World Neurosurg
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We sought to assess preliminary technical and clinical outcomes of Catalyst 5 (CAT 5) as front-line aspiration treatment for M2-M3 occlusion in acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ Preliminary experience using CAT 5 in distal occlusions demonstrates that it may be safe and effective in acute stroke treatment.
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Hypoglossal schwannomas are rare, benign intracranial neoplasms; they represent 5% of all nonvestibular schwannomas. ⋯ Hypoglossal schwannomas are a rare entity, in which surgery is the most viable option with high cure rates. However, its complete resection, without leaving permanent neurologic sequels, is a challenge.
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In our series, the gravity-assisted ipsilateral paramedian approach was shown to be safe and advantageous for the resection of parafalcine meningioma, because it does not result in contralateral brain impingement and does not require brain retraction. We have reported the technical details of this method and the outcomes of our patients. ⋯ The results from the present case series have demonstrated the safety of the gravity-assisted ipsilateral paramedian approach for parafalcine meningioma resection. The approach provides good tumor exposure and clear identification and preservation of bridging veins, does not result in contralateral brain impingement, and does not require excessive brain retraction.
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Investigate the differences in spine surgery cost for metabolic syndrome patients. ⋯ When matched by invasiveness, MetS patients had an average 16.4% higher surgery costs, 50% higher costs per QALY at 1 year, and 75% higher cost per QALY at life expectancy. Further research is needed on the possible utility of reducing comorbidities in preoperative patients.
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Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have been linked to tissue deposition, including in the brain. The management of indolent tumors such as meningiomas requires frequent MRI scans to monitor for interval growth. Given concern regarding GBCA deposition, we sought to determine if noncontrast MRI scans in patients with asymptomatic meningiomas were equivalent to GBCA-enhanced MRI scans in surveillance monitoring. ⋯ Our study provides evidence that noncontrasted MRI scans are equivalent to contrast-weighted MRI scans to follow change in tumor size over time in asymptomatic meningiomas.