Hidden intra-meatal CSF fistula related to VP shunt as a cause for fatal tension pneumocephalus after vestibular schwannoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak through petrosal air cells is a known complication after drilling the posterior wall of the internal acoustic canal (IAC) for resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Whereas mild pneumocephalus is common after retrosigmoid craniotomy, tension pneumocephalus has been rarely documented. OBJECTIVE: To testify a case of fatal tension pneumocephalus after VS resection in a patient with ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt and to propose possible recommendations to limit the risk of this dramatic complication. METHODS: A case of fatal tension pneumocephalus after VS resection in presence of hidden CSF fistula is illustrated with pre- and post-operative images. RESULTS: In the uneventful situation of concomitant post-operative CSF fistula in presence of VP shunt, tension pneumocephalus may occur. The negative pressure created by the shunt system and the presence of osteo-dural defect allow the air to enter and, at the same time, prevent the outflow. CONCLUSION: After VS resection, tension pneumocephalus can occur as a consequence of CSF fistula from petrosal air cells in the presence of functioning VP shunt. Precautions as pre-operative increase to 'virtual-off' the pressure of the valve, subsequences CT scans after surgery and sealing of the petrous air cells are recommended to avoid such as fatal complication.

Parasagittal Meningiomas: The Impact of Sinus Opening and Grade of Resection on Clinical Outcome and Recurrence in a Consecutive Series of Patients.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of parasagittal meningiomas (PMs) remains controversial in the literature. The need to pursue a resection as radical as possible and the high risk of venous injuries contribute to making the sinus opening a widely argued choice. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting the risk of recurrence and to assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of PMs with conservative or aggressive management of the intrasinusal portion. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective review of all patients with PM surgically treated between January 2013 and March 2021 was conducted. RESULTS: Among 56 patients, the sinus was opened in 32 patients (57%), and a conservative approach was used in 24 patients (43%). The sinus opening was found to be a predictive factor of radical resection (Simpson grade [SG] I-II) (P = 0.007). SG was the only predictive factor of recurrence (P < 0.001). The radical resection group (SG I-II) showed recurrence-free survival at 72 months of about 90% versus 30% in the non-radical resection group (SG III-IV) (log-rank test = 14.21, P < 0.001). Aggressive management of the sinus and radical resection were not found to be related to permanent deficit (P = 0.214 and P = 0.254) or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale score (P = 0.822 and P = 0.933). CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the intrasinusal portion of the tumor using standard procedures is not associated with a higher risk of permanent deficit or worsening of Karnofsky performance scale and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Gonadotroph Pituitary Tumors According to the WHO Classification.

Since 2017, hormone-negative pituitary neuroendocrine tumors expressing the steroidogenic factor SF1 have been recognized as gonadotroph tumors (GnPT) but have been poorly studied. To further characterize their bio-clinical spectrum, 54 GnPT defined by immunostaining for FSH and/or LH (group 1, n = 41) or SF1 only (group 2, n = 13) were compared and studied for SF1, ßFSH, ßLH, CCNA2, CCNB1, CCND1, caspase 3, D2R, and AIP gene expression by qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry for AIP and/or D2R was performed in representative cases. Overall, patients were significantly younger in group 1 (P = 0.040 vs group 2), with a similar trend excluding recurrent cases (P = 0.078), and no significant difference in gender, tumor size, invasion or Ki67. SF1 expression was similar in both groups but negatively correlated with the patient's age (P = 0.013) and positively correlated with ßLH (P < 0.001) expression. Beta-FSH and AIP were significantly higher in group 1 (P = 0.042 and P = 0.024, respectively). Ki67 was unrelated to gonadotroph markers but positively correlated with CCNB1 (P = 0.001) and negatively correlated with CCND1 (P = 0.008). D2R and AIP were strongly correlated with each other (P < 0.001), and both positively correlated with SF1, ßFSH, ßLH, and CCND1. AIP immunopositivity was frequently observed in both groups, with a similar median score, and unrelated to Ki67. D2R immunostaining was best detected with a polyclonal antibody and mostly cytoplasmic. This study indicates that hormone-negative GnPT tend to occur in older patients but do not significantly differ from other GnPT in terms of invasion or proliferation. It also points out the current limits of D2R immunostaining in such tumors.

Key role of microsurgical dissections on cadaveric specimens in neurosurgical training: Setting up a new research anatomical laboratory and defining neuroanatomical milestones.

Introduction: Neurosurgery is one of the most complex surgical disciplines where psychomotor skills and deep anatomical and neurological knowledge find their maximum expression. A long period of preparation is necessary to acquire a solid theoretical background and technical skills, improve manual dexterity and visuospatial ability, and try and refine surgical techniques. Moreover, both studying and surgical practice are necessary to deeply understand neuroanatomy, the relationships between structures, and the three-dimensional (3D) orientation that is the core of neurosurgeons' preparation. For all these reasons, a microsurgical neuroanatomy laboratory with human cadaveric specimens results in a unique and irreplaceable training tool that allows the reproduction of patients' positions, 3D anatomy, tissues' consistencies, and step-by-step surgical procedures almost identical to the real ones. Methods: We describe our experience in setting up a new microsurgical neuroanatomy lab (IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy), focusing on the development of training activity programs and microsurgical milestones useful to train the next generation of surgeons. All the required materials and instruments were listed. Results: Six competency levels were designed according to the year of residency, with training exercises and procedures defined for each competency level: (1) soft tissue dissections, bone drilling, and microsurgical suturing; (2) basic craniotomies and neurovascular anatomy; (3) white matter dissection; (4) skull base transcranial approaches; (5) endoscopic approaches; and (6) microanastomosis. A checklist with the milestones was provided. Discussion: Microsurgical dissection of human cadaveric specimens is the optimal way to learn and train on neuroanatomy and neurosurgical procedures before performing them safely in the operating room. We provided a "neurosurgery booklet" with progressive milestones for neurosurgical residents. This step-by-step program may improve the quality of training and guarantee equal skill acquisition across countries. We believe that more efforts should be made to create new microsurgical laboratories, popularize the importance of body donation, and establish a network between universities and laboratories to introduce a compulsory operative training program.

Multilevel Postoperative Cervical Epidural Hematoma: Complete Removal Through Catheter Drainage of the Unexposed Blood Collection.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This condition may rapidly produce severe neurologic deficits, often requiring a prompt surgical decompression. A multilevel extension of the epidural bleeding has been rarely described after anterior cervical procedures. In such cases, the choice of the most suitable surgical approach may be challenging. Herein, we describe an effective surgical decompression of a C2-T1 ventral epidural hematoma following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at the C5-C6 level. METHODS: By reopening the previous approach, the C5-C6 intersomatic cage was removed and the surgical field inspected for bleeding. After removal of the spinal epidural hematoma at this level, a lumbar external drainage catheter was inserted into the epidural space to perform multiple irrigations with saline solution until the washing fluid was clear. RESULTS: Immediate postoperative cervical computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed gross total removal of the epidural hematoma and complete decompression of the spinal cord all along the affected tract. Early postoperative neurologic examination revealed mild lower extremity weakness that fully recovered within hours. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, multilevel epidural hematoma following anterior cervical decompression represents a serious complication. The revision of the previous anterior cervical approach may be considered the first treatment option, allowing to control the primary bleeding site. Catheter irrigation of the epidural space with saline solution may be a useful technique for removal of unexposed residual blood collection, avoiding the need for posterior laminectomy or other unnecessary bone demolition.

Pre-surgical fMRI Localization of the Hand Motor Cortex in Brain Tumors: Comparison Between Finger Tapping Task and a New Visual-Triggered Finger Movement Task.

Introduction: Pre-surgical mapping is clinically essential in the surgical management of brain tumors to preserve functions. A common technique to localize eloquent areas is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In tumors involving the peri-rolandic regions, the finger tapping task (FTT) is typically administered to delineate the functional activation of hand-knob area. However, its selectivity may be limited. Thus, here, a novel cue-induced fMRI task was tested, the visual-triggered finger movement task (VFMT), aimed at eliciting a more accurate functional cortical mapping of the hand region as compared with FTT. Method: Twenty patients with glioma in the peri-rolandic regions underwent pre-operative mapping performing both FTT and VFMT. The fMRI data were analyzed for surgical procedures. When the craniotomy allowed to expose the motor cortex, the correspondence with intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) was evaluated through sensitivity and specificity (mean sites = 11) calculated as percentage of true-positive and true-negative rates, respectively. Results: Both at group level and at single-subject level, differences among the tasks emerged in the functional representation of the hand-knob. Compared with FTT, VFMT showed a well-localized activation within the hand motor area and a less widespread activation in associative regions. Intraoperative DES confirmed the greater specificity (97%) and sensitivity (100%) of the VFMT in determining motor eloquent areas. Conclusion: The study provides a novel, external-triggered fMRI task for pre-surgical motor mapping. Compared with the traditional FTT, the new VFMT may have potential implications in clinical fMRI and surgical management due to its focal identification of the hand-knob region and good correspondence to intraoperative DES.

Sleep Disorders in Patients With Craniopharyngioma: A Physiopathological and Practical Update.

Sleep disorders (SDs) represent an important issue in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP). Nearly 70% of these patients complain of sleep-wake cycle alterations and/or excessive diurnal somnolence due to sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and/or central hypersomnia, including secondary narcolepsy. SDs may severely reduce quality of life, increase disease-related cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular morbidity, and finally play a major role in increased long-term mortality reported on patients with CP. A major risk factor for SDs is represented by the hypothalamic syndrome, which may develop because of direct hypothalamic damage by the tumor itself and/or complications of the treatments, neurosurgery and/or radiotherapy, and typically includes permanent neuroendocrine dysfunctions, morbid obesity, and secondary metabolic disorders. Despite increasing attention to SDs in the general population, and in particular to OSA as a risk factor for cardio-metabolic diseases and excessive daytime somnolence, sleep evaluation is still not routinely proposed to patients with CP. Hence, SDs are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this paper is to update current knowledge of the pathogenesis and prevalence of SDs in patients with CP and propose practical algorithms for their evaluation and management in clinical practice. Particular attention is paid to screening and diagnostic tools for appropriate characterization of SDs, identification of risk factors, and potential role of hypothalamic sparing surgery in the prevention of morbid obesity and SDs. Available tools in sleep medicine, including lifestyle interventions, drugs, and respiratory devices, are discussed, as well as the importance of optimal hormone replacement and metabolic interventions. Current limits in the diagnosis and treatment of SDs in patients with CP and possible future avenues for research agenda are also considered.

Transsphenoidal surgery in patients with acromegaly: operative strategies for overcoming technically challenging anatomical variations.

OBJECT: In addition to difficulties with anesthetic and medical management, transsphenoidal operations in patients with longstanding acromegaly are associated with inherent intraoperative challenges because of anatomical variations that occur frequently in these patients. The object of this study was to review the overall safety profile and anatomical/technical challenges associated with transsphenoidal surgery in patients with acromegaly. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 169 patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal operations for growth hormone-secreting adenomas to assess the incidence of surgical complications. A review of frequently occurring anatomical challenges and operative strategies employed during each phase of the operation to address these particular issues was performed. RESULTS: Of 169 cases reviewed, there was no perioperative mortality. Internal carotid artery injury occurred in 1 patient (0.6%) with complex sinus anatomy, who remained neurologically intact following endovascular unilateral carotid artery occlusion. Other complications included: significant postoperative epistaxis (5 patients [3%]), transient diabetes insipidus (5 patients [3%]), delayed symptomatic hyponatremia (4 patients [2%]), CSF leak (2 patients [1%]), and pancreatitis (1 patient [0.6%]). Preoperative considerations in patients with acromegaly should include a cardiopulmonary evaluation and planning regarding intubation and other aspects of the anesthetic technique. During the nasal phase of the transsphenoidal operation, primary challenges include maintaining adequate visualization and hemostasis, which is frequently compromised by redundant, edematous nasal mucosa and bony hypertrophy of the septum and the nasal turbinates. During the sphenoid phase, adequate bony removal, optimization of working space, and correlation of imaging studies to intraoperative anatomy are major priorities. The sellar phase is frequently challenged by increased sellar floor thickness, distinct patterns of tumor extension and bony invasion, and anatomical variations in the caliber and course of the internal carotid artery. Specific operative techniques for addressing each of these intraoperative challenges are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Transsphenoidal surgery in patients with longstanding acromegaly frequently poses greater challenges than operations for other types of sellar lesions, yet these challenges may be safely and effectively overcome with the anticipation of specific issues and implementation of various intraoperative techniques.

The Interhemispheric Transgenual Approach for Microsurgical Removal of Third Ventricle Colloid Cysts. Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are rare benign lesions, which amount to approximately 1% of all intracranial tumors. Because these lesions grow predominantly in the anterior aspect of the third ventricle, they may cause the occlusion of the foramina of Monro, generating obstructive hydrocephalus. Surgery is mandatory in cases of large cysts and/or in symptomatic patients. Among the different surgical strategies described in colloid cysts surgery, the microsurgical transcallosal approach still constitutes the procedure of choice in many centers. In this study, we describe a modified microsurgical transcallosal approach, the interhemispheric transgenual approach, in a series of 13 consecutive patients operated on for colloid cysts of the third ventricle. METHODS: All the procedures were performed by the senior author (V.E.) at Neuromed Institute of Pozzilli (Is, Italy). The operative procedure is described in its various steps, illustrating the differences and potential advantages compared with the traditional microsurgical transcallosal approach. RESULTS: No surgical complications or new-onset neurologic deficits were observed in the postoperative period. The postoperative magnetic resonance imaging confirmed in all cases complete lesion removal without any sign of parenchymal damage. No lesion recurrence or need for permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion was detected in the patients of this series during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the interhemispheric transgenual approach has been effective in providing complete colloid cyst removal with minimal risk of vascular and parenchymal damage. Further studies are required to confirm its efficacy in improving the overall outcome of the microsurgical transcallosal approach.

From the Champion to the Team: New Treatment Paradigms in Contemporary Neurosurgery.

In our discipline, neurosurgery, the role of the leader has evolved and has been complemented by the collaboration of specific professionals of different disciplines, aiming at the overall result of curing people and defeating the disease. Indeed, the multidisciplinary cooperation and the innovative strength of a team composed of different specialists such as radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, geneticists, oncologists, psychologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists, neurologists, engineers, mathematics, statisticians, and economists, greatly has changed the way we see the patient and treat pathology: from a single to multiperspective vision, thus generating a synergy that improves the surgeon's and the overall work. An old African adage goes like this: "If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together," which in our opinion fully summarizes the sense of our contribution on the state of the art in neurosurgical contemporary practice.

A Survey on Pituitary Surgery in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions that are usually benign. Therefore, a proper understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology is mandatory to achieve favorable outcomes. Accordingly, diagnostic tests and treatment guidelines should be determined and implemented. Thus, we decided to perform a multicenter study among Italian neurosurgical centers performing pituitary surgery to provide an actual depiction from the neurosurgical standpoint. METHODS: On behalf of the SINch (Società Italiana di Neurochirurgia), a survey was undertaken with the participants to explore the activities in the field of pituitary surgery within 41 public institutions. RESULTS: Of the 41 centers, 37 participated in the present study. The total number of neurosurgical procedures performed in 2016 was 1479. Most of the procedures were performed using the transsphenoidal approach (1320 transsphenoidal [1204 endoscopic, 53 microscopic, 53 endoscope-assisted microscopic] vs. 159 transcranial). A multidisciplinary tumor board is convened regularly in 32 of 37 centers, and a research laboratory is present in 18 centers. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosing pituitary/hypothalamus disorders and treating them is the result of teamwork, composed of several diverse experts. Regarding neurosurgery, our findings have confirmed the central role of the transsphenoidal approach, with preference toward the endoscopic technique. Better outcomes can be expected at centers with a multidisciplinary team and a full, or part of a, residency program, with a greater surgical caseload.

Sedation with α2 Agonist Dexmedetomidine During Unilateral Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation: A Preliminary Report.

OBJECTIVE: The α2 agonist dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an anesthetic agent that can provide sedation and analgesia without respiratory depression or changes in neuronal activity during microrecordings. The aim of our study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of anesthesia with DEX for unilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson disease. METHODS: In 2013 and 2014, a series of 11 consecutive patients received continuous low-dose DEX infusion during unilateral deep brain stimulation of the STN. Intraoperative microrecordings, stimulation results, and patient reaction times in executing verbal and motor tasks were retrospectively analyzed. Functional outcomes were evaluated by comparing preoperative and 1-year postoperative Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III scores. RESULTS: Typical activity of the STN was recorded in all patients, and the delay in the execution of both motor and verbal tasks was ≤2 seconds. No hemorrhagic complications occurred, and no postoperative side effects were observed. The mean percentage of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III improvement at last follow-up was 39.01% (range, 23.70%-55.60%). The mean percentage of levodopa equivalent dose reduction was 45.86% (range, 21.50%-65.70%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study confirm that the use of DEX in managing patients with Parkinson disease during unilateral deep brain stimulation of the STN is safe and effective and can be considered a promising option for sedation during this type of procedure.

Deep brain stimulation for intractabile epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently considered a promising neuromodulation therapy for refractory epilepsy not suitable for resective surgery. Several anatomical targets and different stimulation approaches have been proposed in order to obtain satisfactory seizures reduction. As expected, according with different patterns of neural pathways involvement, the efficacy of each anatomical target stimulation in reducing seizure frequency varies among the different epileptic syndromes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We reviewed the current literature on this topic to provide an overview of the clinical efficacy of the main stimulation targets (anterior nucleus of the thalamus [ANT], hippocampus formation [HF] and centromedian nucleus of the thalamus [CMT]) related to the different epileptic syndromes. We also summarized the available data concerning side effects, neuropsychological outcome, quality of life and future perspective of DBS in intractable epilepsy. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Encouraging results were reported for each target stimulation. However, only in ANT and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) the efficacy and safety were tested on large series of patients and achieving class I evidence level. CONSLUSIONS: We concluded that responsive stimulation could be more appropriate in focal epilepsy, while ANT stimulation could be properly performed also in multifocal seizures with predominant limbic involvement. Despite the small samples size, HF stimulation reduces seizure frequency in (bi) temporal lobe epilepsy, as well as CMT stimulation is able to reduce, seizure frequency, in generalized epilepsy.

Endoscopic Endonasal Extended Approaches for the Management of Large Pituitary Adenomas.

The management of giant and large pituitary adenomas with wide intracranial extension or infrasellar involvement of nasal and paranasal cavities is a big challenge for neurosurgeons and the best surgical approach indications are still controversial. Endoscopic extended endonasal approaches have been proposed as a new surgical technique for the treatment of such selected pituitary adenomas. Surgical series coming from many centers all around the world are flourishing and results in terms of outcomes and complications seem encouraging. This technique could be considered a valid alternative to the transcranial route for the management of giant and large pituitary adenomas.

The Clinic of Neurosurgery at the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade--building on the past.

Neurosurgery as an independent discipline in Serbia has a distinguished history, beginning in 1938 when Dr. Milivoje Kostic, Professor and Chairman of Surgery, opened the Department of Neurosurgery within the Clinic of Surgery in Belgrade. Since then, thanks to the founding fathers' efforts and their successors' work, the Clinic for Neurosurgery in Belgrade has become a highly specialized health, scientific, and educational institution that is part of the University of Belgrade and is a referral center for all neurosurgical clinics in Serbia. Currently, the Clinic for Neurosurgery, with 160 patient beds, is one of the largest European institutions of its kind. Neurosurgery at the Clinical Center of Serbia (CCS) involves a wide range of patients and resources, with an average daily inpatient census of 15 to 20 patients. Each year, there are more than 3000 admissions at the neurosurgical service. Approximately 3500 operations per year are performed in the main campus neurosurgical operating rooms of CCS, while approximately 15,000 patients alone are evaluated in emergency room or inpatient consultations. Despite economic restraints, the department continues to grow in strength, and we remain optimistic of exciting times ahead for neurosurgery at the CCS.

Sphenoid sinus mucocele caused by a completely thrombosed intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm: an unusual association.

Background Mucocele is an inflammatory disease caused by the retention of mucoid secretions within a paranasal sinus. Although rare, the presence of a vascular lesion inside the sphenoid sinus could determine ostium obstruction, thus causing mucocele development. Clinical Presentation An 84-year-old woman was referred to our institution due to a lesion abutting into the sphenoid sinus; she was complaining of constrictive frontal headache, progressive worsening of visual acuity in the left eye; later, sudden homolateral ptosis and diplopia occurred. The radiologic evidence was consistent with the diagnosis of thrombosed aneurysm of the right intracavernous carotid artery, surrounded by sphenoidal mucocele. The patient underwent an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach exclusively for sphenoid mucocele drainage. Conclusion Although rare, the presence of a vascular lesion inside the sphenoid sinus has to be considered among the possible diagnostic hypotheses of masses abutting in this cavity; the association with mucocele is even more rare and, to date, has not been described.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary surgery is a continuous evolving specialty of the neurosurgeons' armamentarium, which requires precise anatomic knowledge, technical skills, and integrated culture of the pituitary pathophysiology. Actually it cannot be considered only from a technical standpoint, but rather a procedure resulting from the close cooperation among different specialists (e.g., ophthalmologists, neuroradiologists, endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, anesthesiologists, neurophysiologists, pathologists, instrument manufacturers). METHODS: The "pure" endoscopic endonsal surgery is a procedure performed through the nose, with the endoscope alone throughout the whole approach and without any transsphenoidal retractor. The procedure consists of three main aspects: exposure of the lesion, removal of the relevant pathology, and reconstruction, going through three different steps, the nasal, the sphenoid, and the sellar phases. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach offers some advantages due to the endoscope itself: a superior close-up view of the relevant anatomy and an enlarged working angle are provided with an increased panoramic vision inside the surgical area. Concerning results in terms of mass removal, relief of clinical symptoms, cure of the underlying disease, and complication rate, these are, at least, similar to those reported in the major microsurgical series, but patient compliance is by far better. Besides the advantages to the patients, the surgeons-because of the wider and closer view of the surgical target area and the increase of the scientific activity as from the peer-reviewed literature on the topic in the past 10 years, the smoothing of interdisciplinary cooperation-, and the institutions (shorter postoperative hospital stay and increase of the case load)- the adoption of endoscopy in transsphenoidal surgery has gained a strong foothold.

Erratum: sphenoid sinus mucocele caused by a completely thrombosed intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm: an unusual association.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1373666.].