Management of Recurrent Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Caused by Sequential, Anatomically Separated Skull Base Defects-A Case-Based Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea caused by sequential, anatomically separated skull base defects is rarely reported in the literature. Neither management nor etiology has been sufficiently investigated. We present an illustrative case and a systematic review of the literature regarding etiology, diagnostics, and management of this rare phenomenon. METHODS: A systematic literature search looking for articles reporting sequential CSF leaks with multiple skull base defects was performed. Data from included articles were descriptively reported, and the quality of the included studies was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: A 71-year-old woman with posttraumatic CSF rhinorrhea and left-sided CSF otorrhea due to a left-sided horizontal fracture of the petrous bone presented at our institution. After initial surgical repair and a 10-week symptom-free interval, CSF rhinorrhea recurred. Imaging revealed a preexisting contralateral meningoencephalocele of the lateral sphenoid recess causing recurrent CSF rhinorrhea most likely after initial traumatic laceration. The defect was successfully treated. A literature search identified 366 reports, 6 of which were included in the systematic review with a total of 10 cases. Quality was deemed good in 8 of 10 cases. The most common location for primary and sequential CSF leaks was along the sphenoid bone (4/10 and 5/10 patients, respectively). All publications except one reported the presence of a meningo (encephalo)cele as cause of the sequential CSF leak. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of recurrent CSF rhinorrhea due to an anatomically separated sequential skull base lesion remains a rare phenomenon. Reassessment of imaging studies and a structured diagnostic workup to detect sequential CSF leaks independent of the primary lesion should is recommended.

Characteristics and outcomes of men with erectile dysfunction as the presenting symptom due to a lactotroph adenoma.

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently underreported in men suffering from prolactinomas and can be challenging to manage. Both dopamine agonists (DAs) and transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) correct hyperprolactinemia and restore gonadal function. However, there is scarce data regarding their effectiveness in correcting ED over the long term. METHODS: This study is a retrospective single-center comparative cohort study analyzing men diagnosed with prolactinomas, both with and without confirmed erectile dysfunction (ED) at diagnosis. Independent risk factors for persistent ED over the long term were examined using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the 39 men with lactotroph adenomas, ED was one of the presenting symptoms in 22 (56%). The mean age at diagnosis was 45 ± 12 years. Surgery was the primary treatment in 6 (27%) ED patients and 8 (47%) non-ED patients. After a mean follow-up of 74 ± 48 months, remission from hyperprolactinemia was achieved in the majority (76%) of men: 71% in the non-ED cohort and 81% in the ED group (p = 0.70), regardless of the primary treatment strategy (surgical 84% versus medical 72%, p = 0.46). Long-term remission of ED was noted in 16 (73%) patients. Interestingly, high baseline BMI levels emerged as potential risk factors for persistent ED over the long term (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.0-1.9; p = 0.04), while neither the initial adenoma size nor the primary treatment strategy (i.e., TSS vs. DAs) reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Correcting hyperprolactinemia and its associated hypogonadism significantly improves ED in the majority of men with prolactinomas over the long term, regardless of the primary treatment strategy employed. In addition to addressing endocrine deficiencies, the early initiation of weight control programs may be considered for men with lactotroph adenomas and ED. Although our study suggests an association between BMI and the risk of persistent ED, further research is needed to establish any causal relationships.

Pituitary germinoma after resection of a mature third ventricular teratoma: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Metachronous intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs)-unrelated, histologically different iGCTs occurring at different time points-occurring within the same patient remain a rarity. Herein, the authors report such a case and discuss the literature and potential pathophysiological mechanisms leading to this phenomenon. OBSERVATIONS: A 9-year-old boy presented with new-onset impaired balance, headaches, nausea, visual disturbances, and left facial paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a suspected pineal region teratoma originating from the pineal gland with consecutive obstructive hydrocephalus. A mature teratoma was diagnosed and resected. Postoperative recovery was good, and the patient could return to his normal daily activities. However, a new, slowly progressive lesion in the sellar region with an enlarged infundibular stalk was detected on follow-up MRI 3.5 years after initial pineal region teratoma resection. Biopsy revealed a newly developed pure germinoma. The patient was treated with radiotherapy plus chemotherapy and remained relapse free at the last follow-up. Sixteen other cases have reported a surgically resected primary mature teratoma, wherein patients developed metachronous germinomas during follow-up. Different theories try to elaborate this phenomenon, yet none can completely account for it. LESSONS: Although rare, metachronous iGCT is a phenomenon neurosurgeons should be aware of. In patients treated for iGCT, close long-term clinical, imaging, and laboratory follow-up is recommended. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE2443.

Virtual Surgical Planning and Customized CAD/CAM Cranial Implants: Preoperative and Intraoperative Strategies for Temporal Intraosseous Meningioma Resection.

Primary intraosseous meningioma (PIM) is a rare subtype of extradural meningiomas, with the indication for surgical resection in most cases. With an increasing demand for efficient workflows with optimal functional and cosmetical results, techniques for bone reconstruction after resection are developing rapidly. The authors present 2 cases with one-stage cranioplasty after resection of PIM, using 3D technology for preplanned patient-specific implants. In the first case, a premanufactured patient-specific PEEK implant was used for reconstruction; in the second case, a 3-dimensional (3D)-based premanufactured silicon mold was used to produce a customized PMMA implant intraoperatively. Both techniques enabled the surgeons to achieve optimal intraoperative fit of the implant after craniectomy, leading to satisfying functional and cosmetic results. The use of 3D technology, such as Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for the production of patient-specific implants can optimize 1-stage cranioplasty after PIM resection.

Pediatric sellar teratoma - Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial teratoma represents a rare neoplasm, occurring predominantly during childhood. Characteristic symptoms depend on the location but are mainly hydrocephalus, visual disturbances, hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus. Initial diagnosis can be challenging due to similar radiological features in both teratomas and other lesions such as craniopharyngiomas. Gross total resection is recommended if feasible and associated with a good prognosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old girl presented with newly diagnosed growth retardation, fatigue, cephalgia and bilateral hemianopia. Further laboratory analysis confirmed central hypothyroidism and hypercortisolism. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic space-occupying lesion in the sellar and suprasellar compartment with compression of the optic chiasm without hydrocephalus present, suspicious of craniopharyngioma. Subsequently, an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal near-total tumor resection with decompression of the optic chiasm was performed. During postoperative recovery the patient developed transient diabetes insipidus, the bilateral hemianopia remained unchanged. The patient could be discharged in a stable condition, while hormone replacement for multiple pituitary hormone deficiency was required. Surprisingly, histopathology revealed conspicuous areas of skin with formation of hairs and squamous epithelia, compatible with a mature teratoma. CONCLUSIONS: We present an extremely rare case of pediatric sellar teratoma originating from the pituitary gland and a review of literature focusing on the variation in presentation and treatment. Sellar teratomas are often mistaken for craniopharyngioma due to their similar radiographic appearances. However, the primary goal of treatment for both pathologies is to decompress eloquent surrounding structures such as the optic tract, and if applicable, resolution of hydrocephalus while avoiding damage to the pituitary stalk and especially the hypothalamic structures. If feasible, the aim of surgery should be gross total resection.

Aneurysm healing following treatment with biodegradable embolization materials: assessment in a rat sidewall aneurysm model.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable materials that dissolve after aneurysm healing are promising techniques in the field of neurointerventional surgery. We investigated the effects of various bioabsorable materials in combination with degradable magnesium alloy stents and evaluated aneurysm healing in a rat aneurysm model. METHODS: Saccular aneurysms were created by end-to-side anastomosis in the abdominal aorta of Wistar rats. Untreated arterial grafts were immediately transplanted (vital aneurysms) whereas aneurysms with loss of mural cells were chemically decellularized before implantation. All aneurysms were treated with biodegradable magnesium stents. The animals were assigned to vital aneurysms treated with stent alone or decellularized aneurysms treated with stent alone, detachable coil, or long-term or short-term biodegradable thread. Aneurysm healing, rated microscopically and macroscopically at follow-up days 7 and 21, was defined by both neointima formation and absence of aneurysm volume increase over time. RESULTS: Of 56 animals included, significant increases in aneurysm volume 7 days after surgery were observed in aneurysms with vital and decellularized walls treated with a stent only (P=0.043 each group). Twenty-one days after surgery an increase in aneurysm volume was observed in decellularized aneurysms treated with long- and short-term biodegradable threads (P=0.027 and P=0.028, respectively). Histological changes associated with an increase in aneurysm volume were seen for aneurysm wall inflammation, periadventitial fibrosis, and luminal thrombus. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in aneurysm volume was associated with an absence of intrasaccular embolization material (early phase) and the breakdown of intrasaccular biodegradable material over time (late phase). Thrombus remnant and aneurysm wall inflammation promote aneurysm volume increase.

Precision Surgery for Orbital Cavernous Hemangiomas: The Role of Three-Dimensional Printing in Individualized Resection-An Educational Experience.

Orbital cavernous hemangiomas are the most common primary orbital tumors in adults, providing challenges for optimal surgical approach planning within an anatomically complex area with close proximity to vital neurovascular structures. The authors present an individualized lateral mini-orbitozygomatic approach for the resection of an orbital cavernous haemangioma based on a preoperative 3-dimensional-printed model. This individualized approach enabled the surgeons to achieve optimal exposure while maintaining safety during the resection of the lesion, but also to respect the patient's physiognomy and hairline. In addition, the model was used for patient informed consent, helping the patient understand the procedure. Although adding additional effort to preoperative planning, 3-dimensional model-based approaches can offer great benefits when it comes to customizing surgical approaches, especially for anatomically challenging resections.

Long-term tumor control in Koos grade IV vestibular schwannomas without the need for gross-total resection.

OBJECTIVE: The modern management of patients with Koos grade IV vestibular schwannomas (VSs) aims at functional preservation and long-term tumor control. Gross-total resection (GTR) leads to optimal tumor control but frequently also results in permanent facial nerve (FN) palsy. Subtotal resection (STR) or near-total resection (NTR) followed by a wait-and-scan protocol and second-line radiation therapy (RT) in case of progressive residuals yields excellent tumor control rates with less permanent morbidity. METHODS: The authors present the results of their prospective cohort of Koos grade IV VS patients who underwent less-than-total resection followed by a wait-and-scan protocol between January 2009 and December 2019 and discuss the latest evidence on this controversial subject. The cohort was followed up with annual clinical and volumetric outcome analyses after standardized MRI. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The mean extent of resection was 87% (median 91%, range 45%-100%), best fitting into the definition of STR rather than NTR. In 2 cases, the proximal portion of the FN at the brainstem could not be reliably identified and monitored during the initial operation, and a second-stage resection was necessary. At 4.4 years after surgery, 81% (39/48) of the tumor residuals regressed or were stable in size. The percentage of regressive tumor residuals increased over time. Nineteen percent (9/48) of the tumor residuals displayed volumetric progression within a mean time of 35 months (median 36 months, range 14-72 months), resulting in a Kaplan-Meier estimate for progression-free survival of 79% after 4 years; higher postoperative volume showed a linear correlation with higher volumetric progression (factor 1.96, 95% CI 1.67-2.30; p < 0.001). Thirty-four of the 48 (71%) patients continue to undergo a wait-and-scan protocol. Second-line RT was performed in 14 patients (29%) within a mean time of 25 months (median 23 months, range 5-54 months), 12 (86%) of whom responded with post-RT pseudoprogression, resulting in an overall tumor control rate of 96%. At the 4.4-year follow-up from the initial resection, 92% of the patients had a good facial outcome (House-Brackmann [HB] grade I or II), 6% had a fair facial outcome (HB grade III), and 2% had a poor facial outcome (HB grades IV-VI). So far, there has been no need for salvage surgery after RT. CONCLUSIONS: STR followed by observation and second-line RT in cases of progression leads to good facial outcome and an excellent tumor control rate in the longer term.

Supratentorial cerebrospinal fluid diversion using image-guided trigonal ventriculostomy during retrosigmoid craniotomy for cerebellopontine angle tumors.

Background: Cerebellar contusion, swelling and herniation is frequently encoutered upon durotomy in patients undergoing retrosigmoid craniotomy for cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors, despite using standard methods to obtain adequate cerebellar relaxation. Objective: The aim of this study is to report an alternative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-diversion method using image-guided ipsilateral trigonal ventriculostomy. Methods: Single-center retro- and prospective cohort study of n = 62 patients undergoing above-mentioned technique. Prior durotomy, CSF-diversion was performed to the point where the posterior fossa dura was visibly pulsatile. Outcome assessment consisted of the surgeon's intra- and postoperative clinical observations, and postoperative radiological imaging. Results: Fifty-two out of n = 62 (84%) cases were eligible for analysis. The surgeons consistently reported successful ventricular puncture and a pulsatile dura prior durotomy without cerebellar contusion, swelling or herniation through the dural incision in n = 51/52 (98%) cases. Forty-nine out of n = 52 (94%) catheters were placed correctly within the first attempt, with the majority of catheter tips (n = 50, 96%) located intraventricularly (grade 1 or 2). In n = 4/52 (8%) patients, postoperative imaging revealed evidence of a ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage (VRH) associated with an intracerebral hemorrhage [n = 2/52 (4%)] or an isolated intraventricular hemorrhage [n = 2/52 (4%)]. However, these hemorrhagic complications were not associated with neurological symptoms, surgical interventions or postoperative hydrocephalus. None of the evaluated patients demonstrated radiological signs of upward transtentorial herniation. Conclusion: The method described above efficiently allows CSF-diversion prior durotomy to reduce cerebellar pressure during retrosigmoid approach for CPA tumors. However, there is an inherent risk of subclinical supratentorial hemorrhagic complications.

Quality of Life After Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high mortality and poor disability outcome. Data on quality of life (QoL) among survivors are scarce because patients with poor-grade aSAH are underrepresented in clinical studies reporting on QoL after aSAH. OBJECTIVE: To provide prospective QoL data on survivors of poor-grade aSAH to aid clinical decision making and counseling of relatives. METHODS: The herniation World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale study was a prospective observational multicenter study in patients with poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades 4 & 5) aSAH. We collected data during a structured telephone interview 6 and 12 months after ictus. QoL was measured using the EuroQoL - 5 Dimensions - 3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire, with 0 representing a health state equivalent to death and 1 to perfect health. Disability outcome for favorable and unfavorable outcomes was measured with the modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Two hundred-fifty patients were enrolled, of whom 237 were included in the analysis after 6 months and 223 after 12 months. After 6 months, 118 (49.8%) patients were alive, and after 12 months, 104 (46.6%) patients were alive. Of those, 95 (80.5%) and 89 (85.6%) reached a favorable outcome with mean EQ-5D-3L index values of 0.85 (±0.18) and 0.86 (±0.18). After 6 and 12 months, 23 (19.5%) and 15 (14.4%) of those alive had an unfavorable outcome with mean EQ-5D-3L index values of 0.27 (±0.25) and 0.19 (±0.14). CONCLUSION: Despite high initial mortality, the proportion of poor-grade aSAH survivors with good QoL is reasonably large. Only a minority of survivors reports poor QoL and requires permanent care.

Impact of Very Small Aneurysm Size and Anterior Communicating Segment Location on Outcome after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Very small anterior communicating artery aneurysms (vsACoA) of <5 mm in size are detected in a considerable number of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Single-center studies report that vsACoA harbor particular risks when treated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical and radiological outcome(s) of patients with aSAH diagnosed with vsACoA after aneurysm treatment and at discharge. METHODS: Information on n = 1868 patients was collected in the Swiss Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcome Study registry between 2009 and 2014. The presence of a new focal neurological deficit at discharge, functional status (modified Rankin scale), mortality rates, and procedural complications (in-hospital rebleeding and presence of a new stroke on computed tomography) was assessed for vsACoA and compared with the results observed for aneurysms in other locations and with diameters of 5 to 25 mm. RESULTS: This study analyzed n = 1258 patients with aSAH, n = 439 of which had a documented ruptured ACoA. ACoA location was found in 38% (n = 144/384) of all very small ruptured aneurysms. A higher in-hospital bleeding rate was found in vsACoA compared with non-ACoA locations (2.8 vs 2.1%), especially when endovascularly treated (2.1% vs 0.5%). In multivariate analysis, aneurysm size of 5 to 25 mm, and not ACoA location, was an independent risk factor for a new focal neurological deficit and a higher modified Rankin scale at discharge. Neither very small aneurysm size nor ACoA location was associated with higher mortality rates at discharge or the occurrence of a peri-interventional stroke. CONCLUSION: Very small ruptured ACoA have a higher in-hospital rebleeding rate but are not associated with worse morbidity or mortality.

External Validation of the HATCH (Hemorrhage, Age, Treatment, Clinical State, Hydrocephalus) Score for Prediction of Functional Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The Hemorrhage, Age, Treatment, Clinical State, Hydrocephalus (HATCH) Score has previously shown to predict functional outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). OBJECTIVE: To validate the HATCH score. METHODS: This is a pooled cohort study including prospective collected data on 761 patients with aSAH from 4 different hospitals. The HATCH score for prediction of functional outcome was validated using calibration and discrimination analysis (area under the curve). HATCH score model performance was compared with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and Barrow Neurological Institute score. RESULTS: At the follow-up of at least 6 months, favorable (Glasgow Outcome Score 4-5) and unfavorable functional outcomes (Glasgow Outcome Score 1-3) were observed in 512 (73%) and 189 (27%) patients, respectively. A higher HATCH score was associated with an increased risk of unfavorable outcome with a score of 1 showing a risk of 1.3% and a score of 12 yielding a risk of 67%. External validation showed a calibration intercept of -0.07 and slope of 0.60 with a Brier score of 0.157 indicating good model calibration and accuracy. With an area under the curve of 0.81 (95% CI 0.77-0.84), the HATCH score demonstrated superior discriminative ability to detect favorable outcome at follow-up compared with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and Barrow Neurological Institute score with 0.72 (95% CI 0.67-0.75) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.59-0.68), respectively. CONCLUSION: This multicenter external validation analysis confirms the HATCH score to be a strong independent predictor for functional outcome. Its incorporation into daily practice may be of benefit for goal-directed patient care in aSAH.

Herniation World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Scale Improves Prediction of Outcome in Patients With Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Favorable outcomes are seen in up to 50% of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, the usefulness of the current WFNS grading system for identifying the worst scenarios for clinical studies and for making treatment decisions is limited. We previously modified the WFNS scale by requiring positive signs of brain stem dysfunction to assign grade V. This study aimed to validate the new herniation WFNS grading system in an independent prospective cohort. METHODS: We conducted an international prospective multicentre study in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients comparing the WFNS classification with a modified version-the herniation WFNS scale (hWFNS). Here, only patients who showed positive signs of brain stem dysfunction (posturing, anisocoric, or bilateral dilated pupils) were assigned hWFNS grade V. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale score 6 months after hemorrhage. The primary end point was the difference in specificity of the WFNS and hWFNS grading with respect to poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 4-6). RESULTS: Of the 250 patients included, 237 reached the primary end point. Comparing the WFNS and hWFNS scale after neurological resuscitation, the specificity to predict poor outcome increased from 0.19 (WFNS) to 0.93 (hWFNS) (McNemar, P<0.001) whereas the sensitivity decreased from 0.88 to 0.37 (P<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 61.9 to 88.3 (weighted generalized score statistic, P<0.001). For mortality, the specificity increased from 0.19 to 0.93 (McNemar, P<0.001), and the positive predictive value from 52.5 to 86.7 (weighted generalized score statistic, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of objective positive signs of brain stem dysfunction significantly improves the specificity and positive predictive value with respect to poor outcome in grade V patients. Therefore, a simple modification-presence of brain stem signs is required for grade V-should be added to the WFNS classification. REGISTRATION: URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02304328.

The Role of Endonasal Endoscopic Skull Base Repair in Posttraumatic Tension Pneumocephalus.

OBJECTIVES: Information about the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA) for the management of posttraumatic tension pneumocephalus (PTTP) remains scarce. Concomitant rhinoliquorrhea and posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) can complicate the clinical course. METHODS: The authors systematically reviewed pertinent articles published between 1961 and December 2020 and identified 6 patients with PTTP treated by EEA in 5 reports. Additionally, the authors share their institutional experience including a seventh patient, where an EEA resolved a recurrent PTTP without rhinoliquorrhea. RESULTS: Seven PTTP cases in which EEA was used as part of the treatment regime were included in this review. All cases presented with a defect in the anterior skull base, and 3 of them had concomitant rhinoliquorrhea. A transcranial approach was performed in 6/7 cases before EEA was considered to treat PTTP. In 4/7 cases, the PTTP resolved after the first intent; in 2/ 7 cases a second repair was necessary because of recurrent PTTP, 1 with and 1 without rhinoliquorrhea, and 1/7 case because of recurrent rhinoliquorrhea only. Overall, PTTP treated by EEA resolved with a mean radiological resolution time of 69 days (range 23-150 days), with no late recurrences. Only 1 patient developed a cerebrospinal fluid diversion infection probably related to a first incomplete EEA skull base defects repair. A permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion was necessary in 3/7 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Endonasal endoscopic approach repair of air conduits is a safe and efficacious second-line approach after failed transcranial approaches for symptomatic PTTP. However, the strength of recommendation for EEA remains low until further evidence is presented.

The sylvian keyhole approach for surgical clipping of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: Technical nuance to the minipterional craniotomy.

Background: The minipterional (MPT) craniotomy is a workhorse approach for clipping of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. Because it aims to reach the skull base, traction on the temporal muscle is required. As a result, patients may suffer from transient postoperative temporal muscle discomfort. The sylvian keyhole approach (SKA) represents an alternative craniotomy for the clipping of MCA aneurysms. The aims of this study are to describe the operative technique of the SKA and to discuss the benefits and disadvantages compared to the MPT craniotomy. Methods: In this technical note, we report the experience gained with the SKA. This experience was acquired with virtual reality, 3D-printed models, and anatomical dissections. We also present two clinical cases. Results: The SKA is centered on the distal sylvian fissure and tailored toward the specific MCA aneurysm. Traction to the temporal muscle is not necessary because access to the skull base is not sought. With the SKA, dissection of the MCA is performed from distal to proximal, aiming for a proximal control at the level of the M1-segment. The limen insulae was identified as a key anatomical landmark for approach selection. The SKA offers good surgical maneuverability when the aneurysm is located at the level or distal to the limen. The MPT craniotomy, however, remains the most appropriate approach when the aneurysm is located proximal to the limen. Conclusion: The SKA represents a feasible and innovative alternative approach to the MPT craniotomy for surgical clipping of unruptured MCA aneurysms located at the level or distal to the limen insulae.

Clinical Studies and Pre-clinical Animal Models on Facial Nerve Preservation, Reconstruction, and Regeneration Following Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Surgery-A Systematic Review and Future Perspectives.

Background and purpose: Tumorous lesions developing in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) get into close contact with the 1st (cisternal) and 2nd (meatal) intra-arachnoidal portion of the facial nerve (FN). When surgical damage occurs, commonly known reconstruction strategies are often associated with poor functional recovery. This article aims to provide a systematic overview for translational research by establishing the current evidence on available clinical studies and experimental models reporting on intracranial FN injury. Methods: A systematic literature search of several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Medline) was performed prior to July 2020. Suitable articles were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included clinical studies were reviewed and categorized according to the pathology and surgical resection strategy, and experimental studies according to the animal. For anatomical study purposes, perfusion-fixed adult New Zealand white rabbits were used for radiological high-resolution imaging and anatomical dissection of the CPA and periotic skull base. Results: One hundred forty four out of 166 included publications were clinical studies reporting on FN outcomes after CPA-tumor surgery in 19,136 patients. During CPA-tumor surgery, the specific vulnerability of the intracranial FN to stretching and compression more likely leads to neurapraxia or axonotmesis than neurotmesis. Severe FN palsy was reported in 7 to 15 % after vestibular schwannoma surgery, and 6% following the resection of CPA-meningioma. Twenty-two papers reported on experimental studies, out of which only 6 specifically used intracranial FN injury in a rodent (n = 4) or non-rodent model (n = 2). Rats and rabbits offer a feasible model for manipulation of the FN in the CPA, the latter was further confirmed in our study covering the radiological and anatomical analysis of perfusion fixed periotic bones. Conclusion: The particular anatomical and physiological features of the intracranial FN warrant a distinguishment of experimental models for intracranial FN injuries. New Zealand White rabbits might be a very cost-effective and valuable option to test new experimental approaches for intracranial FN regeneration. Flexible and bioactive biomaterials, commonly used in skull base surgery, endowed with trophic and topographical functions, should address the specific needs of intracranial FN injuries.

Selective resection of cushing microadenoma guided by preoperative hybrid 18-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine and 11-C-methionine PET/MRI.

PURPOSE: 11-C-methionine (MET)-positron emission tomography (PET) as an adjunct to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a suitable molecular imaging modality for localizing pituitary adenomas in Cushing's disease. 18-F-Fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET)-PET, which is more widely available has not yet been reported in this context. METHODS: Retrospective double-center cohort study on 15 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for biochemically proven Cushing's disease between 2011 and 2019. Preoperative MET-PET/MRI and/or FET-PET/MRI were compared with intraoperative and histopathological examinations using the Mann Whitney U test and the Fisher's Exact test, along with positive predictive value calculations. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included, with a mean age of 47.2 (18-69) years. Six patients received either a MET-PET/MRI or a FET-PET/MRI and 3 patients both exams, respectively. 67% of the tumors were detected by MRI (MET-PET-group [56%]; FET-PET-group [78%]). All tumors were microadenomas with a mean adenoma volume of 0.19 cm3 (0.02-0.78), all of which displayed a circumscribed pathological FET- and/or MET-uptake. FET-PET/MRI results positively correlated with the localization of the tumor confirmed intraoperatively and histopathologically in all cases, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of FET-PET/MRI for tumor localization of 100% (95% CI 66.37-100%). One MET-PET/MRI suggested a localization contralateral to the expected spot. The sensitivity and specificity of MET-PET for tumor localization hence was 89% (95% CI 51.75-99.72%). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative hybrid FET-PET/MRI and MET-PET/MRI have a high predictive value in localizing corticotroph adenoma for selective adenomectomy in Cushing's disease.

Early permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: does a lower rate of nosocomial meningitis outweigh the risk of delayed cerebral vasospasm related morbidity?

Objective: Early permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion for hydrocephalus during the first 2 weeks after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) shortens the duration of external ventricular drainage (EVD) and reduces EVD-associated infections (EVDAI). The objective of this study was to detect any association with symptomatic delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS), or delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) by the time of hospital discharge. Methods: We used a single-center dataset of aSAH patients who had received a permanent CSF diversion. We compared an 'early group' in which the procedure was performed up to 14 days after the ictus, to a 'late group' in which it was performed from the 15th day onward. Results: Among 274 consecutive aSAH patients, 39 (14%) had a permanent CSF diversion procedure with a silver-coated EVD. While the blood clot burden was similarly distributed, patients with early permanent CSF diversion (20 out of 39; 51%) had higher levels of consciousness on admission. Early permanent CSF diversion was associated with less colonized catheter, a shorter duration of extracorporeal CSF diversion (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.58-0.92 per EVD day), and a lower rate of EVDAI (OR 0.08, 95%CI 0.01-0.80). The occurrence of CSF diversion device obstruction, the rate of symptomatic DCVS or detected DCI on computed tomography and the likelihood of a poor outcome at discharge did not differ between the two groups. Discussion: Early permanent CSF diversion lowers the occurrence of catheter colonization and infectious complication without affecting DCVS-related morbidity in good-grade aSAH patients. These findings need confirmation in larger prospective multicenter cohorts. Abbreviations: aSAH: aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; BNI: Barrow Neurological Institute Scale; CSF: Cerebrospinal fluid; DCVS: Delayed Cerebral Vasospasm; DCI: Delayed Cortical Ischemia; EKNZ: Ethik-Kommission Nordwest Schweiz; EVD: External ventricular drain; EVDAI: External ventricular drain-associated infections; GCS: Glasgow Coma Scale; IRB: Institutional Review Board; IVH: Inraventricular hemorrhage; mRS: Modified Rankin Scale; SOS: Swiss Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Registry; WFNS: World Federation Neurological-Surgeon Scale.

Development of a Complication- and Treatment-Aware Prediction Model for Favorable Functional Outcome in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Based on Machine Learning.

BACKGROUND: Current prognostic tools in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are constrained by being primarily based on patient and disease characteristics on admission. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a complication- and treatment-aware outcome prediction tool in aSAH. METHODS: This cohort study included data from an ongoing prospective nationwide multicenter registry on all aSAH patients in Switzerland (Swiss SOS [Swiss Study on aSAH]; 2009-2015). We trained supervised machine learning algorithms to predict a binary outcome at discharge (modified Rankin scale [mRS] ≤ 3: favorable; mRS 4-6: unfavorable). Clinical and radiological variables on admission ("Early" Model) as well as additional variables regarding secondary complications and disease management ("Late" Model) were used. Performance of both models was assessed by classification performance metrics on an out-of-sample test dataset. RESULTS: Favorable functional outcome at discharge was observed in 1156 (62.0%) of 1866 patients. Both models scored a high accuracy of 75% to 76% on the test set. The "Late" outcome model outperformed the "Early" model with an area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.85 vs 0.79, corresponding to a specificity of 0.81 vs 0.70 and a sensitivity of 0.71 vs 0.79, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both machine learning models show good discrimination and calibration confirmed on application to an internal test dataset of patients with a wide range of disease severity treated in different institutions within a nationwide registry. Our study indicates that the inclusion of variables reflecting the clinical course of the patient may lead to outcome predictions with superior predictive power compared to a model based on admission data only.