World Neurosurg
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Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a novel radiation-free tomographic imaging method that provides a background-free, signal attenuation-free, direct quantification of the spatial distribution of superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with high temporal resolution (milliseconds), high spatial resolution (<1 mm), and extreme sensitivity (μmol). The technique is based on nonlinear magnetization of the SPIONs when exposed to an oscillating magnetic field. MPI was first described in 2001. Since then, the technique has been applied to experimental imaging of diseases affecting different organs in the human body. The aim of this paper is to review the potential applications of MPI in the field of neurosurgery. ⋯ MPI is at a preclinical stage. In the future, human-sized MPI scanners, along with the optimal toxicity profile of SPIONs will allow diagnostic applications in neurosurgical diseases.
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Multicenter Study
Fluorescein sodium in the surgical treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor and has a high recurrence rate. Maximizing the extent of resection (EOR) in recurrent GBM has proved to be the cornerstone of neurosurgical retreatment. The development of surgical microscopes fitted with fluorescein-specific filters has facilitated fluorescein-guided microsurgery and the identification of tumor tissue. Use of fluorescein sodium (FL) in primary high-grade glioma resection has shown promising results. Here, we present our experience with FL and the dedicated surgical microscope filter YELLOW 560 nm in 106 patients with recurrent GBM. ⋯ FL and YELLOW 560 nm are readily available methods for fluorescence-guided tumor resection, similar to contrast enhancement in T1-weighted MRI. FL may improve resection in recurrent GBM with minimal risk, and tumor margins are clearly visualized. FL and the YELLOW 560 nm filter are safe and feasible tools for safe maximal resection of recurrent glioblastoma.
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Multicenter Study
Venous Thromboembolism After Degenerative Spine Surgery: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an appreciable burden on health care. The protracted recumbency experienced by many spinal patients juxtaposed with concerns for postoperative hemorrhage from early anticoagulation results in conflicting stances regarding chemoprophylaxis. Identifying risk factors associated with VTE is therefore instrumental in guiding management. ⋯ The incidence of readmission with VTE diagnoses in spine surgery is low. However, their devastating consequences underscore the need to identify those patients deemed high risk. These patients include those having thoracolumbar surgery, of advanced age, with prolonged length of stay, using corticosteroids, and with a disposition to institutional care (e.g., skilled nursing facility or long-term acute care). Given the association between steroids and VTE, clinicians should be judicious about perioperative administration despite their obvious antiinflammatory benefits.
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Penetrating brain injury is 1 type of traumatic brain injury. Brain abscess is a common complication after penetrating brain injury, and fragments increase the risk of occurrence of brain abscess. It is uncommon to see the migration of bone fragments in the brain in clinical cases. We report a rare case of brain abscess with migration of bone fragments after traumatic brain injury.
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We sought to explore whether additional bone grafting of the atlantoaxial joint increases the bone fusion rate of iliac crest autograft in posterior occipitocervical fusion surgery. ⋯ Additional bone grafting of the atlantoaxial joint could increase the bone fusion rate of iliac crest autograft in posterior occipitocervical fusion.