World Neurosurg
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To prospectively evaluate the morphological and structural changes in the trigeminal nerve in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) compared with healthy controls. ⋯ TN is associated with atrophy and a small trigeminal pontine angle in the affected nerve. Nerve atrophy may be a late consequence of chronic physical stress and is likely involved in the pathogenesis of TN. A small trigeminal pontine angle may increase the risk of neurovascular conflict, and thus more likely to result in the genesis of TN.
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Racial disparities exist in health care, frequently resulting in unfavorable outcomes for minority patients. Here, we use guided machine learning (ML) ensembles to model the impact of race on discharge disposition and length of stay (LOS) after brain tumor surgery from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. ⋯ Minority race independently increases the risk of extended LOS and black race increases the risk of non-home discharge in patients undergoing brain tumor resection, a finding not mimicked in the general inpatient or operative population. Recognition of the influence of race on discharge and LOS could generate interventions that may improve outcomes in this population.
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To retrospectively review the clinicopathologic features and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of spinal solitary fibrous tumor (SFT)/hemangiopericytoma (HPC) tumors. ⋯ Spinal SFT/HPC commonly appears as a well-defined solitary mass characterized by a black and white appearance that is marked with heterogeneous enhancement with or without bone destruction.
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Intracranial meningiomas are typically benign extracerebral tumors derived from dural arachnoid cells. Predominantly, these tumors are effectively managed surgically, but the prognosis is heavily dependent on a tumor's histologic heterogeneity and its location. It is known that reproductive and hormonal factors increase the risk for meningioma in adult females, but their prognostic value still remains controversial. This study's aim was to examine possible correlation between tumor location and outcome, as well as to evaluate the prognostic value of the proposed simple tumor localization scale in predicting the management outcome of intracranial meningioma. ⋯ When estimating the management outcome of intracranial meningiomas, we propose a simple localization scale dividing the tumors into central and peripheral positions. Central tumor location might be prognostically unfavorable due to involvement of major neurovascular structures. Among the independent factors predicting favorable tumor response to surgery, more effective outcomes associated with peripheral tumor location and younger age were observed.