Neurosurgery
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Upfront laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) can be used as part of the treatment paradigm in difficult-to-access newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (ndGBM) cases. The extent of ablation, though, is not routinely quantified; thus, its specific effect on patients' oncological outcomes is unclear. ⋯ This study presents data analysis of the largest series of ndGBM treated with upfront LITT. Near-total ablation was shown to significantly benefit patients' PFS and OS. Importantly, it was shown to be safe, even in cases of excess ablation and therefore could be considered when using this modality to treat ndGBM.
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Spine metastases often cause significant pain, instability, and/or neurological morbidity. Local control (LC) of spine metastases has been augmented with advances in systemic therapies, radiation, and surgical technique. Prior reports suggest an association between preoperative arterial embolization and improved LC and palliative pain control. ⋯ Preoperative embolization was associated with improved LC and pain control suggesting a novel role for its use. Additional prospective study is warranted.
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Patients undergoing surgical procedures for spinal tumors are vulnerable to major adverse events (AEs) and death in the postoperative period. Shared decision making and preoperative optimization of outcomes require accurate risk estimation. ⋯ In patients undergoing surgery for spinal tumors, the STSRI showed the highest predictive accuracy for major postoperative AEs and death compared with other current risk predictors.
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Although published data support the utilization of circumferential fusion to treat select cervical spine pathologies, it is unclear whether the posterior-anterior-posterior (PAP) fusion has increased risks compared with the anterior-posterior fusion. ⋯ Despite some differences in preoperative and intraoperative variables, this study suggests both circumferential approaches have comparable reoperation, readmission, and complication profiles, all of which are high.
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Intraosseous dural arteriovenous fistulas (IODAVFs) are rare DAVFs that communicate with marrow. Given their infrequency, common nomenclature is nonexistent. Patients may present with benign symptoms, such as tinnitus, or venous hypertension symptoms including hemorrhage depending on the venous outflow pattern. ⋯ IODAVFs of the cerebrocranial vasculature may present incidentally, with tinnitus, or with symptoms related to mass effect or venous hypertension. We propose a classification which accounts for drainage patterns. Further study is needed for these rare lesions.