World Neurosurg
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The purpose of this population-based case-control study was to evaluate analgesic use after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by rupture of a saccular intracranial aneurysm (sIA). ⋯ Our results indicate that patients with sIA-SAH had an increased risk for new pain after sIA-SAH as compared with that of matched control population.
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Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are vascular malformations composed of tangles of abnormally developed vasculature without capillaries. Abnormal shunting of arteries and veins is formed, resulting in high-pressure vascular channels, which potentially lead to rupture. BAVMs are generally considered a congenital disorder. But clinical evidence regarding involution, regrowth, and de novo formation argue against the static condition of this disease. Recently, the presence of the somatic activating KRAS mutations in more than half of BAVM cases was reported, suggesting the role of KRAS function in the pathogenesis. ⋯ KRAS mutations in codon35 were detected in about two thirds of specimens examined. KRAS function may actively contribute to the pathobiology of BAVM and can become a therapeutic target.
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This study examined the use of noninstrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and compared its effectiveness with that of instrumented fusion for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with spondylolisthesis in elderly patients. ⋯ Noninstrumented posterolateral lumbar fusion with rhBMP-2 in elderly patients with LSS and spondylolisthesis is a viable alternative to instrumented fusion based on clinical outcomes measured in this study.
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Quality Improvement (QI) is essential for improving health care delivery and is now a required component of neurosurgery residency. However, neither a formal curriculum nor implementation strategies have been established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. ⋯ A formal didactic curriculum and practical application of QI methodologies adds value to resident training. Further, it has the potential to positively impact practice. Consideration should be given to adopting a formal QI curriculum by other neurosurgery departments and perhaps standardization on national level.
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Acromegaly caused by Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) mimicking a plurihormonal pituitary adenoma (PA) is rare. ⋯ We reported a rare case of acromegaly caused by RCC mimicking a plurihormonal PA. This case suggests that inflammation associated with RCC might be involved in the development of adenomatous cells. Postoperative clinical symptoms and elevated fibrinogen and IGF-1 levels later improved. This outcome suggested that the transient increase in IGF-1 2 months after surgery might reflect RCC-induced inflammation.