World Neurosurg
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Flow-diverting stents have revolutionized the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of adverse outcomes associated with the pipeline embolization device (PED). ⋯ The PED has a satisfactory safety profile in both on- and off-label indications. A poor clinical patient baseline, wider aneurysm neck or larger size, and rupture predict an increased risk of an unfavorable outcome.
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Case Reports
The Role of Flexible Neuroendoscopy in Spinal Neurocysticercosis: Technical Note and Report of 3 Cases.
Neurocysticercosis, caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is the most common parasitic disease affecting the human central nervous system. The incidence of spinal neurocysticercosis in endemic regions ranges from 0.25% to 5.85%. Surgery is preferred when medical treatment fails to achieve control of the symptoms or when multiple cysts are present. ⋯ Flexible spinal endoscopy is a feasible and valuable tool in patients with spinal neurocysticercosis that do not respond adequately to standard treatment. It helps restore cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and can be used to place shunt catheters under guided vision. Longer endoscopes are needed to explore the entire spinal subarachnoid space with a single approach, and more research in this area is needed.
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Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a promising clinical technology. However, some patients with posterior circulation stroke might not experience neurological function recovery after EVT. We reviewed the recent experience with EVT to clarify the clinical and radiographic factors that contribute to optimal neurological outcomes. ⋯ In the present retrospective case series, contrast extravasation, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, the use of general anesthesia, and baseline NIHSS score were related to a favorable prognosis for patients with posterior circulation stroke after EVT. Contrast extravasation was an independent and strong predictor of unfavorable clinical outcomes.
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Case Reports
Surgical rescue technique for incomplete burr hole using a small bone piece and the craniotome.
Incomplete penetration of a burr hole sometimes occurs when performing a craniotomy in elderly patients due to osteoporosis. Completion of the burr hole takes more time and may sometimes cause tearing of the dura mater. We have introduced a small bone piece method that can easily and reliably recover an incomplete burr hole safely. ⋯ Application of the unlocked craniotome on the small bone piece can easily complete the burr hole. Less bone deficit is caused compared with making a new burr hole. In addition, time is saved without changing the attachment, and the burr hole is completed safely. This small bone piece method is effective to recover an incomplete burr hole.
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Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which visualizes white matter tracts, can be integrated to optimize intracranial radiation therapy (RT) and radiosurgery (RS) treatment planning. This study aimed to systematically review the integration of DTI for dose optimization in terms of evidence of dose improvement, clinical parameter changes, and clinical outcome in RT/RS treatment planning. ⋯ Integrating DTI into RT/RS treatment planning improved dose distribution, with higher treatment delivery time or monitor unit as a potential drawback. Fewer neurologic deficits were found with DTI integration.