World Neurosurg
-
The current research on geriatric patients with spinal chondrosarcoma is limited. This study aimed to investigate the demographics, patterns of care, and survival of geriatric patients with chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine. ⋯ Surgical resection significantly lowered the mortality risk in geriatric patients with spinal chondrosarcomas. Demographic and geographical factors significantly dictated treatment plans. Further studies are required to assess the role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in treating these patients in the modern era.
-
Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a new minimally invasive treatment for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated epilepsy in children. This video describes a case of a 17-year-old girl with TSC-associated drug-resistant epilepsy treated with robotic-assisted MRgLITT. In our case, MRgLITT was safe and effective in simultaneous targeting of multiple epileptic tubers in 1 single procedure, leading to a marked decrease in seizure frequency. MRgLITT could be a promising and more appealing treatment option for children who may need multiple surgeries over their lifetime as a result of the progressive nature of TSC.
-
Chronic risk factors of posterior circulation ischemic strokes remain unknown. There is, however, evidence that anatomical variations within the vertebrobasilar system could potentially lead to the development of posterior circulation strokes. We investigated the association of forward head posturing (FHP), a chronic anatomical change seen in patients with cervicalgia, with posterior circulation strokes. ⋯ This case-control matched-pair study found that in adults with cervicalgia, posterior circulation ischemic stroke was associated with more severe FHP as noted in C0-C2 angle and sagittal vertical axis shift measurements. Further, this association may be due to chronic changes in circulation flow dynamics within the vertebrobasilar system with the postural change.
-
Superior surgical skill improves surgical outcomes in endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery. Video-based coaching programs, pioneered in professional sports, have shown promise in surgical training. In this study, we developed and assessed a video-based coaching program using artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. ⋯ We have developed a novel AI-assisted video surgical coaching program for endoscopic pituitary adenoma surgery - demonstrating its viability and impact on surgical performance. Early results also suggest improvement in patient outcomes. Future studies should be multicenter and longer term.
-
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) are the most common brain injuries in preterm infants. Neonates with these injuries are at greater risk of impaired neurodevelopmental outcome. Current guidelines recommend screening infants with cranial ultrasound (CUS); however, this is prone to missing subtle injury patterns, particularly within the posterior fossa. The present report sought to discuss the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in preterm infants. ⋯ Although DTI is more sensitive for picking up subtle injury patterns, CUS remains the standard of care when screening for injuries that would necessitate surgical intervention. DTI offers a refined understanding of the sequelae of GMH-IVH with microstructural changes found on DTI being associated with childhood motor and cognitive outcomes.