World Neurosurg
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) has become the best treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS); however, some patients do not obtain complete relief after the initial MVD. We analyzed a group of patients who underwent a second MVD, to identify the factors that prevented relief after the initial MVD and those that promote the success of the second procedure. ⋯ When initial MVD does not provide relief, a repeat MVD should be performed as soon as possible. In 2/42 cases, relief was delayed enough that AMR had a false-negative result. Combinative monitoring of AMR and Z-L responses was important in identifying the real cause of HFS.
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Case Reports
Geographically Remote Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Patients with Intracranial Tumors.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) related to intracranial tumors has most commonly been recognized as an operative complication related to local operative factors such as retraction or direct venous injury. CVST may also be caused by tumor-related factors such as local mass effect but rarely occurs geographically remote from the site of the tumor. ⋯ In 3 cases CVST was noted at the time of resection, and 3 cases occurred in a delayed fashion. Each case is discussed in detail, and the utility of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of this complication is highlighted.
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Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be a devastating event. An increased glucose level in patients with ICH is known to be related to poor outcomes, including acute leukocytosis, which is a well-established response to ICH. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between admission laboratory factors and 3-month mortality in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH. ⋯ Higher admission white blood cell counts and glucose levels were associated with higher 3-month mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH. These data show that an altered glucose metabolism and inflammatory state after ICH may be related to early deterioration after an ICH.
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Approximately 60 cases of schwannoma unrelated to the cranial nerve have been reported, and only 12 arose from the tentorium. We present a case of tentorial schwannoma extending into the pons and midbrain without cranial nerve involvement, which was almost totally resected with an occipital transtentorial approach. ⋯ The occipital transtentorial approach provides a direct approach to tentorial schwannoma, resulting in total resection even if the tumor extends into the pons and midbrain.
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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.