World Neurosurg
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Patients with single brain metastasis (SBM) have better outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). We analyzed our SRS database to evaluate possible prognostic factors in patients with SBM. ⋯ This is the largest series of patients with SBM treated with SRS analyzed for OS, LPFS, and DPFS. SPI was devised for end points. Tumor volume had a significant association with all 3 end points. Neurologic symptoms, age, and previous whole-brain radiotherapy were also found to be prognostic.
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The proportion of women among neurosurgeons appears to be growing worldwide with time. Official data concerning the current situation across Europe have not yet been published. Thus, there are still concerns about gender inequality. The European Women in Neurosurgery Project 2016 was designed to recognize the current situation across Europe. ⋯ Neurosurgery is a challenging field of medicine. The results of our survey did not imply an overall feeling of gender inequality among European respondents, although women believe that the gender issue to be more important than men do and that they have to sacrifice more of their personal lives.
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Halo fixation is one of the possible treatments for cervical spine fractures. However, improper use of these devices may lead to many complications, such as pin loosening, halo dislocation, pin site infection, and intradural penetration. ⋯ Misapplication of halo fixation devices may lead to serious complications, including intracranial pin penetration and brain abscesses. Proper use of the recommended technique may decrease the risk for complications related to the procedure.
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Clinically applicable hemodynamic risk factors to predict arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture are missing in the literature. The aim of this study was to use catheter angiography to identify hemodynamic parameters in ruptured and unruptured AVMs. ⋯ Ruptured AVMs have significantly prolonged venous drainage times compared with unruptured AVMs; this suggests restricted AVM drainage and increased blood pressure within the AVM nidus. Prospective studies are needed to determine the predictive power of these measurements.
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Cerebral hydatid cyst is among the rare presentations of echinococcosis. Almost all the reported cases of intracranial hydatid cysts are in the cortical regions (parietal lobe in the territory of the middle cerebral artery), and all have been removed surgically using the water jet dissection technique. However, in locations in which there are several neuronal structures, such as the cerebellopontine angle, this method might not be applicable. ⋯ The Meckel cave and cerebellopontine angle are rare locations for hydatid cysts, and the surgical technique is different due to adhesion of the cyst to several neuronal structures (lower cranial nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum). Needle aspiration along with dissection of the cyst microsurgically is recommended in similar cases.