Neurosurgery
-
The underlying pathophysiological cause of moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is still unclear. High-resolution vessel wall imaging has become a useful tool. The aim was to study vessel wall contrast-enhancement (VW-CE) as an imaging marker to predict disease progression in MMA. ⋯ VW-CE is a semiquantifiable marker for disease activity in patients with MMA and associated with disease progression and increased risk of stroke. VW-CE analysis can be routinely performed in patients with MMA to estimate the risk for disease progression and stroke.
-
To establish normative anatomic measurements of lumbar segmental angulation (SA) and disk space height (DSH) in relation to neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs), and to uncover the influence of patient demographic and anthropometric characteristics on SA, DSH, and NFDs. ⋯ This study describes 48 450 normative measurements of L1-S1 SA, DSH, and NFDs. These measurements serve as representative models of normal anatomic dimensions necessary for several applications including surgical planning and diagnosis of foraminal stenosis. Normative values of SA and DSH are not moderately or strongly associated with NFDs. SA, DSH, and NFDs are influenced by sex and ethnicity, but are not strongly or moderately influenced by patient anthropometric factors.
-
Although venous sinus stenting (VSS) improves cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption and decreases intracranial pressure in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), the underlying pathophysiology of IIH is not well understood. We present a review and meta-analysis of the literature on VSS for IIH treatment, focusing on the rates of restenosis and symptom recurrence. ⋯ VSS is effective in alleviating IIH signs and symptoms, but the associated high rates of restenosis and persistent symptoms highlight the need for further investigation of this procedure and other adjunctive treatments for IIH.
-
Tectal plate gliomas (TPGs) are midbrain tumors that grow slowly and have a benign clinical course. Most TPGs are low-grade astrocytomas, but they can encompass various histological tumor types. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is being explored as a potentially safe and effective treatment option for TPGs, although research in this area is limited. This study aims to evaluate GKRS's efficacy and safety in patients with TPG and provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on the topic. ⋯ There is limited research available on the management of TPGs, and this study presents the largest patient cohort treated with GKRS, along with a substantial follow-up duration. Despite its limitations, this study demonstrates the efficacy and low-risk profile of GKRS for TPGs.