Preoperative elastoplasty of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas in elderly patients: a new strategy for reducing intraoperative bleeding and complications.

PURPOSE: Preoperative elastoplasty could be an alternative strategy for treating aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) in frail patients needing for spinal cord decompression, combining the advantages of embolization and vertebroplasty. METHODS: Three elderly patients with spinal cord compression from thoracic aggressive VHs underwent XperCT-guided percutaneous injection of silicone (VK100), filling the whole affected vertebra, followed by a decompressive laminectomy. At 12-months follow-up no recurrences, vertebral collapse or segmental kyphosis were noted at the CT scans, with patients reporting an improvement of preoperative neurological deficits, VAS and Smiley-Webster pain scale (SWPS) parameters. RESULTS: With its elastic modulus, non-exothermic hardening, and lower viscosity than PMMA, VK100 allowed a preoperative augmentation of the affected vertebral body, pedicles, and laminae without complications, with a controlled silicone delivery even in part of VH's epidural components thanks to XperCT-guidance. CONCLUSION: When facing highly bony erosive VH encroaching the spinal canal, VK100 combines the advantages of embolization and vertebroplasty especially in elderly patients, permeating the whole VH's angioarchitecture, significantly reducing tumor.

Immuno markers in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients underwent Stupp protocol after neurosurgery: a retrospective series.

PURPOSE: The aims of our retrospective study investigated the role of immune system in glioblastoma (GBM), which is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults characterized by a poor prognosis. The recurrence rate remains high, probably due to "immune-desert" tumor microenvironment (TME) making GBM hidden from the anti-tumoral immune clearance. Considering this, we aimed to create a panel of prognostic markers from blood and tumor tissue correlating with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). METHODS: Firstly, we analyzed the inflammatory markers NLR and PLR as the ratio of the absolute neutrophil count and absolute platelet count by the absolute lymphocyte count respectively, collected at different time points in the peripheral blood of 95 patients. Furthermore, in 31 patients of the same cohort, we analyzed the formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples to further compare the impact of circulating and inflammatory markers within the TME. RESULTS: Patients aged < 60 years and with methylated MGMT showed better OS. While, pre-chemotherapy Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) < 480 was related to a better OS and PFS, we observed that only CD68+macrophage and CD66b+neutrophils expressed in vascular/perivascular area (V) showed a statistically significant prognostic role in median OS and PFS. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we underscored a role of SII as predictive value of response to STUPP protocol. Regarding the TME-related markers, we suggested to take into consideration for future studies with new immunotherapy combinations, each component relating to expression of immune infiltrating subsets.

Erector spinae plane block for perioperative pain management in neurosurgical lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion: a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Erector spinae plane block is a locoregional anaesthetic technique widely used in several different surgeries due to its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study is to assess its utility in spinal degenerative and traumatic surgery in western countries and for patients of Caucasian ethnicity. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective lower-thoracic and lumbar spinal fusion were randomised into two groups: the case group (n = 15) who received erector spinae plane block (ropivacaine 0.4% + dexamethasone 4 mg, 20 mL per side at the level of surgery) plus postoperative opioid analgesia, and the control group (n = 15) who received opioid-based analgesia. RESULTS: The erector spinae plane block group showed significantly lower morphine consumption at 48 h postoperatively, lower need for intraoperative fentanyl (203.3 ± 121.7 micrograms vs. 322.0 ± 148.2 micrograms, p-value = 0.021), lower NRS score at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h, and higher satisfaction rates of patients (8.4 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.05, p-value < 0.0001). No differences in the duration of the hospitalisation were observed. No erector spinae plane block-related complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Erector spinae plane block is a safe and efficient opioid-sparing technique for postoperative pain control after spinal fusion surgery. This study recommends its implementation in everyday practice and incorporation as a part of multimodal analgesia protocols. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the local ethical committee of Romagna (CEROM) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04729049). It also adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and the CONSORT 2010 guidelines.

Calcified Epidural Hematoma after Conservative Treatment of Acute Epidural Hematoma in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Acute traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) is a complication in 2-3% of pediatric head injuries. Surgery is mandatory in symptomatic cases; otherwise, conservative treatment is a valid approach, especially in the pediatric population. Ossified epidural hematomas (OEHs) have been reported in the pediatric population as a rare complication of conservative EDH management, although the exact incidence remains unknown. The progressive increase in conservative management may lead to increases in the OEH incidence over the next few years. Our study aimed to systematically review OEH incidence, management strategies, characteristics (thickness, inner/outer calcifications), complication rates, time to surgery after the EDH diagnosis, and clinical outcomes. SUMMARY: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting diagnoses and clear descriptions of OEH after EDH in pediatric patients were considered eligible. Sixteen studies, including 18 pediatric patients aged 0-18 years, were included. Head trauma was the most common cause of OEH. Seven (38.8%) OEHs were treated less than 1 month after EDH diagnosis. Surgery was performed in 17 cases (94.44%), while 1 asymptomatic case (5.56%) was managed conservatively. KEY MESSAGES: Surgery was the most commonly used treatment for OEH. Data for conservative treatment of OEH are limited. Magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound within the first 2 months, to check for EDH resolution, may be crucial to rule out complications in pediatric patients.

Behavioural and functional changes in neglect after multisensory stimulation.

The present cohort study investigated whether systematic multisensory audio-visual stimulation might improve clinical signs of neglect. To this aim, patients with neglect (n = 7) and patients with neglect associated with hemianopia (n = 12) were exposed to a course of audio-visual stimulation with spatially and temporally coincident audio-visual pairs of stimuli for 10 daily training sessions (4 h of training per day), over two weeks. Performance on neuropsychological tests assessing neglect was measured before training, immediately after the training and months after the training at a follow-up session. The results showed significant post-training improvements in clinical signs of neglect, which were stable at the follow-up. These findings suggest that intensive and prolonged multisensory audio-visual stimulation affects orientation towards the neglected hemifield, therefore inducing long-term improvements in visual exploration and neglect symptoms in both patients with neglect and patients with neglect associated with hemianopia. Previous evidence from hemianopic patients suggests that these post-training effects might be mediated by activity in spared subcortical structures, such as the superior colliculus, which are relevant to multisensory integrative processing and spatial orientation.

Synchronized "One-Step" Resection and Cranio-Orbital Reconstruction for Spheno-Orbital Lesions With Custom Made Implant.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years, skull base tumors involving the fronto-orbital region have been approached with complex, invasive, and time-consuming cranial reconstruction techniques. On the other hand, recent custom-made implants allow easier and faster procedures, with excellent aesthetic results. The authors propose an easy surgical-planned protocol with a synchronized "one-step" resection and reconstruction of these complex lesions, with a preformed poly-methyilmethacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty. METHODS: Our technique consists of a 2-phases procedure. In the first one, the so-called "virtual" phase, the authors get a tailored 3D-PMMA model based on high-resolution (HR) CT-scans of the patient's skull. Afterward, the authors perform the planned craniotomy on the 3D-PMMA model with the assistance of intraoperative navigation system. Therefore, a further CT-scan of the resected model is performed to develop the final implant. In the second phase, the "surgical phase," a single procedure consisting in a cranial resection and custom reconstruction is performed with the assistance of stealth-navigation. The authors describe 6 cases of complex fronto-orbital-sphenoidal benign tumors that required skull reconstruction. All patients were examined 3 months after surgery through cosmetic (facial and eyes symmetry and globe position) and ophthalmology tests (visual field, visual impairment, and diplopia). Postsurgical HR CT-scans of the head and MRI-scans of the brain documented a total resection of the tumor and an optimal accuracy of skull reconstruction. RESULTS: In all cases, the authors obtained a highly accurate skull reconstruction following cranio-orbital tumor resection, with a less aggressive and faster procedure compared to autologous bone graft. Final cosmetic and functional results were excellent, with good results in cases of presurgical exophthalmos and orbital asymmetry. None of the patients developed implant-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The "one-step" resection and reconstruction of benign tumors involving the spheno-orbital region with neuronavigation assistance is a technique that allows an accurate tumor removal and a cranial-bone reconstruction within a single surgical procedure, with fewer complications and excellent cosmetic and functional results.

De Novo Dural Arteriovenous Fistula on Draining Veins of Previously Treated Pial Arteriovenous Malformation: a Case Report.

A 71-year-old man, with a pial micro-arteriovenous malformation (pAVM) draining into the confluence of the vein of Trolard and the vein of Labbé was surgically removed, sparing these cortical veins. 4-months MR and angiographic controls showed a de novo dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) draining into the previously spared cortical veins. It was removed using intraoperative motor evoked potentials (MEP). This is the first case of iatrogenic dAVF developing on the same draining vein of a previously treated pAVM. De novo dAVFs are generally iatrogenic. This case suggests that the unresected venous drainage of an AVM might be the substratum for neo-angiogenetic processes; moreover inflammation related to surgery might be the trigger factor for the development of the dAVF.

Hypothalamic Hemangioma-like Pilocytic Astrocytoma in an Adult Patient: A Systematic Review with a Focus on Differential Diagnosis and Neurological Presentation.

Background: Pilocytic astrocytoma (PCA) are commonly observed as slow-growing noncancerous brain tumors in pediatric populations, but they can also occur in adults, albeit rarely. When located in diencephalic regions, particularly in the hypothalamus, they present unique diagnostic and management challenges due to their rarity and overlapping clinical and radiological features with other intracranial pathologies. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hypothalamic PCA in adults, focusing on their differential diagnosis, neurological presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies. A case illustration is also described in order to better underline all the difficulties related to the diagnostic process. Material and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases up to November 2023 to identify studies. Results: The systematic literature search identified a total of 214 articles. Following screening by title and abstract and full-text review, 12 studies were deemed eligible and are included here. Conclusions: Adult-onset PCA in diencephalic regions pose diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and overlapping features with other intracranial lesions. Advanced imaging techniques play a crucial role in diagnosis, while surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for the optimal management and long-term follow-up of these patients.

Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in Advanced Refractory Meningiomas: Efficacy and Toxicity in a Long Follow-up.

Recurrence of meningiomas after surgery and radiotherapy deserves specific attention because of the lack of active third-line therapies. Somatostatin receptors are usually overexpressed on the cell membrane of meningiomas, and this has led the way to a radionuclide theranostic approach. Diagnoses with 68Ga-DOTA-octreotide and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 90Y/177Lu-DOTA-octreotide are currently possible options within experimental protocols or as compassionate use in small patient groups. Methods: From October 2009 to October 2021, 42 meningioma patients with radiologic recurrence after standard therapies were treated with 90Y-DOTATOC (dosage of 1.1 or 5.5 GBq) or with 177Lu-DOTATATE (dosage of 3.7 or 5.5 GBq) in a mean of 4 cycles. All patients showed intense uptake at diagnostic 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT or in an 111In-octreotide scan. Results: Of 42 patients treated, 5 patients received 90Y-DOTATOC with a cumulative activity of 11.1 GBq and 37 patients received 177Lu-DOTATATE with a cumulative activity of 22 GBq. The disease control rate was 57%. With a median follow-up of 63 mo, median progression-free survival was 16 mo, and median overall survival was 36 mo. Retreatment 177Lu-PRRT was performed in 6 patients with an administered median activity of 13 GBq in a mean of 5 cycles. With a 75.8-mo follow-up, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.5 and 17 mo, respectively. Only 1 patient discontinued the treatment because of grade 3 platelet toxicity. A rapidly transient grade 2 neutropenia was recorded in 1 retreated patient. Conclusion: PRRT in patients with advanced meningiomas overexpressing somatostatin receptor 2 was active and well tolerated, showing a 57% disease control rate. Furthermore, PRRT could represent a potential retreatment option. Further studies, also in combination with other treatments, are warranted.

First step results from a phase II study of a dendritic cell vaccine in glioblastoma patients (CombiG-vax).

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a poor prognosis grade 4 glioma. After surgical resection, the standard therapy consists of concurrent radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) followed by TMZ alone. Our previous data on melanoma patients showed that Dendritic Cell vaccination (DCvax) could increase the amount of intratumoral-activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Methods: This is a single-arm, monocentric, phase II trial in two steps according to Simon's design. The trial aims to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) at three months and the safety of a DCvax integrated with standard therapy in resected GBM patients. DCvax administration begins after completion of RT-CTwith weekly administrations for 4 weeks, then is alternated monthly with TMZ cycles. The primary endpoints are PFS at three months and safety. One of the secondary objectives is to evaluate the immune response both in vitro and in vivo (DTH skin test). Results: By December 2022, the first pre-planned step of the study was concluded with the enrollment, treatment and follow up of 9 evaluable patients. Two patients had progressed within three months after leukapheresis, but none had experienced DCvax-related G3-4 toxicities Five patients experienced a positive DTH test towards KLH and one of these also towards autologous tumor homogenate. The median PFS from leukapheresis was 11.3 months and 12.2 months from surgery. Conclusions: This combination therapy is well-tolerated, and the two endpoints required for the first step have been achieved. Therefore, the study will proceed to enroll the remaining 19 patients. (Eudract number: 2020-003755-15 https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2020-003755-15/IT).

A novel, reusable, realistic neurosurgical training simulator for cerebrovascular bypass surgery: Iatrotek® bypass simulator validation study and literature review.

Background: Microanastomosis is a challenging technique requiring continuous training to be mastered. Several models have been proposed, but few effectively reflect a real bypass surgery; even fewer are reusable, most are not easily accessible, and the setting is often quite long. We aim to validate a simplified, ready-to-use, reusable, ergonomic bypass simulator. Methods: Twelve novice and two expert neurosurgeons completed eight End-to-End (EE), eight End-to-Side (ES), and eight Side-to-Side (SS) microanastomoses using 2-mm synthetic vessels. Data on time to perform bypass (TPB), number of sutures and time required to stop potential leaks were collected. After the last training, participants completed a Likert Like Survey for bypass simulator evaluation. Each participant was assessed using the Northwestern Objective Microanastomosis Assessment Tool (NOMAT). Results: When comparing the first and last attempts, an improvement of the mean TPB was registered in both groups for the three types of microanastomosis. The improvement was always statistically significant in the novice group, while in the expert group, it was only significant for ES bypass. The NOMAT score improved in both groups, displaying statistical significance in the novices for EE bypass. The mean number of leakages, and the relative time for their resolution, also tended to progressively reduce in both groups by increasing the attempts. The Likert score expressed by the experts was slightly higher (25 vs. 24.58 by the novices). Conclusions: Our proposed bypass training model may represent a simplified, ready-to-use, reusable, ergonomic, and efficient system to improve eye-hand coordination and dexterity in performing microanastomoses.

De novo cavernous angiomas associated with developmental venous anomaly: a mini-series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Despite being previously considered as congenital lesions, recent studies agree to classify cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) as acquired forms with clear correlations with other pathological affections of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, a special subgroup, notably known as de novo CCMs (dnCCM), are associated in a significant number of cases with developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) and, in other cases, with Radiotherapy treatments. METHODS: A mini-series of 4 patients with clinical history characterized by developing dnCCM is reported. In three patients, the dnCCM was associated with the presence of an isolated DVA. In one case, no DVA was detected, but the patient underwent brain radiotherapy. In three cases, the dnCCM was clinically symptomatic, and the patients were submitted to a surgical procedure for lesion removal. In one case, the dnCCM was detected during MRI follow-up. RESULTS: Adding a review of the literature, we describe 47 patients who presented dnCCMs. The most common presentation is a sporadic CCM with a DVA, and the onset presentation was bleeding in 4 out of 47 cases (8.5%). Bleeding of dnCCM was observed in 9 out of 47 cases (19%), and the choice treatment was surgical in 24 out of 47 cases (51%). CONCLUSIONS: We present our series with a review of the recent literature and discuss the "de novo" cavernous malformation pathogenesis. A throughout review of recent literature is reported to clarify the predisposing factors that may lead to dnCCM development in patients carrying specific genetic and molecular features. Considering the high risk of bleeding, strict follow-up and aggressive treatment should be evaluated in dnCCM management.

Two-Level Corpectomy and Fusion vs. Three-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion without Plating: Long-Term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in a Multicentric Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) represent effective alternatives in the management of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A consensus on which of these techniques should be used is still missing. METHODS: The databases of three centers were reviewed (January 2011-December 2018) for patients with three-level CSM, who underwent three-level ACDF without plating or two-level ACCF with expandable cage (VBRC) or mesh (VBRM). Demographic data, surgical strategy, complications, and implant failure were analyzed. The Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the cervical lordosis were compared between the two techniques at 3 and 12 months. Logistic regression analyses investigated independent factors influencing clinical and radiological outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-one and twenty-two patients were included in the ACDF and ACCF groups, respectively. The median follow-up was 18 months. ACDFs were associated with better clinical outcomes at 12 months (NDI: 8.3% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.001; VAS: 1.3 vs. 2.6, p = 0.004), but with an increased risk of loss of lordosis correction ≥ 1° (OR = 4.5; p = 0.05). A higher complication rate in the ACDF group (33.3% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.05) was recorded, but it negatively influenced only short-term clinical outcomes. ACCFs with VBRC were associated with a higher risk of major complications but ensured better 12-month lordosis correction (p = 0.002). No significant differences in intraoperative blood loss were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Three-level ACDF without plating was associated with better clinical outcomes than two-level ACCF despite worse losses in lordosis correction, which is ideal for fragile patients without retrovertebral compressions. In multilevel CSM, the relationship between the degree of lordosis correction and clinical outcome advantages still needs to be investigated.

Remodulation of neurosurgical activities in an Italian region (Emilia-Romagna) under COVID-19 emergency: maintaining the standard of care during the crisis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 outbreak in the neurosurgical practice has been dramatic, imposing several limitations. The aim of this study is to present how the neurosurgical departments of Emilia-Romagna, a northern Italian region, have re-set their organization to maintain the higher standard of care as possible. METHODS: All operative room and outpatient activities performed during the COVID-19 emergency in the neurosurgical department of Emilia-Romagna have been collected and compared to the means of the same timeframe in 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: In 2020, 205 surgical procedures and 466 outpatient consultations have been performed, representing respectively 28.8% and 26.4% of the previous biennium. The most of OR procedures had been emergencies/urgencies and oncological patients (113 and 66 vs. 164.5 and 84.5, respectively, of the previous biennium), while elective surgeries decrease up to -97.1%, as for spinal nerves and endoscopic skull base procedures. The patients phone contacts and telemedicine evaluations of their examinations have permitted to reduce the hospital access for outpatients of 75.6%, but these modalities have, also, permitted to follow-up a large number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The outbreak of COVID-19 has imposed several limits to our current practice, however this should not represent an excuse to reduce the standard of care. In our experience, the net integration of different local centers has permitted for each of them to effectively cope the crisis, managing the local cases requiring a prompt surgery and keeping the care continuity with already discharged patients.

Use of the SpineJack direct reduction for treating type A2, A3 and A4 fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Compression injuries of the thoracolumbar spine without neurological impairment are usually treated with minimally invasive procedures. Intravertebral expandable implants represent an alternative strategy in fractures with low fragments' displacement. METHODS: Patients with A2, A3 and A4 fractures of the T10-L2 spinal segment without neurological impairment, fracture gap >2 mm, vertebra plana, pedicle rupture, pedicle diameter <6 mm, spinal canal encroachment ≥50%, and vertebral body spread >30% were treated with the SpineJack device. Patients with pathological/osteoporotic fractures were excluded. Demographic and fracture-related data were assessed together with vertebral kyphosis correction, vertebral height restoration/loss of correction and final kyphosis. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Smiley-Webster Pain Scale (SWPS) and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were evaluated at 1 (-post), 6 and 12 months (-fup) after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed and p values ≤0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included in the study. Patients aged >60 years reported worse kyphosis correction (<4°) with more postoperative complications, while vertebral plasticity in younger patients, fragmentation-related greater remodeling in A3/A4 fractures, and treatments within 7 days of trauma determined superior wedging corrections, with better EQ-5D-post and mRS-fup. Cement leakages did not affect functional outcome, while female gender and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3-4 were associated with worse ODI-fup and VAS-fup. Although fracture characteristics and radiological outcome did not negatively influence the clinical outcome, A2 fracture was a risk factor for complications, thus indirectly compromising both the functional and radiological outcome. CONCLUSION: With spread of <30%, the SpineJack is an alternative to minimally invasive fixations for treating A3/A4 thoracolumbar fractures, being able to preserve healthy motion segments in younger patients and provide an ultra-conservative procedure for elderly and fragile patients.

Irradiation causes senescence, ATP release, and P2X7 receptor isoform switch in glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal brain tumor in adults. Radiation, together with temozolomide is the standard treatment, but nevertheless, relapse occurs in nearly all cases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying radiation resistance may help to find more effective therapies. After radiation treatment, ATP is released into the tumor microenvironment where it binds and activates purinergic P2 receptors, mainly of the P2X7 subtype. Two main P2X7 splice variants, P2X7A and P2X7B, are expressed in most cell types, where they associate with distinct biochemical and functional responses. GBM cells widely differ for the level of P2X7 isoform expression and accordingly for sensitivity to stimulation with extracellular ATP (eATP). Irradiation causes a dramatic shift in P2X7 isoform expression, with the P2X7A isoform being down- and the P2X7B isoform up-modulated, as well as extensive cell death and overexpression of stemness and senescence markers. Treatment with P2X7 blockers during the post-irradiation recovery potentiated irradiation-dependent cytotoxicity, suggesting that P2X7B activation by eATP generated a trophic/growth-promoting stimulus. Altogether, these data show that P2X7A and B receptor isoform levels are inversely modulated during the post-irradiation recovery phase in GBM cells.

Surgical Treatment of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Involving the Cervical Spine: Technical Nuances and Outcome of a Multicenter Experience.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter. OBJECTIVES: diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) involving the cervical spine is a rare condition determining disabling aero-digestive symptoms. We analyzed impact of preoperative settings and intraoperative techniques on outcome of patients undergoing surgery for DISH. METHODS: Patients with DISH needing for anterior cervical osteophytectomy were collected. Swallow studies and endoscopy supported imaging in targeting bone decompression. Patients characteristics, clinico-radiological presentation, outcome and surgical strategies were recorded. Impact on clinical outcome of duration and time to surgery and different surgical techniques was evaluated through ANOVA. RESULTS: 24 patients underwent surgery. No correlation was noted between specific spinal levels affected by DISH and severity of pre-operative dysphagia. A trend toward a full clinical improvement was noted preferring the chisel (P = 0.12) to the burr (P = 0.65), and whenever C2-C3 was decompressed, whether hyperostosis included that level (P = 0.15). Use of curved chisel reduced the surgical times (P = 0.02) and, together with the nasogastric tube, the risk of complications, while bone removal involving 3 levels or more (P = 0.04) and shorter waiting times for surgery (P < 0.001) positively influenced a complete swallowing recovery. Early decompressions were preferred, resulting in 66.6% of patients reporting disappearance of symptoms within 7 days. One and two recurrences respectively at clinical and radiological follow-up were registered 18-30 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The "age of DISH" counts more than patients' age with timeliness of decompression being crucial in determining clinical outcome even with a preoperative mild dysphagia. Targeted bone resections could be reasonable in elderly patients, while in younger ones more extended decompressions should be preferred.

Co-localisation of meningioma and craniopharyngioma mimicking a single skull base tumour in an elderly patient.

According to WHO Classification meningioma and craniopharyngioma represent two distinct pathological entities. They may present the same skull base localisation therefore age distribution and peculiarity of imaging are pivotal in order to obtain a correct preoperative diagnosis. Although they are both characterized by a benign biological behaviour and a quite good prognosis, they need different and specific treatment strategies. The simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and craniopharyngioma is rare, and even more rare is their co-localisation. The authors present the case of an old female patient with concurrent craniopharyngioma and meningioma in the parasellar region mimicking a single tumour.

Neuroendoscopic biopsy of ventricular tumors: a multicentric experience.

OBJECT: Although neuroendoscopic biopsy is routinely performed, the safety and validity of this procedure has been studied only in small numbers of patients in single-center reports. The Section of Neuroendoscopy of the Italian Neurosurgical Society invited some of its members to review their own experience, gathering a sufficient number of cases for a wide analysis. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected by 7 centers routinely performing neuroendoscopic biopsies over a period of 10 years. Sixty patients with newly diagnosed intraventricular and paraventricular tumors were included. No patient harboring a colloid cyst was included. Data regarding clinical presentation, neuroimaging findings, operative techniques, pathological diagnosis, postoperative complications, and subsequent therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: In all patients, a neuroendoscopic tumor biopsy was performed. In 38 patients (64%), obstructive hydrocephalus was present. In addition to the tumor biopsy, 32 patients (53%) underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and 7 (12%) underwent septum pellucidotomy. Only 2 patients required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt shortly after the endoscopy procedure because ETV was not feasible. The major complication due to the endoscopy procedure was ventricular hemorrhage noted on the postoperative images in 8 cases (13%). Only 2 patients were symptomatic and required medical therapy. Infection occurred in only 1 case, and the other complications were all reversible. In no case did clinically significant sequelae affect the patient's outcome. Tumor types ranged across the spectrum and included glioma (low- and high-grade [27%]), pure germinoma (15%), pineal parenchymal tumor (12%), primary neuroectodermal tumor (4%), lymphoma (9%), metastasis (4%), craniopharyngioma (6%), and other tumor types (13%). In 10% of patients, the pathological findings were inconclusive. According to diagnosis, specific therapy was performed in 35% of patients: 17% underwent microsurgical removal, and 18% underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest series confirming the safety and validity of the neuroendoscopic biopsy procedure. Complications were relatively low (about 13%), and they were all reversible. Neuroendoscopic biopsy provided meaningful pathological data in 90% of patients, making subsequent tumor therapy feasible. Cerebrospinal fluid pathways can be restored by ETV or septum pellucidotomy (65%) to control intracranial hypertension. In light of the results obtained, a neuroendoscopic biopsy should be considered a possible alternative to the stereotactic biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of ventricular or paraventricular tumors. Furthermore, it could be the only surgical procedure necessary for the treatment of selected tumors.

Ruptured Isolated Aneurysm of a Coronal Branch of the Anterior Spinal Artery: Case Report and Discussion of Treatment Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Isolated spinal artery aneurysms are an extremely rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A limited number of case reports and case series have been reported in the literature. Treatment options include conservative management, surgical clipping/trapping, and endovascular procedures. Owing to the uncertain natural history of these lesions, there is no consensus about the optimal treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64-year-old man presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured anterior spinal artery aneurysm at the C1 level. Following initial conservative management, surgical treatment was proposed owing to an increase in lesion size at angiographic follow-up. A partially thrombosed aneurysm was found during surgery, suggesting that spontaneous resolution of the aneurysm was occurring. Despite initial worsening of neurological symptoms, the patient gradually recovered after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment decisions for spinal aneurysms should be made on a case-by-case basis, the goal being to offer the patient the best option, while avoiding exposure to unnecessary invasive procedures. As spontaneous resolution of a spinal artery aneurysm is unpredictable, our case highlights the importance of performing a perioperative vascular study if surgery is planned.