Arabic-Translated Versions of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Utilized in Spine Research: A Review of Validated Studies.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized tools commonly applied in research and healthcare appraisal. Most were developed in English and the cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) and validation of their translated versions remain topics of contemporary research appeal. This review aimed to identify the Arabic-translated PROMs that were utilized in spine research and to assess the methodological qualities of their studies. The PubMed database was searched, and all relevant publications were identified. The CCA and measurement properties were assessed using the guidelines described by Oliveria and Terwee respectively. Thirty studies that validated the Arabic versions of 26 PROMs were found suitable. The tools that had the highest total citation numbers were Neck Disability Index, Ronald-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Scoliosis Research Society-22, Back Beliefs Questionnaire, Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale, and McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form. The Arabic versions of Short Form-36 (SF-36), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) were not included due to lack of validation in spine research. All the articles were published from 2007 to 2023 (median 2019) and their journal's impact factor and citation numbers were relatively modest (mean 2 and 6.5 respectively). Most patients had low back pain (19 articles), were recruited from physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments (18 articles) and came from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (12 articles). The quality of the CCA of the Arabic versions was rated good in forward translation, synthesis, back translation, and expert committee review but less so in pretesting and submission. The measurement properties of the studies were considered good quality in internal consistency, reliability, structural validity and cross-cultural validity but less so in content validity, error measurement, responsiveness and floor/ceiling effect. In conclusion, with a few exceptions, most of the widely utilized PROMs in spine research have validated Arabic versions. The methodological quality of the studies was good apart from a few shortages that could be improved upon by further research. Work should be done to address the validation of Arabic versions of SF-36, VAS and EQ-5D in spine research. PROMs are valuable in systematizing subjective outcomes. Their usage in research and clinical settings in any validated language should be highly encouraged.

Hypothalamic Lipoma: Outcome of an Intracranial Developmental Lesion.

BACKGROUND: Hypothalamic lipomas are benign developmental lesions that tend to be discovered incidentally. This article describes the radiological features, outcome, and the postulated theories behind hypothalamic lipomas development. METHODS: The electronic archive of neurosurgery was retrospectively reviewed. All patients with a neuroradiological diagnosis of hypothalamic lipoma, between 2005 and 2020, were included. RESULTS: Out of 246 patients with intracranial lipomas, a total of six patients with hypothalamic lipomas have been identified. On computed tomography images, one of the hypothalamic lipomas demonstrated calcification. On magnetic resonance imaging, peripheral enhancement after contrast administration was noted in one of the lesions. Considering the benign nature of the lesions, neurosurgical intervention was not indicated. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with hypothalamic lipomas are asymptomatic and undergo brain imaging for other indications. Although uncommon, such developmental lesions can be identified in the general population, especially with the advancement of neuroimaging techniques.

Traumatic superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm: Successful management using endovascular embolization.

Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms are uncommon but can be potentially life-threatening. Considering their rarity, the present article outlines the clinical presentation, radiological findings, intervention, and outcome of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery. An 83-year-old female sustained a traumatic injury to the temple, resulting in right-sided swelling of the forehead. Brain computed tomography and cerebral angiogram revealed a right-sided homogenously-enhancing pseudoaneurysm in the frontal region. Successful occlusion of the lesion was achieved utilizing endovascular embolization. Three months after discharge, the patient reported no complaints or recurrence. Subsequent management included reassurance and observation with periodic clinical assessments. The unusual presentation of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms requires clinicians to have thorough knowledge on the clinical presentation, proper steps in diagnosis, and the approach of choice in management. Endovascular embolization of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms remains a valid approach to achieve successful occlusion of the lesion.

Endoscopic versus Open Microsurgical Excision of Colloid Cysts: A Comparative Analysis and State-of-the-Art Review of Neurosurgical Techniques.

BACKGROUND: The surgical approaches of colloid cysts commonly include endoscopy or open microsurgery. Each approach carries its own challenges, feasibility, and complications. The aim of the current study is to compare endoscopic versus open microsurgical excision of third ventricular colloid cysts. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the surgical outcomes of endoscopic versus open microsurgical (transcortical-transventricular and transcallosal approaches) excision of colloid cyst of the third ventricle at a tertiary-care medical institute. All patients with a neuroradiologic diagnosis of colloid cyst who subsequently underwent surgical management between January 2003 and June 2020 were included. The neurologic outcome was assessed at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients with colloid cysts were included in the study. The mean age was 35.8 ± 18.3 years (range, 4-75 years). Female patients slightly outnumbered male patients (n = 17; 53.1%). A total of 21 patients (65.6%) underwent endoscopic resection of the colloid cyst. Complications were encountered in 7 patients (endoscopic, n = 3; microsurgery, n = 4; P = 0.151). Recurrence was identified in 4 patients (endoscopic, n = 3; microsurgery, n = 1; P = 0.673). Most patients improved neurologically on follow-up visits to the clinic (endoscopic, n = 19; microsurgery, n = 9; P = 0.482). CONCLUSIONS: Both endoscopic and microsurgical approaches provide favorable surgical outcomes in colloid cyst resection. The complication rates between both approaches is statistically insignificant. The optimal surgical approach for colloid cyst resection remains controversial.