World Neurosurg
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Although complex and varied, adult cerebral angioarchitecture has its origins in embryologic development, where normal components, variations, and abnormalities evolve from modifications of primitive vessels. Therefore, the aim of this report was the study of the morphologic features of the basilar fenestrations in prenatal and postnatal period and associated variants and/or pathologies. ⋯ The fact that basilar fenestrations in adult specimens shared similar features with fetal ones and without aneurysms, as well as the fact that a basilar aneurysm was without fenestration in its base, lead us to hypothesis that the basilar fenestration is a vascular developmental variant related to the maintenance of vascular symmetry in the midline of the human brain base.
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There are few reports on the effect of gamma knife surgery (GKS) for brain metastases from colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors for local control, complications, and survival in our series of patients treated with GKS. ⋯ GKS provides reasonable local tumor control. Local control rate is highest if the margin dose is 25 Gy and the tumor volume <5 cm(3). Radiation edema was common but rarely symptomatic. Survival is longest for young, well-functioning patients.
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The treatment of small unruptured intracranial aneurysms has been questioned based on the results of the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms. Our objective was to compare natural history rupture risk versus treatment risk for coiling and clipping small unruptured aneurysms using data in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. ⋯ Both clipping and coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms are safe. This analysis demonstrates rationale for clipping small unruptured aneurysms in patients <61-70 years and coiling small unruptured aneurysms in patients <70-80 years. Treatment beyond these age ranges is associated with increased risk of poor outcome.
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To review previous reports as well as our institutional experience to address the issues regarding patient management and also to assess the predisposing factors that might influence outcome and survival. ⋯ ISCM is an unusual site for metastasis. Regardless of the treatment, its prognosis is generally poor as its presence often signifies end-stage cancer. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, selected patients may benefit from improved neurological outcome and quality of life.