. ⋯ In this review, the authors' aim was to propose specific parameters that could be used to build a personalized protocol for each patient. They have focused on lesion location and relationships with functional networks to guide selection of intrasurgical tasks in an effort to increase reproducibility among neurooncological centers.