World Neurosurg
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Case Reports
Acute Supratentorial Ischemic Stroke with Ipsilateral Hemiparesis: Pathomechanism and Management Challenges.
Supratentorial stroke manifesting as ipsilateral hemiparesis is rare. Multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms are possible for this unusual phenomenon and has been previously described. Its implication in therapeutic decision making in a patient with an acute emergent condition has never been discussed. We describe our experience with a patient with this unusual presentation. ⋯ Discordance between clinical and initial computed tomography angiography findings in a patient with acute ischemic stroke poses a management challenge. Additional imaging to correlate clinical findings in equivocal cases may help in decision making but may significantly delay intervention, and therefore its utility during the short therapeutic window period needs careful consideration. Considering the risks and benefits, timely intervention should be balanced judiciously against appropriate intervention to achieve a positive patient outcome.
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Hyperprolactinemia in patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) has been explained by the stalk compression of large pituitary adenomas. However, not all large NFPAs are associated with high serum prolactin levels. We aimed to elucidate and compare clinical, hormonal, and radiographic characteristics of NFPAs with and without hyperprolactinemia. ⋯ Preoperative prolactin level is a useful marker to predict hormone recovery after surgery. Patients with NFPA and hyperprolactinemia tended to have a higher width/AP diameter ratio. Hyperprolactinemia of NFPA is more likely affected by tumor growth pattern, such as width/AP diameter ratio, than tumor volume.
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Tumor-treating fields (TTFs) have become an important, evidence-based modality in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). In patients requiring cardiac pacemakers, TTF therapy is complicated by theoretical concerns regarding possible electrical interaction between the devices. ⋯ The first reported case of successful TTF administration in a GBM patient with a previously implanted cardiac pacemaker may allay the concerns of neuro-oncologists, cardiologists, radiation oncologists, and all certified TTF prescribers regarding the applicability of TTF in suitable candidates with preexisting cardiac pacemakers. This case indicates that TTF therapy may be efficacious in patients with indwelling magnetic resonance image-conditional cardiac pacemakers turned to the off position and that physical removal of the pacemaker is not necessary before starting TTF.
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We sought to determine whether a set of simple criteria can identify patients in the neuroscience intensive care unit (NICU) at high risk of poor outcome and delivery of nonbeneficial care early in the course of their illness. Secondarily, factors affecting limitation of care protocols were assessed. ⋯ We identified simple criteria that can be used to identify patients in the NICU setting for whom continued aggressive care is likely nonbeneficial. Our analysis revealed demographic, social, and economic factors correlating with proxies' willingness to consider limitation of care.
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Observational Study
Applicability, Safety and Cost-effectiveness of Improvised External Ventricular Drainage: An observational study of Tunisian neurosurgery inpatients.
External ventricular drainage (EVD) is an emergent neurosurgical procedure. Many commercial sets are available for EVD that are not always obtainable in all hospitals. The aim of our study was to describe new techniques to perform EVD using simple improvised materials to check the real-world applicability of the same device in the management of acute hydrocephalus and its effectiveness and safety. ⋯ The new EVD device has the potential to improve the quality of efficiency of care in difficult economic times that have changed the medical landscape, because it is both easy to make and cost-effective. Because it is an inexpensive technique, it could also be suitable for low-income countries, where neurosurgery is not yet the first and foremost health priority.