World Neurosurg
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Comparative Study
Comparison of different sequences of MRI and Ultrasongram with Nerve Conduction Studies in peripheral neuropathies.
Peripheral neuropathies refer to a group of disorders in which there is damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. Electrophysiologic studies are the main stay for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies. However, direct visualization of the nerves is possible with exact localization of site of disease with high-resolution ultrasonography (USG) and 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, and newer magnetic resonance (MR) sequences. ⋯ USG is a sensitive technique to diagnose peripheral neuropathies and it should be used as a screening modality for focused MR to be performed later. Turbo spin echo T2W fast spin has the highest sensitivity to identify nerve disease and is comparable with nerve conduction studies. Among the newer sequences, diffusion tensor imaging should be performed to increase diagnostic confidence.
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We report a case of hemorrhagic tumor detected early by pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling sequence when conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences were not contributive.
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Large-scale studies analyzing neurosurgical published research are lacking. This pilot study was designed to assess feasibility of an ongoing annual neurosurgical literature and research analysis of published articles in English-language neurosurgery journals. ⋯ This pilot analysis provides a descriptive assessment of levels of evidence and collaboration based on journal, general subject matter, and subcategories of subject allowing for comparison. This methodology may be used on an annual basis to establish neurosurgery publication trends and to identify underrepresented areas of research within the specialty.
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Observational Study
The Effects of Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Functional Outcome after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
The optimal red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) trigger for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unknown. In patients with cerebral vasospasm, anemia may increase susceptibility to ischemic injury; conversely, RBCT may worsen outcome given known deleterious effects. ⋯ Blood transfusions are associated with unfavorable outcome after SAH particularly when DCI is absent. Propensity analysis suggests that RBCT may be associated with poor outcome rather than being a marker of disease severity. However, when DCI is present, RBCT may help improve outcome.
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Comparative Study
Minimally invasive versus open surgery for lumbar synovial cysts.
Lumbar synovial cysts are relatively infrequent. Historically, these benign lesions have been treated with open excision, sometimes associated with fusion. The aim of this study is to compare minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with open surgery (OS) for the treatment of lumbar synovial cysts. ⋯ In this study, MIS for the treatment of lumbar synovial cysts appears to be more effective than OS in relieving radicular symptoms. Furthermore, MIS is better tolerated by patients and is potentially cost saving for the Health Service, due to the reduction in hospital stay and the reduced requirement for painkillers.