World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
The relationship between hematoma and pachymeninges in an interdural hematoma: diagnosis and surgical strategy.
The exact location of a hematoma in relation to the pachymeninges contributes to typical radiographic presentations. However, because of the complexity of hematoma evolution and neomembrane formation, an unexpected intraoperative finding can lead to a change of surgical strategy. In addition, the concentration of hemoglobin and its degradation products, the integrity of red blood cells, and the infiltration of fibroblasts, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and macrophages are factors that affect the imaging characteristics on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as the hematoma ages. ⋯ A careful evaluation of cerebral expansion before membranectomy was mandatory intraoperatively. For IDH, wide inner membranectomy (i.e., excision of meningeal dura mater) should not be necessary. An IDH should be considered as a distinct disease category when evaluating an extra-axial hematoma despite its rarity, because the characters of radiologic, histopathologic findings are different. In addition, surgical strategy varies for epidural or subdural hematoma in different hematoma stages.
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Neurosurgical educators strive to identify the best applicants, yet formal study of resident selection has proved difficult. We conducted a systematic review to answer the following question: What objective and subjective preresidency factors predict resident success? ⋯ Standardized testing most strongly correlated with future examination performance but correlated poorly with faculty evaluations. Moderate predictors of faculty evaluations were aggregate rank scores, letters of recommendation, and athletic or musical talent. The ability to predict success of neurosurgical residents using an evidence-based approach is limited, and few factors have correlated with future resident performance. Given the importance of recruitment to the greater field of neurosurgery, these data provide support for a national, prospective effort to improve the study of neurosurgery resident selection.
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Review Case Reports
Severe Spinal Cord Compression By A Pure Giant Intradural Schwannoma Of The Cervical Spine.
Giant intradural extramedullary schwannoma of the cervical spine usually causes severe spinal cord compression. This type of tumor has a low incidence. Patients present progressive loss of strength and other functions of the spinal cord. This article shows the clinical images of a 75-year-old male with the diagnosis of giant intradural extramedullary schwannoma and the cases reported in the literature.
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Suboccipital decompressive craniectomy (SDC) for cerebellar infarction has been traditionally performed with minimal high-quality evidence. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the impact of SDC on functional outcomes, mortality, and adverse events in patients with cerebellar infarcts. ⋯ The best available evidence for SDC is based on retrospective observational studies. SDC for cerebellar infarction is associated with better outcomes compared with decompressive surgery for hemispheric infarctions. Lack of standardized reporting methods for SDC is a considerable drawback to the development of a better understanding of the impact of this surgery on patient outcomes.
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Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) and cerebral salt wasting (CSW) are the most common etiologies. Whether or not the location of the ruptured aneurysm is associated with the etiology of hyponatremia is unknown. We sought to determine whether or not the incidence of SIADH and CSW after aSAH differed based on aneurysm location. ⋯ SIADH is much more common than CSW in patients with aSAH. Anterior circulation aneurysms may be associated with a higher rate of SIADH than posterior circulation aneurysms.