World Neurosurg
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Case Reports
Stereo-EEG for epileptogenic focus localization in schizencephaly: a single-center experience in four patients.
Schizencephaly is a congenital cerebral malformation characterized by clefts in the hemispheres of the brain, where variations in semiology often make it difficult to localize epileptogenic focus. Here, we report on a series of patients who underwent stereo-encephalography (SEEG) for epileptogenic focus localization and subsequent SEEG-guided surgical intervention. ⋯ This article reports on a precise approach to treating patients with schizencephaly dependent of seizure onset zone and functional cortex mapping. Subsequent SEEG-guided surgical interventions (radiofrequency thermo-ablation and lesionectomy) were shown to reduce seizure frequency, while preserving the neurologic functions in drug-resistant epilepsy patients with schizencephaly.
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Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCSs) are a group of neurological disorders characterized by compression of a cranial nerve and include trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, vestibular paroxysmia, and trochlear palsy. The European Academy of Neurology recommends constructive interference in steady-state/fast imaging employing steady-state (CISS/FIESTA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of medically intractable TN, but similar recommendations do not exist for the remaining NVCSs. ⋯ Preoperative CISS/FIESTA MRI correlated with greater rates of surgical success in cases of medically intractable TN; however, definitive conclusions could not be made regarding the remaining NVCSs. We support the recommendation that this imaging modality be included as part of the standard of practice for the evaluation and management of TN and encourage future studies to further elucidate this relationship for the less common NVCSs using a larger cohort.
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Tissue protrusion (TP) is a possible cause of cerebral infarction after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Using optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and angioscopy, we investigated the relationship between the morphological features of TP and postoperative new ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) after CAS. ⋯ The height of TP on OFDI and mobile-TP on angioscopy after CAS were associated with postoperative new ischemic lesions on MRI-DWI. The intravascular evaluation using OFDI and angioscopy could be helpful for a detailed evaluation of TP.
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Observational Study
Extensive foreign body reaction to Redura (Synthetic Dural Replacement) post decompressive craniectomy with radiological and histopathology evidence: Observational case series.
Though the indications are quite varied, decompressive craniectomy is considered a life-saving procedure. Maximal effectiveness of craniectomy is achieved when, in addition to bone removal, the dura mater is opened properly and is augmented with duraplasty. Different synthetic materials have been used over the decades to replace the dura during decompressive craniectomy. We have used different synthetic dural replacements at our institution, including Neuro-Patch, DuraGen, and Lyoplant. In this case series, we described 4 cases that had excessive granulation tissue formation in response to a newly used synthetic dural substitute (ReDura) after emergent decompressive craniectomy. During follow-up brain imaging at different intervals, these cases were found to have foreign body reaction in the form of excessive granulation tissue formation; additionally, 1 case had a sterile pus-like collection. The granulation tissue diagnosis was affirmed by histopathology in all 4 cases. ⋯ Our experience showed that patients are prone to develop severe foreign body giant cell reactions with ReDura. Neurosurgical centers using this material should monitor patients for possible abnormal foreign body reaction and report it to establish the safety and efficacy profile of this material.
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The pineal tumor was once considered as a restricted area for surgery. Such cases are rare, with many different opinions on surgical treatment. This study aimed to review our experience of tumor treatment in the pineal region and explore the optimal treatment strategy. ⋯ The type of pathology, extent of excision, and surgical approach had a significant impact on the prognosis of patients. The transcallosal-lateral ventricle-choroid fissure approach for large and medium-sized pineal tumors near the posterior part of the third ventricle had good efficacy.