World Neurosurg
-
Observational Study
Patient expectations and preferences in the spinal surgery clinic.
Managing patient expectations is essential in the treatment of patients undergoing spinal surgery. Patient satisfaction is associated with improved clinical outcomes and can be improved when patient and surgeon expectations are aligned and patient preferences are met. ⋯ Because spine surgery is largely elective, patients often seek treatment to improve quality of life and alleviate subjective symptoms. Understanding patient expectations is critical to ensure that patients and physicians are working toward similar goals.
-
The circle of Willis (CoW) is the foremost anastomosis and blood distribution center of the brain. Its effectiveness depends on its completion and the size and patency of its vessels. Gender-related and age-related anatomic variations in the CoW may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we analyzed computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) to assess for differences in CoW completion related to gender, age, and indication for CTA. ⋯ The incidence of complete CoW is likely greater in women for all age groups and likely decreases with age in both genders. The most frequently absent vessel is likely the PCOM, either unilaterally or bilaterally. Completion may play a role in ischemic stroke and a subset of patients with hemorrhagic stroke.
-
Many studies have focused on axon regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI), and fibrinogen has been reported to be an inhibitory factor for axon regeneration. However, most of these studies were based on animal experiments and in vitro trials. Few studies reported serum concentrations of fibrinogen in patients with SCI. ⋯ The serum concentrations of fibrinogen in patients with SCI were significantly increased after injury and were correlated with the severity of neurologic deficit in patients with SCI.
-
Intramedullary spinal cord metastasis (ISCM) from ovarian cancer is rare. Here we report a case of a 50-year-old female with ISCM from ovarian cancer.
-
To investigate predictors of recurrence and moderate to severe complications after burr-hole surgery for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). ⋯ Recurrence after cSDH surgery is more often encountered in patients with radiologically more extensive disease reflected by bilateral hematoma and large hematoma diameter. On the other hand, moderate to severe complications are more often seen in patients in a worse clinical condition, reflected by decreased level of consciousness and more comorbidities.