World Neurosurg
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To evaluate the clinical effect of kyphoplasty with the extrapedicular approach in the treatment of thoracic osteoporotic compression fractures, including upper, middle, and lower thoracic. ⋯ Extrapedicular kyphoplasty is safe and effective in treating thoracic osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. It can rapidly relieve backache, restore the body height of the fractured thoracic vertebra, and correct kyphosis. In addition, it can improve patient quality of life.
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Spine surgeons increasingly encounter acute spinal pathologies in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), but only limited data on the management of these patients are currently available. ⋯ Emergency spine surgery is feasible and should be considered in patients on treatment with DOAC. The (low) risk of intraoperative bleeding complications has to be weighed against the risk of permanent disability if surgical decompression is delayed. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrates and tranexamic acid may improve the coagulation before surgery, especially in cases of unavailable specific antidotes.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) is the treatment of choice for hemifacial spasm (HFS), due to the high rate of complete resolution associated with MVD. However, some patients experience recurrent or persistent symptoms after surgery. In this study, we evaluated the causes of recurrence or failure based on our surgical experience with revision of MVD for HFS and analyzed the relationship between surgical outcomes and radiologic and intraoperative findings. ⋯ The decision regarding secondary MVD for persistent or recurrent spasm is troubling. However, if neurovascular contact was observed in the MRI of the patient and there were offending vessels, the surgical outcome might be favorable.
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Case Reports
Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor with an Enlarging Heterogeneously Enhancing Organizing Hematoma.
This report portrays an unusual presentation of a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor characterized by a chronic, enlarging, heterogeneously enhancing organizing hematoma. Differential diagnoses included the malignant transformation of a low-grade glioma, radiation necrosis, and radiation-induced cavernoma. A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor may have atypical characteristics and behavior, so continued follow-up with serial imaging is recommended.
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Glioblastomas are the most common malignant brain tumor and despite extensive research have a dismal prognosis. This review focuses on the current treatment paradigms of glioblastoma and highlights current advances in surgical approaches, imaging techniques, molecular diagnostics, and translational efforts. Several promising clinical trials in immunotherapy and personalized medicine are discussed and the importance of quality of life in the patients and their caregivers both during active treatment and survivorship is also commented on.