Surgery versus endovascular treatment for spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: a multicenter experience and systematic literature review.

Surgery and endovascular therapy are the primary treatment options for spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Due to the absence of a consensus regarding which therapy yields a superior outcome, we conducted a comparative analysis of the surgical and endovascular treatment of SDAVF through a multicenter case series and a systematic literature review. Patients with SDAVF, surgically or endovascularly treated at four neurosurgical centers from January 2001 to December 2021, were included in this study. Level of SDAVF, primary treatment modality, baseline and post-procedural neurological status were collected. The primary outcomes were failure, complication rates, and a newly introduced parameter named as therapeutic delay. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA-P guidelines. The systematic review identified 511 papers, of which 18 were eligible for analysis, for a total of 814 patients, predominantly male (72%) with a median age of 61 and mainly thoracic SDAVFs (65%). The failure rate was significantly higher for endovascular therapy (20%) compared to surgery (4%) (p < 0.01). Neurological complications were generally rare, with similar rates among the two groups (endovascular 2.9%; surgery 2.6%). Endovascular treatment showed a statistically significantly higher rate of persistent neurological complications than surgical treatment (2.9% versus 0.2%; p < 0.01). Both treatments showed similar rates of clinical improvement based on Aminoff Logue scale score. The multicenter, retrospective study involved 131 patients. The thoracic region was the most frequent location (58%), followed by lumbar (37%). Paraparesis (45%) and back pain (41%) were the most common presenting symptoms, followed by bladder dysfunction (34%) and sensory disturbances (21%). The mean clinical follow-up was 21 months, with all patients followed for at least 12 months. No statistically significant differences were found in demographic and clinical data, lesion characteristics, or outcomes between the two treatment groups. Median pre-treatment Aminoff-Logue score was 2.6, decreasing to 1.4 post-treatment with both treatments. The mean therapeutic delay for surgery and endovascular treatment showed no statistically significant difference. Surgical treatment demonstrated significantly lower failure rates (5% vs. 46%, p < 0.01). In the surgical group, 2 transient neurological (1 epidural hematoma, 1 CSF leak) and 3 non-neurological (3 wound infections) complications were recorded; while 2 permanent neurological (spinal infarcts), and 5 non-neurological (inguinal hematomas) were reported in the endovascular group. According to the literature review and this multicenter clinical series, surgical treatment has a significantly lower failure rate than endovascular treatment. Although the two treatments have similar complication rates, endovascular treatment seems to have a higher rate of persistent neurological complications.

Delayed onset of fatal encephalitis in a COVID-19 positive patient.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-nCoV-2019 epidemic has spread since December 2019, quickly gaining worldwide attention. Symptoms consist of fever, cough and breathing difficulties. An increasing number of studies are focusing on neurological manifestations. In addition to the typical ageusia and anosmia, up to 30% of cases can present headache, nausea and vomiting. More serious neurological manifestations, such as encephalitis, thrombosis and cerebral haemorrhage have been reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We described the case of a 47-year-old man who tested positive for COVID-19 virus in early March 2020. After two negative nasopharyngeal swabs, 41 days after the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, he developed intense headache with fever, and he was hospitalized. He had subsequent generalized epileptic seizures and intubation was necessary. Contrast Head MRI was negative for brain abscesses or tumours but detected severe vasogenic oedema of the white matter with 10 mm shift of the midline and compression of the right lateral ventricle. Massive cortisone support therapy was ineffective. We diagnosed brain death on day 43 from the infection diagnosis. DISCUSSION: COVID-19 virus can reach the brain, penetrating into the neuronal cells through the interaction between the spike protein S1 and the host ACE-2 receptor, expressed in the capillary endothelium. We believe that in this infection, the pro-inflammatory state induced by the cytokine storm can cause a cerebral cell-mediated response, with subsequent vasodilatation and brain oedema. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first description of a delayed onset cell-mediated encephalitis caused by COVID-19 virus after more than 40 days from the diagnosis.

Endoscopic Evacuation of Massive Intraventricular Hemorrhages Reduces Shunt Dependency: A Meta-Analysis.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is characterized by severe prognosis. The amount of intraventricular blood is the most important, disease-specific, prognostic factor, as acute complications are strictly dependent on clot formation. Although external ventricular drain (EVD) placement is the standard treatment, in the past 15 years neuroendoscopic (NE) evacuation of IVH has been advocated, but available comparative data are limited. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles compare the treatment of primary and secondary IVH with NE and EVD. The meta-analysis was performed in terms of shunt dependency. Cochran's Q-test and I2 statistics were used to assess heterogeneity in the studies. No heterogeneity was considered for p greater than 0.05 and I2 less than 20%. A random-effect model was used, with restricted maximum likelihood to estimate the heterogeneity variance. After screening 744 articles, 5 were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 303 patients presenting with primary or pure (50 patients) and secondary (253 patients) IVH, undergoing either NE (151) or EVD (152), were included in the metanalysis. The risk of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was higher in the EVD group (relative risk: 1.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-2.92, p = 0.0094). The risk of VP shunt was higher in the EVD group, but the overall outcome remains poor for patients with IVH, with a moderate-to-high disability. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate more deeper both advantages and effects on the outcome of NE over EVD.

Quantitative Anatomic Comparison of Endoscopic Transnasal and Microsurgical Transcranial Approaches to the Anterior Cranial Fossa.

BACKGROUND: Several microsurgical transcranial approaches (MTAs) and endoscopic transnasal approaches (EEAs) to the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) have been described. OBJECTIVE: To provide a preclinical, quantitative, anatomic, comparative analysis of surgical approaches to the ACF. METHODS: Five alcohol-fixed specimens underwent high-resolution computed tomography. The following approaches were performed on each specimen: EEAs (transcribriform, transtuberculum, and transplanum), anterior MTAs (transfrontal sinus interhemispheric, frontobasal interhemispheric, and subfrontal with unilateral and bilateral frontal craniotomy), and anterolateral MTAs (supraorbital, minipterional, pterional, and frontotemporal orbitozygomatic approach). An optic neuronavigation system and dedicated software (ApproachViewer, part of GTx-Eyes II-UHN) were used to quantify the working volume of each approach and extrapolate the exposure of different ACF regions. Mixed linear models with random intercepts were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: EEAs offer a large and direct route to the midline region of ACF, whose most anterior structures (ie, crista galli, cribriform plate, and ethmoidal roof) are also well exposed by anterior MTAs, whereas deeper ones (ie, planum sphenoidale and tuberculum sellae) are also well exposed by anterolateral MTAs. The orbital roof region is exposed by both anterolateral and lateral MTAs. The posterolateral region (ie, sphenoid wing and optic canal) is well exposed by anterolateral MTAs. CONCLUSION: Anterior and anterolateral MTAs play a pivotal role in the exposure of most anterior and posterolateral ACF regions, respectively, whereas midline regions are well exposed by EEAs. Furthermore, certain anterolateral approaches may be most useful when involvement of the optic canal and nerves involvement are suspected.

Aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage during the COVID-19 outbreak in a Hub and Spoke system: observational multicenter cohort study in Lombardy, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Lombardy was the most affected Italian region by the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and underwent urgent reorganization for the management of emergencies, including subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (aSAH). The aim of the study was to define demographics, clinical, and therapeutic features of aSAH during the COVID-19 outbreak and compare these with a historical cohort. METHODS: In this observational multicenter cohort study, patients aged 18 years or older, who were diagnosed with aSAH at the participating centers in Lombardy from March 9 to May 10, 2020, were included (COVID-19 group). In order to minimize bias related to possible SAH seasonality, the control group was composed of patients diagnosed with aSAH from March 9 to May 10 of the three previous years, 2017-2018-2019 (pre-pandemic group). Twenty-three demographic, clinical, and therapeutic features were collected. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients during the COVID-19 period and 179 in the control group were enrolled at 14 centers. Only 4 patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2. The "diagnostic delay" was significantly increased (+ 68%) in the COVID-19 group vs. pre-pandemic (1.06 vs. 0.63 days, respectively, p-value = 0.030), while "therapeutic delay" did not differ significantly between the two periods (0.89 vs. 0.74 days, p-value = 0.183). Patients with poor outcome (GOS at discharge from 1 to 3) were higher during the COVID-19 period (54.2%) compared to pre-pandemic (40.2%, p = 0.044). In logistic regression analysis, in which outcome was the dichotomized Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), five variables showed p-values < 0.05: age at admission, WFNS grade, treatment (none), days in ICU, and ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: We documented a significantly increased "diagnostic delay" for subarachnoid hemorrhages during the first COVID-19 outbreak in Lombardy. However, despite the dramatic situation that the healthcare system was experiencing, the Lombardy regional reorganization model, which allowed centralization of neurosurgical emergencies such as SAHs, avoided a "therapeutic delay" and led to results overall comparable to the control period.

Do neurosurgeons follow the guidelines? A world-based survey on severe traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is going to be the third-leading cause of death worldwide, according to the WHO. Two European surveys suggested that adherence to brain trauma guidelines is poor. No study has compared compliance between low- (LMICs) and high-income (UHICs) countries. Hence, this study aimed to investigate differences in the management of severe TBI patients, comparing low- and high-income, and adherence to the BTF guidelines. METHODS: A web-based survey was spread through the Global Neuro Foundation, different neurosurgical societies, and social media. RESULTS: A total of 803 neurosurgeons participated: 70.4 from UHICs and 29.6% from LMICs. Hypertonic was administered as an early measure by the 73% and 65% of the responders in LMICs and UHICs, respectively (P=0.016). An invasive intracranial pressure monitoring was recommended by the 66% and 58% of the neurosurgeons in LMICs and UHICs, respectively (P<0.001). Antiseizure drugs (P<0.001) were given most frequently in LMICs as, against recommendations, steroids (87% vs. 61% and 86% vs. 81%, respectively). In the LMICs both the evacuation of the contusion and decompressive craniectomy were performed earlier than in UHICs (30% vs. 17% with P<0.001 and 44% vs. 28% with P=0.006, respectively). In the LMICs, the head CT control was performed mostly between 12 and 24 hours from the first imaging (38% vs. 23%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current Guidelines on TBI do not always fit to both the resources and circumstances in different countries. Future research and clinical practice guidelines should reflect the greater relevance of TBI in low resource settings.

New neuroanatomy learning paradigms for the next generation of trainees: A novel literature-based 3D methodology.

BACKGROUND: An appreciation for complex three-dimensional relationships in neuroanatomy forms a fundamental tenet of neurosurgical education. The value of experience in the cadaver lab is indisputable; however, it is expensive and often inaccessible. The wide availability of 3D technologies has opened new possibilities, although scientific inaccuracy has hitherto limited their use. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aim to describe a novel, literature-based process of scientific 3D modeling for the creation of neuroanatomical models adapted for mobile technology. METHODS: A systematic literature review regarding current resources in neuroanatomy education was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The composition of the team and the workflow behind the 3D Head Atlas app are also described. RESULTS: A total of 101 manuscripts were reviewed, and 24 included. Cadaveric dissections improve the learning process, although high costs limit their availability. Digital advancements have partially overcome the limitations of dissection, and have been associated with improved knowledge retention. Nevertheless, 3D models are often inaccurate, poorly adapted to mobile hardware, and expensive. Recent technological advances provide a new way to widely disseminate complex 3D models, with a revolutionary impact on learning. The approach behind the 3D Head Atlas app, based on the synergistic work of scientific and development teams, facilitates the creation of interactive 3D scientific material with high accuracy and wide accessibility. CONCLUSION: The study of neuroanatomy is intimately related to the evolution of digital technology. Traditional methods (i.e. cadaveric dissections) have undisputed value but high costs. High-fidelity 3D scenarios and mobile devices may revolutionize learning if based on a sound evidence-based approach.

Quantitative Anatomic Comparison of Microsurgical Transcranial, Endoscopic Endonasal, and Transorbital Approaches to the Spheno-Orbital Region.

BACKGROUND: The spheno-orbital region (SOR) is a complex anatomic area that can be accessed with different surgical approaches. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively compare, in a preclinical setting, microsurgical transcranial approaches (MTAs), endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach (EEA), and endoscopic transorbital approaches (ETOAs) to the SOR. METHODS: These approaches were performed in 5 specimens: EEA, ETOAs (superior eyelid and inferolateral), anterolateral MTAs (supraorbital, minipterional, pterional, pterional-transzygomatic, and frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic), and lateral MTAs (subtemporal and subtemporal transzygomatic). All specimens underwent high-resolution computed tomography; an optic neuronavigation system with dedicated software was used to quantify working volume and exposed area for each approach. Mixed linear models with random intercepts were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Anterolateral MTAs offer a direct route to the greater wings (GWs) and lesser wings (LWs); only they guarantee exposure of the anterior clinoid. Lateral MTAs provide access to a large area corresponding to the GW, up to the superior orbital fissure (SOF) anteriorly and the foramen rotundum medially. ETOAs also access the GW, close to the lateral portion of SOF, but with a different angle of view as compared to lateral MTAs. Access to deep and medial structures, such as the lamina papyracea and the medial SOF, is offered only by EEA, which exposes the LW and GW only to a limited extent. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that offers a quantitative comparison of the most used approaches to SOR. A detailed knowledge of their advantages and limitations is paramount to choose the ideal one, or their combination, in the clinical setting.

An international call for a new grading system for cerebral and cerebellar cavernomas.

Surgical indications for cerebral cavernous malformations remain significantly center- and surgeon-dependent. Available grading systems are potentially limited, as they do not include epileptological and radiological data. A novel grading system is proposed for supratentorial and cerebellar cavernomas: it considers neuroradiological features (bleeding, increase in size), neurological status (focal deficits and seizures), location of the lesion and age of the patient. The score ranges from -1 to 10; furthermore, surgery should be considered when a score of 4 or higher is present. Based on neuroradiological characteristics, 0 points are assigned if the CCM is stable in size at different neuroradiological controls, 1 point if there is an increase in volume during follow-up, 2 points if intra- or extra-lesional bleeding <1 cm is present and 3 points if the CCM produced a hematoma >1 cm. Regarding focal neurological deficits, 0 points are assigned if absent and 2 points if present. For seizures, 0 points are assigned if absent, 1 point if present, but controlled by medications, and 2 points if drug resistant. We considered the site of the CCM, and in case of deep-seated lesions in a critical area (basal ganglia, thalamus) 1 point (-1) is subtracted, while for subcortical or deep cerebellar lesions 0 points are assigned, for CCMs in a cortical critical area 1 point is assigned and in case of lesions in cortical not in critical area or superficial cerebellar area, 2 points are assigned. As far as age is concerned, 0 points are assigned for patients older than 50 years and 1 point for patients younger than 50. In conclusion, a novel grading for surgical decision making in cerebral cavernomas, based on the experience of selected neurosurgeons, basic scientists, and patients, is suggested with the aim of further improving and standardizing the treatment of CCMs. The aim of this paper was also to call for both retrospective and prospective multicenter studies with the aim of testing the efficacy of the grading system in different centers.

Endoscopic Subtemporal Epidural Key-Hole Approach: Quantitative Anatomic Analysis of Three Surgical Corridors.

BACKGROUND: The endoscope-assisted subtemporal key-hole epidural approach (ESKEA) has been recently described. The aim of this study was to measure working volumes and exposure of key areas of the middle cranial fossa provided by this approach. METHODS: Four fresh frozen cadaver heads were dissected to analyze 3 modular corridors (1A, 1B, and 2) harvested through ESKEA. A step-by-step dissection was performed, and key anatomic landmarks were recorded. A GTxEyesII-ApproachViewer was used to quantify the working volume and exposure of 4 different regions (sphenoorbital, parasellar, superior petrous apex, and squamopetrous). For each corridor, 3 incremental degrees of temporal dural retraction (5, 10, and 15 mm) were tested. RESULTS: The working volume of all corridors progressively increased with degree of retraction: Corridors 1A, 1B, and 2 showed a gain in working volume of 21%, 27%, and 19% from 5 mm to 10 mm retraction, respectively, and a gain of 40%, 45%, and 44% from 5 mm to 15 mm retraction, respectively. The sphenoorbital area was exposed (27%-45%) through corridor 1A, and exposure significantly increased with the degree of retraction. Corridor 1B provided optimal exposure of parasellar areas (86%-100%) and superior petrous apex (70%-87%) regardless of the degree of retraction. The squamopetrous area was satisfactorily addressed through corridor 2 (88%) only with the highest degree of retraction. CONCLUSIONS: ESKEA can be conceived as a modular approach: the 3 surgical corridors have specific working volumes, which are clearly influenced by the degree of temporal lobe retraction, and provide exposure of different middle cranial fossa areas.

Anxiety in neurosurgical patients undergoing nonurgent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries into lockdown and has led to the postponement of nonurgent neurosurgical procedures. Although stress has been investigated during this pandemic, there are no reports on anxiety in neurosurgical patients undergoing nonurgent surgical procedures. METHODS: Neurosurgical patients admitted to hospitals in eastern Lombardy for nonurgent surgery after the lockdown prospectively completed a pre- and postoperative structured questionnaire. Recorded data included demographics, pathology, time on surgical waiting list, anxiety related to COVID-19, primary pathology and surgery, safety perception during hospital admission before and after surgery, and surgical outcomes. Anxiety was measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Descriptive statistics were computed on the different variables and data were stratified according to pathology (oncological vs nononcological). Three different models were used to investigate which variables had the greatest impact on anxiety, oncological patients, and safety perception, respectively. Because the variables (Xs) were of a different nature (qualitative and quantitative), mostly asymmetrical, and related to outcome (Y) by nonlinear relationships, a machine learning approach composed of three steps (1, random forest growing; 2, relative variable importance measure; and 3, partial dependence plots) was chosen. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three patients from 10 different hospitals were included in the study. None of the patients developed COVID-19 after surgery. State and trait anxiety were reported by 30.3% and 18.9% of patients, respectively. Higher values of state anxiety were documented in oncological compared to nononcological patients (46.7% vs 25%; p = 0.055). Anxiety was strongly associated with worry about primary pathology, surgery, disease worsening, and with stress during waiting time, as expected. Worry about positivity to SARS-CoV-2, however, was the strongest factor associated with anxiety, even though none of the patients were infected. Neuro-oncological disease was associated with state anxiety and with worry about surgery and COVID-19. Increased bed distance and availability of hand sanitizer were associated with a feeling of safety. CONCLUSIONS: These data underline the importance of psychological support, especially for neuro-oncological patients, during a pandemic.

Snake-Eye Myelopathy and Surgical Prognosis: Case Series and Systematic Literature Review.

The prognostic value of "snake-eyes" sign in spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unclear and the correlation with different pathological conditions has not been completely elucidated. In addition, its influence on surgical outcome has not been investigated in depth. A literature review according to PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols) guidelines on the prognostic significance of "snake-eyes" sign in operated patients was performed. Clinical, neuroradiological, and surgical data of three institutional patients, were also retrospectively collected. The three patients, with radiological evidence of "snake-eyes" myelopathy, underwent appropriate surgical treatment for their condition, with no new post-operative neurological deficits and good outcome at follow-up. The literature review, however, reported conflicting results: the presence of "snake-eyes" sign seems a poor prognostic factor in degenerative cervical myelopathy, even if some cases can improve after surgery. "Snake-eyes" myelopathy represents a rare form of myelopathy; pathophysiology is still unclear. The frequency of this myelopathy may be greater than previously thought and according to our literature review it is mostly a negative prognostic factor. However, from our experience, prognosis might not be so dire, especially when tailored surgical intervention is performed; therefore, surgery should always be considered and based on the complete clinical, neurophysiological, and radiological data.

Factors Associated With Surgical Mortality and Complications Among Patients With and Without Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy.

Importance: There are limited data on mortality and complications rates in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who undergo surgery. Objective: To evaluate early surgical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 in different subspecialties. Design, Setting, and Participants: This matched cohort study conducted in the general, vascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedic, and neurosurgery units of Spedali Civili Hospital (Brescia, Italy) included patients who underwent surgical treatment from February 23 to April 1, 2020, and had positive test results for COVID-19 either before or within 1 week after surgery. Gynecological and minor surgical procedures were excluded. Patients with COVID-19 were matched with patients without COVID-19 with a 1:2 ratio for sex, age group, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and comorbidities recorded in the surgical risk calculator of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients older than 65 years were also matched for the Clinical Frailty Scale score. Exposures: Patients with positive results for COVID-19 and undergoing surgery vs matched surgical patients without infection. Screening for COVID-19 was performed with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay in nasopharyngeal swabs, chest radiography, and/or computed tomography. Diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on positivity of at least 1 of these investigations. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was early surgical mortality and complications in patients with COVID-19; secondary end points were the modeling of complications to determine the importance of COVID-19 compared with other surgical risk factors. Results: Of 41 patients (of 333 who underwent operation during the same period) who underwent mainly urgent surgery, 33 (80.5%) had positive results for COVID-19 preoperatively and 8 (19.5%) had positive results within 5 days from surgery. Of the 123 patients of the combined cohorts (78 women [63.4%]; mean [SD] age, 76.6 [14.4] years), 30-day mortality was significantly higher for those with COVID-19 compared with control patients without COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR], 9.5; 95% CI, 1.77-96.53). Complications were also significantly higher (OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.81-16.07); pulmonary complications were the most common (OR, 35.62; 95% CI, 9.34-205.55), but thrombotic complications were also significantly associated with COVID-19 (OR, 13.2; 95% CI, 1.48-∞). Different models (cumulative link model and classification tree) identified COVID-19 as the main variable associated with complications. Conclusions and Relevance: In this matched cohort study, surgical mortality and complications were higher in patients with COVID-19 compared with patients without COVID-19. These data suggest that, whenever possible, surgery should be postponed in patients with COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 can induce brain and spine demyelinating lesions.

SARS-CoV-2 can attack the central nervous system in the early stages of infection. Headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia are common symptoms. Disturbance of consciousness and seizures can occur as complications in case of severe COVID-19. We described the case of a COVID-19 patient admitted for interstitial pneumonia and seizures. MRI showed newly diagnosed demyelinating lesions. High-dose steroid treatment allowed neurological and respiratory recovery. We speculated a delayed immune response induced by SARS-CoV-2. The virus may lead to a SIRS-like immune disorder or play a role of infective trigger. Prompt invasive treatment should be adopted to avoid hypoxic neurotoxicity and prevent CNS injuries.

Neurosurgical Practice During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic: A Worldwide Survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has consistently changed medical practice throughout specialties, regardless of their contribution in facing the disease itself. We surveyed neurosurgeons worldwide to investigate the situation they are experiencing. METHODS: A 17-question, web-based survey was administered to neurosurgeons worldwide through the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and the Neurosurgery Cocktail from March 28 to April 5, 2020, by web link or e-mail invitation. Questions were divided into 3 subgroups: general information, health system organization, and institutional plans for the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Collected data were initially elaborated using SurveyMonkey software. Country-specific data were extracted from the World Health Organization website. Statistical analysis was performed using R, version 3.6.3. RESULTS: Of the 446 respondents, most were from Italy (20%), India (19%), and Pakistan (5%). Surgical activity was significantly reduced in most centers (79%) and dedicated in-hospital routes were created for patients with SARS-CoV-2 (58%). Patient screening was performed only when there were symptoms (57%) and not routinely before surgery (18%). The preferred methods included a nasopharyngeal swab and chest radiograph. Health professionals were rarely screened (20%) and sometimes, even if SARS-CoV-2 positive, were asked to work if asymptomatic (26%). Surgical planning was changed in most institutions (92%), whereas indications were modified for nonurgent procedures (59%) and remained unchanged for subarachnoid hemorrhages (85%). CONCLUSIONS: Most neurosurgeons worldwide reported work reorganization and practices that respond to current international guidelines. Differences in practice might be related to the perception of the pandemic and significant differences in the health systems. Sharing data and experiences will be of paramount importance to address the present moment and challenges in the near future.

Neurosurgical activity during COVID-19 pandemic: an experts' opinion from China, South Korea, Italy, the USA, Colombia, and the UK.

BACKGROUND: More than a million and a half people are infected worldwide with more than 90,000 casualties. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is radically altering both socio-economic and health care scenarios. METHODS: On April 4th, 2020, at 13:30 CET, a webinar was broadcasted, organized by Global Neuro and supported by WFNS. Expert neurosurgeons from six different countries (China, Italy, South Korea, the USA, Colombia, and the UK) reported on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their health care systems and neurosurgical activity. RESULTS: The first part focused on the epidemiology until that date. The USA were the most affected State with 450,000 cases, followed by Italy (140,000 cases and 19,000 casualties), China (83,305 cases and 3345 have died), South Korea (10,156 cases with 177 casualties), the UK (38,168 cases and 3605 deaths) and Colombia (1267 cases and 25 deaths). The second part concerned Institution and staff reorganization. In every country all surgical plans have been modified. The third part was about neurosurgical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fourth and last part touched upon how to perform safe surgery and re-start after the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the pandemic scenario was presented as a thought-provoking challenge in all countries which requires tireless efforts for both maintaining emergency and elective neurosurgical procedures.

Quantitative anatomical comparison of transnasal and transcranial approaches to the clivus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The clivus was defined as "no man's land" in the early 1990s, but since then, multiple approaches have been described to access it. This study is aimed at quantitatively comparing endoscopic transnasal and microsurgical transcranial approaches to the clivus in a preclinical setting, using a recently developed research method. METHODS: Multiple approaches were performed in 5 head and neck specimens that underwent high-resolution computed tomography (CT): endoscopic transnasal (transclival, with hypophysiopexy and with far-medial extension), microsurgical anterolateral (supraorbital, mini-pterional, pterional, pterional transzygomatic, fronto-temporal-orbito-zygomatic), lateral (subtemporal and subtemporal transzygomatic), and posterolateral (retrosigmoid, far-lateral, retrolabyrinthine, translabyrinthine, and transcochlear). An optic neuronavigation system and dedicated software were used to quantify the working volume of each approach and calculate the exposure of different clival regions. Mixed linear models with random intersections were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Endoscopic transnasal approaches showed higher working volume and larger exposure compared with microsurgical transcranial approaches. Increased exposure of the upper clivus was achieved by the transnasal endoscopic transclival approach with intradural hypophysiopexy. Anterolateral microsurgical transcranial approaches provided a direct route to the anterior surface of the posterior clinoid process. The transnasal endoscopic approach with far-medial extension ensured a statistically larger exposure of jugular tubercles as compared with other approaches. Presigmoid approaches provided a relatively limited exposure of the ipsilateral clivus, which increased in proportion to their invasiveness. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first anatomical study that quantitatively compares in a holistic way exposure and working volumes offered by the most used modern approaches to the clivus.