Assessment of multimodal treatment options in recurrent and persistent acromegaly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: In patients with acromegaly, secondary treatment options in cases of hormonal non-remission or tumor progression include repeat transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), radiation-based treatment (RT), or medical therapy (MT). In this study, we aim to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of various second-line treatment options for acromegaly. METHODS: Using the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases from conception to the end of 2022. Outcomes of interest included hormonal remission rate, complications, and mortality associated with each treatment modality for refractory acromegaly. RESULTS: A total of 79 studies including 3,208 refractory acromegaly patients (44.90% males) were analyzed, with a mean patient age of 43.89 years. There was a statistically significant difference between various therapeutic modalities in terms of remission rate, with MT offering the highest remission rate (62.55%), followed by RT (50.15%) and TSS (37.39%). Subgroup analysis of radiotherapeutic and medical modalities did not show a significant difference in remission rate between different kinds of sub-modalities in each treatment approach. Recurrence following secondary treatment was not different in patients treated with reoperation TSS compared to other modalities. CONCLUSIONS: The management of persistent and recurrent acromegaly optimally requires a multimodal approach. In different scenarios of refractory acromegaly based on previous treatment, secondary treatments may vary in terms of remission rate and complications. Medical agents provide considerable effectiveness as a second-line therapy for recurrent or persistent disease. In selected cases, however, reoperation still provides an opportunity for cure or freedom from medications. The findings of this study may help clinicians to prioritize varying options involved in this multifaceted decision-making process.

Recurrent acromegaly: a systematic review on therapeutic approaches.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Management of recurrent acromegaly is challenging for both neurosurgeons and endocrinologists. Several treatment options including repeat surgery, medical therapy, and radiation are offered for such patients. The efficacy of these modalities for the treatment of recurrence has not been studied previously in the literature. In this study, we aim to systematically review the existing cases of recurrence and come to a conclusion regarding the appropriate treatment in such cases. METHOD: A systematic review was performed through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane database to identify studies reporting the treatment outcome of recurrent acromegaly patients. Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the included studies were reviewed for primary and secondary treatment, complications, and outcomes of the secondary treatment. RESULTS: The systematic review retrieved 23 records with 95 cases of recurrent acromegaly. The mean time of recurrence was 4.16 years after the initial treatment. The most common primary treatment was surgery followed by radiotherapy. The remission rate was significantly higher in medical and radiotherapy compared to surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: In cases of recurrent acromegaly, the patient may benefit more from radiotherapy and medical therapy compared to surgery. As the quality of evidence is low on this matter feature studies specifically designed for recurrent patients are needed.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for intracranial lesions: a single-institutional series, outcomes, and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive treatment method in managing primary brain neoplasms, brain metastases, radiation necrosis, and epileptogenic lesions, many of which are located in operative corridors that would be difficult to address. Although the use of lasers is not a new concept in neurosurgery, advances in technology have enabled surgeons to perform laser treatment with the aid of real-time MRI thermography as a guide. In this report, we present our institutional series and outcomes of patients treated with LITT. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients (age range, 28-77 years) who underwent LITT at one or more targets from 2015 to 2019. Primary endpoint observed was mean progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Seven patients with glial neoplasms and 12 patients with metastatic disease were reviewed. Average hospitalization was 2.4 days. Median PFS was 7 and 4 months in the metastatic group and primary glial neoplasm group, respectively (p = 0.01). Median OS from time of diagnosis was 41 and 32 months (p = 0.02) and median OS after LITT therapy was 25 and 24 months (p = 0.02) for the metastatic and primary glial neoplasm groups, respectively. One patient experienced immediate post-procedural morbidity secondary to increased intracerebral edema peri-lesionally while one patient experienced post-operative mortality and expired secondary to hemorrhage 1-month post-procedure. Median follow-up was 10 months. CONCLUSION: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a safe, minimally invasive treatment method that provides surgeons with cytoreductive techniques to treat neurosurgical conditions. Both PFS and OS appear to be more favorable after LITT in patients with metastatic disease. In properly selected patients, this modality offers improved survival outcomes in conjunction with other salvage therapies.

Frontotemporal craniotomy with orbital osteotomy for superior hypophyseal artery aneurysm clipping.

Superior hypophyseal artery (SHA) aneurysms are rare paraclinoid aneurysms with a mortality rate as high as 3%-6%. Surgical clipping of these aneurysms is technically challenging due to the surrounding anatomy. The large size and complicated surrounding anatomy make endovascular coiling very difficult. Here we present the case of a ruptured right SHA aneurysm. The authors present technical nuances of the clipping using an exoscope rather than a traditional microscope. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23157.

Frontotemporal Orbitozygomatic Transcavernous Approach: Stepwise Cadaveric Dissection for a Safe Corridor.

Background Advances in skull base surgery have increased the need for a detailed understanding of skull base anatomy and its intrinsic relationship to surrounding structures. This has resulted in an improvement in patient outcomes. The frontotemporal orbitozygomatic (FTOZ) transcavernous approach (TCA) is an excellent option for treating complex lesions involving multiple compartments of the skull base, including the sellar and parasellar, third ventricle, orbit, and petroclival region. Objective This article aimed to provide a detailed cadaveric dissection accompanying a thorough procedure description, including some tips and pitfalls of this technique. Methods Microsurgical dissection was performed in four freshly injected cadaver heads at the Cranial Base Neuroanatomy Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic Florida. The FTOZ TCA was performed on both sides of the four specimens. The advantages and disadvantages were discussed based on the anatomic nuances of this approach. Results The FTOZ TCA represented a wide access to the anterior, middle, and posterior fossa. When combined with an anterior clinoidectomy, it allowed for significant and safe internal carotid artery mobilization. This approach created numerous windows, including opticocarotid, carotid-oculomotor, supratrochlear, infratrochlear, anteromedial, anterolateral, and posteromedial triangles. The only drawback was the length of the dissection and the level of surgical acumen required to perform it. Conclusion Despite its technical difficulty, the FTOZ TCA should be considered for the surgical management of basilar apex aneurysms and tumors surrounding the cavernous sinus, sellar/parasellar, retrochiasmatic, and petroclival region. Continuous training and dedicated time in the skull base laboratory can help achieve the necessary skills required to perform this approach.

Occipital-interhemispheric transtentorial pineal mass resection.

The occipital approach for pineal tumors was first described by James Poppen in 1966. Since then, it has been widely used for accessing deep-seated tumors as it offers a wider surgical view than the supracerebellar transtentorial approach. This video demonstrates the technical nuances of the occipital transtentorial approach and the exoscopic dissection of a pineal gland tumor in a 66-year-old male. Use of the exoscope over the microscope provides certain ergonomic advantages and improves surgical workflow, as demonstrated here. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23161.

Keyhole retrosigmoid approach for resection of a petro-tentorial meningioma causing trigeminal neuralgia.

Meningiomas involving the tentorium, comprising 3-6 % of all intracranial meningiomas, pose a great challenge for surgical excision due to their proximity to the deep neurovascular structures and complex anatomic boundries [1]. Depending on certain tumor characteristics and other anatomical findings, surgeons may attempt to tackle these lesions through a middle fossa, retrosigmoid or a single or multiple stage combination of approaches [2]. Here, we present a case of a 72-year-old male with severe left sided facial pain secondary to a homogenously enhancing mass arising in the left petro-tentorial junction, causing significant compression of the trigeminal nerve. After failing pharmacological therapy, the patient consented to surgical resection and decompression of the trigeminal nerve via a key hole retrosigmoid approach. This approach provided adequate exposure of the tumor and surrounding neurovascular structures, enabling safe microsurgical removal of the lesion while minimizing the amount of tissue disruption. Due to the small surgical foot print of the approach, the patient was able to be discharge quickly from the hospital with minimal post-surgical pain. We describe the key surgical steps and reconstruction technique.

Fibrin Glue-Coated Collagen Complex Patch: A Novel Material for Surgical Repair of Spontaneous Temporal Bone Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak and Encephalocele.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of surgical repair of temporal bone encephalocele and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak using fibrin glue-coated collagen (FGCC) complex patch versus other materials for repair of dura. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-two adult patients undergoing transmastoid (TM), middle fossa (MF) or combined approach repair of spontaneous MF CSF leak between 2016 and 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Exposure of bony defect via TM approach, MF craniotomy, or combined TM/MF, and repair of the associated dura defect with FGCC complex patch, or other materials (acellular collagen matrix, bovine collagen, autologous fascia, fibrin tissue sealant). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful repair without recurrent CSF leak or encephalocele throughout follow-up. Cost of materials used in duraplasty. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of patients were female. Mean (standard deviation) age at repair was 61.4 (12.1) years. Mean (standard deviation) body mass index was 35.0 (8.3) kg/m 2 . Forty-nine (94%) patients had successful repair without known recurrence of CSF leak or encephalocele over a median follow-up interval of 11.7 months. Average duraplasty material cost was significantly lower with FGCC in comparison with other nonautologous materials (FGCC+: $1259.94, FGCC-: $1652.58; p = 0.004). No significant differences in recurrence risk (FGCC+: 6.9%, FGCC-: 6.9%; p > 0.999) or operative time (FGCC+: 153.7 min, FGCC-: 155.4 min; p = 0.88) were detected based on material used for duraplasty. CONCLUSIONS: All materials studied demonstrate effective and sustained means of repair for MF CSF leak and encephalocele, including in the presence of multiple defects. Use of FGCC for duraplasty produces noninferior surgical results to other nonautologous materials in repair of spontaneous CSF leaks of the temporal bone and may be more cost-effective.

Chiari Malformation Type 1 and Semi-Sitting Position-A Suitable Alternative for Patients with High BMI.

OBJECTIVE: Chiari I malformation results from a mismatch between the posterior fossa bones and neural components. Management usually relies on surgical treatment. Despite being the most common assumed positioning, the prone position can be challenging in high body mass index (BMI) patients (>40 kg/m2). METHODS: Between February 2020 and September 2021, 4 consecutive patients with class III obesity underwent posterior fossa decompression. The authors describe nuances of the positioning and perioperative details. RESULTS: No perioperative complications were reported. These patients are at a lower risk of bleeding and increased intracranial pressure as a consequence of low intra-abdominal pressure and venous return. In this context, the semi-sitting position, with the aid of accurate monitoring for venous air embolism, seems to be an advantageous surgical position in this group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We present our results and technical nuances on positioning high BMI patients for posterior fossa decompression using a semi-sitting position.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus undergoing ventriculoperitoneal shunting procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) who undergo ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement often belong to an older demographic, putting them at increased risk of postoperative delirium and related complications. Recent literature documenting the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in various disciplines of surgery has shown improved clinical outcomes, faster discharge, and lower readmission rates. Early return to a familiar environment (i.e., discharged home) is a well-known predictor of reduced postoperative delirium. However, ERAS protocols are uncommon in neurosurgery, especially intracranial procedures. We developed a novel ERAS protocol for patients with iNPH undergoing VPS placement to gain further insight regarding postoperative complications, specifically delirium. METHODS: We studied 40 patients with iNPH with indications for VPS. Seventeen patients were selected at random to undergo the ERAS protocol, and twenty-three patients underwent the standard VPS protocol. The ERAS protocol consisted of measures to reduce infection, manage pain, minimize invasiveness, confirm procedural success with imaging, and shorten the length of stay. Pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade was collected for each patient to indicate baseline risk. Rates of readmission and postoperative complications, including delirium and infection, were collected at 48 h, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no perioperative complications among the 40 patients. There was no postoperative delirium in any of the ERAS patients. Postoperative delirium was observed in 10 of 23 non-ERAS patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the ASA grade between the ERAS and non-ERAS groups. CONCLUSIONS: We described a novel ERAS protocol for patients with iNPH receiving VPS focusing on an early discharge. Our data suggest that ERAS protocols in VPS patients might reduce the incidence of delirium without increasing the risk of infection or other postoperative complications.

Intraoperative Ultrasonography in Pituitary Surgery Revisited: An Institutional Experience and Systematic Review on Applications and Considerations.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in improving outcomes in patients undergoing pituitary surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase electronic bibliographic databases from conception to 2022. RESULTS: The included studies yielded a total of 660 patients, with 488 patients undergoing IOUS. Outcome were available for 341 patients treated with IOUS and 157 patients who were treated without the IOUS application, and the remission rates following surgery were 76% and 59%, respectively. Only 2 studies reported remission rates for both groups, and meta-analysis for these studies showed significant superiority of intraoperative ultrasonography (Random effect, odds ratio 4.99, P < 0.01). Regarding extent of resection, IOUS resulted in 71% gross total resection, while absence of IOUS yielded a gross total resection rate of 44%. Among studies with available follow-up on IOUS, the recurrence rate was 3%. Pituitary dysfunction (34%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (31%), and central nervous system infection (8%) were the most common complications in the IOUS group. The mean follow-up was 19.97 months in studies reporting follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the IOUS is both safe and effective and could improve the outcome of pituitary surgeries. IOUS can assist surgeons in the identification of pituitary tumors and their surrounding anatomy and can help minimize the risk of complications associated with this complex surgical procedure.

Anatomical Description and Literature Review of the Endoscopic Endonasal Transclival Transodontoid Approach Combined with Endoscopic Transoral Decompression to the Anterior Craniovertebral Junction: A New Strategy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the steps required to perform a combined endoscopic endonasal/transoral transclival transodontoid approach for anterior decompression of the craniovertebral junction. METHODS: The endoscopic endonasal transclival transodontoid approach combined with endoscopic transoral decompression was performed on 4 cadaveric specimens. Evaluation of this combined technique; a review of the literature; and the nuances, advantages, and pitfalls are reported. RESULTS: Adequate wide anterior decompression was achieved in all specimens. This combined approach allowed the preservation of the anterior arch of C1 without injuring the eustachian tube anatomy and avoiding internal carotid artery manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: Mastery of both techniques allows for a safe and comfortable surgical corridor. The transoral and transnasal approaches should not be considered as either/or techniques, but rather as a complement to each other. However, as with all new or developing techniques, there is a steep learning curve, which requires ample training in the skull base laboratory.

Endoscopic endonasal optic nerve sheath decompression (EONSD) for idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Technical details and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The neurosurgical management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) remains controversial. Although shunting and newer endovascular stenting techniques are part of the neurosurgical armamentarium to treat medically refractory IIH symptoms, optic nerve sheath fenestration has traditionally been performed by ophthalmologists. OBJECTIVE: We present a detailed cadaveric dissection that simulates the endoscopic endonasal optic nerve sheath decompression (EONSD) technique along with the literature review. METHODS: EONSD was performed in four freshly injected cadaveric specimens. Additionally, a systematic review from different electronic databases has been done. RESULTS: Bilateral EONSD was performed in all specimens without significant technical difficulties. Based on our experience, there is no need to expose the periorbita or orbital apex. The primary anatomic landmarks were the optic canal, the lateral opticocarotid recess, the tuberculum, the limbus, and the clinoid segment of the internal carotid artery. Based on the systematic review, 68 patients (77.9% female) underwent EONSD, with a mean age of 33.4 ± 6.9 years in adult patients. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 58 months across different studies. The pooled meta-analysis showed headache, papilledema, and visual disturbance improvement in 78% [95%CI 0.65-0.90], 72% [95%CI 0.61-0.83], and 88% [95%CI 0.80-0.96] of cases who underwent EONSD, respectively. The subgroup analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference between unilateral and bilateral EONSD in terms of different measured outcomes. CONCLUSION: EONSD is a feasible surgical procedure that may obviate the need for shunting in patients with IIH. Although clinical studies showed that EONSD is a safe and effective technique, further studies are required to establish the preferences of either unilateral or bilateral approaches.

Recurrent Cushing Disease: An Extensive Review on Pros and Cons of Different Therapeutic Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent Cushing disease (CD) is characterized by the reappearance of clinical and hormonal aspects of hypercortisolism that occur more than 6 months after an initial post-treatment remission. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the evidence about remission and complication rates after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) radiotherapy (RT) and medical therapy (MT) in recurrent CD patients. A quantitative systematic review was performed. Article selection was performed by searching MEDLINE (using PubMed), and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases through 2020. RESULTS: We noted 61 articles described therapeutic management of recurrent CD patients with representative outcome. A total of 723 patients received different therapeutic modality for their recurrent CD. The remission rates were 0.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60-0.70), 0.57 (95% CI 0.51-0.63), and 0.75 (95% CI 0.60-0.86) in the TSS, RT, and MT subgroups, respectively. The total remission rate after therapeutic approaches on recurrent CD patients was 0.64 (95% CI 0.60-0.68). A test for subgroup differences revealed there was a statistically significant difference between different subgroups (P = 0.01). The post hoc test showed that in comparison with RT, TSS (P = 0.0344) and MT (P = 0.0149) had a higher rate of remission. However, there was no statistically significant difference between separate therapeutic modalities in terms of complications including diabetes insipidus (P = 1.0) and hypopituitarism (P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Compared MT and TSS, RT has a statistically lower rate of remission. Although there is robust superiority of surgery over RT, interpretation of MT data must considered with caution due to the small number of included cases and wide CI range.

Case Series of Skull Base Meningioma Resection in the Octogenarian Population.

Introduction The geriatric population is the fastest growing segment of the American population, and octogenarians are increasingly seen by neurosurgeons for relatively common lesions such as meningiomas. Unfortunately, providers do not have clear data to guide decision-making regarding these lesions, particularly if they involve the skull base. Current research in outcomes among the elderly looks at a wide range of ages, often anyone older than 65. Previous studies in octogenarians report a wide-range of mortality rates and do not focus on skull base lesions. This paper strives to clarify the experiences and outcomes of octogenarians. Patients and Methods This retrospective series reviews skull base tumor surgeries performed at a single academic institution over the past 15 years in octogenarian patients. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality; however, potential risk factors, perioperative morbidity, postdischarge disposition, and longer term follow-up were also captured. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify relevant perioperative and medical characteristics that increases the risk of adverse events. Results Fourteen patients underwent craniotomies for skull base procedures with an average age of 84.5, with a 14% 30-day mortality rate. One patient required a tracheostomy on discharge and approximately half were able to either go home or rehabilitation after their procedure. On statistical analysis, there were no noted characteristics that predisposed any of the patients to a poorer outcome. Conclusion Octogenarian patients were able to tolerate surgery for skull base meningiomas resection. This outcome data may be used to inform surgical decision and guide conversation with patients and their families.

Pseudogout, an unconventional imitator of the lumbosacral spine with associated chronic epidural hematoma: illustrative cases.

BACKGROUND: Pseudogout, or calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) disease, is an inflammatory joint disease that most commonly involves the joints of the knees, ankles, and wrists. Pseudogout has also been known to involve the spine, especially the atlanto-occipital joint of the cervical spine, but there is limited documentation of its involvement in the lumbar spine. Though the atypical presentation of spinal pseudogout with findings consistent with discitis and epidural abscess has been documented, its presentation with associated chronic spinal epidural hematoma is a rare entity. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present two separate cases of pseudogout involvement of the lumbar spine, one case presenting with a clinical and radiographic picture consistent with discitis and epidural abscess and the other with radiographic and operative findings consistent with a chronic epidural hematoma. LESSONS: This case series demonstrates rare and atypical presentations of pseudogout within the lumbosacral spine.

Symptomatic mature teratoma of the lumbar spine: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Teratomas are a unique family of tumors derived from two or more of the three embryonic layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. Mature teratomas are comprised the most well-differentiated tissue types and may contain skin, hair, teeth, smooth muscle, respiratory tissues, etc. Infrequently, mature teratomas may be found within the central nervous system and, in exceedingly rare cases, may be occur within the spinal cord itself (i.e., intramedullary/intradural). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 78-year-old female presented with a subacute progressive lower extremity paraparesis. The MR revealed a cystic 81 × 30 × 25 mm intradural/intramedullary spinal mass involving the distal conus with exophytic extension into the L1-L4 spinal canal. Following surgical intervention consisting of a L1-L4 laminectomy, the lesion was largely removed. Pathology of the mass confirmed a large mature teratoma containing a multilobulated cyst that intraoperatively compressed the conus and cauda equina. Immediately postoperatively, the patient significantly improved neurologically. However, on postoperative day 2, she acutely developed a change in mental status with the left gaze preference and hemiparesis. CT brain in the acute setting showed no evidence of causative pathology and subsequent MR brain was unremarkable. The patient's neurologic deficits progressively improved leading to eventual discharge. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal intramedullary/extramedullary mature teratomas of the conus that results in subacute cauda equina syndromes are rare. The differential diagnosis for such lesions exophytic to the conus must include mature teratomas which, though rare, may be readily resected resulting in generally favorable outcomes.

Management of Optic Pathway Glioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: OPG accounts for 3−5% of childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors and about 2% of pediatric glial lesions. Methods: Article selection was performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Results: The pooled mortality rate was 0.12 (95%CI 0.09−0.14). Due to the unrepresentative data, improved and not changed outcomes were classified as favorable outcomes and worsened as unfavorable. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the rate of clinical and radiological favorable outcomes. In terms of visual assessment, the pooled rate of a favorable outcome in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery was 0.74, 0.81, and 0.65, respectively, and the overall pooled rate of the favorable outcome was 0.75 (95%CI 0.70−0.80). In terms of radiological assessment, the rate of a favorable outcome following chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery was 0.71, 0.74, and 0.67, respectively, and the overall pooled rate of the favorable outcome is 0.71 (95%CI 0.65−0.77). The subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the rate of clinical and radiological favorable outcomes between the different treatment modalities (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our analyses showed that each therapeutic modality represents viable treatment options to achieve remission for these patients.

Wide Dissection Trans-Sulcal Approach for Resection of Deep Intra-Axial Lesions in Eloquent Brain Areas.

Introduction: Resection of intra-axial tumors (IaT) in eloquent brain regions risks major postoperative neurological deficits. Awake craniotomy is often used to navigate these areas; however, some patients are ineligible for awake procedures. The trans-sulcal approach (TScal) was introduced to reduce parenchymal trauma during tumor resection. We report our experiences utilizing TScal for resection of deep IaT located in eloquent areas. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients who underwent IaT resection in eloquent areas via TScal from January 2013 to April 2021. Seventeen cases were reviewed, and relevant data was collected. Fluorescence-guided surgery with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and intraoperative ultrasound was performed in some cases. Results: Seventeen patients (10 males, 7 females) averaging 61.2 years-old (range, 21-76) were included in this study. Average length of stay was 4.8 days, and only 2 patients (11.8%) required hospital readmission within 30 days. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 15 patients (88.2%), while subtotal resection occurred in 2 patients (11.8%). Eleven patients (64.7%) reported full resolution of symptoms, 4 patients (23.5%) reported deficit improvement, and 2 patients (11.8%) experienced no change from their preoperative deficits. No patient developed new permanent deficits postoperatively. Discussion: GTR, preoperative deficit reduction, and complications were comparable to awake craniotomy and other TScal studies. Ancillary intraoperative techniques, such as brain mapping, 5-ALA and intraoperative ultrasound, are afforded by TScal to improve resection rates and overall outcomes. Conclusions: TScal can be an option for patients with deep lesions in eloquent areas who are not candidates for awake surgeries.

Transcranial Dopplers Revisited: Development of Novel Markers for Cerebral Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background Cerebral vasospasm has been monitored by conventional angiography or transcranial Doppler (TCD). While angiography is the most accurate and reliable method for detection, TCDs are a noninvasive alternative to monitor onset and resolution of vasospasm. We aim to determine whether alternative TCD parameters rather than Lindegaard ratio lead to an improved method to diagnose and potentially prevent cerebral vasospasm. Methods A total of 103 consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were retrospectively reviewed and TCD studies were performed during the first 14 days post-bleed or longer if indicated. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed using significant univariate characteristics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated the mean middle cerebral artery (MCA), peak systolic MCA (PSV MCA), and end diastolic MCA (EDV MCA) velocities as well as ratios when compared to the ipsilateral extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). The area under the curve was calculated to compare accuracy for symptomatic vasospasm. Results Thirteen patients (12.6%) were observed to develop cerebral vasospasm. Aneurysm location (p = 0.51), Hunt and Hess grade (p = 0.44), Fischer grade (p = 0.87), comorbidities, age (p = 0.67), or gender (p = 0.41) did not appear to have any effect in predicting the presence of vasospasm. ROC curves demonstrated that MCA EDV appeared to be slightly better compared to MCA velocity in predicting symptomatic vasospasm. PSV MCA/extracranial ICA and the EDV MCA/extracranial ICA ratios appeared to be an improvement to the Lindegaard ratio in the prediction of symptomatic vasospasm. Conclusion The utility of peak systolic and end diastolic velocities, instead of the classically referenced mean velocities and Lindegaard ratio, may improve diagnostic sensitivity of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.