World Neurosurg
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We assessed the frequency of intraoperative complication rates related to access surgery, operating time, and intraoperative bleeding rates described in the literature for patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) to evaluate the adverse effects and, thus, help in therapeutic decision making and contribute to future clinical trials. ⋯ ALIF is a lumbar spine access technique with low intraoperative complications. Patients with contraindications have a higher risk of complications. Randomized clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure.
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Review
The 100 Most Cited Articles on Functional Neurosurgery in Latin America: A Scientometric Analysis.
Significant progress has been made in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (SFN) within Latin America (LATAM), which can be attributed to the rapid advancements in technology and a growing pool of expertise. However, despite the growing importance of this field, a comprehensive scientometric analysis of LATAM contributions is still lacking. The aim of this study is to shed light on the top-cited articles in the field authored by LATAM researchers. ⋯ Epilepsia emerged as the journal with the highest number of articles. Mexico and Brazil contributed the most articles, with the University of São Paulo and the Hospital General de Mexico being the most productive institutions. This scientometric analysis highlights the impactful research contributions from the region, identifies influential authors and institutions, and emphasizes the necessity for additional collaboration and exploration.
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Case Reports
Microsurgical Resection of Giant Radio-Induced Cavernous Malformation: 2- Dimensional Video.
Radioinduced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are low-flow, angiographically occult vascular lesions. Giant radioinduced cavernous malformations (GRICMs) are a subtype of RICMs that are characterized by their large size. GRICMs are defined as RICMs that are larger than 3 cm in diameter.1 They are uncommon conditions accounting for 0.1% to 0.5% among patients who have received radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or brain tumors.2,3 The risk of developing GRICMs increases with the dose of radiation received and the length of time since radiation exposure.4 Other factors that may increase the risk of developing GRICMs include age, genetic predisposition, and underlying medical conditions.5 Due to the relatively low incidence of GRICMs and the limited number of studies on this condition, there are limited data about the management of this condition. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of careful monitoring for RICMs in patients who have received radiation therapy, as well as the potential for these lesions to cause significant symptoms and disability. The case also demonstrates that surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases to manage RICMs and that microsurgical resection can be an effective treatment option. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording.
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Pineal region tumors are challenging lesions in terms of surgical accessibility and removal.1 The complexity is compounded by the infrequency and heterogeneity of pineal neoplasms.2,3 In Video 1, we present the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with progressive headaches and vision impairment. She underwent microsurgical resection for a pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation. ⋯ Additionally, we discuss the unique anatomic considerations for each approach and include a virtual reality-compatible 3-dimensional fly-through to highlight the relationship between the tumor and relevant venous anatomy. The patient tolerated the procedure well with excellent neurologic outcome, and her follow-up imaging showed no evidence of tumor recurrence.
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Pseudotumoral encephalic schistosomiasis (PES) is the chronic form of cerebral neuroschistosomiasis, and is rarely encountered in clinical practice. Clinically, PES closely resembles other intracranial space-occupying lesions including brain tumors. Laboratory investigations are usually inconclusive, and neuroradiologic findings are frequently reported as non-specific. ⋯ Praziquantel is considered by many authors to be the drug of choice in all cases, and seems to be effective at variable dose regimens. Although lesion excision utilizing current technology is generally safe, the indications and extent of surgery are still undetermined and should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Multicenter collaborative research is further needed to fill the existing gaps in the current knowledge on PES.