Neurosurgery
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How to manage the distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) circulation in the treatment of a giant anterior communicating artery aneurysm or a giant azygous A2 aneurysm is still controversial. ⋯ In cases in which direct clipping to preserve distal ACA flow is quite difficult, the bilateral ACA revascularization described here should be considered as another possibility.
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of the transforaminal ligaments (TFLs) in relation to the area of the lumbar intervertebral foramen (IVF) by analyzing cadaveric spines. ⋯ TFLs are common structures in the IVF and may reduce the space available for the spinal nerve root within the IVF. In this circumstance, any compromise of the IVF may impinge on the nerve root.
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During the past decade, endovascular obliteration of intracranial aneurysms and new treatments for vasospasm and cerebral ischemia have been introduced. To analyze the effectiveness of these new strategies, we evaluated changes in morbidity and mortality rates in patients at least 18 years of age who were hospitalized for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms during the past 16 years. ⋯ The mortality rate for unruptured intracranial aneurysms demonstrates a significant trend of reduction during the past 16 years. The mortality rate for SAH demonstrates limited change during the same period; it is presumed that this is attributable to the multitude of factors that influence outcome.
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Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare, low-grade astrocytoma of adolescence. Relatively favorable outcomes have been achieved with complete surgical resection. However, few data exist regarding the treatment of recurrent, deep-seated, or multicentric lesions. We report the first case to our knowledge of synchronous multicentric PXA and discuss the related therapeutic challenges. ⋯ Synchronous multicentric PXA presents unique challenges in that gross total resection would impose significant surgical morbidity; histological homogeneity among the lesions cannot be confirmed; and the well-described potential for anaplastic transformation may be increased with multiple lesions. The optimal treatment for patients with this rare and challenging diagnosis awaits further study.
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Historical Article
Hippocrates: a pioneer in the treatment of head injuries.
Hippocrates' treatise On Wounds in the Head represents an excellent source of information regarding the extent of experience with head injuries in classical antiquity. On the basis of clinical observation, the great physician gives an accurate description of the external appearance and consistency of the cranium. ⋯ Trepanation, a neurosurgical procedure still in practice today, is presented in detail. As a whole, the treatise, the first written work in medical history dealing exclusively with cranial trauma, reveals that Hippocrates was a pioneer in treating head injuries.