World Neurosurg
-
Pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are rare intracranial vascular lesions consisting of 1 or more feeder arteries connecting directly to a venous system without a nidus, in the subpial space. Because of the high-flow system, they are commonly associated with a large varix. They are thought to represent between 1.6% and 7.3% of all pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Morbidity and mortality is high in this condition and surgical or endovascular treatment options are usually considered. There have been limited reports on the clinical features, treatment options, and outcomes of pial AVMs due to its rarity. We present a case study of a pediatric patient in our institution and her clinical course, focusing on her presenting clinical features and management. ⋯ Prominence of facial veins could be 1 of the more uncommon presenting features of pial AVFs. Genetic testing should always be considered in the pediatric population diagnosed with AVFs because of their association to various syndromes. Despite endovascular embolization being considered the less invasive choice, decision on mode of treatment should be a multifactorial decision.
-
Intracranial bypass to treat ruptured aneurysms has been well described in the literature but is largely deferred in patients with higher Hunt and Hess (H & H) grades due to complexity and length of surgery, risk of inducing vasospasm, and poor prognosis. However, there is a paucity of data and no direct comparison with more traditional open surgical techniques. This study investigated outcomes in patients with H & H grade 3-5 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) unfavorable for stand-alone endovascular treatment managed with bypass compared with direct surgical clipping. ⋯ Bypass is a viable option for patients presenting with higher H & H grade aSAH deemed unfavorable for stand-alone endovascular therapy. Despite obvious differences in aneurysm complexity and a higher risk of stroke, functional outcomes with revascularization can be comparable with clipping in this high-risk patient cohort.
-
In this article, we describe a new safe entry point for the posterolateral pons. ⋯ The interpeduncular sulcus safe entry zone provides an alternative direct route for treating intrinsic pathologic entities situated in the posterolateral tegmen of the pons between the superior and middle cerebellar peduncles. The surgical corridor provided by this entry point avoids most eloquent neural structures, thereby preventing surgical complications.
-
Despite recent improvements in treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), some patients still have a short survival. We sought to develop a new risk score for preoperative assessment of short-term survival (STS) (<6 months) in patients with GBM. ⋯ This study presents the SHORT score for preoperative assessment of STS risk in patients with GBM. This risk score needs external validation in larger patient cohorts from other institutions. Our score might be a tool to facilitate treatment decisions in patients with GBM before surgery.
-
Measuring functional connectivity (FC) and resting state networks (RSNs) using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging is a method of preoperative planning in patients with brain tumors. However, the baseline FC and RSNs are altered in patients with brain tumors. In this study, we examined changes in inter-network FC in patients with brain tumors. ⋯ Although brain tumors affect the FC and RSNs, the current study showed higher baseline inter-network connectivity in patients with brain tumors, which could indicate an intrinsic neural compensatory mechanism.