Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2021
Use of endoscopic transorbital and endonasal approaches for 360° circumferential access to orbital tumors.
Orbital tumors are often surgically challenging because they require an extensive fronto-temporo-orbital zygomatic approach (FTOZ) and a multidisciplinary team approach to provide the best outcomes. Recently, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques via a transorbital superior eyelid approach (ETOA) or endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) have been proposed as viable alternatives to transcranial approaches for orbital tumors. In this study, the authors investigated the feasibility of 360° circumferential access to orbital tumors via both ETOA and EEA. ⋯ Without transcranial approaches requiring temporalis muscle dissection and orbitozygomatic osteotomy, the selection of ETOA or EEA based on a concept of a four-zone model with its epicenter around the optic nerve successfully provides a minimally invasive 360° circumferential access to the entire orbit with acceptable morbidity.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2021
Procalcitonin in the context of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) initiates a deleterious cascade activating multiple inflammatory processes, which can contribute to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Procalcitonin (PCT) is an established marker for sepsis treatment monitoring, and its time course in the context of DCI after aSAH remains unclear. The aim of this trial was to assess the predictive and confirmative value of PCT levels in the context of DCI. ⋯ Early higher PCT levels were associated with the later development of DCI and unfavorable outcome. Analysis of PCT beyond the first couple of days after hemorrhage is hampered by nosocomial infections. In infection-free patients, however, PCT levels rise during DCI and an additional increase develops in patients developing cerebral infarction. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02142166 (clinicaltrials.gov).
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2021
Technical and radiographic considerations for magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound capsulotomy.
Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging treatment modality that enables incisionless ablative neurosurgical procedures. Bilateral MRgFUS capsulotomy has recently been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Preliminary evidence has suggested that bilateral MRgFUS capsulotomy can present increased difficulties in reaching lesional temperatures as compared to unilateral thalamotomy. The authors of this article aimed to study the parameters associated with successful MRgFUS capsulotomy lesioning and to present longitudinal radiographic findings following MRgFUS capsulotomy. ⋯ With the current iteration of MRgFUS technology, skull-related parameters such as SDR, skull thickness, and angle of incidence should be considered when selecting patients suitable for MRgFUS capsulotomy. Lesions appear to follow morphological patterns similar to what is seen following MRgFUS thalamotomy. Retreatment appears to be safe, although additional cases will be necessary to further evaluate the associated safety profile.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2021
Case ReportsCerebral deep venous thrombosis and COVID-19: case report.
Herein, the authors present the case of a 54-year-old male diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during a screening test. The patient was asked to self-isolate at home and report with any exacerbations of symptoms. He presented later with pneumonia complicated by encephalopathy at days 14 and 15 from initial diagnosis, respectively. ⋯ A complete hypercoagulable workup was negative, and the venous thrombosis was attributed to a hypercoagulable state induced by COVID-19. The mental decline was attributed to bithalamic and gangliocapsular venous infarction secondary to deep venous thrombosis. Unfortunately, the patient's condition continued to decline, and care was withdrawn.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2021
The management of clival chordomas: an Italian multicentric study.
In the last 2 decades, the endoscopic endonasal approach in the treatment of clival chordomas has evolved to be a viable strategy to achieve maximal safe resection of this tumor. Here, the authors present a multicentric national study, intending to analyze the evolution of this approach over a 20-year time frame and its contribution in the treatment of clival chordomas. ⋯ Through multicentric data collection, this study encompasses the largest series in the literature of clival chordomas surgically treated through an EETA. An increase in the use of this approach was found among Italian neurosurgical departments together with an improved extent of resection over time. The satisfactory rate of GTR was marked by low surgical morbidity and the preservation of patient quality of life. Surgical outcome was reinforced, in terms of PFS and OS, by the use of proton beam therapy, which was increasingly performed along the period of study.