Sacrococcygeal teratomas: a case-based review from the perspective of individual multidisciplinary experts.

PURPOSE: Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare congenital tumor originating from a variant of extragonadal germ cell neoplasm. Herein, we present three cases of neonatal SCTs undergoing surgical resection and reconstruction. We also review the literature to discuss the importance of proper perinatal management and timely surgical intervention depending on the tumor type and maturity to prevent malignant transformation and recurrence and ensure functional outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three cases of SCT were retrospectively analyzed. All infants underwent complete surgical resection of the SCT and coccygectomy during their neonatal/infancy period, followed by pelvic floor and buttock reconstruction while minimizing buttock contour deformity and undesirable skin scar. Two of the cases were histopathologically diagnosed as predominantly cystic mature teratomas of Altman types I and IV, and the third was a mature teratoma of Altman type II. There were no complications or tumor recurrence during the average follow-up period of 5.3 years. CONCLUSIONS: This case-based review highlights the role of multidisciplinary team approaches, including prenatal monitoring, oncologic resection, and adequate reconstruction according to the type of tumor and anomaly. Optimal perinatal evaluation allows promising oncologic and functional outcomes in terms of timely intervention to eliminate tumor recurrence and malignant transformation. Complete oncologic surgical resection of SCTs should also include proper functional preservation strategies, such as the reconstruction of the pelvic floor, cosmetic buttock contouring, and preservation of bladder and bowel sphincter function.

Conformity assessment of a computer vision-based posture analysis system for the screening of postural deformation.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the conformity of using a computer vision-based posture analysis system as a screening assessment for postural deformity detection in the spine that is easily applicable to clinical practice. METHODS: One hundred forty participants were enrolled for screening of the postural deformation. Factors that determine the presence or absence of spinal deformation, such as shoulder height difference (SHD), pelvic height difference (PHD), and leg length mismatch (LLD), were used as parameters for the clinical decision support system (CDSS) using a commercial computer vision-based posture analysis system. For conformity analysis, the probability of postural deformation provided by CDSS, the Cobb angle, the PHD, and the SHD was compared and analyzed between the system and radiographic parameters. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the CDSS and correlation analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The Cobb angles of the 140 participants ranged from 0° to 61°, with an average of 6.16° ± 8.50°. The postural deformation of CDSS showed 94% conformity correlated with radiographic assessment. The conformity assessment results were more accurate in the participants of postural deformation with normal (0-9°) and mild (10-25°) ranges of scoliosis. The referenced SHD and the SHD of the CDSS showed statistical significance (p < 0.001) on a paired t-test. SHD and PHD for PCA were the predominant factors (PC1 SHD for 79.97%, PC2 PHD for 19.86%). CONCLUSION: The CDSS showed 94% conformity for the screening of postural spinal deformity. The main factors determining diagnostic suitability were two main variables: SHD and PHD. In conclusion, a computer vision-based posture analysis system can be utilized as a safe, efficient, and convenient CDSS for early diagnosis of spinal posture deformation, including scoliosis.

Accuracy evaluation of surface registration algorithm using normal distribution transform in stereotactic body radiotherapy/radiosurgery: A phantom study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a feasibility of normal distribution transform (NDT) algorithm compared with the iterative closest point (ICP) method as a useful surface registration in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)/stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS: Point cloud images using the 3D triangulation technology were obtained from a depth camera-based optical imaging (OSI) system equipped in a radiosurgery room. Two surface registration algorithms, NDT and ICP, were used to measure and compare the discrepancy values between the reference and the current surfaces during the positioning of the patient. The performance evaluation was investigated by calculating the registration error and root-mean-square (RMS) values for the surface model, reposition, and target accuracy, which were analyzed statistically using a paired t-test. RESULTS: For surface model accuracy, the average of the registration error and RMS values were measured as 3.56 ± 2.20 mm and 6.98 ± 1.89 mm for ICP method, and 1.76 ± 1.32 mm and 3.58 ± 1.30 mm for NDT method (p < 0.05). For reposition accuracy, the average registration error and RMS values were calculated as 1.41 ± 0.98 mm and 2.53 ± 1.64 mm using ICP method, and 0.92 ± 0.61 mm and 1.75 ± 0.80 mm using NDT method (p = 0.005). The overall target accuracy using the NDT method reduced the average of the reposition error and overall RMS value by 0.71 and 1.32 mm, respectively, compared to the ICP method (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We found that the surface registration algorithm based on NDT method provides more reliable accuracy in the values of surface model, reposition, and target accuracies than the classic ICP method. The NDT method in OSI systems offers reasonable accuracy in SBRT/SRS.

A Nationwide Study of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in a Newly Diagnosed Spine Metastasis Population.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), a technique that is emerging as a new treatment option, has been reported to be an effective, noninvasive treatment for spine metastasis patients. OBJECTIVE: This nationwide study aimed to understand the current state of SRS for spine metastasis. METHODS: Patients in this study were first diagnosed with a metastatic spine tumor between 1 July and 31 December 2011. One group (the SRS group) received SRS at least once within 1 year of diagnosis and the other (the non-SRS group) did not receive SRS. We analyzed the characteristics, medication, and survival of each group. RESULTS: In 628 new patients, there were no significant differences between groups regarding gender, age, type of health insurance, and comorbidities. There were significant differences with regard to the medical costs (USD 23,276 vs. 18,458; p = 0.001) and the duration of hospital stay (101.3 vs. 86.5 days; p = 0.023). Median survival was significantly longer in the SRS group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant pretreatment baseline demographic difference between the SRS and the non-SRS group. There was a tendency for greater use of medication in the SRS group. Patients with a longer overall survival tended to be those who underwent SRS treatment.

Response assessment after stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastasis: a report from the SPIne response assessment in Neuro-Oncology (SPINO) group.

The SPine response assessment In Neuro-Oncology (SPINO) group is a committee of the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology working group and comprises a panel of international experts in spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Here, we present the group's first report on the challenges in standardising imaging-based assessment of local control and pain for spinal metastases. We review current imaging modalities used in SBRT treatment planning and tumour assessment and review the criteria for pain and local control in registered clinical trials specific to spine SBRT. We summarise the results of an international survey of the panel to establish the range of current practices in assessing tumour response to spine SBRT. The ultimate goal of the SPINO group is to report consensus criteria for tumour imaging, clinical assessment, and symptom-based response criteria to help standardise future clinical trials.

Stereotactic radiosurgery compared with external radiation therapy as a primary treatment in spine metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: a multicenter, matched-pair study.

The aim of this multicenter, matched- pair study was to compare the outcome of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with that of external radiation therapy (RT) when used as a primary treatment in spine metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). From 2005 to 2012, 13 patients underwent SRS as a primary treatment in spine metastasis from RCC. Thirteen patients who underwent RT as the primary treatment of RCC spine metastasis were paired with the SRS patients based on age, number of spine metastasis, time interval from original tumor diagnosis to spine metastasis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, and year of treatment. The primary outcomes of interest were pain relief and progression free survival. Secondary outcomes were treatment toxicities and need for further treatment. The perioperative VAS score decrease was larger in the SRS group than that in the RT group (P = 0.04). More SRS patients had complete or partial pain relief although the difference was not significant. There was a significant difference in progression free survival between the two groups (P = 0.01). The percentage of patients with toxicities was 38.5 % (5/13) in the SRS group and 53.9 % (7/13) in the RT group, but the difference was not significant. There were 2 SRS patients and 3 RT patients who received further intervention at the index segment. This study showed that, when performed as a primary treatment in spine metastasis from RCC, SRS provides relatively better pain relief and better local control than that obtained from RT.

Pharmacokinetic Interpretation of Applying Local Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Deep Surgical Site Infection in the Spine.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal surgery present significant challenges, including poor antibiotic penetration and biofilm formation on implants, leading to frequent treatment failures. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is widely used for localized drug delivery in bone infections, yet quantifying individual drug release kinetics is often impractical. This retrospective study analyzed 23 cases of deep SSIs (DSSIs) following spinal surgery treated with antibiotic-loaded PMMA. A mathematical model estimated personalized drug release kinetics from PMMA, considering disease types, pathogens, and various antibiotics. The study found that vancomycin (VAN), ceftriaxone (CRO), and ceftazidime (CAZ) reached peak concentrations of 15.43%, 15.42%, and 15.41%, respectively, within the first two days, which was followed by a lag phase (4.91-4.92%) on days 2-3. On days 5-7, concentrations stabilized, with CRO at 3.22% and CAZ/VAN between 3.63% and 3.65%, averaging 75.4 µg/cm2. Key factors influencing release kinetics include solubility, diffusivity, porosity, tortuosity, and bead diameter. Notably, a patient with a low glomerular filtration rate (ASA IV) was successfully treated with a shortened 9-day intravenous VAN regimen, avoiding systemic complications. This study affirms the effectiveness of local drug delivery systems (DDS) in treating DSSIs and underscores the value of mathematical modeling in determining drug release kinetics. Further research is essential to optimize release rates and durations and to mitigate risks of burst release and tissue toxicity.

Comprehensive Therapeutic Approaches to Tuberculous Meningitis: Pharmacokinetics, Combined Dosing, and Advanced Intrathecal Therapies.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) presents a critical neurologic emergency characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, necessitating immediate therapeutic intervention, often ahead of definitive microbiological and molecular diagnoses. The primary hurdle in effective TBM treatment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which significantly restricts the delivery of anti-tuberculous medications to the central nervous system (CNS), leading to subtherapeutic drug levels and poor treatment outcomes. The standard regimen for initial TBM treatment frequently falls short, followed by adverse side effects, vasculitis, and hydrocephalus, driving the condition toward a refractory state. To overcome this obstacle, intrathecal (IT) sustained release of anti-TB medication emerges as a promising approach. This method enables a steady, uninterrupted, and prolonged release of medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), thus preventing systemic side effects by limiting drug exposure to the rest of the body. Our review diligently investigates the existing literature and treatment methodologies, aiming to highlight their shortcomings. As part of our enhanced strategy for sustained IT anti-TB delivery, we particularly seek to explore the utilization of nanoparticle-infused hydrogels containing isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), alongside osmotic pump usage, as innovative treatments for TBM. This comprehensive review delineates an optimized framework for the management of TBM, including an integrated approach that combines pharmacokinetic insights, concomitant drug administration strategies, and the latest advancements in IT and intraventricular (IVT) therapy for CNS infections. By proposing a multifaceted treatment strategy, this analysis aims to enhance the clinical outcomes for TBM patients, highlighting the critical role of targeted drug delivery in overcoming the formidable challenges presented by the blood-brain barrier and the complex pathophysiology of TBM.

Endothelial marker profiles in cerebral radiation-induced vasculopathy: A comparative immunohistochemical analysis.

Radiation therapy results in radiation-induced vasculopathy, characterized by alterations in the vascular architecture stemming from radiation exposure. The exact molecular pathways and associated pathologies of this condition have yet to be comprehensively understood. This study aimed to identify specific markers' roles in cerebral vascular endothelial injury pathogenesis after radiosurgery and explore their unique expression patterns in diverse pathologies post-stereotactic radiosurgery. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the expression profiles of endothelial markers via immunohistochemical analysis in 25 adult patients (13 males and 12 females) who had undergone neurosurgical resection for various central nervous system pathologies following stereotactic radiosurgery or radiotherapy from 2001 to 2015. Our findings revealed strong immunohistochemical expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin across various disease states, while MMP-9, PAI-1, and eNOS exhibited moderate expression levels. In contrast, VCAM-1 and P-Selectin had the weakest expression across all groups. Notably, while individual markers showed significant variations in expression levels when comparing different diseases (P < .001), no substantial differences were found in the overall immunohistochemical expression patterns across the 5 distinct pathologies studied (P = .407, via 2-way ANOVA). Despite the varied long-term effects of radiotherapy on the vascular endothelium, a common thread of inflammation runs through the pathology of these conditions. The distinct patterns of marker expression identified in our study suggest that different markers play unique roles in the development of radiation-induced vasculopathy. These findings offer insights that could lead to the development of novel preventive strategies and treatments.

Delayed symptomatic TFV in neonatal posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus-pathophysiology and therapeutic strategy: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Trapped fourth ventricle (TFV), which is a rare neurosurgical condition with multifactorial etiology, requires a prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic method selection. We report a case of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus and TFV incited/worsened by prematurity, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mechanical ventilation, and concomitant fourth ventricle outlets stenosis; which displayed a delayed onset. This article addresses the proposed pathophysiology and the clinical importance of appropriate therapeutic strategies with a mini-review of the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered a case involving a premature Asian male newborn with sepsis and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus who required ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. However, after three years, the baby was diagnosed with a trapped fourth ventricle and subsequently underwent retrograde endoscopic surgery with stent insertion. DISCUSSION: TFV is traditionally known as a complication of lateral ventricle shunting. However, in rare cases such as our neonate patient, it develops as a consequence of multiple pathophysiological processes including ventricular system inflammation along with associated anatomic and physiologic alterations, which necessitates prompt diagnosis and a case-specific therapeutic strategy. CONCLUSION: Understanding the multifactorial pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the development of TFV is crucial. The presence of comorbidities such as prematurity, neonatal sepsis, and ARDS increased the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and subsequent inflammation and further exacerbated obstructions in cerebrospinal fluid pathways. When posthemorrhagic TFV is accompanied by collapsed lateral ventricles, the optimal treatment approach is retrograde endoscopic fenestration with stent insertion. This treatment option has proven effective in alleviating the condition and restoring proper cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy using Novalis for confined intra-orbital optic nerve glioma in pediatric patient.

INTRODUCTION: Optic gliomas are the most common tumors in the optic pathways during childhood. Among them, about 10 % are located within intra-orbital cavity. However, the optimal management for intra-orbital optic nerve gliomas remains controversial. An 11-year-old male complained about progressive decline of vision in his right eye. Brain MRI revealed a fusiform enlargement of right optic nerve within intra-orbital cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A presumptive diagnosis of optic nerve glioma was made. Therefore, we performed fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) using Novalis. DISCUSSION: Five years after FSRT treatment, follow-up MRI revealed size reduction of tumor and visual acuity improvement without radiation-related complications.

A Rare Occurrence of Primarily Extranodal Spinal Epidural Lymphoma With Spinal Cord Compression and Invasion to the Thoracic Cavity.

A 41-year-old man suffered from progressive radiculomyelopathy caused by spinal epidural mass primarily encasing the spinal cord at the cervicothoracic vertebrae that extended into the thoracic cavity through the neural foramen. An urgent decompressive laminectomy and epidural tumor resection were performed to prevent neurological deterioration and effective spinal cord decompression. The histopathologic diagnosis was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As first-line treatment for stage II extranodal lymphoma, he received 6 cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab/cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovin, and prednisone) chemotherapy. Consequently, follow-up positron-emission tomography CT and MR images demonstrated a complete metabolic response (Deauville score 1). This rare occurrence of primarily extranodal spinal epidural lymphoma with limited disease will be presented in a literature review.

The safety and efficacy of double microcatheter technique in small and tiny ruptured aneurysms: A single center study.

Objective: Double microcatheter technique (dMC) can be the alternative to Single microcatheter technique (sMC) for challenging cases, but there is lack of studies comparing dMC to sMC especifically for small ruptured aneurysms. Our objective was to compare the safety and efficacy of dMC to sMC in treating small (≤5 mm) and tiny (≤3 mm) ruptured aneurysms. Methods: This study focused on 91 out of 280 patients who had ruptured aneurysms and underwent either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. These patients were treated with either single or double microcatheter coil embolization. We divided the patients into two groups based on the procedural method and evaluated clinical features and outcomes. Subgroup analyses were conducted specifically for tiny aneurysms, comparing the two methods, and within the dMC group, we also examined whether the aneurysm was tiny or not. In addition, univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of coil packing density. Results: The mean values for most outcome measures in the dMC group were higher than those in the sMC group, but these differences did not reach statistical significance (coil packing density, 45.739% vs. 39.943%; procedural complication, 4.17% vs. 11.94%; recanalization, 8.3% vs. 10.45%; discharge discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 1.83 vs. 1.97). The comparison between tiny aneurysms and other sizes within the dMC group did not reveal any significant differences in terms of worse outcomes or increased risk. The only factor that significantly influenced coil packing density in the univariate logistic regression analysis was the size of the aneurysm (OR 0.309, 95% CI 0.169-0.566, p=0.000). Conclusions: The dMC proved to be a safe and viable alternative to the sMC for treating small ruptured aneurysms in challenging cases.

The Usefulness of Trabecular CT Attenuation Measurement at L4 Level to Predict Screw Loosening After Degenerative Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Consider Number of Fused Levels and Postoperative Sagittal Balance.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the absolute value of L4 trabecular region-of-interest (t-ROI) computed tomography (CT) attenuation, which can predict pedicle screw loosening, and determine the changes in value according to number of fused levels and sagittal balance in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although osteoporosis was not diagnosed in spinal dual x-ray absorptiometry preoperatively, we encountered several cases of screw loosening within 1 year of lumbar fusion surgery. METHODS: We enrolled 478 patients and analyzed factors related to screw loosening. We evaluated the association between L4 t-ROI CT attenuation and screw loosening and determined the best cutoff value of t L4 t-ROI CT attenuation for predicting screw loosening. RESULTS: The number of fused levels, postoperative C7-S1 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and L4 t-ROI CT attenuation were independently correlated with screw loosening. According to number of fused level and postoperative C7-T1 SVA (≥36.9 mm or <36.9 mm), in patients with one-level fusion and C7-S1 SVA less than 36.9 mm, the optimal cutoff point of the L4 t-ROI CT attenuation predicting screw loosening was 106.5 Hounsfield unit (HU). L4 t-ROI attenuation did not change until two-level fusions. In patients with three-level fusions and C7-S1 SVA less than 36.9 mm, the optimal cutoff point of the L4 t-ROI CT attenuation predicting screw loosening was 159.0 HU. The optimal cutoff point of L4 t-ROI CT attenuation in patients with three-level fusions and C7-S1 SVA more than or equal to 36.9 mm was 191.0 HU. CONCLUSION: L4 t-ROI CT attenuation value considering number of fused levels and sagittal balance is an accurate measurement method to predict screw loosening. Spine surgeons should be aware of the L4 t-ROI attenuation before surgery to improve the fusion rate and reduce instrument-related complications of lumbar spine surgery in osteoporotic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Flow diversion via telescoping stent with Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Junior for treatment of ruptured dissecting aneurysm located at proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Dissecting aneurysm involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are challenging because of its nature and anatomic relationship to medulla and lower cranial nerve. We introduce a case of ruptured dissecting aneurysm located at the proximal PICA treated with telescoping stents for flow diversion and dissection healing. A 49 years old female visited to the emergency room for ruptured dissecting aneurysm at right proximal PICA. Telescoping stent was deployed along the right vertebral artery to PICA covering the dissecting aneurysm bleb using two Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support Jr (LVIS Jr) stents. Three months follow up angiography revealed a disappearance of aneurysm bleb and healing of dissection by parent artery remodeling. Telescoping stent with LVIS Jr may be an effective treatment for dissecting aneurysm with small diameter (<2 mm) parent artery. Convenient navigation and targeted telescoping stent for minimizing metal coverage at perforating arteries are an advantage for this method.

Analysis of risk factors correlated with angiographic vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using explainable predictive modeling.

Cerebral vasospasm (CAV) is a major complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) was used to analyze the contribution of risk factors on the development of CAV. We obtained data about patients (n = 343) treated for aSAH in our hospital. Predictive factors including age, aneurysm size, Hunt and Hess grade, and modified Fisher grade were used as input to analyze the contribution and correlation of factors correlated with CAV using a random forest regressor. An analysis conducted using an XAI model showed that aneurysm size (27.6%) was most significantly associated with the development of CAV, followed by age (20.7%) and Glasgow coma scale score (7.1%). In some patients with an estimated artificial intelligence-selected CAV value of 51%, the important risk factors were aneurysm size (9.1 mm) and location, and hypertension is also considered a major influencing factor. We could predict that Fisher grade 3 contributed to 20.3%, and the group using Antiplatelet contributed to 12.2% which is expected to lower cerebral CAV compared to the Control group (16.9%). The accuracy rate of the XAI system was 85.5% (area under the curve = 0.88). Using the modeling, aneurysm size and age were quantitatively analyzed and were found to be significantly associated with CAV in patients with aSAH. Hence, XAI modeling techniques can be used to analyze factors correlated with CAV by schematizing prediction results in some patients. Moreover, poor Fisher grade and use of postoperative antiplatelet agent are important factors for prediction of CAV.

Usefulness of Trabecular CT Attenuation Measurement of Lumbar Spine in Predicting Osteoporotic Compression Fracture: Is the L4 Trabecular Region of Interest Most Relevant?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) attenuation in defining trabecular region-of-interest (t-ROI) at lumbar vertebral body in the assessment of osteoporotic compression fracture (OCF) compared to spinal dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Even though osteoporosis was not diagnosed in the bone mineral density measurement using DXA, we often experienced cases where the screw was weakly inserted due to low bone quality during screw insertion. METHODS: A total of 188 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. We determined best cutoff value of the simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level for predicting OCF. We assessed correlations between the simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level and OCF rate, and investigate the association between the number of compression fracture and simple t-ROI attenuation at the most relevant level. RESULTS: L4 ROI attenuation is the most accurate measurement for predicting osteoporotic compression fracture with an area under the curve of 0.798. The optimal cutoff point of L4 ROI attenuation was measured at 90.5 HU with 88.8% and 60.6% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. L4 ROI attenuation was significantly correlated with the osteoporotic compression fracture rate (r = -0.545, P < 0.001). The number of compression fracture (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.286; P < 0.001) was independently correlated with L4 ROI attenuation. CONCLUSION: Simple t-ROI computed tomography attenuation is an accurate measurement tool in predicting OCF compared to DXA T-score. The value of L4 t-ROI attenuation is the most relevant measurement for predicting osteoporotic compression fracture, is an alternative to DXA, and can predict the number and rate of compression fractures. Spine surgeons should be aware of L4 t-ROI attenuation to make successful fusion in spine surgery for elderly patients group.Level of Evidence: 3.

Is the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score Accurate and Reliable in Predicting Vertebral Compression Fractures for Spinal Metastasis? A Systematic Review and Qualitative Analysis.

Spinal metastases can present with varying degrees of mechanical instability. The Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) was developed as a tool to assess spinal neoplastic-related instability while helping to guide referrals among oncology specialists. Some previous papers suggested that the SINS was accurate and reliable, while others disagreed with this opinion. We performed a systematic review regarding the SINS to evaluate its accuracy and precision in predicting vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The 21 included studies investigated a total of 2118 patients. Thirteen studies dealt with the accuracy of SINS to predict postradiotherapy VCFs, and eight dealt with the precision. Among 13 studies, 11 agreed that the SINS categories showed statistically significant accuracy in predicting VCF. Among eight studies, body collapse was effective for predicting VCFs in six studies, and alignment and bone lesion in two studies. Location has no statistical significance in predicting VCFs in any of the eight studies. The precision of SINS categories was substantial to excellent in six of eight studies. Among the six components of the SINS, the majority of the included studies reported that location showed near perfect agreement; body collapse, alignment, and posterolateral involvement showed moderate agreement; and bone lesion showed fair agreement. Bone lesion showed significant accuracy in predicting VCFs in half of eight studies, but displayed fair reliability in five of seven studies. Although location was indicated as having near perfect reliability, the component showed no accuracy for predicting VCFs in any of the studies and deleting or modifying the item needs to be considered. The SINS system may be accurate and reliable in predicting the occurrence of postradiotherapy VCFs for spinal metastasis. Some components seem to be substantially weak and need to be revised.

Findings from CT, MRI, and PET/CT of a primary malignant melanoma arising in a spinal nerve root.

Primary spinal malignant melanoma is an extremely rare condition. We here describe a case of a 71-year-old Asian female presenting with left upper extremity tingling sensation. Computed tomography (CT) showed a homogeneously enhanced mass occupying the left neural foramen at the C6-7 level. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhanced mass in intra- and extradural space compressing the spinal cord at this level. It also widened the neural foramen mimicking neurofibroma or schwannoma. Partial resection of the mass was performed. Pathologic diagnosis of the mass was malignant melanoma. Postoperative whole body positron emission tomography/CT scan demonstrated an intense (18)F-FDG uptake at the residual mass site without abnormal uptake at other sites in the body.

Evaluation of Cumulative and Conditional Antibiotic Release from Vancomycin-Embedded Fibrin Sealant and Its Antibacterial Activity : An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: Fibrin sealants have been used for hemostasis, sealant for cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and adhesive barrier in neurosurgery. Further, as its clinical use and role of an effective drug delivery vehicle have been proposed. This study was performed to measure antibacterial activity and continuous local antibiotic release from different concentrations of vancomycin-impregnated fibrin sealant in vitro. METHODS: Antibacterial activity was investigated by disk diffusion test by measuring the diameter of the growth inhibition zone of bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC29213) from vancomycin-embedded fibrin sealant disc diluted at five different concentrations (C1-C5; 8.33, 4.167, 0.83, 0.083, and 0.0083 mg/disc, respectively). Continuous and conditioned release of vancomycin concentration (for 2 weeks and for 5 days, respectively) were also measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. To mimic the physiologic wound conditions with in vitro, conditioned vancomycin release in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was measured and replaced PBS for five consecutive days, half a day or completely daily. RESULTS: In the disk diffusion test, the mean diameters of bacterial inhibition zone were 2.54±0.07 cm, 2.61±0.12 cm, and 2.13±0.15 cm (C1, C2, and C3 respectively) but 1.67±0.06 cm and 1.23±0.15 cm in C4 and C5, respectively. Continuous elution test elicited the peak release of vancomycin from the fibrin sealant at 48 hours, with continued release until 2 weeks. However, conditioned vancomycin release decreased to half or more on day 2, however, the sustainable release was measured over the therapeutic dose (10-20 µg/mL) for 5 days and 4 days in assays of half and total exchange of PBS. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that fibrin sealant can provide an efficient vehicle for antibiotic drug release in a wide range of neurosurgical procedures and the safe and effective therapeutic dose will be at the concentration embedded of 4.167 mg/disc or more of vancomycin.