Intraoperative application of triamcinolone - a risk factor for delayed CSF fistula formation?

PURPOSE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a well-known complication in spinal surgery, caused mostly by incidental durotomy (ID). However, delayed pseudomeningocele formation has been described in patients following an unremarkable surgery - without ID. Intraoperative and epidural triamcinolone application has been suspected to be a potential risk factor. This study was conducted to evaluate the management of ID and identify further risk factors for secondary CSF fistula formation. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee, a total of about 5512 patients, who underwent spine surgery between January 2014 and December 2017, were retrospectively reviewed. Of those, 139 cases with intraoperative ID and 15 with delayed pseudomeningocele formation were extracted and analyzed to identify potential risk factors for a late presenting dural injury (LPDI). RESULTS: The incidence of delayed CSF fistulas was 0.27%, with 15 patients presenting with a secondary symptomatic CSF fistula following an unremarkable surgery. Triamcinolone was identified as a risk factor (p<0.001) for pseudomeningocele formation with an OR of 11.5, as it was applied in 80.0% (n=12) of these cases. Revision surgery was performed at a mean period of 6 weeks after initial surgery. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective analysis, intraoperative application of triamcinolone was significantly associated with a high rate of delayed CSF fistulas. It should therefore be used with caution and only after weighing in potential negative side effects.

Early surgery determines recovery of motor deficits in lumbar disc herniations-a prospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intervertebral disc herniation undergo surgical removal of herniated disc material in cases of persisting symptoms and/or neurologic deficits. While motor deficits often prompt surgery, little is known about the optimal timing of surgery in these cases. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the impact of timing of disc surgery on motor recovery. Does postponing surgical treatment worsen outcome? METHOD: In total, 120 patients with sciatica and/or sensorimotor deficits due to a lumbar disc herniation were surgically treated at the authors' center within a 3-month period. In 60 patients, motor deficits were present at the time of admission. Motor function was assessed using manual muscle testing and subdivided according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Patient demographics, neurologic deficits, duration of motor deficits, treatment characteristics, and outcome were assessed. At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, functional recovery and complications were collated. Patients were subdivided into groups according to the severity of the paresis (MRC ≤ 3/5 vs. MRC 4/5). Intra-group differences were compared based on the duration of the neurologic deficits. RESULTS: Patients with moderate and severe paresis (MRC ≤ 3/5) benefit from treatment within 72 h as they were shown to have a significantly higher complete recovery rate at 1-year follow-up (75% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Immediate surgery should be offered to patients with moderate and severe motor deficits to increase the likelihood of neurologic recovery. This prospective data may have an impact on emergency triage in these patients.

Cerebral Energy Status and Altered Metabolism in Early Severe TBI: First Results of a Prospective 31P-MRS Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) represents a serious public health issue with high morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of sTBI patients. Phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) is an imaging technique for evaluation of energy metabolites. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and the diagnostic potential of ultra-early 31P-MRS to detect changes in cerebral energy metabolism in sTBI. METHODS: Adult patients with sTBI presenting with GCS ≤ 8 being eligible for MRI were prospectively included in the study and MRI was performed within 72 h after trauma. Imaging was performed using a 3 Tesla MRI. 31P-MRS data from the structurally affected side were compared to data from normal appearing contralateral areas symmetrically to the location of the traumatic lesions, and to data of matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Ten sTBI patients (3 female, 7 male), aged between 20 and 75 years, with a mean initial GCS of 6 were analyzed. MRI was performed 61 h (mean, range 37-71 h) after trauma. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the lesioned side and contralaterally. An increased PCr/ATP ratio and a decreased PME/PDE ratio were present in structurally normal appearing, but traumatized tissue when compared to the healthy population, thus indicating significant differences in ATP resynthesis and membrane turnover (F (2,33), P = 0.005 and, P = 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION: 31P-MRS could provide a better understanding of pertinent global changes in cerebral energy metabolism in sTBI patients under general anesthesia.

Sacral fracture associated with a Tarlov cyst causing an anterior sacral CSF fistula and intraventricular fat emboli - a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Sacral fractures are rare and either associated with high-energy trauma or osteoporosis in most cases. A search of the current literature on sacral fractures and cerebrospinal fluid fistula identified only few cases. Pathological fractures are uncommon and exceedingly rare in case of Tarlov cysts. Sacral fractures can be missed in oligosymptomatic patients. However, severe complications may emerge as shown by this case report. METHODS: We present the case of a pathological sacral fracture at the level S2/3 following a low-impact trauma, associated with a Tarlov cyst, which was complicated by an anterior CSF fistula and intraventricular fat emboli. RESULTS: The patient was treated conservatively with strict bedrest and a CT-guided blood patch. Postponed mobilization was successful with decreasing orthostatic symptoms. Follow-up MRI and CT imaging showed a complete resolution of the ventral CSF fistula and ossification of the fracture. The intraventricular fat did not resolve, however, there was no radiological sign of hydrocephalus with excellent clinical outcome at 6-months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although exceedingly rare, sacral Tarlov cysts may be associated with pathological fractures of the sacrum. Relevant complications can emerge and need to be properly addressed.

Transcallosal, transchoroidal clipping of a hypothalamic collateral vessel aneurysm in Moyamoya disease.

Peripheral collateral vessel aneurysms in Moyamoya disease (MMD) remain difficult to treat due to their deep location, small size, and vascular fragility. We report the case of an aneurysm localized in the hypothalamus, which was rapidly increasing in size with repeated hemorrhage despite revascularization surgery. Aneurysm clipping was performed to prevent further progress and rerupture with favorable outcome. To our best knowledge, this is the first description of a hypothalamic aneurysm in MMD being clipped via a transcallosal, transchoroidal approach through the third ventricle.

T2-Weighted-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Hyperintensity on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Associated With Aggressive Symptoms in Patients With Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas.

Background and Purpose- Several angiographic factors of dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are associated with aggressive presentation and poor natural history. We examined the association of magnetic resonance imaging T2-weighted-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery (T2/FLAIR) hyperintensity with aggressive presentation. Methods- A cohort of dAVF patients from 2 centers was retrospectively examined. T2/FLAIR hyperintensity was determined by blinded, de-identified review and compared with angiographic grade and presenting symptoms. Results- T2/FLAIR hyperintensity was only identified in dAVF patients with cortical venous drainage (CVD). Among patients with CVD, those with T2/FLAIR hyperintensity were more likely to present with aggressive symptoms (20/23, 87.0%) than those without (6/21, 28.5%), P<0.001. All cured dAVFs with symptom resolution and available post-treatment imaging had resolution of T2/FLAIR hyperintensity. Conclusions- T2/FLAIR hyperintensity strongly correlates with aggressive presentation and CVD in dAVF patients, and may identify a subset that would benefit from early treatment.

Management of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: What factors play the most important role in outcome?

BACKGROUND: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are an uncommon, heterogeneous group of aneurysms with poorer clinical outcomes compared to other intracranial aneurysms. We performed a multicenter retrospective study to analyze the outcome in a large series of patients treated with modern microsurgical and endovascular techniques. METHODS: Records of 94 patients treated for PICA aneurysms between 2000 and 2015 at three large tertiary referral centers were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients met inclusion criteria and of these, two died before treatment, leaving 81 treated patients (43 underwent endovascular and 38 surgical treatment). Among patients treated endovascularly, procedure-related complications occurred in four cases (11.8%). Six patients (19.4%) suffered from complications directly associated with surgery. Recurrences occurred in 0% of surgical and in 16.3% of endovascularly treated patients, requiring treatment. Patients with unruptured asymptomatic aneurysms had good outcomes. In the group of 67 ruptured aneurysms, 16 endovascularly (47.1%) and 15 surgically (48.4%) treated patients had modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 3-6. Of patients in poor neurological condition (Hunt & Hess (H&H) IV-V at admission), 84.6% suffered a poor clinical outcome. Fifty percent of patients with distal and 31.9% patients with proximal ruptured PICA aneurysms suffered a poor neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This study of PICA aneurysms demonstrates that results of both treatment modalities are comparable. However, endovascular treatment is associated with higher risks of recurrence, requiring additional treatment. Outcomes were mostly impacted by clinical state at admission.

Safety and efficacy of treatment strategies for posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the safety and efficacy of treatment strategies for PICA aneurysms. METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science was done for studies published through November 2015. We included studies that described treatment of PICA aneurysms with ≥10 patients. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following outcomes: complete occlusion, technical success, periprocedural morbidity/mortality, stroke rates, aneurysm recurrence/rebleed, CN palsies rates, and long-term neurological morbidity/mortality. RESULTS: We included 29 studies with 796 PICA aneurysms. When considering all ruptured PICA aneurysms, complete occlusion rates were 97.1 % (95 % CI = 94.5-99.0 %) in the surgical group and 84.3 % (95 % CI = 73.8-92.6 %) in the endovascular group. Aneurysm recurrence occurred in 1.4 % (95 % CI = 0.3-3.3 %) after surgery and in 6.9 % (95 % CI = 3.6-10.9 %) after endovascular treatment. Overall neurological morbidity and mortality were 14.4 % (95 % CI = 8.7-21.2 %) and 9.8 % (95 % CI = 5.8-14.8 %) after surgery and 15.1 % (95 % CI = 10.5-20.2 %) and 17.1 % (95 % CI = 11.5-23.7 %) after endovascular treatment, respectively. When considering all unruptured PICA aneurysms, complete occlusion rates were 92.9 % (95 % CI = 79.5-100 %) in the surgical group and 75.7 % (95 % CI = 45.4-97.1 %) in the endovascular group. Overall long-term good neurological outcome rates were 91.5 % (95 % CI = 74.4-100 %) in the surgical series and 93.3 % (95 % CI = 82.7-99.5 %) in the endovascular group. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that both treatment modalities are technically feasible with high rates of technical success and effective with sufficient long-term aneurysm occlusion rates. Our data suggest that surgery is associated with superior angiographic outcomes. While endovascular therapy could be a reasonable first-line treatment option for proximal PICA aneurysms, surgery remains a highly effective first-line choice for distal PICA aneurysms. These findings should be considered when deciding the best therapeutic strategy.

Cervical corpectomies: results of a survey and review of the literature on diagnosis, indications, and surgical technique.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical corpectomy is an uncommon procedure and there are only limited data on the procedure's indications, surgical approaches, and complications. The diagnosis, indications, surgical planning, and complications of cervical corpectomy were therefore surveyed to clarify the treatment strategies used by spinal surgeons in central Europe, with special attention to preoperative planning and decision-making for additional dorsal approaches in multilevel cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey with 18 questions on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of cervical corpectomies was conducted. The relevant specialist societies in Germany and Austria provided 1137 contacts for surgeons, and the responses were compared with recent literature reports. RESULTS: In all, 302 surgeons (27 %) completed the survey, with wide variability in the treatment options offered. Most (51 %) perform fewer than five anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) procedures per year; 35 % do 5-20 per year. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) was preferred by 41 % of the participants to laminoplasty/laminectomy (19 %/16 %) and ACCF (12 %). Most indications for ACCF involved degenerative (27 %), traumatic (17 %), and neoplastic (20 %) conditions. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were mainly associated with hardware failure. One-third of the surgeons tend to use an additional dorsal approach to increase the corpectomy construct's stability for either two-level or three-level corpectomies. CONCLUSIONS: There is no current consensus in central Europe on the treatment of complex cervical disease and cervical corpectomy. The procedure is still rare, and the need for additional dorsal fixation is unclear. Further studies are needed in order to establish evidence-based standards for patient care.

Safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for intracranial infectious aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial infectious aneurysms (IIAs), or mycotic aneurysms are rare, representing between 0.7% and 5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. To clarify the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of IIAs, we conducted a systematic review of the literature analyzing periprocedural and long-term clinical and angiographic outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature for studies with ≥3 patients related to endovascular treatment of IIAs published through September 2015 was performed. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following outcomes: complete occlusion, technical success, aneurysm recurrence, rebleeding, perioperative mortality, iatrogenic rupture, perioperative stroke, procedure-related morbidity and mortality, long-term neurological morbidity and mortality, and overall good neurological outcome. RESULTS: We included 11 non-comparative studies with 86 target IIAs. Complete occlusion rates were 95.3% (95% CI=91.2-99.4%). Recurrence occurred in 7.9% (95% CI=2.7-13.0%). Rebleeding occurred in 5.8% (95% CI=1.4-10.3%) of patients. Procedure-related morbidity was 12.6% (95% CI=6.1-19.2%) and procedure-related mortality was 6.1% (95% CI=1.5-10.8%). Long-term good neurological outcome was 68.0% (95% CI=55.1-80.9%). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that endovascular treatment is technically feasible and effective with high rates of IIA occlusion. Despite the comorbidities of patients, endovascular approach was associated with acceptable rates of procedure-related morbidity and satisfactory rates of overall good neurological outcome.

Safety and efficacy of microsurgical treatment of previously coiled aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment of previously coiled aneurysms. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature for studies on surgical treatment of previously coiled aneurysms was conducted. For each study, the following data were extracted: patient demographics, initial clinical status, location and size of aneurysms, time interval between initial/last endovascular procedure and surgery, surgical indications, and microsurgical technique. We performed subgroup analyses to compare direct clipping versus coil removal and clipping versus parent vessel occlusion, early (<4 weeks post-coiling) versus late surgery and anterior versus posterior circulation. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with 466 patients and 471 intracranial aneurysms were included. All of the studies were retrospective and non-comparative case-series. Patients undergoing direct clipping had lower perioperative morbidity (5.0 %, 95 % CI = 2.6-7.4 %) when compared to those undergoing coil removal and clipping (11.1 %, 95 % CI = 5.3-17.0 %) or parent vessel occlusion (13.1 %, 95 % CI = 4.6-21.6 %) (p = 0.05). Patients receiving early surgery (<4 weeks post-coiling) had significantly lower rates of good neurological outcome (77.1 %, 95 % CI = 69.3-84.8 %) when compared to those undergoing late surgery (92.1 %, 95 % CI = 89.0-95.2 %) (p < 0.01). There were higher rates of long-term neurological morbidity in the posterior circulation group (23.1 vs. 4.7 %, p < 0.01) as well as long-term neurological mortality (4.4 vs. 2.8 %, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests that surgical treatment is safe and effective. Our data indicate that aneurysms that are amenable to direct clipping have superior outcomes. Late surgery was also associated with better clinical outcomes. Surgery of recurrent posterior circulation aneurysms was associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Given the characteristics of the included studies, the quality of evidence of this meta-analysis is limited.

Lumbar Disc Herniation­the Significance of Symptom Duration for the Indication for Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc surgery is among the more common spinal procedures. In this paper, we report the current treatment recommendations for patients with symptomatic disc herniation. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search in PubMed using the terms [timing] AND [lumbar disc herniation], supplemented by other relevant articles and guidelines. RESULTS: Symptoms resolve in 60% to 80% of patients with herniated discs in 6-12 weeks, and in 80% to 90% over the long term (≥ 1 year). According to the guidelines, 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment are recommended in the absence of significant neurologic deficits. Early surgery is indicated in case of worsening pain or new onset of neurologic deficits. Lumbar disc herniation associated bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome) is considered an absolute surgical emergency that requires immediate decompression (within 24 to 48 hours). Patients with severe motor deficits (MRC ≤ 3/5) benefit from early intervention and should be offered surgery within three days, if possible, for the best chance of recovery. The degree of weakness and the duration of symptoms have been identified as risk factors for incomplete recovery. Early surgery can be considered in patients with mild paresis (MRC 4/5) in case of functional impairment (e.g., quadriceps paresis). CONCLUSION: Longer symptom duration and lower motor scores are associated with worse outcome and a lower chance of neurologic recovery. The recovery rate for motor deficits ranges from 33% to 75%, depending on the timing and modality of treatment as well as the motor score.

Could Phosphorous MR Spectroscopy Help Predict the Severity of Vasospasm? A Pilot Study.

One of the main causes of the dismal prognosis in patients who survive the initial bleeding after aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage is the delayed cerebral ischaemia caused by vasospasm. Studies suggest that cerebral magnesium and pH may potentially play a role in the pathophysiology of this adverse event. Using phosphorous magnetic resonance spectrocopy (31P-MRS), we calculated the cerebral magnesium (Mg) and pH levels in 13 patients who suffered from aSAH. The values between the group that developed clinically significant vasospasm (n = 7) and the group that did not (n = 6) were compared. The results of this study show significantly lower cerebral Mg levels (p = 0.019) and higher pH levels (p < 0.001) in the cumulative group (all brain voxels together) in patients who developed clinically significant vasospasm. Further clinical studies on a larger group of carefully selected patients are needed in order to predict clinically significant vasospasm.

Open Microsurgical Cerebral Aneurysm Treatment After Failed Endovascular Therapy: An Evaluation of Aneurysm Treatment Frequencies in All Neurovascular Centers Across Austria and the Czech Republic Over 20 Years.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms has tremendously advanced over the past decades. Nevertheless, aneurysm residual and recurrence remain challenges after embolization. The objective of this study was to elucidate the portion of embolized aneurysms requiring open surgery and evaluate whether newer endovascular treatments have changed the need for open surgery after failed embolization. METHODS: All 15 cerebrovascular centers in Austria and the Czech Republic provided overall aneurysm treatment frequency data and retrospectively reviewed consecutive cerebral aneurysms treated with open surgical treatment after failure of embolization from 2000 to 2022. All endovascular modalities were included. RESULTS: On average, 1362 aneurysms were treated annually in the 2 countries. The incidence increased from 0.006% in 2005 to 0.008% in 2020 in the overall population. Open surgery after failed endovascular intervention was necessary in 128 aneurysms (0.8%), a proportion that remained constant over time. Subarachnoid hemorrhage was the initial presentation in 70.3% of aneurysms. The most common location was the anterior communicating artery region (40.6%), followed by the middle cerebral artery (25.0%). The median diameter was 6 mm (2-32). Initial endovascular treatment included coiling (107 aneurysms), balloon-assist (10), stent-assist (4), intrasaccular device (3), flow diversion (2), and others (2). Complete occlusion after initial embolization was recorded in 40.6%. Seventy-one percent of aneurysms were operated within 3 years after embolization. In 7%, the indication for surgery was (re-)rupture and, in 88.3%, reperfusion. Device removal was performed in 16.4%. Symptomatic intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 10.2%. Complete aneurysm occlusion after open surgery was achieved in 94%. CONCLUSION: Open surgery remains a rare indication for cerebral aneurysms after failed endovascular embolization even in the age of novel endovascular technology, such as flow diverters and intrasaccular devices. Regardless, it is mostly performed for ruptured aneurysms initially treated with primary coiling that are in the anterior circulation.

Bed rest after incidental durotomy in lumbar surgery: a redundant measure in case of watertight dural repair.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) leaks are a well-known complication in spinal surgery, caused mostly by incidental durotomy (ID). Management of ID is a matter of ongoing debate. Different treatment strategies have been described ranging from no specific treatment to intraoperative suture or even complex reconstructive procedures. The role of bedrest has also been controversially discussed. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate a potential benefit of postoperative bedrest after ID. METHODS: ID management following lumbar spine surgery at a high-volume center between 01/2014 and 12/2017 was retrospectively assessed. Several risk factors such as type of surgery, size of dural lesion, intraoperatively chosen strategy, postoperative management (e.g., bedrest) and surgery-related complications were analyzed. Failure of the chosen strategy was defined as symptomatic CSF leakage, requiring revision surgery. RESULTS: Sufficient data was available for 135 patients with intraoperatively detected incidental durotomy. Eighty-seven patients with intraoperatively detected ID (64.4%) were additionally managed with bedrest, whereas 48 patients (35.6%) were immediately mobilized after surgery. Sixteen patients overall needed to be revised. However, patients treated with additional bedrest did not show a significant reduction of CSF fistula rate (P=0.27). The degree of laceration (>5mm) negatively affected the outcome (P=0.027). The hospital stay was significantly prolonged in patients, who were subjected to additional bedrest (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative CSF leakage represents a serious postoperative complication of lumbar surgery. Intraoperative dural repair plays a crucial role to avoid further neurological morbidity. Postoperative bedrest might be spared in case of watertight dural closure.

CSF metabolomics alterations after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: what do we know?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this mini review is to describe metabolomics in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its potential in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). In brain injury, patients' micro dialysis enables detecting biochemical change in brain tissue. Indicators for ischemia were detected such as lactate, pyruvate, glucose, and glutamate. In aSAH patients, the pathophysiology and the factor for poor outcome are not completely understood yet. Routine use of biomarkers in CSF, particularly in aSAH patients, is still lacking. METHODS: This mini review was performed on the role of metabolomics alterations after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. RESULTS: We identified five clinical studies that addressed metabolomics in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence suggesting that biomarkers can give insight in the pathogenesis and can serve as an outcome predictor. In this mini review, we present a brief overview of metabolomics profiling in neuroscience and wish to discuss the predictive and therapeutic value in aSAH patients.

Current Treatment Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Prevailing Trends and Results in Tanzania: A Single-Center Experience at Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute.

BACKGROUND: In Africa, no cerebral aneurysm treatment guidelines exist. Epidemiology, management, and outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain poorly understood, with many underdiagnosed cases. Muhimbili Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery Institute (MOI) is the only neurosurgical referral center in Tanzania. The aim of this study is to describe the current aSAH management with regional outcomes and limitations. METHODS: Patients with aSAH confirmed by computed tomography/magnetic resonance angiography between February 2019 and June 2021 were retrospectively studied. The analyzed parameters included demographics, clinical/radiologic characteristics, injury characteristics, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. RESULTS: In total, 22 patients, with a female/male ratio of 1.4 and a median age of 54 years (interquartile range [IQR], 47.2-63 years) harboring 24 aneurysms were analyzed. Thirteen patients (59.1%) paid out of pocket. The median distance traveled by patients was 537 km (IQR, 34.7-635 km). The median time between admission and treatment was 12 days (IQR, 3.2-39 days). The most common symptoms were headache (n = 20; 90.9%) and high blood pressure (n = 10; 45.4%). Nine patients (40.9%) had Fisher grade 1 and 12 (54.5%) World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade I. The most common aneurysms were of the middle cerebral artery (7/29.2%). Fourteen patients (63.6%) underwent clipping; of those, only 4 (28.6%) were operated on within 72 hours. Mortality was 62.5% in the nonsurgical group. Among clipped patients, 78.6% showed favorable outcomes, with no mortality. Endovascular treatment is not available in Tanzania. CONCLUSIONS: To our best knowledge, this is the first study highlighting aSAH management in Tanzania, with its assets and shortcomings. Our data show pertinent differences among international treatment guidelines, with the resultant outcomes, such as high preoperative mortality resulting from delayed/postponed treatment. Regional difficult circumstances notwithstanding, our long-term goal is to significantly improve the overall management of aSAH in Tanzania.

Link between both infratentorial and supratentorial intracranial pressure burdens and final outcome in patients with infratentorial brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is most likely not being transmitted uniformly within the cranium. The ICP profiles in the supra- and infratentorial compartments remain largely unclear. Increased ICP in the cerebellum, however, is insufficiently captured by supratentorial ICP (ICPsup) monitoring due to compartmentalization through the tentorium. The authors hypothesized that additional infratentorial ICP (ICPinf) monitoring can be clinically valuable in selected patients. The aims of this study were to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of ICPinf monitoring and to investigate the influence of the ICPinf on clinical outcome in a real-world setting. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive patients with posterior fossa (PF) lesions requiring surgery and anticipated prolonged neurointensive care between June 2019 and December 2021 were included. Simultaneous ICPsup and ICPinf were recorded. ICP burden was defined as a 15-minute interval with a mean ICP > 22 mm Hg. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score was assessed after 3 months. RESULTS: The mean ICPinf was substantially higher compared with ICPsup throughout the entire period of ICP recording (16.08 ± 4.44 vs 10.74 ± 3.6 mm Hg, p < 0.01). ICPinf was significantly higher in patients with unfavorable outcome when compared with those with favorable outcome (mean 17.2 ± 4.1 vs 11.4 ± 3.5 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Patients with unfavorable outcome showed significantly higher ICPinf burden compared with those with favorable outcome (mean 40.6 ± 43.8 vs 0.3 ± 0.4 hours, p < 0.05). Neither absolute ICPsup nor ICPsup burden was significantly associated with unfavorable outcome (p = 0.13). No monitoring-associated complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementary ICPinf monitoring is safe and reliable. There is a significant transtentorial pressure gradient within the cranium showing elevated ICPs in the PF. Elevated ICP levels in the PF were strongly associated with unfavorable neurological outcome irrespective of ICPsup values.

A randomized, single ascending dose safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics study of NicaPlant® in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients undergoing clipping.

Introduction: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Post-hemorrhagic vasospasm with neurological deterioration is a major concern in this context. NicaPlant®, a modified release formulation of the calcium channel blocker nicardipine, has shown vasodilator efficacy preclinically and a similar formulation known as NPRI has shown anti-vasospasm activity in aSAH patients under compassionate use. Research question: The study aimed to assess pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of NicaPlant® pellets to prevent vasospasm after clip ligation in aSAH. Material and methods: In this multicenter, controlled, randomized, dose escalation trial we assessed the safety and tolerability of NicaPlant®. aSAH patients treated by clipping were randomized to receive up to 13 NicaPlant® implants, similarly to the dose of NPRIs previous used, or standard of care treatment. Results: Ten patients across four dose groups were treated with NicaPlant® (3-13 implants) while four patients received standard of care. 45 non-serious and 13 serious adverse events were reported, 4 non-serious adverse events and 5 serious adverse events assessed a probable or possible causal relationship to the investigational medical product. Across the NicaPlant® groups there was 1 case of moderate vasospasm, while in the standard of care group there were 2 cases of severe vasospasm. Discussion and conclusion: The placement of NicaPlant® during clip ligation of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm raised no safety concern. The dose of 10 NicaPlant® implants was selected for further clinical studies.

The effect of the Dar es Salaam neurosurgery training course on self-reported neurosurgical knowledge and confidence.

Introduction: The Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine organises an annual neurosurgery training course in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The course teaches theory and practical skills in neurotrauma, neurosurgery, and neurointensive care to attendees from across Tanzania and East Africa. This is the only neurosurgical course in Tanzania, where there are few neurosurgeons and limited access to neurosurgical care and equipment. Research question: To investigate the change in self-reported knowledge and confidence in neurosurgical topics amongst the 2022 course attendees. Material and methods: Course participants completed pre and post course questionnaires about their background and self-rated their knowledge and confidence in neurosurgical topics on a five point scale from one (poor) to five (excellent). Responses after the course were compared with those before the course. Results: Four hundred and seventy participants registered for the course, of whom 395(84%) practiced in Tanzania. Experience ranged from students and newly qualified professionals to nurses with more than 10 years of experience and specialist doctors. Both doctors and nurses reported improved knowledge and confidence across all neurosurgical topics following the course. Topics with lower self-ratings prior to the course showed greater improvement. These included neurovascular, neuro-oncology, and minimally invasive spine surgery topics. Suggestions for improvement were mostly related to logistics and course delivery rather than content. Discussion and conclusion: The course reached a wide range of health care professionals in the region and improved neurosurgical knowledge, which should benefit patient care in this underserved region.