World Neurosurg
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Homonymous hemianopia has been reported after brain tumor resection with a significant effect on quality of life. Nevertheless, no standardized methods exist for intraoperative optical radiation mapping. The purpose of this article is to describe a new intraoperative task for visual mapping and to review the existing literature. ⋯ The use of DES might be associated with a better outcome (level IV evidence). However, standardization of intraoperative tasks during DES could be improved. In this context, the Central and Peripheral Image task might be an adequate tool for the resection of tumors affecting the optic radiations.
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One key contributor to lumbar stenosis is thickening of the ligamentum flavum (LF), a process still poorly understood. Wild-type transthyretin amyloid (ATTRwt) has been found in the LF of patients undergoing decompression surgery, suggesting that amyloid may play a role. However, it is unclear whether within patients harboring ATTRwt, the amount of amyloid is associated with LF thickness. ⋯ Amyloid load is positively correlated with LF thickness and lumbar LF burden across all lumbar levels, in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies are needed to validate these findings, uncover the underlying pathophysiology, and pave the way toward using therapies that slow LF thickening.
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The ability to accurately predict pain generators for chronic neck and back pain remains elusive. ⋯ This study suggests that there is benefit with SPECT-CT specially to guide facet injections after failed prior facet injections.
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The authors analyzed the current-intensity thresholds for electrostimulation of language fasciculi and the possible consequences of threshold variability on brain mapping. ⋯ Individual variability of minimum stimulation-intensity thresholds for identification of language fasciculi is frequent. Nevertheless, even when a high current intensity was used, many stimulations on language fasciculi remained negative for various hypothetic reasons. Finding the optimal current intensity for identifying language fasciculi is of paramount importance to refine the clinical results and scientific data derived from brain mapping.