Cisternal nicardipine for prevention of delayed cerebral ischemia in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a comparative retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Intrathecal vasoactive drugs have been proposed in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) to manage cerebral vasospasm (CV). We analyzed the efficacy of intracisternal nicardipine compared to intraventricular administration to a control group (CG) to determine its impact on delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and functional outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the need for intra-arterial angioplasties and the safety profile. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all adult patients admitted for a high modified Fisher grade aSAH between January 2015 and April 2022. All patients with significant radiological CV were included. Three groups of patients were defined based on the CV management: cisternal nicardipine (CN), ventricular nicardipine (VN), and no intrathecal nicardipine (control group). RESULTS: Seventy patients met the inclusion criteria. Eleven patients received intracisternal nicardipine, 18 intraventricular nicardipine, and 41 belonged to the control group. No cases of DCI were observed in the CN group (p = 0.02). Patients with intracisternal nicardipine had a reduced number of intra-arterial angioplasties when compared to the control group (p = 0.03). The safety profile analysis showed no difference in complications across the three groups. Intrathecal (ventricular or cisternal) nicardipine therapy improved functional outcomes at 6 months (p = 0.04) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Administration of intrathecal nicardipine for moderate to severe CV reduces the rate of DCI and improved long-term functional outcomes in patients with high modified Fisher grade aSAH. This study also showed a relative benefit of cisternal over intraventricular nicardipine, thereby reducing the number of angioplasties performed in the post-treatment phase. However, these preliminary results should be confirmed with future prospective studies.

Occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach in pediatric patients for lesions of the superomedial cerebellum: operative findings and results.

BACKGROUND: The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach is frequently used for accessing the pineal region. There are scarce reports of using the OITT to access superior cerebellar lesions. This approach affords the patient several advantages over traditional posterior fossa approaches. PURPOSE: This study is to describe and evaluate clinical outcomes in a single surgeon case series of the OITT approach for pediatric patients with lesions of the superior cerebellum. METHODS: All pediatric patients who underwent an OITT craniotomy for a superior cerebellar lesion by a single surgeon over a 5-year period were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected. RESULTS: Thirteen pediatric patients were identified. Cases included twelve tumors and one arteriovenous malformation. Gross total resection was achieved in 92% of cases. No patients developed posterior fossa syndrome. Two patients had transient homonymous hemianopsia that resolved by 1 month post-operatively. There were no permanent neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: For superomedial cerebellar lesions presenting to the tentorial surface of the superior cerebellum in patients with normal to steep tentorial angles, the OITT approach is effective and safe. This approach has a low risk of posterior fossa syndrome and permanent visual deficits when applied appropriately. Patient selection is critical for maximizing the advantages of the OITT for superior cerebellar lesions.

Endovascular treatment of pediatric basilar artery aneurysms: case series and literature review.

PURPOSE: Pediatric basilar artery aneurysms are rare and challenging to treat. Microsurgical options and standard endovascular coiling are often undesirable choices for treatment of this pathology. Additional endovascular strategies are needed. METHODS: Presentation, diagnosis, and management of pediatric basilar aneurysms were reviewed, with an emphasis on endovascular treatment strategies. Our case series of 2 patients was presented in detail, one treated with flow diversion and vessel sacrifice and one treated with stent-assisted coiling. An extensive review of the literation was performed to find other examples of pediatric basilar artery aneurysms treated with endovascular techniques. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies met inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine aneurysms in 58 patients were treated using endovascular techniques. Mortality rate was 10.3% (6/58) and a poor outcome (GOS 1-3) occurred in 15.5% (9/58). There were 4 reported recurrences requiring retreatment; however, only 46.5% of patients had reported follow-up of at least 1 year. 71.1% (42/59) were dissecting aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Basilar artery aneurysms in the pediatric population are rare, commonly giant and fusiform, and often not amenable to microsurgical or coiling techniques. The surrounding vasculature, location, size, and morphology of the aneurysm along with the durability of treatment must be considered in treatment decisions. With proper patient selection, stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion may increase the durability and safety of endovascular treatment in this population.

Resection of the contrast-enhancing tumor in diffuse gliomas bordering eloquent areas using electrophysiology and 5-ALA fluorescence: evaluation of resection rates and neurological outcome-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Independently, both 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) have been shown to improve outcomes with high-grade gliomas (HGG). The interplay and overlap of both techniques are scarcely reported in the literature. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the concomitant use of 5-ALA and intraoperative mapping for HGG located within eloquent cortex. Using PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed articles published between May 2006 and December 2022 for patients with HGG in eloquent cortex who underwent microsurgical resection using intraoperative mapping and 5-ALA fluorescence guidance. Extent of resection was the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was new neurological deficit at day 1 after surgery and persistent at day 90 after surgery. Overall rate of complete resection of the enhancing tumor (CRET) was 73.3% (range: 61.9-84.8%, p < .001). Complete 5-ALA resection was performed in 62.4% (range: 28.1-96.7%, p < .001). Surgery was stopped due to mapping findings in 20.5% (range: 15.6-25.4%, p < .001). Neurological decline at day 1 after surgery was 29.2% (range: 9.8-48.5%, p = 0.003). Persistent neurological decline at day 90 after surgery was 4.6% (range: 0.4-8.7%, p = 0.03). Maximal safe resection guided by IONM and 5-ALA for high-grade gliomas in eloquent areas is achievable in a high percentage of cases (73.3% CRET and 62.4% complete 5-ALA resection). Persistent neurological decline at postoperative day 90 is as low as 4.6%. A balance between 5-ALA and IONM should be maintained for a better quality of life while maximizing oncological control.

Single fraction and hypofractionated radiosurgery for perioptic meningiomas-tumor control and visual outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perioptic meningiomas, defined as those that are less than 3 mm from the optic apparatus, are challenging to treat with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Tumor control must be weighed against the risk of radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION), as both tumor progression and RION can lead to visual decline. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of single fraction SRS and hypofractionated radiosurgery (hfRS) for perioptic meningiomas, evaluating tumor control and visual preservation rates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we reviewed articles published between 1968 and December 8, 2022. We retained 5 studies reporting 865 patients, 438 cases treated in single fraction, while 427 with hfRS. For single fraction SRS, the overall rate of tumor control was 95.1%, with actuarial rates at 5 and 10 years of 96% and 89%, respectively; tumor progression was 7.7%. The rate of visual stability was 90.4%, including visual improvement in 29.3%. The rate of visual decline was 9.6%, including blindness in 1.2%. For hfRS, the overall rate of tumor control was 95.6% (range 92.1-99.1, p < 0.001); tumor progression was 4.4% (range 0.9-7.9, p = 0.01). Overall rate of visual stability was 94.9% (range 90.9-98.9, p < 0.001), including visual improvement in 22.7% (range 5.0-40.3, p = 0.01); visual decline was 5.1% (range 1.1-9.1, p = 0.013). SRS is an effective and safe treatment option for perioptic meningiomas. Both hypofractionated regimens and single fraction SRS can be considered.

Posterior Transdural Repair of a Spontaneous Ventral Thoracic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a rare but serious condition characterized by orthostatic headaches and a variety of neurological symptoms. 1,2 Spontaneous intracranial hypotension should be considered in all patients with new onset, daily, persistent headaches, and orthostatic symptoms. It is typically caused by spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. 1,2 Traditional first-line treatments include hydration, bedrest, epidural blood patches, and fibrin glue injections. However, refractory cases often require surgical intervention, especially those caused by a small ventral osteophyte, which is classified as a type 1 leak. 3-5 The small osteophyte causes a tear in the dura of the ventral canal, usually near the cervicothoracic junction. Diagnosis of these leaks is challenging because these small osteophytes can also occur asymptomatically, or patients may have several of them at multiple levels. Typically, dynamic myelography is needed for accurate localization due to the inadequacy of standard imaging. 6 This video details a young patient with refractory spontaneous intracranial hypotension from a type 1 spontaneous CSF leak, treated successfully using a posterior transdural surgical approach with spinal cord mobilization. Our video presentation outlines the surgical technique and provides an overview of this underdiagnosed condition. Our described approach offers direct visualization, suturing of the leak site, and a multilayer repair without the need for spinal fusion. It also avoids the morbidity to the neck, chest, and mediastinal structures that is at risk with lateral or anterior approaches. A combined intradural and extradural repair may enhance the durability of repair for ventral CSF leaks. The patient consented to the procedure. This operative video did not require Institutional Review Board approval as all patient information has been anonymized, ensuring no identifiable information is disclosed. The video is a single case that does not involve interventions or pose risks beyond standard care, adhering to ethical guidelines and institutional policies.

Standard Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy versus Mini Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy via an Eyebrow Incision for Microsurgical Treatment of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

Background Skull base approaches are utilized to improve microsurgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Advantages include early proximal and distal control, increased visualization, and minimal brain retraction. Orbitozygomatic (OZ) craniotomies via pterional incision are commonly used for the treatment of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. A smaller, less invasive OZ craniotomy performed through an eyebrow incision may provide several advantages over a standard OZ approach. Objective We compare surgical outcomes of the standard and eyebrow OZ for the treatment of ACoA aneurysms. Design All patients who underwent microsurgical treatment for ACoA aneurysms by a single surgeon over an 8-year period were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient demographics and clinical data were collected. Participants Thirty-seven consecutive patients were identified, with 15 receiving eyebrow OZ and 22 receiving standard OZ. Main Outcome Measures Data were collected on patient demographics, pathology, intraoperative and perioperative data, and 30-day morbidity. Results A total of 100% of the eyebrow OZ group and 95.5% of the standard OZ group had complete aneurysmal occlusion. Four eyebrow OZ and six standard OZ patients had an intraoperative rupture. All were managed without complication. Two eyebrow OZ and one standard OZ patient died within 30 days of surgery. No patients in either group had aneurysm recurrence, required retreatment, or were limited intraoperatively by exposure. Conclusions The OZ approach via an eyebrow incision has similar outcomes to a standard OZ approach and is a safe option for the treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

Open Versus Percutaneous Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Large Retrospective Analysis of Safety and Reoperation Rates.

BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar fractures (TLF) requiring surgical intervention can be treated with either open or percutaneous stabilization, each with some distinct risks and benefits. There is insufficient evidence available to support one approach as superior. METHODS: Patients who underwent spinal fixation for TLF between 2008 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients with one or two levels of fracture treated with either open or percutaneous stabilization were included. Exclusion criteria were more than two levels of fracture, patients requiring corpectomy, stabilization constructs that crossed the cervicothoracic or lumbosacral junction, history of previous thoracolumbar fusion at the same level, spinal neoplasm, anterior or lateral fixation, and spinal infection. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were collected for all patients. RESULTS: 691 patients (377 open, 314 percutaneous) met the inclusion criteria. Patients in the percutaneous cohort sustained lower estimated blood loss (73 vs 334 ml; p< 0.001) and shorter length of surgery (114 vs. 151 minutes; p< 0.001). No differences were observed in the length of hospital stay or overall reoperation rates. Asymptomatic (7.0% vs 0.8%) and symptomatic (3.5% vs 0.5%) hardware removal was more common with the percutaneous cohort, while the incidence of revision surgery due to hardware failure requiring the extension of the construct (1.9% vs 5.8%) and infection (1.9% vs 6.4%) was greater in the open group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous stabilization for TLF was associated with shorter operative time, less blood loss, lower infection rate, higher rates of elective hardware removal, and lower rates of hardware failure requiring extension of the construct compared to open stabilization.

Surgical treatment for chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly: A retrospective analysis.

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is primarily a disease of the elderly. Less invasive interventions are often offered for elderly (> 80 years) patients due to concerns for elevated surgical risk, although data suggesting a clear outcome benefit is lacking. Methods: All patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgical treatment for CSDH at a single institution over a 4-year period were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. Surgical options included twist drill craniostomy (TDC), burr hole craniotomy (BHC), or standard craniotomy (SC). Outcomes, demographics, and clinical data were collected. Practice patterns and outcomes for patients older than 80 years old were compared to the age 65-80 cohort. Results: 110 patients received TDC, 35 received BHC, and 54 received SC. There was no significant difference in post-operative complications, outcomes, or late recurrence (30-90 days). Recurrence at 30 days was significantly higher for TDC (37.3% vs. 2.9% vs 16.7%, p 80 group, SC had higher risk of stroke and increased length of stay. Conclusion: Twist drill craniostomy, burr hole craniostomy, and standard craniotomy have similar neurologic outcomes in elderly patients. Presence of thick membranes is a relative contra-indication for TDC due to high 30-day recurrence. Patients > 80 have higher risk of stroke and increased length of stay with SC.

Direct withdrawal of a retained foreign body bisecting the thoracic spinal canal in a neurologically intact pediatric patient: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Nonmissile penetrating spinal cord injury (NMPSCI) with a retained foreign body (RFB) is rare and usually results in permanent neurological deficits. In extremely rare cases, patients can present without significant neurological deficits despite an RFB that traverses the spinal canal. Given the rarity of these cases, a consensus has not yet been reached on optimal management. In a patient with an RFB and a neurologically normal clinical examination, the risk of open surgical exploration may outweigh the benefit and direct withdrawal may be a better option. OBSERVATIONS: A 10-year-old female suffered an NMPSCI to the thoracic spine with an RFB that bisected the spinal canal but remained neurologically intact. Direct withdrawal of the RFB was chosen instead of open surgical exploration, leading to an excellent clinical outcome. The literature was reviewed to find other examples of thoracic NMPSCI with RFB and neurologically normal examinations. Management strategies were compared. LESSONS: For NMPSCI with RFB and without significant neurological deficits, direct withdrawal is a viable and possibly the best treatment option. The use of fast-acting anesthesia without intubation minimizes patient manipulation, speeds up recovery, and allows early assessment of neurological status after removal.

Orbitozygomatic Craniotomy via an Eyebrow Incision: Management of the Opened Frontal Sinus.

Background The eyebrow orbitozygomatic craniotomy is a minimally invasive approach that can access a wide variety of lesions. Unintentional breach of the frontal sinus frequently occurs and has been cited as a reason to avoid this approach. Lack of access to a large pericranial graft and the inability to completely cranialize the sinus requires alternate techniques of sinus repair. We describe a technique for repairing an opened frontal sinus and retrospectively reviewed complications related to this approach. Methods All patients, who underwent an orbitozygomatic craniotomy via an eyebrow incision by a single surgeon from August 1, 2012 to August 31, 2018, were included in this retrospective analysis. Data were collected on patient demographics, pathology treated, operative details, and perioperative morbidity. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 6 years. Results Total 50 patients with a wide variety of pathologies underwent analysis. Frontal sinus breach occurred in 21 patients. All were repaired by the described technique. One patient (ruptured aneurysm) had a suspected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak postoperatively that resolved without any additional intervention. One patient developed a pneumomeningocele 4 years postoperatively that required reoperation. No patient suffered any infection or delayed CSF leak. Conclusion Breach of the frontal sinus is common during eyebrow craniotomies. Despite reduced options for local repair, these patients have experienced no CSF leaks requiring intervention and no infections in our series. Long-term mucocele risk is not reliably determined with our length of follow-up. Breach of the frontal sinus is not a contraindication to the eyebrow approach.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy and Endoscopic Intracranial Cyst Fenestration in an Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Center Yields Reduced Cost But Equal Efficacy and Safety Compared with Surgery in the Hospital.

BACKGROUND: A transition is underway in neurosurgery to perform relatively safe surgeries outpatient, often at ambulatory surgery centers (ASC). We sought to evaluate whether simple intracranial endoscopic procedures such as third ventriculostomy and cyst fenestration can be safely and effectively performed at an ASC, while comparing costs with the hospital. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent elective intracranial neuroendoscopic (NE) intervention at either a quaternary hospital or an affiliated ASC between August 2014 and September 2017. Groups were compared on length of stay, perioperative and 30-day morbidity, as well as clinical outcome at last follow-up. The total cost for these procedures were compared in relative units between all ASC cases and a small subset of hospital cases. RESULTS: In total, 16 NE operations performed at the ASC (mean patient age 29.8 years) and 37 at the hospital (mean age 15.4 years) with average length of stay of 3.5 hours and 23.1 hours respectively (P < 0.05). There were no acute complications in either cohort or morbid events requiring hospitalization within 30 days. Surgical success was noted for 75% of the ASC patients and 73% of the hospital cohort. The mean cost of 5 randomly selected hospital operations with same-day discharge and 5 with overnight stay was 3.4 and 4.1 times that of the ASC cohort, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elective endoscopic third ventriculostomy and other simple NE procedures can be safely and effectively performed at an ASC for appropriate patients with significantly reduced cost compared with the hospital.