World Neurosurg
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In deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor, the primary target ventrointermedius (VIM) nucleus cannot be clearly visualized with structural imaging. As such, there has been much interest in the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) for target localization, but evidence for the DRTT as a putative stimulation target in tremor suppression is lacking. We evaluated proximity of the DRTT in relation to DBS stimulation parameters. ⋯ Active contacts in proximity to the DRTT had lower voltage requirements. Data from a large cohort provide support for the DRTT as an effective stimulation target for tremor control.
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Minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches reduce patient morbidity by providing the surgeon with better visualization and access to complex lesions, with minimal disruption to normal anatomy. The use of rigid or flexible neuroendoscopes, supplemented with a conventional stereoscopic operating microscope, has been integral to the adoption of these techniques. Neurosurgeons commonly use neuroendoscopes to perform the ventricular and endonasal approaches. It is challenging to learn neuroendoscopy skills from the existing apprenticeship model of surgical education. The training methods, which use simulation-based systems, have achieved wide acceptance. Physical simulators provide anatomic orientation and hands-on experience with repeatability. Our aim is to review the existing physical simulators on the basis of the skills training of neuroendoscopic procedures. ⋯ The state of simulation systems demands collaborative initiatives among translational research institutes. They need improved fidelity and validation studies for inclusion in the surgical educational curriculum. Learning should be imparted in stages with standardization of performance metrics for skills evaluation.
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Review Case Reports
Hydrocephalus resulting from Late-onset Aqueductal Membranous Occlusion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Late-onset aqueductal membranous occlusion (LAMO) is 1 of the few causes of noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Here, we report a case of LAMO and review the associated literature. ⋯ We treated a case of LAMO, which usually presents with headache as an initial symptom. 3D-DRIVE MRI is useful for detecting membranous occlusions and for evaluating pre- and postoperative CSF flow. LAMO can be cured by endoscopic third ventriculostomy and/or endoscopic aqueductoplasty.
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Review Case Reports
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma after normal spontaneous delivery with epidural analgesia: Case report and literature review.
Pregnancy is a known risk factor for spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. During cesarean section or vaginal delivery, the unstable hemodynamic status that may occur owing to fluctuation of intra-abdominal pressure increases the possibility of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. During labor and the postpartum period, neurologic symptoms may be masked by labor pain or anesthesia block, which makes early diagnosis difficult, especially in the obstetric clinic without a neurologist or neurosurgeon. ⋯ Clinicians should observe postpartum women for signs of myelopathy or back tenderness and closely monitor neurologic function until anesthesia has run its course. A prompt diagnosis can enable prompt intervention.
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Case Reports
Longitudinal Monitoring of Gd-DTPA Following Convection Enhanced Delivery in the Brainstem.
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) has been introduced into contemporary therapeutic strategies for incurable brain neoplasms as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Therapeutic benefit in part is predictably dependent on drug distribution within tumors. However, therapeutics can rarely be detected through conventional imaging techniques. Coinfusion of the tracer gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentacetate (Gd-DTPA) has been advocated to monitor drug distributive features including volume, tumor coverage, and efflux during and after administration. The kinetics of Gd-DTPA are unclear as longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging is rarely performed. Understanding these changes would have important implications related to the timing of diagnostic imaging and reliance on tracers as surrogates of pharmacokinetic drug monitoring. ⋯ This longitudinal imaging assessment provides a rare opportunity to better characterize the kinetics of surrogate tracers delivered by CED to the brainstem, highlighting the importance of immediate and longitudinal monitoring.