Neurosurgery
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A simple dimensionless aneurysm number ($An$), which depends on geometry and flow pulsatility, was previously shown to distinguish the flow mode in intracranial aneurysms (IA): vortex mode with a dynamic vortex formation/evolution if $An > 1$, and cavity mode with a steady shear layer if $An < 1$. ⋯ $An > 1$ predicts ruptured status. Unlike traditional hemodynamic parameters such as wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index, $An$ has a physical threshold of one (does not depend on statistical analysis) and does not require time-consuming flow simulations. Therefore, $An$ is a simple, practical discriminator of IA rupture status.
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Multicenter Study
Thrombectomy Technique Predicts Outcome in Posterior Circulation Stroke-Insights from the STAR Collaboration.
Randomized controlled trials evaluating mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke predominantly studied anterior circulation patients. Both procedural and clinical predictors of outcome in posterior circulation patients have not been evaluated in large cohort studies. ⋯ Despite similar safety profiles, use of ADAPT is associated with higher rates of functional independence after posterior circulation thrombectomy compared to stent retriever or combined approach in large "real-world" retrospective study.
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Ependymoma and chordoma are 2 tumors that occur throughout the craniospinal axis, and for which the extent of neurosurgical resection has a key prognostic role. Both tumors have distinctive pathologic features, yet can present significant diagnostic challenges to pathologists in cases without classical histology. The molecular understanding of ependymoma has had significant advances in the past decade, with the identification of 9 molecular groups with significant prognostic and clinical implications, while a comprehensive study of chordoma further emphasized the key role of brachyury overexpression in its pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, radiology and gross pathology, histology, and molecular features of these 2 tumors, as well as active research into targeted therapies, with an emphasis on practical diagnostic challenges, and the use of immunohistochemical and molecular tests in routine diagnostic practice.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is typically associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Recent studies, however, have suggested that hypercapnia and chronic intermittent hypoxia may potentially provide protection against ischemic events like stroke. ⋯ SAH patients with OSA are significantly less likely to have a poor outcome when compared to non-OSA patients, despite having an increased risk of several comorbidities.
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Meningioma growth rates are highly variable, even within benign subgroups, with some remaining stable, whereas others grow rapidly. ⋯ The proposed models might enable more accurate prediction of time to meningioma recurrence and thus determine optimal postoperative management. Moreover, combining this model with current knowledge of molecular processes underpinning recurrence could permit the identification of distinct meningioma subtypes and enable better-targeted therapies.