World Neurosurg
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Eisenmenger syndrome is a rare sequela of uncorrected congenital heart disease complicated by pulmonary hypertension, from which reversal of the pathologic left-to-right cardiovascular shunt and cyanosis follow. Right-to-left shunting can lead to paradoxical cerebral emboli-increasing the risk of spontaneous or iatrogenic stroke and cerebral abscess. ⋯ Noncardiac perioperative mortality in Eisenmenger syndrome is historically reported up to 19%, and risks are further increased with prolonged case duration or hypotension, mandating vigilant attention to volume status. Correspondingly, shorter- or lower-risk procedures such as stereotactic drainage are recommended. Procedures should be performed only at centers with expertise in management of Eisenmenger syndrome and cardiac-specialized anesthesiologists whenever possible. Although a conservative approach with early, aggressive medical management is preferred, operative intervention may be required in the setting of progressive deterioration and excellent postoperative outcomes are achievable.
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Advances in medical care and technology have dramatically improved outcomes in patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention; however, certain patient subgroups (e.g., older adults) may encounter greater rates of morbidity and mortality in the perioperative period. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of patient and hospital characteristics, including age, on in-hospital mortality, and complication rates of 3 routine neurosurgical operations: subdural hematoma evacuation, brain tumor resection, and degenerative spine procedures. ⋯ Overall, our data would suggest that increased age does not universally predict worse outcome and that, for many procedures, surgical decision-making in older patients should instead consider other pertinent factors, such as comorbidities and elective status.
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Association of moyamoya disease (MMD) with von Willebrand disease (vWD) is extremely rare. ⋯ The patient overcame postoperative transient neurological events and fully recovered. We discuss appropriate perioperative supplementation of coagulation factors for a revascularization surgery for MMD with vWD.
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Case Reports
Intracranial methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder in rheumatoid arthritis: A case report.
Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as an anchor drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its ability to control pain and inflammation. However, few studies have shown that long-term MTX use can lead to lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) in these patients. Here we describe a rare case of intracranial MTX-associated LPD in a patient with RA. ⋯ Intracranial MTX-associated LPD is extremely rare. Here we describe a particular case and review the literature pertaining to intracranial MTX-associated LPD. More attention should be paid to LPD in a patient receiving immunosuppressive treatment for RA.
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Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulae (FTAVFs) are rare entities. For those with the fistulous point located in the lower sacral region (below S2), neither surgical nor endovascular strategies are the optimal treatment. ⋯ Retrograde embolization of the draining vein to obliterate FTAVFs in the lower sacral region is feasible and complete. This technique may provide a new treatment option for FTAVFs.