World Neurosurg
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Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) often are treated via transarterial or transvenous embolization. Incomplete penetration of the draining vein/occult residual often will become apparent on follow-up angiography, requiring repeat embolization, or at times, surgical resection. ⋯ Although endovascular treatment of dAVFs is generally first-line therapy, surgical disconnection of fistulas, particularly high-risk residual/recurrent fistulas, is an excellent option in well-selected cases.
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Giant aneurysms are very high-risk lesions both in terms of natural history and treatment. Bypass with distal occlusion is thought to be a safe treatment option for these aneurysms. Here, we report 2 cases of aneurysm rupture after bypass and distal occlusion, review the literature, and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms, in the hopes of influencing treatment planning and averting such complications in the future. ⋯ Aneurysm rupture can occur after bypass and distal occlusion, despite initial appearances of intraoperative stability. We suggest that the mechanisms are not a simple pressure within the dome and may be due to rapid thrombosis with subsequent aneurysm wall destabilization or stretching and capacitance causing persistent filling. When possible, it seems that complete trapping or proximal occlusion may be preferable to distal occlusion for these giant aneurysms. The optimal management of these highly morbid lesions remains to be determined.
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Case Reports
Intracranial hypotension following traumatic brain injury: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Intracranial hypotension (IH) is a recognized cause of coma; however, the diagnosis is often challenging, especially in patients with superimposed traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Secondary IH can easily be missed in patients who have sustained a primary brain injury. In patients with a poor neurologic recovery, clinicians should rule out secondary IH as a potential cause, as immediate treatment can lead to profound clinical improvement.
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Although an asymptomatic spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) can sometimes be incidentally detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no previous reports showing the development of an SDAVF on MRI or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). ⋯ This may be the first report in which serial MRA studies demonstrated the course of this condition, from the appearance of an SDAVF to the development of SAH. An abnormal vascular structure detected on MRA indicated abnormal enlargement of the perimedullary vein and the presence of a cervical SDAVF. A lower cervical SDAVF should be suspected if such an abnormal vascular structure is detected on MRA.
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Neurosurgery and spine surgery have the potential to benefit from the use of 3-dimensional printing (3DP) technology due to complex anatomic considerations and the delicate nature of surrounding structures. We report a procedure that uses a 3D-printed titanium T9 vertebral body implant post T9 vertebrectomy for a primary bone tumor. ⋯ An advantage of 3DP is the ability to manufacture patient-specific implants, as in the current case example. Additionally, the use of 3DP has been able to reduce operative time significantly. Surgical procedures can be preplanned using 3DP patient-specific models. Surgeons can train before performing complex procedures, which enhances their presurgical planning in order to maximize patient outcomes. When considering implants and prostheses, the use of 3DP allows a superior anatomic fit for the patient, with the potential to improve restoration of anatomy.