World Neurosurg
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease with prominent musculoskeletal manifestations that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery; however, few studies have specifically examined postoperative outcomes in patients with RA following lumbar surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with RA who underwent posterior lumbar fusion experienced increased postoperative complications and economic burden compared with patients without RA. ⋯ Preexisting RA may increase risk for short-term postoperative medical complications following posterior lumbar fusion, specifically infectious events. In addition, patients with RA have higher rates of subsequent reoperation following index surgery. Patients with RA be should counseled regarding these risks.
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The posterior spinal arteries (PSAs), branches of the intracranial segment of the vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery, run bilaterally along the spinal cord and are integral to the blood supply primarily to the posterior one third of this structure. However, a less well-described distribution of the PSAs is their supply to the posterior medulla. The purpose of this study is to examine the medullary branches of the PSA anatomically. ⋯ Physicians who interpret imaging of the craniocervical junction, in particular arteriograms, should be aware of ascending medullary branches arising from the anterior spinal artery. Additionally, neurosurgeons operating this region must be careful in dissecting over the posterior medulla and manipulating the cerebellar tonsils, as in telovelar approaches to the fourth ventricle, in order to avoid iatrogenic injury to these vessels. Additionally, variable stroke patterns involving the vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery might include ischemia to the medulla oblongata via PSA branches, and this anatomy should be kept in mind by interventionalists, radiologists, and neurologists alike.
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Delayed bleeding of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) after coil embolization is rare; this study aimed to analyze the occurrence of delayed bleeding of UIAs after coil embolization. ⋯ Cautious follow-up of UIAs with digital subtraction angiography is important, articularly within the first 5 years after the procedure. If there are changes in the anatomic outcomes, short-term reassessment or additional treatment should be actively considered, particularly for aneurysms in the posterior circulation.
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Case Reports
Sporadic malignant perineurioma - a rare diagnosis among malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Malignant perineurioma is a rare subset of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) with ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of perineurial differentiation, distinguishing it from other MPNSTs, which typically demonstrate Schwannian features. The clinical course and prognosis of this rare tumor is not well defined. ⋯ Patients in our series presented at varied stages of disease. Clinical courses after diagnosis of malignant perineurioma, where follow-up was available, were largely uncomplicated with regard to recurrence and metastatic disease. Careful follow-up is indicated, and further work is needed to characterize the clinical course of these rare tumors.
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Comparative Study
Endoscopic vs. Open Microsurgical Excision of Colloid Cysts: A Comparative Analysis and State-of-the-Art Review of Neurosurgical Techniques.
The surgical approaches of colloid cysts commonly include endoscopy or open microsurgery. Each approach carries its own challenges, feasibility, and complications. The aim of the current study is to compare endoscopic versus open microsurgical excision of third ventricular colloid cysts. ⋯ Both endoscopic and microsurgical approaches provide favorable surgical outcomes in colloid cyst resection. The complication rates between both approaches is statistically insignificant. The optimal surgical approach for colloid cyst resection remains controversial.