World Neurosurg
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We assessed the efficacy of "only fixation" as treatment for cervical radiculopathy. ⋯ Instability of the spinal segment is the nodal point of pathogenesis and the primary cause of symptoms related to degenerative spondylotic radiculopathy. The treatment is spinal stabilization. No direct bone or soft tissue decompression is necessary.
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Hydrocephalus is an international disease process that is commonly treated surgically with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This device may be prone to malfunction, most commonly from obstruction, disconnection, or infection. ⋯ Hydrocephalus, ventriculoperitoneal shunts, and shunt revisions represent a significant health burden and cost. Here we present an unusual cause of a shunt malfunction caused by bony overgrowth.
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Thin-walled regions (TIWRs) within cerebral aneurysms have a high risk of rupture during surgical manipulation. Previous reports have demonstrated specific changes in the parameters of computational fluid dynamics in TIWRs; however, they have not been fully evaluated. We identified and investigated a novel parameter, wall shear stress vector cycle variation (WSSVV), with user-friendly software that could predict TIWRs. ⋯ Low WSSVV values may indicate TIWRs within cerebral aneurysms.
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Pituitary apoplexy is an uncommon neurosurgical emergency that may be the initial presentation of undiagnosed pituitary adenomas. Though the exact pathogenesis is unclear, there appears to be an association between pituitary apoplexy and medical interventions that disturb the blood supply and venous drainage of the abnormal sellar region. We present the first case of pituitary apoplexy occurring after an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ⋯ Although pituitary apoplexy has been recognized as a sequela of surgical and laparoscopic procedures, it should also be considered in less invasive gastrointestinal procedures which may alter the intraabdominal pressures, such as ERCP. Early detection of this unusual complication allows for rapid diagnosis and timely surgical intervention in select cases to prevent debilitating cranial nerve palsies, preserve visual function, and retain normal pituitary function.
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The clivus is a small, central area of the basal cranium with limited surgical access and high morbidity associated with pathologies of its surrounding structures. Therefore thorough knowledge and understanding of the anatomy in this region are crucial for the success of treatments and interpretation of imaging. As to our knowledge, there is no extant cadaveric examination of the transclival veins, so the present study was performed. ⋯ An improved understanding of the skull base and its venous drainage can assist clinicians and surgeons in better understanding normal, pathologic, and variant anatomy in this region.