World Neurosurg
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Spinal arteriovenous shunts are a common spinal vascular disorder. However, they can have a misleading clinical presentation and poor prognosis. They are classified into 4 types according to shunt points and drainage route, among which extradural arteriovenous fistula (eAVF) is the most rare, comprising only 1% of all spinal arteriovenous shunts. We report an extremely rare case of coexistent eAVF at the craniocervical junction and soft tissue arteriovenous malformation within the same metamere. ⋯ This case indicates that transvenous embolization can be an effective treatment for eAVF and supports some hypotheses of arteriovenous malformation development. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of examining a lesion with multiple modalities, including angiography, three-dimensional angiography, and cone-beam computed tomography, to understand the anatomy of the lesion.
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Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is linked to various etiologies, including most importantly systemic hypertension. Its association with intracranial hypotension (IH), a potential sequela of various neurosurgical procedures, is underrecognized. We report a case of lumboperitoneal shunt-induced IH resulting in PRES with the goal to increase awareness and elaborate on the potential biologic mechanism, based on the Monro-Kellie hypothesis. ⋯ IH appears to be a distinct cause of PRES not previously reported in the neurosurgical literature. It occurs in susceptible patients, on average 1-5 days after the IH trigger, and seems clinically and radiologically similar to more common hypertensive cases in terms of initial presentation and prognosis. Increased vigilance is required for prompt recognition and management.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone is an attractive option for treatment of brain metastases. SRS avoids whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT)-associated morbidity, but is limited by regional central nervous system (CNS) failures and short survival in some patients. We evaluated a subgroup of patients with controlled systemic disease that could represent a favorable patient population for SRS alone. ⋯ Patients with brain metastases after 1 year or longer of primary and systemic disease control represent a particularly favorable cohort, with lower regional CNS failure and prolonged survival, for an approach of SRS alone.
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Comparative Study
Surgical Resection of Insular Gliomas and the Role of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography - Single Surgeon Experience.
In gliomas located in proximity to eloquent areas, near total resection and subsequent radiotherapy is often preferred to avoid postoperative neurologic complications. Preoperative functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography provide new insights into surgeries of insular gliomas. In this study we report our experience of surgical management of insular gliomas and the role of fMRI and DTI tractography in planning the resection. ⋯ Surgical resection of insular gliomas remains a challenge to the neurosurgeon and demands good knowledge of anatomic landmarks. Use of fMRI and DTI tractography may help achieve a good outcome.
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To review the literature of spinal cord injury and stem cell therapy for large animal models and incorporate those results into an understanding of stem cell therapy for human cord injury. ⋯ Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic option for patients with spinal cord injury; however, the technology has many un-answered questions and further research is needed.