World Neurosurg
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Cerebral abscesses are rare, potentially life-threatening entities that result from local spread or hematogenous dissemination to the brain. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment is key in lowering morbidity and preventing mortality associated with cerebral abscesses. Congenital heart diseases with right-to-left intracardiac shunts can be complicated by brain abscesses via paradoxical embolism of infected microthrombi. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by an underdeveloped left heart that uses intracardiac shunting to achieve adequate systemic circulation. We present the first reported case of a cerebral abscess in a patient with HLHS. The pathophysiology of HLHS and how it predisposes patients to development of cerebral abscesses is discussed. ⋯ HLHS is a rare congenital cardiac malformation. The long-term outcome of patients with this condition continues to improve as treatment paradigms evolve. As such, patients with HLHS are living longer, and their potential to develop cerebral abscesses secondary to their unique systemic circulation is increasing with improved life expectancy. Surgeons and physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cerebral abscess in the setting of HLHS.
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The innominate artery, also known as the brachiocephalic artery, is the first vessel off the aortic arch and provides blood to the right arm, neck, and head. Occlusion of the innominate artery can be treated with endarterectomy, angioplasty, stenting, and bypass grafting. Bypass grafting describes a surgical procedure during which a bypass from the ascending aorta to the innominate artery is created. Our case depicts a patient post innominate artery bypass graft with a less commonly encountered postsurgical anatomy.
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Spinal cord injury may cause cortical reconstruction. We, therefore explored the changes in cortical activation before and after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery in patients with Hirayama disease (HD). ⋯ After surgery, pathologic reconstruction may have occurred in the primary motor cortex. Recovery of motor function in the symptomatic limb was accompanied by decreased ipsilateral and contralateral M1 activation, as well as symptom improvement. These findings suggested that postoperative cortical activation changes may reflect functional recovery in HD.
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Case Reports
Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Surgery via the Transfacet Approach for Lumbar Synovial Cyst.
There are currently no high-quality studies on the optimal therapeutic approach for juxtafacet cyst, as treatment guidelines have not been developed. Herein, a novel technique in which we used an endoscopic transfacet approach to treat a patient with symptomatic lumbar synovial cyst is presented. ⋯ Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar surgery could be a new option for the management of lumbar synovial cysts, especially when general anesthesia is not appropriate for the patient.
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To evaluate feasibility and safety of transvenous embolization for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). ⋯ Transvenous embolization of brain AVMs is feasible and may improve cure rates. The safety and long-term effects need further validation.