Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2014
Microsurgical anatomy of the cisternal anterior choroidal artery with special emphasis on the preoptic and postoptic subdivisions.
The object of this study was to delineate the microsurgical anatomy of the cisternal segment of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA). The authors also propose a new classification of this segment on the basis of its complicated course within the carotid and crural cisterns in relation to important neurovascular structures, and the site of origin, course, and areas of supply of perforating arteries. ⋯ Both parts of the cisternal segment of the AChA come into surgical view during surgeries for different pathologies in and around the perimesencephalic cisterns. However, attending to the artery's genu and defining pre- and postoptic parts during surgery may help the surgeon locate the origin and eventual course of these perforators, and even estimate the terminal areas of supply of most of the perforating arteries. The proposed classification system can prove helpful in planning any operative procedure along the crural cistern and may reduce the probability of inadvertent injury to perforating branches of the cisternal segment.
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2014
Awake mapping for low-grade gliomas involving the left sagittal stratum: anatomofunctional and surgical considerations.
Preserving function while optimizing the extent of resection is the main goal in surgery for diffuse low-grade glioma (DLGG). This is particularly relevant for DLGG involving the sagittal stratum (SS), where damage can have severe consequences. Indeed, this structure is a major crossroad in which several important fascicles run. Thus, its complex functional anatomy is still poorly understood. Subcortical electrical stimulation during awake surgery provides a unique opportunity to investigate white matter pathways. This study reports the findings on anatomofunctional correlations evoked by stimulation during resection for gliomas involving the left SS. Surgical outcomes are also detailed. ⋯ The authors suggest that the use of intrasurgical electrical mapping of the white matter pathways in awake patients opens the door to extensive resection of DLGG within the left SS while preserving the quality of life. Further anatomical, clinical, radiological, and electrophysiological studies are needed for a better understanding of the functional anatomy of this complex region.
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2014
Comparative StudyComparison of CT and clinical findings of Terson's syndrome in 121 patients: a 1-year prospective study.
Terson's syndrome (TS) is a vitreous hemorrhage in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Its diagnosis is often delayed, which may result in vision loss secondary to treatable conditions. Methods to hasten early diagnosis and consequent ophthalmic referral are desirable. The aims of this study were 1) to assess the specificity and sensitivity of conventional head CT for diagnosing TS in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH); and 2) to determine the incidence of TS and its association with age, sex, aSAH severity, and overall mortality. ⋯ Routinely looking for TS findings in CT head scans may prove valuable in clinical practice. Terson's syndrome is associated with female sex and poor clinical condition on admission.
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2014
Clinical TrialProspective natural history study of central nervous system hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease.
The tumors most frequently associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease are hemangioblastomas. While they are associated with significant neurological impairment and mortality, their natural history and optimal management have not been fully defined. ⋯ Central nervous system hemangioblastoma burden in VHL is associated with partial germline deletions and male sex. Unpredictable growth of hemangioblastomas compromises assessment of nonsurgical therapies. The judicious treatment of symptom-producing hemangioblastomas, while avoiding unnecessary treatment of asymptomatic tumors that may not progress, can provide clinical stability.
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Journal of neurosurgery · May 2014
Multitarget, dual-electrode deep brain stimulation of the thalamus and subthalamic area for treatment of Holmes' tremor.
Holmes' tremor (HT) is generally considered to be a symptomatic tremor associated with lesions of the cerebellum, midbrain, or thalamus. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for essential tremor and parkinsonian tremor has proved quite successful. In contrast, surgical treatment outcomes for HT have often been disappointing. The use of 2 ipsilateral DBS electrodes implanted in parallel within the thalamus for severe essential tremor has been reported. Since dual-lead stimulation within a single target can cover a wider area than single-lead stimulation, it produces greater effects. On the other hand, DBS of the subthalamic area (SA) was recently reported to be effective for refractory tremor. ⋯ The authors successfully treated patients with severe HT by using dual-electrode DBS over a long period. Such DBS may offer an effective and safe treatment modality for intractable HT.