World Neurosurg
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Atypical meningioma is a heterogeneous group of tumors with an unpredictable behavior. Our objectives were to study patients with atypical meningioma, monitor their follow-up, identify the histologic characteristics, and analyze factors associated with severe outcomes. ⋯ The high rate of recurrence observed and the short disease-free survival exemplify the unpredictable behavior of atypical meningiomas. Total resection was the only significant factor associated with recurrence. However, the presence of atypical features, such as necrosis or high Ki67, is frequent in patients with disease progression.
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Previous research has shown a strong correlation between the Ki-67 proliferation index and grade of malignancy in astrocytoma. Ki-67 has also shown encouraging results as a prognostic marker for patients' overall survival (OS). We focus on whether the index is linked to the appearance of glioblastoma on pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or to OS. ⋯ The unique appearance of every glioblastoma on MRI seems to be independent of the Ki-67 index. Furthermore, the Ki-67 index did show a distinct prognostic value for OS within our cohort at a cutoff value of 20% for Ki-67.
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To describe the technique of a small extended bifrontal approach and review the clinical outcome of patients with midline anterior skull base (MASB) meningiomas treated using this technique. ⋯ The small extended bifrontal approach is a safe and effective technique for resection of MASB meningiomas, which provides adequate surgical exposure with less approach-related morbidity. It is an excellent alternative for surgeons who favor the bifrontal approach and its extended variations.
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Stereoscopic video recordings of operative microscopy during neuroanatomic dissections are an important component of surgical training and research in well-financed medical schools and teaching hospitals. However, the high cost of the latest operative microscopes with integrated video recording equipment can be a limiting factor in their worldwide use. The aim of the present work is to provide a simple low-cost 3-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic operative microscope recording system that can be used even in economically and resource-limited locations. This is achieved by using readily available smartphones, smartphone accessories, and computer software. ⋯ The 3D video system demonstrated herein can be implemented on any type of operative microscope, including older units for which commercial stereo recording systems are not available. The system and method presented herein can be readily and affordably implemented in low-budget environments for clinical training and research.
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Overlapping stents represent a new paradigm in endovascular interventions, especially for complex and wide-necked aneurysms. The low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device is a new generation of self-expanding braided stents recently introduced in China for stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms. We report several cases of intracranial aneurysms coiled using overlapping LVIS stents to evaluate its efficacy and safety. ⋯ Double LVIS stents are safe and effective in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, especially complex aneurysms.