Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2015
Diffusion-weighted imaging-detected ischemic lesions associated with flow-diverting stents in intracranial aneurysms: safety, potential mechanisms, clinical outcome, and concerns.
It was initially considered safe for flow-diverting stents to cover the ostia of branching vessels during endovascular procedures for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. As more recent evidence suggests, however, their use is not always free of ischemic concerns in terms of covered arterial ostia. The authors sought to determine the frequency of silent and clinically evident diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-detected abnormalities related to stent placement as a means of elucidating potential clinical risks. ⋯ Lesions seen on DWI resulting from the procedure are far more common than anticipated, but the technique remains safe and effective, providing an interesting alternative for "difficult" aneurysms, regardless of location. Late-occurring DWI-detected lesions distal to side arterial branches imply a local pressure gradient drop, related to flow competition by collateral networks. Further research is needed to assess the extent and significance of these events.
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The central lobe consists of the pre- and postcentral gyri on the lateral surface and the paracentral lobule on the medial surface and corresponds to the sensorimotor cortex. The objective of the present study was to define the neural features, craniometric relationships, arterial supply, and venous drainage of the central lobe. ⋯ The pre- and postcentral gyri and paracentral lobule have a morphological and functional anatomy that differentiates them from the remainder of their respective lobes and are considered by many as a single lobe. An understanding of the anatomical relationships of the central lobe can be useful in preoperative planning and in establishing reliable intraoperative landmarks.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2015
Enhanced anticancer properties of lomustine in conjunction with docosahexaenoic acid in glioblastoma cell lines.
Glioblastoma is a rapidly infiltrating tumor that consistently rematerializes despite various forms of aggressive treatment. Brain tumors are commonly treated with alkylating drugs, such as lomustine, which are chemotherapeutic agents. Use of these drugs, however, is associated with serious side effects. To reduce the side effects, one approach is to combine lower doses of chemotherapeutic drugs with other nontoxic anticancer agents. In this study, using glioblastoma cell lines, the authors investigated the anticancer effects of lomustine, alone and in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid normally abundant in the brain and known for its anticancer potential. ⋯ Taken together, these data suggest a potential role for a combination therapy of lomustine and DHA for the treatment of glioblastomas.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2015
Symptomatic contralateral subdural hygromas after decompressive craniectomy: plausible causes and management protocols.
Contralateral subdural hygromas are occasionally observed after decompressive craniectomies (DCs). Some of these hygromas are symptomatic, and the etiology and management of these symptomatic contralateral subdural collections (CLDCs) present surgical challenges. The authors share their experience with managing symptomatic CLSDCs after a DC. ⋯ Arachnoid tears and blockage of arachnoid villi appear to be the underlying causes of a CLSDC. The absence of sufficient fluid pressure required for CSF absorption after a DC further aggravates such fluid collections. Underlying hydrocephalus may appear as subdural collections in some patients after the DC. Bur hole drainage appears to be only a temporary measure and leads to recurrence of a CLSDC. Therefore, cranioplasty is the definitive treatment for such collections and, if performed early, may even avert CLSDC formation. A temporary ventriculostomy or an external lumbar drainage may be added to aid the cranioplasty and may be removed postoperatively. Ventriculoperitoneal or thecoperitoneal shunting may be required for patients in whom a hydrocephalus manifests after cranioplasty and underlies the CLSDC.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2015
The endoscopic endonasal approach to the odontoid and its impact on early extubation and feeding.
The gold-standard surgical approach to the odontoid is via the transoral route. This approach necessitates opening of the oropharynx and is associated with risks of infection, and swallowing and breathing complications. The endoscopic endonasal approach has the potential to reduce these complications as the oral cavity is avoided. There are fewer than 25 such cases reported to date. The authors present a consecutive, single-institution series of 9 patients who underwent the endonasal endoscopic approach to the odontoid. ⋯ This series of 9 cases of endonasal endoscopic odontoidectomy highlights the advantages of the approach in permitting early extubation and early feeding and minimizing complications compared with transoral surgery. Special attention must be given to bone on the left side of the odontoid if the surgeon is standing on the right side.