The Influence of Embolization of Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms on Arterial Tortuosity: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To measure changes in quantitative tortuosity descriptors of the internal carotid artery (ICA) after intracranial aneurysm embolization, and to determine possible factors associated with changes in tortuosity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of 52 patients with embolized intracranial aneurysms was performed. ICA tortuosity was assessed by digital subtraction angiograms obtained prior to the embolization and after the first follow-up examination. For each patient, tortuosity descriptors were calculated: relative length (RL), sum of angle metrics (SOAM), triangular index, product of angle distance (PAD), and inflection count metric (ICM). To represent changes in tortuosity for each descriptor, delta (Δ) value was defined as value of the descriptor prior to embolization minus value of the descriptor on follow-up examination. RESULTS: In a median follow-up of 14 months, no statistically significant changes in tortuosity were observed on the nonembolized side. On the embolized side, SOAM (2.89 [SD ± 0.92] vs 2.38 [SD ± 0.94]; P < .001), PAD (5.01 [SD ± 1.83] vs 3.95 [SD ± 1.72]; P < .001), and ICM (12.18 [SD ± 4.55] vs 9.76 [SD ± 4.04]; P = .006) were significantly higher after embolization than before embolization. Median ΔRL (-0.02 [-0.045 to 0.002] vs -0.01 [-0.02 to 0.003]; P = .003), ΔPAD (0.84 [0.30-1.82] vs 0.10 [-0.001 to 1.10]; P < .001), and ΔICM (2.05 [0.42-3.50] vs 0.27 [0.02-2.16]; P = .004) were significantly higher on the embolized side. Tortuosity correlated with elapsed time after embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Tortuosity of the ipsilateral ICA increased after intracranial aneurysm embolization.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms: Why should we focus on small aneurysms? A comprehensive update of recent findings.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are a significant public health concern because they have the potential to cause deva-stating consequences, including death and disability. Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment modalities, the outcomes for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) remain poor, with high rates of rebleeding, vasospasm, and cerebral ischaemia. IAs are a significant risk factor for aSAH, and it is estimated that up to 3% of the general population have IAs. Recent studies using novel imaging modalities have shown that the prevalence of IAs may be much higher, with 6.6% of adults aged 40-84 years having intradural saccular IAs ≥ 2 mm. The risk of rupture for IAs is difficult to predict, and the decision to treat them invasively is based on a balance between the estimated rupture risk and the procedural risks of the treatment. However, the mortality and morbidity rates among patients treated for IAs can be as high as 5%. There is a need for clear guidelines on the treatment of IAs, and this review aims to provide an update on recent findings in this area. To achieve this goal, the authors identified and summarized recent, high-impact studies on IAs. The review focuses on the diagnostic and treatment options for IAs, as well as the risks associated with these interventions. The authors also provide an overview of the natural history of IAs and discuss the challenges and uncertainties in managing these patients.

Endoscopic treatment of cystic craniopharyngiomas in elderly patients. Report of three cases with a review.

Craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors with peak incidence between 5-14 and between 65-74 years of age. Treatment of choice is surgical resection, sometimes associated with radiation therapy. Complete tumor resection may be challenging. Radical surgery is particularly risky in older patients. Authors evaluate three cases of large cystic craniopharyngioma in patients in their 7th and 8th decade of life operated with the use of endoscopic technique. The postoperative follow-up period in which out- patient controls with imaging examinations were performed was up to 6 years. Symptoms of intracranial hypertension resolved in all patients in the immediate postoperative period. Visual acuity improved in two patients. No cases of aseptic meningitis have been reported. One patient underwent subsequent radio- therapy. The well-being of the operated patients continued. Endoscopic transventricular approach to cystic craniopharyngiomas may be a safe and effective approach in older patients, being an alternative to microsurgical procedures.

Increased tortuosity of basilar artery might be associated with higher risk of aneurysm development.

OBJECTIVES: We analysed tortuosity of basilar artery (BA) to determine its relationship with the presence of aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 71 patients with BA aneurysms along with 71 age- and risk factors-matched control patients without BA aneurysm. From patients' medical records, we obtained their history including previous and current diseases and medications. For each patient, we calculated relative length (RL), sum of angle metrics (SOAM), triangular index (TI), product of angle distance (PAD) and inflexion count metrics (ICM). We used t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and χ2 test for dichotomised variables. To find independent predictors of BA aneurysm, we employed logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We found significant positive correlation between age and SOAM (R = 0.195, p = 0.02) and PAD (R = 0.199, p = 0.018). Our study also showed that patients with BA aneurysm had significantly higher SOAM (0.21 ± 0.16 vs. 0.11 ± 0.08; p < 0.01), PAD (0.30 ± 0.19 vs. 0.18 ± 0.11; p < 0.01), TI (0.23 ± 0.23 vs. 0.10 ± 0.16; p < 0.01) and ICM (0.20 ± 0.16 vs. 0.15 ± 0.11; p = 0.045). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for all possible confounders, SOAM (OR = 1.086; 95% CI 1.046-1.136; p < 0.01) and TI (OR = 1.004; 95%C: 1.002-1.006; p < 0.01) remained independently associated with higher risk of BA aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Increased tortuosity of BA is associated with higher risk of its aneurysm development. KEY POINTS: • Basilar artery sum of angle metrics and product of angle distance are correlated with age. • Basilar artery tortuosity is independently associated with higher risk of its aneurysm development. • Basilar artery tortuosity is positively correlated with its diameter and bifurcation angle.

Intracranial aneurysm distribution and characteristics according to gender.

OBJECTIVE: Female sex is associated with a greater prevalence of cerebral aneurysms. However, it also might be linked to the location and size of the aneurysm. The aim of this study was to find the link between female sex and aneurysm characteristics. METHODS: Our study group consisted of 357 patients admitted to the hospital with both unruptured and ruptured aneurysms confirmed by Digital Subtraction Angiography or Computed Tomography Angiography and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage confirmed by head CT. Patients' medical records were analyzed for necessary information including, but not limited to medical history, blood test results, and aneurysm prevalence, size and location. RESULTS: Women constituted 232 (64.98%) of all patients. In this group, compared to males, we observed a more common occurrence of multiple aneurysms (1.35 ± 0.67 vs. 1.2 ± 0.57; p = .046) and left internal carotid artery aneurysms (25.88% vs. 13.93%; p < .01). Anterior communicating artery aneurysms were less common (17.11% vs. 31.15%; p < .01). Women also had lower dome-to-neck ratios (2.16 ± 0.82 vs. 2.82 ± 1.92; p < .01), were less likely to be smokers (53.6% vs. 33.19%; p < .01) and smoked fewer cigarettes per day (15.09 ± 6.62 vs. 21.09 ± 11.08; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Female patients have a greater risk of multiple aneurysms and left internal carotid artery aneurysms, but a lower risk of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

Predictive factors of complications post intracranial meningioma surgery leading to early unplanned reoperations - a single center study.

INTRODUCTION: Complications occurring after neurosurgical procedures which lead to reoperations are associated with poor treatment outcomes. The aim of our study was to establish predictive factors of unplanned early reoperations after intracranial meningioma removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 177 patients who underwent craniotomy due to an intracranial meningioma. Early reoperation was de ned as reoperation during the same hospital stay. We used a χ2 test for proportional values and t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate for continuous variables. To determine the potential predictors of early reoperation we used univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 13 (7.34%) patients underwent unplanned early reoperation. These patients underwent retrosigmoid craniotomies (25.00% vs. 6.40%; p = 0.047), suffered from ischemic heart disease (66.67% vs. 6.64%; p <0.01) and atrial fibrillation (60.00% vs. 6.25%; p <0.01), were receiving heparin (50.00% vs. 6.74%; p <0.01) and anticoagulants (66.67% vs. 6.21%; p <0.01) significantly more often than the general study population. In multivariate logistic regression analysis anticoagulant use (OR: 31.463; 95% CI: 1.139-868.604; p = 0.04) and retrosigmoid craniotomy (OR: 6.642; 95% CI: 1.139-38.73; p = 0.034) remained independently associated with a higher risk of early reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy, those with a history of ischemic heart disease or atrial fibrillation and those who take heparin or anticoagulants are more likely to require early reoperation. Retrosigmoid craniotomy and anticoagulant use are independent risk factors for early reoperation.

[In the 100 birth anniversary of the pioneer of stereotactic brain surgery in Poland professor Oskar Liszka. Functional neurosurgery in Poland and in Krakow]. / W 100 rocznice urodzin doc. dr hab. med. Oskara Liszki pioniera stereotaksji mózgu w Polsce. Neurochirurgia czynnosciowa w Polsce i w Krakowie.

This article is the report from the meeting of the Medical Society of Cracow, that has been devoted to the 100 birth anniversary of Oskar Liszka, Assoc. Prof., MD. In the course of the meeting Professor Oskar Liszka's figure has been reminded and his work as a pioneer of stereotactic surgery in Poland has been discussed. In the next two sections, the development of functional neurosurgery in Poland and achievements in this field in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology of Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum in Krakow have been presented.

[Intramedullary spinal cord cavernous malformations--clinical presentation and optimal management]. / Naczyniaki jamiste rdzenia kregowego --obraz kliniczny i optymalizacja postepowania.

Spinal cord cavernous malformations (scCM) are rare vascular malformation representing approximately 5-12% of all intramedullary lesions. The authors reviewed over 20 publications available and have consolidated existing knowledge on the pathology, epidemiology, clinical and radiological characteristics scCM. scCM management and treatment methods have been outlined concisely and achieved outcomes have been presented. The average age of onset is 42 years without sexual predilections. scCM statistically most commonly occur in the thoracic region--57%, in 9% of patients familiar prevalence is present, in 27% of patients the co-existence of intracerebral vascular malformation is diagnosed. The most common clinical symptoms are the sensory and motor deficits (respectively 65% and 63%). The course of the disease in 54% of cases, is a progressive, slow neurologic deterioration, although it is also observed a rapid onset associated with cavernoma hemorrhage. The risk of hemorrhage is estimated at 2.5% annually. scCM that are located intramedullary, are asymptomatic should be the subject to observation. Cavernomas that are symptomatic, having contact with the surface of spinal cord or exophytic should be subject to surgical treatment that is intended to complete removal. Results of surgical treatment are satisfactory, in about 60% of patients clinical improvement has been observed.

[History of Jagiellonian University Clinic for Nervous and Mental Diseases in 100 anniversary]. / Zarys historii Kliniki Neurologiczno- Psychiatrycznej w 100 rocznice powstania.

In the paper there have been presented the creation and activities of the Clinic of Neuropsychiatry in the period of 1914-1950 and the scientific and organizational work of professor J. Piltz (1870-1930).

Role of aneurysmal hemodynamic changes in pathogenesis of headaches associated with unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: One symptom commonly associated with the presence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is headache. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze factors associated with headaches among patients with intracranial aneurysms, with special consideration of hemodynamic parameters. METHODS: The authors prospectively included 96 patients with 122 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The authors obtained detailed medical history including current diseases and medications, as well as blood pressure values taken during hospitalization from the patients' medical records. The short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered to each patient at admission and 3-6 months after the procedure to assess type and severity of headache. Based on imaging data, the authors obtained 3D reconstruction of each patients' aneurysm dome with feeding artery. The authors performed computational fluid dynamics analysis of blood flow through prepared models using OpenFOAM. Blood was modeled as Newtonian fluid, using the incompressible transient solver. Patient-specific internal carotid artery (ICA) blood velocity waves obtained with Doppler ultrasound were set as inlet boundary conditions. After performing simulation, the authors calculated the hemodynamic parameters of the aneurysm dome. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (31.25%) reported having headaches. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex (OR 2.81, 95% CI 2.51-4.86; p < 0.01), ICA aneurysm location (OR 7.93, 95% CI 5.51-8.52; p < 0.01), multiple aneurysms (OR 6.05, 95% CI 1.83-11.83; p = 0.02), mean dome blood velocity (OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.01-3.30; p < 0.01) and time-averaged wall shear stress (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.47-2.72; p = 0.04) were independently associated with the presence of headache. Additionally, 17 patients (56.67%) reported complete relief of symptoms after the procedure. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the mean blood flow in the ICA was independently associated with complete resolution of headaches after aneurysm treatment (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.57-3.28; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic parameters of intracranial aneurysms might be associated with headaches and their relief after aneurysm treatment.

Can ß-blockers prevent intracranial aneurysm rupture? - insights from Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis.

AIM: Hypertension is a risk factor for intracranial aneurysm rupture. We analyzed whether the intake of drugs from specific classes of anti-hypertensive medications affects hemodynamic parameters of intracranial aneurysm dome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recorded medical history including medications and the in-hospital blood pressure values. We then obtained 3D reconstruction of each patients' aneurysm dome and the feeding artery. Using OpenFOAM software we performed Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis of blood flow through the modeled structures. Blood was modeled as Newtonian fluid, using the incompressible transient solver. As the inlet boundary condition we used the patient-specific Internal Carotid Artery blood velocity waves obtained with Doppler ultrasound. We calculated haemodynamic parameters of the aneurysm dome. All presented analyses are cross-sectional.We included 72 patients with a total of 91 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The history of ß-blocker intake significantly influenced hemodynamic parameters of aneurysm dome. The patients on ß-blockers had significantly smaller aneurysm domes (5.09 ± 2.11 mm vs. 7.41 ± 5.89 mm; p = 0.03) and did not have aneurysms larger than 10 mm (0% vs 17.0%; p = 0.01). In the Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis, walls of aneurysms in patients who took ß-blockers were characterized by lower Wall Shear Stress Gradient (1.67 ± 1.85 Pa vs. 4.3 ± 6.06 Pa; p = 0.03), Oscillatory Shear Index (0.03 ± 0.02 vs. 0.07 ± 0.10; p = 0.04) and Surface Vortex Fraction (16.2% ± 5.2% vs. 20.0% ± 6.8%; p<0.01). After controlling for covariates, we demonstrated difference of Surface Vortex Fraction (F[1, 48] = 4.36; p = 0.04) and Oscillatory Shear Index (F[1, 48] = 6.51; p = 0.01) between patients taking and not taking ß-blockers, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intake of ß-blockers might contribute to more favorable hemodynamics inside aneurysmal sac. Other antihypertensive medication classes were not associated with differences in intracranial aneurysm parameters.

Possible association between ß-blocker use and a risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture.

INTRODUCTION: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating type of stroke, associated with high mortality and morbidity. One of modifiable risk factors of aneurysm rupture is hypertension, however, it is still not clear whether any particular antihypertensive drugs play a significant role in the prevention of aneurysm rupture. OBJECTIVES: We decided to investigate whether there is any association between acetylsalicylic acid, α-blockers, ß­blockers, angiotensin­converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, statins, and anticoagulants and a risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 334 patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Based on logistic regression models, we obtained unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with the use of vasoactive medications and with indices of tortuosity. RESULTS: We found that ß­blocker intake was significantly related to higher tortuosity of the cerebral arteries. Also, the intake of ß­blockers (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.21-0.77; P = 0.01) and statins (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.05-0.68; P = 0.01) significantly decreased the risk of aneurysm rupture, a result driven by a decreased rupture risk of anterior circulation aneurysms. No such association was found for the posterior part of the cerebral circulation. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm located in the anterior cerebral circulation might be less likely to rupture if patients receive ß­blockers or statins.

Association of Imaging-based Predictors with Outcome in Different Treatment Options for Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Intracerebral hemorrhage is the deadliest form of stroke. This study aimed to enhance the prediction of 30-day mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage patients by integrating computational parameters. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 435 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Utilizing the acquired computed tomography (CT) images, we extracted the contour and visual representation of ICH. For the extracted contour, the analysis encompassed factors including compactness, fractal dimension, Fourier factor, and circle factor. For the images depicting ICH, we calculated various factors related to density distribution including mean, coefficient of variance, skewness and kurtosis, as well as texture parameters, such as energy, entropy, contrast and homogeneity. To assess the impact of surgical treatment on 30-day mortality, logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients (29.09%) died within 30 days. A total of 62 (14.25%) patients underwent surgical treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that surgical treatment was independently associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio, OR 0.226, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.049-0.85; p = 0.039). Based on the moderated analysis, we found that the volume of ICH (OR 0.905, 95% CI 0.902-0.908; p < 0.001) and ICH energy (OR 1.389, 95%CI 0.884-0.988; p = 0.010) had positive moderating effect on such associations while the presence of intraventricular blood had negative moderating effect (OR 1.154, 95% CI 1.034-1.628; p = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Patients exhibiting a higher volume and energy of ICH might benefit from surgical treatment; however, this efficacy was found to be diminished in cases involving the presence of intraventricular blood.

[Optic nerve sonography - the non-invasive evaluation of intracranial pressure]. / Badanie ultrasonograficzne nerwów wzrokowych jako metoda nieinwazyjnej oceny cisnienia sródczaszkowego.

Intracranial hypertension is a common life-threatening syndrome caused by a variety of neurological and non-neurological diseases. Enlargement of the optic nerve sheath has been described in patients with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Optic nerve sonography offers rapid bedside assessment of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and has recently been introduced for the noninvasive detection of raised ICP. This study explains the pathophysiology of optic nerve sheath enlargement as a result of intracranial hypertension, describes the technique and clinical use of optic nerve sonography.

Predictors of intraoperative intracranial aneurysm rupture in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative cerebral aneurysm rupture (IOR) is a common phenomenon with a frequency of around 19%. Research regarding IOR lacks an analysis of its predictors. METHODS: We retrospectively examined all saccular aneurysms, in 198 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, surgically treated from 2013 to 2019. Operative reports, patient histories, blood test results, discharge summaries, and radiological data were reviewed. IOR was defined as any bleeding from the aneurysm during surgery, preceding putting a clip on its neck, regardless of how trivial. RESULTS: The frequency of IOR was 20.20%. Patients with IOR had higher aneurysm dome size (9.43 ± 8.39 mm vs. 4.96 ± 2.57 mm; p < 0.01). The presence of blood clot on the aneurysm dome was significantly associated with IOR (12.50% vs. 2.53%; p < 0.01). We also associated lamina terminalis fenestration during surgery (7.50% vs. 21.52%; p = 0.04) and multiple aneurysms (5.00% vs. 18.35%; p = 0.038) with a lower risk of IOR. Glucose blood levels were also elevated in patients with IOR (7.47 ± 2.78 mmol/l vs. 6.90 ± 2.22 mmol/l; p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis associated that urea blood levels (OR 0.55, 0.33 to 0.81, p < 0.01) and multiple aneurysms (OR 0.04, 0.00 to 0.37, p = 0.014) were protective factors against the occurrence of IOR. CONCLUSION: Large dome size of an aneurysm, a blood clot on the aneurysm dome and elevated glucose blood levels can be IOR predictive. Lamina terminalis fenestration, the appearance of multiple aneurysms, and high urea blood levels may be associated with a lower risk of such an event.

Association of Arterial Tortuosity with Hemodynamic Parameters-A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study.

BACKGROUND: Tortuosity of intracranial arteries has been proven to be associated with the risk of intracranial aneurysm development. We decided to analyze which aspects of tortuosity are correlated with hemodynamics parameters promoting intracranial aneurysm development. METHODS: We constructed 73 idealized models of tortuous artery (length: 25 mm, diameter: 2.5 mm) with single bifurcation. For each model, on the course of segment before bifurcation, we placed 1-3 angles with measures 15, 30, 45, 60, or 75 degrees and arc lengths 2, 5, 7, 10, or 15 mm. We performed computational fluid dynamics analysis. Blood was modeled as Newtonian fluid. We have set velocity wave of 2 cardiac cycles. After performing simulation we calculated following hemodynamic parameters at the bifurcation: time average wall shear stress (TAWSS), time average wall shear stress gradient (TAWSSG), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). RESULTS: We found a significant positive correlation with number of angles and TAWSS (R = 0.329; P < 0.01), TAWSSG (R = 0.317; P < 0.01), and negative with RRT (R = -0.335; P < 0.0.01). Similar results were obtained in terms of arcs lengths. On the other hand, mean angle measure was negatively correlated to TAWSS (R = -0.333; P < 0.01), TAWSSG (R = -0.473 P < 0.01), OSI (R = -0.463; P < 0.01), and positively to RRT (R = 0.332; P < 0.01). On the basis of the obtained results, we developed new tortuosity descriptor, which considered angle measures normalized to its arc length and distance from bifurcation. For such descriptor we found strong negative correlation with TAWSS (R = -0.701; P < 0.01), TAWSSG (R = 0.778; P < 0.01), OSI (R = -0.776; P < 0.01), and positive with RRT (R = 0.747; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic parameters promoting aneurysm development are correlated with larger number of smaller angles located on larger arcs.

Subjective experience, cognitive functioning and trauma level of patients undergoing awake craniotomy due to brain tumor - Preliminary study.

BACKUP AND OBJECTIVE: Awake craniotomy (AC) for brain tumors, when the patient is conscious during the operation, allows to reduce the risk of motor disability and aphasia, however, it may be a source of extreme stress. The aim of our study was to examine the patients' subjective experience of the surgery including the level of psychological trauma and cognitive functioning. METHOD: Eighteen patients operated due to brain tumor were enrolled in this study. The Essener Trauma-Inventory Questionnaire and the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE III) were administrated. The patients' experience with awake craniotomy was evaluated with a qualitative descriptive survey. RESULTS: All patients remembered the intraoperative neuropsychological examination and several sensations like: drilling, cold, head clamp fixation or having eyes covered. In most of the patients the postoperative psychological trauma experience did not reach the clinical level. The ACE III postoperative scores revealed partial cognitive deficits with the lowest scores in memory and word fluency domains. Slight amnestic aphasia was observed postoperatively only in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Awake craniotomy for resection of brain tumors is well-tolerated by patients and does not cause significant psychological trauma. Nonetheless, anxiety about the procedure warrants further study and individualized neuropsychological care is needed for the emotional preparation of the patient.

Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the spinal canal and spine. A review of 185 consecutive cases with more detailed close-up on some chosen pathologies.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal canal tumours constitute a minor part of CNS invading neoplasm. However, due to their damaging influence on the spinal cord and the spinal roots, they cause serious clinical problems and can lead to severe disability. The aim of this study is to review material collected on tumours of the spine and the spinal canal at the Department of Neuropathology over the past ten years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty five histopathological examinations of spinal tumours were evaluated between August 1997 and August 2007. The group of patients included 94 females and 91 males between the age of 18 and 79 years with a mean age of 53. RESULTS: Apart from typical intraspinal tumours (i.e. astrocytomas and ependymomas), and extraspinal tumours, (i.e. meningiomas, schwannomas, neurofibromas), rare neoplastic and non-neoplastic tumour-like changes occur in the same localizations. These rare conditions include: capillary haemangioma, paraganglioma of filum terminale, meningeal gliomatosis, different variants of cysts such as the dermoid cyst, synovial cyst and aneurysmatic bone cyst, neoplastic and non-neoplastic bone tumours like the giant cell tumour, chordomas, and intramedullary metastatic carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS: This paper presents and discusses spinal lesions from collected data with special attention paid to the rare conditions, which are reviewed in more detail.

Retrospective evaluation of endoscopic treatment in colloid cyst of the third ventricle.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic methods have gained a well-established position in surgical treatment of colloid cysts of third ventricle. However, the possibility of total tumor removal with this method and the long-term effectiveness of treatment are being questioned. AIM: Personal twenty years' experience in treatment of third ventricle colloid cysts is presented on the basis of retrospective analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 58 patients diagnosed by neuroimaging (head CT/MRI) with third ventricle colloid cyst. Post-hospital follow-up ranged from 18 to 42 months. Long-term follow-up head CT/MRI was performed in 39 patients. RESULTS: The colloid cyst was removed totally in 47 (81%) patients. In 11 cases, the colloid cyst's wall was tightly adherent to the roof of the third ventricle, which limited the radicality of the procedure. Sixteen patients demonstrated memory impairments, 4 patients epilepsy and another 2 akinetic mutism in the direct postoperative course. One patient died as a result of complications unrelated to the procedure. The average hospitalization was 5 days. In the late period after surgery, remission of the most, previously, reported ailments and symptoms has been reported. Surgical treatment for hydrocephalus was needed in 7 patients. In 3 cases cyst recurrence was diagnosed which required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic methods allow the total removal of a third ventricle colloid cyst in most patients. Leaving a small coagulated fragment of the cyst rarely results in its recurrence. This method results in effective treatment with a low complications rate, shortens hospitalization time and brings the patient a high level of satisfaction with a quick recovery.

Gene expression profiles in human ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms: what is the role of inflammation?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanisms underlying development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA) are poorly recognized. The majority of studies on human tissue have focused on predefined pathways. We sought to analyze global gene expression patterns of ruptured IA, unruptured IA, and control vessels. METHODS: Transcription profiles were studied in human ruptured (n=8) and unruptured (n=6) IA, as well as in control intracranial arteries (n=5), using oligonucleotide microarrays. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for confirmation. Functional analysis for determination of over-represented ontological groups among gene expression profiles was also performed. RESULTS: The expression of 159 genes differed among the studied groups. Compared to the controls, 131 genes showed common directions of change in both IA groups. The most impacted biological processes for IA are: (1) the muscle system; (2) cell adhesion (downregulation); and (3) the immune system and inflammatory response (upregulation). Ruptured and unruptured IA differed in genes involved in immune/inflammatory processes; expression was reduced in ruptured IA. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased expression of genes related to muscle system and cell adhesion is important for the development of IA. The role of immune/inflammatory processes is unclear. Inflammation may participate in the healing process within IA while playing a protective role against IA rupture.