Cerebellar Hemorrhage Following an Uncomplicated Lumbar Spine Surgery: Case Report.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is rare but potentially fatal complication of cranial and spinal surgeries. The pathophysiology of this condition following spinal surgery is thought to be related to venous bleeding from cerebellar sagging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypotension. Most reported cases in the literature following spinal surgery involve intraoperative CSF leakage. We present a case of remote cerebellar hemorrhage following uncomplicated lumbar spinal decompression and fusion without CSF leakage.

Balloon-Occlusion Catheter Onyx Embolization of a Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Pediatric Patient.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are insidious pathologies that, if left untreated, harbor potentially devastating consequences to the central nervous system. Spinal DAVFs are rare in the adult population and exceedingly uncommon in the pediatric population. In this report, we describe a spinal DAVF in a 3-year-old child whose initial presentation is subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Balloon-test occlusion and balloon-catheter-assisted embolization of DAVF have not been previously described, and their advantages over alternative embolic and surgical techniques are discussed. METHODS: We performed a literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed to review current reports describing the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of spinal DAVFs. In this report, we describe a spinal DAVF in a 3-year-old child whose initial presentation is SAH. RESULTS: A spinal DAVF was diagnosed after deciding to image not only the brain but also the spine. Using a balloon-occlusion catheter, we confirmed that the DAVF arterial feeding vessel could be safely embolized. We then proceeded to effectively treat the DAVF with balloon-catheter-assisted Onyx-18 embolization. CONCLUSION: Based on our report and an analysis of the literature, we propose that pediatric patients presenting with nontraumatic SAH should undergo at least a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine as part of their initial workup. In addition, we describe a balloon-occlusion catheter embolization technique that allows not only excellent embolic penetration of the fistula but also prevention of microcatheter reflux and lessening of the need for a tedious plug-and-stack technique.

Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors in the United States, 2009 to 2011: Effects of Hospital Volume on Postoperative Complications.

Introduction Higher surgical volumes correlate with superior patient outcomes for various surgical pathologies, including transnasal transsphenoidal (TNTS) pituitary tumor resection. With the introduction of endoscopic approaches, there have been nationwide shifts in technique with relative declines in microsurgery. We examined the volume-outcome relationship (VOR) for TNTS pituitary tumor surgery in an era of increasingly prevalent endoscopic approaches. Methods Patients who underwent TNTS pituitary tumor resection between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively identified in the State Inpatient Database subset of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Generalized linear mixed-effect models were used to assess odds of various outcome measures. Institutions were grouped into quartiles by case volume for analysis. Results A total of 6,727 patients underwent TNTS pituitary tumor resection between 2009 and 2011. White or Asian American patients and those with private insurance were more likely to receive care at higher volume centers (HVC). Patients treated at HVC (>60 cases/year) were less likely to have nonroutine discharges (3.9 vs. 1.9%; p = 0.002) and had shorter length of stay (LOS; 4 vs. 2 days; p = 0.001). Overall, care at HVC trended toward lower rates of postoperative complications, for example, a 10-case/year increase correlated with a 10% decrease in the rate of iatrogenic panhypopituitarism (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81-0.99; p = 0.04) and 5% decrease in likelihood of diabetes insipidus (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99; p = 0.04) on multivariable analysis. Conclusions Our analysis shows that increased case volume is related to superior perioperative outcomes for TNTS pituitary tumor resections. Despite the recent adoption of newer endoscopic techniques and concerns of technical learning curves, this VOR remains undisturbed.

Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Meckel's Cave Epidermoid Cysts: Case Discussion and Literature Review.

Meckel's cave (MC) epidermoid cysts are relatively uncommon lesions. In cases where surgical excision is indicated, resection is often carried out via a frontosphenotemporal craniotomy from an anterolateral approach or a temporal craniotomy with or without a petrosectomy for a lateral corridor; both of these routes are associated with brain retraction and potential neurovascular injury. The anterior location of MC in the middle cranial fossa makes safe access via posterior fossa-based approaches-such as the retrosigmoid approach-challenging as well. Here, we present the cases of two patients diagnosed with epidermoid cysts in MC who underwent surgical resection via an endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approach. Near-total resection was achieved in both cases, with only mild transient neurologic disturbances postoperatively. Radiographically, no evidence of residual disease was noted in either patient. We further review the nuances of an extended endoscopic endonasal approach to these lesions.

The Utility of Using Preoperative MRI as a Predictor for Intraoperative Pituitary Adenoma Consistency and Surgical Resection Technique.

Objective Most pituitary adenomas are of soft consistency and can be resected during surgery with routine suction instruments. However, fibrous adenomas may require more aggressive techniques. The ability to predict consistency on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would improve preoperative preparation and may have implications on the extent of resection. Design A retrospective review of MRI and tumor histology of 50 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal resection for nonfunctional adenomas was performed. Methods An intensity ratio was calculated based on quantitative MRI signal intensity of the adenoma and pons. Intraoperatively, a sequentially graded technique required for resection ranged from suction (R1) for softer tumors, curettes (R2) for tumors with intermediate consistency, and aspirators and/or other microinstruments (R3) for firmer tumors. Fibrotic content was determined from histologic collagen percentage, and rates of gross total resection (GTR) were calculated from postoperative imaging. Statistical analyses were performed to determine if resection classification could be predicted by intensity ratio or collagen percentage, calculate ratio of cut-off points for clinical use, and assess for correlation between intensity ratios and collagen percentage. Results Tumors with ratios < 1.6 on the T2-weighted coronal image and collagen content > 5.3% were likely to have required a more aggressive resection technique. Statistically significant lower rates of GTR and higher rates of perioperative complications were seen with such tumors. Conclusion Preoperative MRI analyses can be helpful but not definitive in predicting adenoma consistency. Fibrous adenomas, associated with higher collagen content, are more difficult to resect and have higher rates of subtotal resection.

Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Institutional Experience, Integration into Neurosurgical Practice, and Impact on Resident Training.

OBJECTIVE: Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in neurosurgery residency training may have a significant impact on resident experience, even though few trainees are likely to pursue careers in the field of AIS. The impact of this exposure on resident knowledge in adult spinal disease management is the subject of our retrospective analysis. METHODS: An analysis was performed of all adolescent patients undergoing surgical correction of spinal deformity between 2006 and 2016. Patient characteristics, including age at operation, Cobb angles, length of stay, operative time, blood loss, and complications, were collected. Objective benchmarks were created for resident education in the management of AIS. A survey was sent to the last 7 years of graduates to assess the impact of exposure to AIS during neurosurgery training on their current practice. RESULTS: Nine male and 37 female patients ages 11 to 22 years were identified. Neurosurgical residents assisted in all procedures without fellows or surgical assistants. Average operative time was 336 minutes (range, 215-575 minutes), and blood loss per procedure was 603 mL (range, 200-4000 mL). The average Cobb angle correction was 72.2% (range, 35.3%-90.9%). Zero of the past 7 graduates currently treat AIS surgically. All 7 graduates agreed that exposure to AIS during residency enhanced their knowledge of adult spinal disease management. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of AIS by surgeons with specialized training can be effective and safe. Resident exposure to these patients enhances their understanding of spinal biomechanics and deformity correction, which is applicable to treating AIS and adult spinal deformity.

Spinal Intradural Escherichia coli Abscess Masquerading as a Neoplasm in a Pediatric Patient with History of Neonatal E. coli Meningitis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system abscesses frequently can be seen in the immunocompromised population and most commonly consist of intracranial collections in the adult patient. Spinal intradural abscesses are less commonly encountered, and there are even fewer numbers in the pediatric population with a concordant absence of documentation in the published literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this case report, we describe the presentation of a 2-year-old boy with a history of perinatal Escherichia coli meningitis at 2.5 months of age who was found to have an intradural spinal lesion, initially concerning for neoplasm, but later confirmed as an E. coli abscess following biopsy. He was managed with surgical aspiration of the abscess and a long course of intravenous antibiotics. The patient was treated with antibiotics with repeat imaging studies that revealed residual abscess that required re-aspiration at a later date. CONCLUSIONS: Here we present an unusual disease process with an unusual disease pathogenesis in a pediatric patient currently residing in a developed country.

Lower-dose perioperative steroid protocol during endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative steroid management for pituitary adenoma resections is multifaceted due to possible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disruption. Although many different strategies have been proposed, there is no standard protocol for prophylaxis of potential hypocortisolemia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resections. Before March 2016, patients received ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively followed by 2 mg of dexamethasone immediately postoperatively in most of the patients. Subsequently, patients received only 50 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively. A morning cortisol level was checked on postoperative day (POD) 2, and if it was <10 mcg/dL, patients remained on maintenance hydrocortisone. At 6 weeks, serum cortisol was redrawn and low-dose therapy was weaned when indicated. RESULTS: Of those who received ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone, 8 of 24 (33.3%) were discharged on hydrocortisone compared to 1 of 14 (7.1%) who received 50 mg. 18 of 24 (75%) of ≥100 mg group received dexamethasone on POD 1, and of those, 8 (44.4%) were discharged on hydrocortisone. Of those who received ≥100 mg and were on outpatient steroid therapy initially, 3 of 8 (37.5%) required continuation after 6 weeks compared to none who received 50 mg. There was an association between patient's intraoperative/immediate postoperative steroid use and steroid continuation at discharge. CONCLUSION: Through our experience, we hypothesize that ≥100 mg of hydrocortisone intraoperatively followed by postoperative dexamethasone may be overly suppressive in patients with otherwise normally functioning HPA. A 50 mg intraoperative dose alone may be considered to lower rates of unnecessary steroid regimens postoperatively.

Unintended Consequences After Postoperative Ileus in Spinal Fusion Patients.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is not uncommon after spinal surgery. Although previous research has focused on the frequency of ileus formation, little has been done to investigate the clinical sequelae after development. We investigated the effect of postoperative ileus on patients' length of stay and rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formation, myocardial infarction (MI), aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, and death. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample was queried to identify adult patients who underwent any spinal fusion procedure. Patient characteristics and outcomes for discharges involving spinal fusion surgery were compared between patients with and without postoperative ileus. The Rao-Scott χ2 test of association was used for categorical variables, and a t test for equality of means was used for continuous variables. Among discharges with postoperative ileus, a multivariate linear regression model was used to assess how fusion approach and fusion length were associated with length of hospital stay, controlling for sex, age, and race. RESULTS: A total of 250,221 patients were included. The mean length of stay was 3.75 days for patients without postoperative ileus and 9.40 days for patients with postoperative ileus. Patients with postoperative ileus are more likely to have DVT (4.1% vs. 20.8%, P < 0.001), MI (2.5% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.001), aspiration pneumonia (6.6% vs. 34.3%, P < 0.001), sepsis (5.7% vs. 35.7%, P < 0.001), and death (2.6% vs. 11.4%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that patients with postoperative ileus are significantly more likely to have DVT, experience MI, acquire aspiration pneumonia, develop sepsis, and die.

Antibiotic prophylaxis and infection prevention for endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery: Our protocol, results, and review of the literature.

Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base provide minimally invasive corridors to intracranial lesions; however, enthusiasm for this new approach is always tempered by the recognition that this route requires passage through a nonsterile sinonasal corridor. Despite an increasing number of patients undergoing these surgeries, there remains no consensus on the use of perioperative antibiotics. A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) at Loyola University Medical Center by the same neurosurgeon and otolaryngologist team between February 2015 and October 2016 was performed. Antibiotic regimens, presence of an intraoperative or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, dural reconstruction method, and rates of sinusitis, meningitis, and/or intracranial abscess were analyzed. 39 patients who underwent a total of 41 EESBSs with a mean age of 46 years were identified. A vascularized nasoseptal flap was used for dural reconstruction when high flow CSF leaks were encountered intraoperatively (n = 17); otherwise, reconstruction mostly consisted of allografts and/or free mucosal grafts. There were zero postoperative cases of CSF leaks, meningitis, or intracranial infection. Our current antibiotic prophylaxis protocol coupled with the use of variable dural reconstruction techniques dictated by intraoperative findings has led to low rates of postoperative CSF leaks, intracranial infections, and meningitis. A survey was also distributed to Neurological Surgery Residency Programs to gain a better understanding of the EESBS protocols that are being used nationally. The practice of antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing EESBS is quite variable and this study should provide the impetus for multi-institutional comparison studies.

Morphologic variations of the second cervical vertebra in Down syndrome compared with age-matched peers.

OBJECTIVEAtlantoaxial instability is an important cause of pain and neurological dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome (DS), frequently requiring instrumented fusion of the upper cervical spine. This study provides a quantitative analysis of C2 morphology in DS patients compared with their peers without DS to identify differences that must be considered for the safe placement of instrumentation.METHODSA retrospective chart review identified age-matched patients with and without DS with a CT scan of the cervical spine. Three-dimensional reconstructions of these scans were made with images along the axis of, and perpendicular to, the pars, lamina, facet, and transverse foramen of C2 bilaterally. Two of the authors performed independent measurements of anatomical structures using these images, and the average of the 2 raters' measurements was recorded. Pedicle height and width; pars axis length (the distance from the facet to the anterior vertebral body through the pars); pars rostrocaudal angle (angle of the pars axis length to the endplate of C2); pars axial angle (angle of the pars axis length to the median coronal plane); lamina height, length, and width; lamina angle (angle of the lamina length to the median coronal plane); and transverse foramen posterior distance (the distance from the posterior wall of the transverse foramen to the tangent of the posterior vertebral body) were measured bilaterally. Patients with and without DS were compared using a mixed-effects model accounting for patient height.RESULTSA total of 18 patients with and 20 patients without DS were included in the analysis. The groups were matched based on age and sex. The median height was 147 cm (IQR 142-160 cm) in the DS group and 165 cm (IQR 161-172 cm) in the non-DS group (p < 0.001). After accounting for variations in height, the mean pars rostrocaudal angle was greater (50.86° vs 45.54°, p = 0.004), the mean transverse foramen posterior distance was less (-1.5 mm vs +1.3 mm, p = 0.001), and the mean lamina width was less (6.2 mm vs 7.7 mm, p = 0.038) in patients with DS.CONCLUSIONSPatients with DS had a steeper rostrocaudal trajectory of the pars, a more posteriorly positioned transverse foramen posterior wall, and a narrower lamina compared with age- and sex-matched peers. These variations should be considered during surgical planning, as they may have implications to safe placement of instrumentation.

Clival meningocele causing bilateral hearing loss in a child due to superficial siderosis of the central nervous system: case report.

Superficial siderosis (SS) of the CNS is a rare and often unrecognized condition. Caused by hemosiderin deposition from chronic, repetitive hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space, it results in parenchymal damage in the subpial layers of the brain and spinal cord. T2-weighted MRI shows the characteristic hypointensity of hemosiderin deposition, classically occurring around the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord. Patients present with progressive gait ataxia and sensorineural hearing impairment. Although there have been several studies, case reports, and review articles over the years, the clear pathophysiology of subarachnoid space hemorrhage remains to be elucidated. The proposed causes include prior intradural surgery, prior trauma, tumors, vascular abnormalities, nerve root avulsion, and dural abnormalities. Surgical repair of a dural defect associated with SS has been shown to be efficacious at preventing symptomatic progression. There have been several reports of dural defects within the spinal canal treated with surgery. Here, the authors present the first known case of a dural defect of the ventral skull base, namely a clival meningocele, presumed to be causing SS. In this case report, a 10-year-old girl with a history of head trauma at the age of 3 years was found to have a clival meningocele 3 years after her original trauma. On follow-up imaging, the patient was found to have radiographic growth of the meningocele along with evidence of SS of the CNS. The patient was treated conservatively until she began to have progressive hearing loss. It was presumed that the growing meningocele was the source of her SS. An endoscopic endonasal transclival approach with a multilayer dural reconstruction was performed to fix the dural defect and repair the meningocele in hopes of mitigating the progression of her symptoms. At her 12-month postoperative follow-up, she was doing well, with audiometry showing a slightly decreased hearing threshold in the left ear but improved speech discrimination bilaterally. Postoperative MRI showed a stable level of hemosiderin deposition and meningocele repair. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to evaluate for continued clinical stabilization or possible improvement.

A Stepwise Approach: Decreasing Infection in Deep Brain Stimulation for Childhood Dystonic Cerebral Palsy.

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, which cause twisting movements or abnormal postures. Deep brain stimulation has been used to improve the quality of life for secondary dystonia caused by cerebral palsy. Despite being a viable treatment option for childhood dystonic cerebral palsy, deep brain stimulation is associated with a high rate of infection in children. The authors present a small series of patients with dystonic cerebral palsy who underwent a stepwise approach for bilateral globus pallidus interna deep brain stimulation placement in order to decrease the rate of infection. Four children with dystonic cerebral palsy who underwent a total of 13 surgical procedures (electrode and battery placement) were identified via a retrospective review. There were zero postoperative infections. Using a multistaged surgical plan for pediatric patients with dystonic cerebral palsy undergoing deep brain stimulation may help to reduce the risk of infection.

Identification of Preoperative and Intraoperative Risk Factors for Complications in the Elderly Undergoing Elective Craniotomy.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical patients are aging as the general population is becoming older. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients ≥65 years of age who underwent an elective craniotomy from 2007 to 2015 to identify risk factors for 30-day morbidity/mortality was conducted. Key preoperative variables included age, comorbidities, and functional status based on the Karnofsky Performance Status score and modified Rankin Scale score. Outcome variables included long-term care (LTC) complications, neurologic complications, systemic/infectious complications, length of stay, functional outcomes, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 286 patients ≥65 years underwent elective craniotomy at Loyola University Medical Center over 8 years. Seventy-two patients had a preoperative neurologic deficit and 95 had a systemic morbidity before surgery. Postoperative neurologic and systemic morbidity was 14% and 23%, respectively. 7% of patients experienced a LTC complication and 5 patients (1.7%) died. Worse preoperative scores on both the Karnofsky Performance Status and modified Rankin Scale predicted increased length of stay and mortality (P < 0.05). Univariable and multivariable analyses showed that patients with preoperative motor deficit, altered mental status, congestive heart failure, smoking history, and chronic steroid use were all more likely to have an LTC complication, and increased anesthesia time and estimated blood loss increased risk for LTC, neurologic, and systemic/infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies factors that predict perioperative complications for elderly patients undergoing elective craniotomies, particularly congestive heart failure, smoking history, chronic steroid use, anesthesia time, and estimated blood loss. Age alone should not preclude elective craniotomy.