Neurosurgery
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Case Reports
Cavernous Malformation Associated With Arterialized Developmental Venous Anomaly: A Case Report.
Formation of cavernous malformations (CMs) has been recognized to be associated with developmental venous anomaly (DVA) by many authors. Hemodynamic stress due to venous outflow restriction could be hypothesized as a cause. On the other hand, a rare subgroup of DVA with an arterial component has been reported as likely to hemorrhage or be symptomatic. Cases of arterialized DVAs reported previously have not been associated with the presence of CM. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of CM associated with an arterialized DVA. In addition to venous congestion due to outflow obstruction, bleeding from the arterial component of the DVA might be considered as a cause of CM formation.
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Engagement in research and academic productivity are crucial components in the training of a neurosurgeon. This process typically begins in residency training. In this study, we analyzed individual resident productivity as it correlated to publications across all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited neurosurgery training programs in an attempt to identify how programs have developed and fostered a research culture and environment. ⋯ Resident first-author publications correlated with recently described academic departmental productivity. Subspecialty resident publications are highest in cerebrovascular surgery. Resident research and publication is a key metric for assessing the productivity of academic neurosurgery programs and is consistent with one of the core foci of neurosurgical training.
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The relationship between calcification in primary plaque and restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been seldom investigated. ⋯ Carotid plaque calcification may be inversely associated with recurrent stenosis 1 year after CEA or later. Preoperative CT assessment for less calcification will benefit restenosis patients by early prediction and close follow-up.
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Brain tumors may have cysts, whose content of nutrients could influence tumor cell microenvironment and growth. ⋯ Tumor cysts may be a nutrient reservoir for brain tumors, securing tumor energy metabolism and synthesis of cell constituents. Serum is one likely source of cyst fluid nutrients. Nutrient levels in tumor cyst fluid are highly variable, which could differentially stimulate tumor growth. Cyst fluid glutamate, lactate, and phosphate may act as tumor growth factors; these compounds have previously been shown to stimulate tumor growth at concentrations found in tumor cyst fluid.