Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2021
Risk factors for developing subdural hematoma: a registry-based study in 1457 patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Subdural hematomas and hygromas (SDHs) are common complications in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients with shunts. In this registry-based study, patients with shunted iNPH were screened nationwide to identify perioperative variables that may increase the risk of SDH. ⋯ iNPH patients in this study were diagnosed and operated on in routine practice; thus, the results represent everyday care. Male sex, antiplatelet medication, and a lower opening pressure at surgery were risk factors for SDH. Physical status and comorbidity were not. ASD did not prevent SDH, but a shunt with an ASD allowed a lower opening pressure without causing more SDHs.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2021
Short- and long-term cognitive effects of deep brain stimulation in the caudal zona incerta versus best medical treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease.
A growing number of studies are showing positive effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the caudal zona incerta (cZi) in various tremor disorders, as well as motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The focus of the present study was to evaluate short- and long-term cognitive effects of bilateral cZi DBS in patients with PD. ⋯ With the exception of a decline in attention and self-reported executive function, bilateral cZi DBS for PD in appropriately screened patients appears to be generally safe with regard to cognitive function, both in the short- and long-term perspective.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2021
Epidemiology, natural history, and optimal management of neurohypophyseal germ cell tumors.
Intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs) often arise at the neurohypophysis, their second most common origination, following the pineal region. Neurohypophyseal iGCTs present with stereotypical symptoms, including pituitary dysfunction and visual field deficit, due to their suprasellar location. The goal of this study was to present a large, longitudinal single-institution experience with neurohypophyseal iGCTs to better understand their natural history and identify opportunities for further improvement in treatment outcomes. ⋯ Neurohypophyseal iGCTs are insidious tumors that may pose a diagnostic dilemma, as evidenced by the prolonged latency before radiographic confirmation. Serial imaging and close endocrine follow-up are recommended in patients with a characteristic clinical syndrome and negative imaging, due to the propensity for radiographic latency. Pretreatment biochemical abnormalities may indicate higher risk of posttreatment pituitary insufficiency, and all patients should receive careful endocrine follow-up. Local radiotherapy is prone to treatment failure, while whole-ventricle treatment is associated with improved survival in germinomas.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2021
Exemplary mentorship in action: Harvey Cushing's trainees from 1912 to 1919.
Harvey Cushing overcame tremendous obstacles to his personal and professional development from 1912 to 1919. These trials could have jeopardized the early and necessary formation of the Society of Neurological Surgeons in 1920. ⋯ It also puts the mentoring relationship into a context that is often encountered today. There is much to learn from those who endure trials of any kind, but there is much more to learn from those, like Cushing, who inspire perseverance in others during their trials.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2021
Safety and feasibility of multiple blood-brain barrier disruptions for the treatment of glioblastoma in patients undergoing standard adjuvant chemotherapy.
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains fatal due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which interferes with the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of repeated disruption of the BBB (BBBD) with MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in patients with GBM during standard adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. ⋯ This study is the first in which repetitive MRgFUS was performed at the same targets with a standard chemotherapy protocol for malignant brain tumor. BBBD with MRgFUS was performed accurately, repeatedly, and safely. Although a longer follow-up period is needed, this study allows for the possibility of other therapeutic agents that previously could not be used due to the BBB.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT03712293 (clinicaltrials.gov).