World Neurosurg
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A positive correlation between serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels and the amount of dislodgement of intracranial structures (mass effect) produced by brain tumors has been demonstrated previously. The aim of our prospective observational study was to evaluate a possible relationship between serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels and the amount of neoplastic edema in patients affected by brain tumor. ⋯ Our data demonstrate that serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels are positively correlated to neoplastic brain edema in patients with a brain tumor and suggest a possible cerebral source for this phenomenon.
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The authors introduce a new fusion technique using 2 three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography images acquired by a flat-panel detector angiographic system to understand the detailed angioarchitecture of complex cerebral and spinal vascular malformations. ⋯ A fusion technique using two three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography is beneficial for preoperative planning and successful treatment in cases of complex cerebral and spinal vascular malformations.
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The relationship between preoperative functional findings, derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, and surgical outcomes in patients with motor cortical arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has not been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between preoperative functional findings and surgical outcomes in patients with motor cortical AVM. ⋯ Nidus involving the CST and the level of the CST involved, rather than cortical reorganization, may be associated with surgical outcomes in patients with motor cortical AVM.
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Bony metastasis predominantly affects the spinal column and has been commonly associated in patients with breast cancer. There are two types of lesions that can occur with spine cancer-osteolytic or osteoblastic. Some patients may have mixed lesions, which include lytic and blastic in one vertebra or lytic and blastic in different vertebrae. Previous studies have shown that patients with breast cancer have an increased likelihood for development of lytic spinal metastases. ⋯ By integrating clinical and bioinformatic techniques, this study provides a novel discovery of the relationship between blastic and PR + breast cancers, which may have important implications for diagnostic strategies concerning vertebral metastases.