World Neurosurg
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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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Review Case Reports
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following second transsphenoidal surgery--report of a rare complication and review of literature.
Cushing disease, induced by a pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting adenoma, is associated with high risk of stroke. At present, transsphenoidal surgery remains the first line of therapy. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon form of stroke with variable presentations. There are no previous reports of its occurrence in patients with Cushing disease following transsphenoidal surgery. ⋯ In view of the poor outcome of untreated CVST, symptoms such as severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage after transsphenoidal surgery could be of valuable assistance in early diagnosis, allowing immediate medical intervention with consequent improved prognosis.
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Multicenter Study
Microsurgical treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in sub-Saharan Africa: a series of 102 consecutive cases treated in Senegal.
In sub-Saharan Africa, the management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) is difficult for many reasons. In this retrospective, 3-year study, the authors will demonstrate the particularities of the management of RIAs in Senegal. ⋯ This study demonstrates encouraging results if one refers to the global patient postoperative outcomes. However, the large number of patients not undergoing treatment also requires us to improve preoperative management conditions.
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Review Case Reports
Rare Thymoma Metastases to the Spine: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.
We report a series of 3 cases of metastatic thymoma to the spine with spinal cord compression. An extensive literature review of thymic metastases to the spine was completed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of current prognostic indicators and potential treatment algorithms to help guide clinicians in treatment management. ⋯ Upon review of the literature, 16 case reports/series described 28 total patients with spine metastases secondary to thymoma/thymic carcinoma. The presentations varied widely, including age, neurologic deficits, time from initial diagnosis to metastasis, and histologic grading. The only widely accepted prognostic factor is completeness of tumor resection, whereas clinical staging, histologic type, or both may also have prognostic value. Thus, gross total resection and spinal decompression should be prioritized in cases of surgical intervention. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally recommended. However, given the lack of standardized treatment algorithms, individualized regimens should be formulated on a case-specific basis.
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Comparative Study
Surgical resection of anterior and posterior butterfly glioblastoma.
Evidence suggests a survival benefit for patients with glioblastoma who undergo maximal safe surgical resection. Not all glioblastomas are amenable to surgical resection and anatomic location is one potentially limiting factor. Glioblastomas that invade the corpus callosum and cross midline to the contralateral hemisphere-butterfly glioblastomas (bGBMs)-are one subgroup of tumors traditionally deemed inoperable. ⋯ Surgical resection of butterfly glioblastoma prolongs survival without increased risk of permanent neurologic deficit. Both anterior and posterior bGBMs can be resected safely.