World Neurosurg
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Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVFs) are the rarest variety of spinal vascular malformation and are often misdiagnosed as type 1 spinal dural fistula. This retrospective study highlights the salient anatomic differentiating points of these entities and also highlights the importance of a planned endovascular treatment approach using different routes of access. Efficacy of the endovascular treatment at 3 months follow-up was also studied. ⋯ The differentiating points between SEAVF compared with type 1 spinal dural fistula are emphasized. The study also highlights the importance of a good angiographic assessment to best access the fistula by arterial, venous, percutaneous, or combined routes. Endovascular treatment resulted in statistically significant clinical improvement at 3 months follow-up.
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Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis rarely occurs in pituitary apoplexy. Little is known of the causes of this condition. The present study investigated the factors related to ICA stenosis associated with pituitary apoplexy. ⋯ Our study revealed that age, tumor size, and sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening were strongly related to the occurrence of ICA stenosis in pituitary apoplexy. Among these factors, age had the potential of being an independent predictor of the condition.
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) sought to expand access to health care for 46 million uninsured Americans. Increasing consumer coverage and ensuring affordability of care have raised concerns about ACA Marketplace plans with limited in-network physician coverage (narrow network plans). We assessed the neurosurgery coverage of ACA Marketplace plans in Arizona. ⋯ By narrowing the network of providers, insurance companies are attempting to maintain fiscal viability of their ACA Marketplace products. However, 10 of the 15 counties (67%) in Arizona do not have access to outpatient neurosurgical care through these plans despite the presence of neurosurgical facilities in most counties. Access to neurosurgical care requires consideration of network coverage in policies designed to expand coverage and coverage options for patients insured through the ACA Marketplace.
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To evaluate the relationship between chiropractic spinal manipulation and medical malpractice using a legal database. ⋯ Litigation claims following chiropractic care predominately alleged neurological injury with consequent surgical management. Plaintiffs primarily alleged overaggressive treatment, though a majority of trials ended in defensive verdicts. Ongoing analysis of malpractice provides a unique lens through which to view this complicated topic.
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It is difficult to predict which patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) will improve after shunt surgery. This study investigated the association between preoperative imaging parameters in patients with iNPH and long-term outcome after shunt placement. ⋯ Higher Evans index is a predictor of long-term cognitive improvement after shunt placement; however, no cutoff value demonstrates sufficient accuracy for the selection of shunt candidates. None of the evaluated imaging features was predictive of long-term gait or urinary improvement. The utility of imaging to predict a response to shunting is limited, and no imaging feature alone can be used to exclude patients from shunt surgery.