Predictors of recurrence after surgical resection of parafalcine and parasagittal meningiomas.

PURPOSE: Owing to their vicinity near the superior sagittal sinus, parasagittal and parafalcine meningiomas are challenging tumors to surgically resect. In this study, we investigate key factors that portend increased risk of recurrence after surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent resection of parasagittal and parafalcine meningiomas at our institution between 2012 and 2018. Relevant clinical, radiographic, and histopathological variables were selected for analysis as predictors of tumor recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 110 consecutive subjects (mean age: 59.4 ± 15.2 years, 67.3% female) with 74 parasagittal and 36 parafalcine meningiomas (92 WHO grade 1, 18 WHO grade 2/3), are included in the study. A total of 37 patients (33.6%) exhibited recurrence with median follow-up of 42 months (IQR: 10-71). In the overall cohort, parasagittal meningiomas exhibited shorter progression-free survival compared to parafalcine meningiomas (Kaplan-Meier log-rank p = 0.045). On univariate analysis, predictors of recurrence include WHO grade 2/3 vs. grade 1 tumors (p < 0.001), higher Ki-67 indices (p < 0.001), partial (p = 0.04) or complete sinus invasion (p < 0.001), and subtotal resection (p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed high-grade meningiomas (HR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.60-8.22; p = 0.002), complete sinus invasion (HR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.16-7.79; p = 0.024), and subtotal resection (HR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.38-6.96; p = 0.006) as independent factors that portend shorter time to recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study identifies several pertinent factors that confer increased risk of recurrence after resection of parasagittal and parafalcine meningiomas, which can be used to devise appropriate surgical strategy to achieve improved patient outcomes.

Radiomic signatures of meningiomas using the Ki-67 proliferation index as a prognostic marker of clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical behavior of meningiomas is not entirely captured by its designated WHO grade, therefore other factors must be elucidated that portend increased tumor aggressiveness and associated risk of recurrence. In this study, the authors identify multiparametric MRI radiomic signatures of meningiomas using Ki-67 as a prognostic marker of clinical outcomes independent of WHO grade. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all resected meningiomas between 2012 and 2018. Preoperative MR images were used for high-throughput radiomic feature extraction and subsequently used to develop a machine learning algorithm to stratify meningiomas based on Ki-67 indices < 5% and ≥ 5%, independent of WHO grade. Progression-free survival (PFS) was assessed based on machine learning prediction of Ki-67 strata and compared with outcomes based on histopathological Ki-67. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-three meningiomas were included: 291 with WHO grade I, 43 with grade II, and 9 with grade III. The overall rate of recurrence was 19.8% (15.1% in grade I, 44.2% in grade II, and 77.8% in grade III) over a median follow-up of 28.5 months. Grade II and III tumors had higher Ki-67 indices than grade I tumors, albeit tumor and peritumoral edema volumes had considerable variation independent of meningioma WHO grade. Forty-six high-performing radiomic features (1 morphological, 7 intensity-based, and 38 textural) were identified and used to build a support vector machine model to stratify tumors based on a Ki-67 cutoff of 5%, with resultant areas under the curve of 0.83 (95% CI 0.78-0.89) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.75-0.94) achieved for the discovery (n = 257) and validation (n = 86) data sets, respectively. Comparison of histopathological Ki-67 versus machine learning-predicted Ki-67 showed excellent performance (overall accuracy > 80%), with classification of grade I meningiomas exhibiting the greatest accuracy. Prediction of Ki-67 by machine learning classifier revealed shorter PFS for meningiomas with Ki-67 indices ≥ 5% compared with tumors with Ki-67 < 5% (p < 0.0001, log-rank test), which corroborates divergent patient outcomes observed using histopathological Ki-67. CONCLUSIONS: The Ki-67 proliferation index may serve as a surrogate marker of increased meningioma aggressiveness independent of WHO grade. Machine learning using radiomic feature analysis may be used for the preoperative prediction of meningioma Ki-67, which provides enhanced analytical insights to help improve diagnostic classification and guide patient-specific treatment strategies.

Coil Embolization with Subsequent Subacute Flow Diversion Before Hospital Discharge as a Treatment Paradigm for Ruptured Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Subtotal coil embolization followed by subsequent flow diversion is often pursued for treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms. Owing to the need for anti-platelet therapy, the optimal time of safely pursuing flow diversion treatment has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of staged treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms with early coil embolization followed by flow diversion prior to discharge. METHODS: A retrospective study to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients who presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and underwent coil embolization followed by subacute flow diversion treatment during the same hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients are included in our case series. Eight patients presented with Hunt-Hess (H-H) grade 2 bleed, 6 patients with H-H grade 3, and 2 patients each with H-H grade 4 and H-H grade 1. Eight patients required placement of an external ventricular drain on admission. After initial coil embolization, 12 achieved Raymond-Roy grade 2 occlusion, and 6 attained grade 3a/b occlusion. The mean duration between coil embolization and subsequent flow diversion was 9.83 days (range: 1-30). There were no instances of re-hemorrhage between initial coil embolization and subsequent flow diversion treatment. Sixteen patients had a minimum of 6-month follow-up, of which 15 were found to have complete occlusion, and 1 required subsequent clipping. CONCLUSIONS: Subtotal coil embolization followed by definitive treatment using flow diversion during the same hospitalization is feasible and achieves excellent aneurysm occlusion rates while avoiding dual anti-platelet therapy during the initial hemorrhage period.

Improved Functional Outcomes of Stroke Patients Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy After Arriving via a Mobile Stroke Unit.

BACKGROUND: Mobile stroke units (MSUs) have been implemented worldwide for stroke care, but outcome data are lacking to show their efficacy specifically in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Here, we include patients from our stroke network MSU and compare them to patients who arrived conventionally. METHODS: A retrospective review of a stroke database was performed to identify patients who underwent MT after arrival via an MSU from August 2019 to December 2020. Demographic factors, past medical history, stroke characteristics, treatment variables, complications, and functional outcomes were recorded. These were compared to date-matched patients who underwent MT after arrival via conventional means. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated with MT after arriving by an MSU. These patients were compared to 50 date-matched patients who underwent thrombectomy after arrival through conventional means. No statistically significant difference between cohorts was observed in terms of demographic variables, comorbidities, stroke characteristics, or tissue plasminogen activator administration. Patients from the MSU cohort had significantly shorter time from symptom onset to groin puncture time (191.33 minutes ±77.53 vs. 483.51 minutes ±322.66, P = 0.034). Importantly, MSU-transferred patients had significantly better discharge functional status measured by using the modified Rankin Scale (1.86 ± 1.35 vs. 3.57 ± 1.88, P = 0.024). No significant difference in final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score, complications, length of stay, or mortality was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study demonstrates the efficacy of the MSU in decreasing door-to-puncture time and a concordant improvement in the discharge modified Rankin Scale score. Further prospective studies are needed to assess cost-efficacy and optimal protocol for MSUs in stroke care.

Frameless Angiography-Based Gamma Knife Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) requires head immobilization using a stereotactic frame. OBJECTIVE: We describe our protocol of frameless GKRS using DSA while maintaining high spatial resolution for precision. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of patients with unruptured AVMs who underwent frameless GKRS. Magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional DSA were obtained without a stereotactic frame for all patients. The imaging studies were merged for contouring of the AVM nidus. During GKRS treatment, patients were immobilized using an individually molded thermoplastic mask. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included in the analysis. The median age is 45.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28.0-55.0). The median nidus size is 3.0 cm (IQR: 2.0-3.4). One patient had a Spetzler-Martin grade I, 11 had a grade II, 11 had a grade III, 6 had a grade IV, and 2 had a grade V AVM. Eleven patients underwent preradiosurgical embolization, 3 patients had previous microsurgical resection and/or embolization, and 1 patient had prior radiosurgery. The median administered dose was 20 Gy (IQR: 18.0-21.0). All patients completed their treatment with the planned radiation dose without complications. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that integrates DSA in the treatment planning of brain AVMs using GKRS without utilizing a stereotactic head frame. Frameless GKRS provides numerous advantages over frame-based techniques including improved patient experience and the capability of fractionation and thus expanding the eligibility of more AVMs for radiosurgery, while maintaining high spatial resolution of the AVM using angiography data.

Predictors of aneurysm occlusion following treatment with the WEB device: systematic review and case series.

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is becoming increasingly popular for treatment of wide-neck aneurysms. As experience with this device grows, it is important to identify factors associated with occlusion following WEB treatment to guide decision making and screen patients at high risk for recurrence. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with adequate aneurysm occlusion following WEB device treatment in the neurosurgical literature and in our case series. A systematic review of the present literature was conducted to identify studies related to the prediction of WEB device occlusion. In addition, a retrospective review of our institutional data for patients treated with the WEB device was performed. Demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural variables, and 6-month follow-up angiographic outcomes were recorded. Seven articles totaling 450 patients with 456 aneurysms fit our criteria. Factors in the literature associated with inadequate occlusion included larger size, increased neck width, partial intrasaccular thrombosis, irregular shape, and tobacco use. Our retrospective review identified 43 patients with 45 aneurysms. A total of 91.1% of our patients achieved adequate occlusion at a mean follow-up time of 7.32 months. Increasing degree of contrast stasis after WEB placement on the post-deployment angiogram was significantly associated with adequate occlusion on follow-up angiogram (p = 0.005) and with Raymond-Roy classification (p = 0.048), but not with retreatment (p = 0.617). In our systematic review and case series totaling 450 patients with 456 aneurysms, contrast stasis on post-deployment angiogram was identified as a predictor of adequate aneurysm occlusion, while morphological characteristics such as larger size and wide neck negatively impact occlusion.

Comparison of Anesthetic Agents Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam During Mechanical Thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The ideal anesthetic for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a subject of debate. Recent studies have supported the use of monitored anesthesia care (MAC), but few have attempted to compare MAC neuroanesthetics. Our study directly compares midazolam and dexmedetomidine (DEX) on blood pressure control during thrombectomy and functional outcomes at discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of an MT database, which consisted of 612 patients admitted between 2010-2019 to our tertiary stroke center. 193 patients who received either midazolam or DEX for MAC induction were identified. Primary and secondary outcomes were >20% maximum decrease in mean arterial pressure during MT and functional independence respectively. RESULTS: 146 patients were administered midazolam, while 47 were administered DEX. Decrease in blood pressure (BP) during MT was associated with lower rates of functional independence at last follow-up (p=0.034). When compared to midazolam, DEX had significantly higher rates of intraprocedural decrease in MAP at the following cut-offs: >20% (p<0.001), >30% (p=0.001), and >40% (p=0.006). On multivariate analysis, DEX was an independent predictor of >20% MAP decrease (OR 7.042, p<0.001). At time of discharge, NIHSS scores and functional independence (mRS 0-2) were statistically similar between DEX and midazolam. Functional independence at last known follow-up was statistically similar between DEX and midazolam (p = 0.643). CONCLUSIONS: Use of DEX during MT appears to be associated with increased blood pressure volatility when compared to midazolam. Further investigation is needed to determine the impact of MAC agents on functional independence.

Glioblastoma with deep supratentorial extension is associated with a worse overall survival.

Glioblastoma (GBM) with deep-supratentorial extension (DSE) involving the thalamus, basal ganglia and corpus collosum, poses significant challenges for clinical management. In this study, we present our outcomes in patients who underwent resection of supratentorial GBM with associated involvement of deep brain structures. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent resection of GBM at our institution between 2012 and 2018. A total of 419 patients were included whose pre-operative MRI scans were reviewed. Of these, 143 (34.1%) had GBM with DSE. There were similar rates of IDH-1 mutation (9% versus 7.6%, p = 0.940) and MGMT methylation status (35.7% versus 45.2%, p = 0.397) between the two cohorts. GBM patients without evidence of DSE had higher rates of radiographic gross total resection (GTR) compared to those with DSE: 70.6% versus 53.1%, respectively (p = 0.002). The presence of DSE was not associated with decreased progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients without DSE (mean 7.24 ± 0.97 versus 8.89 ± 0.76 months, respectively; p = 0.276), but did portend a worse overall survival (OS) (mean 10.55 ± 1.04 versus 15.02 ± 1.05 months, respectively; p = 0.003). There was no difference in PFS or OS amongst DSE and non-DSE patients who underwent GTR, but patients who harbored DSE and underwent subtotal resection had worse OS (mean 8.26 ± 1.93 versus 12.96 ± 1.59 months, p = 0.03). Our study shows that GBM patients with DSE have lower OS compared to those without DSE. This survival difference appears to be primarily related to the limited surgical extent of resection owing to the neurological deficits that may be incurred with involvement of eloquent deep brain structures.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in the Modern Era of Mechanical Thrombectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to determine the incidence of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in the modern era of mechanical thrombectomy techniques and improved revascularization outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 512 patients admitted with acute ischemic strokes with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion that were treated by mechanical thrombectomy from 2010-2019. The primary endpoint was the need for surgical decompression. Secondary endpoints were infarct size, hemorrhagic conversion, and functional outcome at hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of the 512 patients, 18 (3.5%) underwent DHC at a median 2.0 days from stroke onset. The DHC group was significantly younger than the non-DHC group (P < 0.001), had worse reperfusion rates (P = 0.024) and larger infarct size (P < 0.001). Hemorrhagic conversion was more frequent in the DHC group but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.08). From 2010-2015, 196 patients underwent a mechanical thrombectomy, 13 of whom (6.6%) required a DHC, while 316 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy from 2016-2019 and only 5 patients required a DHC (1.6%; P = 0.002). Younger age (P < 0.001), urinary tract infection (P < 0.001) and increasing infarct size were significantly associated with needing a DHC. When controlling for other risk factors, higher thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score significantly reduced the need for decompressive hemicraniectomy (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the largest single-center experiences demonstrating that improved recanalization decreased the need for DHC without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic conversion.

Machine Learning Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiomic Feature Analysis to Predict Ki-67 in World Health Organization Grade I Meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: Although World Health Organization (WHO) grade I meningiomas are considered "benign" tumors, an elevated Ki-67 is one crucial factor that has been shown to influence tumor behavior and clinical outcomes. The ability to preoperatively discern Ki-67 would confer the ability to guide surgical strategy. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we develop a machine learning (ML) algorithm using radiomic feature analysis to predict Ki-67 in WHO grade I meningiomas. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for a cohort of 306 patients who underwent surgical resection of WHO grade I meningiomas. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to perform radiomic feature extraction followed by ML modeling using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator wrapped with support vector machine through nested cross-validation on a discovery cohort (n = 230), to stratify tumors based on Ki-67 <5% and ≥5%. The final model was independently tested on a replication cohort (n = 76). RESULTS: An area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.90) with a sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 73.3% was achieved in the discovery cohort. When this model was applied to the replication cohort, a similar high performance was achieved, with an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73-0.94), sensitivity and specificity of 82.6% and 85.5%, respectively. The model demonstrated similar efficacy when applied to skull base and nonskull base tumors. CONCLUSION: Our proposed radiomic feature analysis can be used to stratify WHO grade I meningiomas based on Ki-67 with excellent accuracy and can be applied to skull base and nonskull base tumors with similar performance achieved.

Discrepancies in Stroke Distribution and Dataset Origin in Machine Learning for Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning algorithms depend on accurate and representative datasets for training in order to become valuable clinical tools that are widely generalizable to a varied population. We aim to conduct a review of machine learning uses in stroke literature to assess the geographic distribution of datasets and patient cohorts used to train these models and compare them to stroke distribution to evaluate for disparities. AIMS: 582 studies were identified on initial searching of the PubMed database. Of these studies, 106 full texts were assessed after title and abstract screening which resulted in 489 papers excluded. Of these 106 studies, 79 were excluded due to using cohorts from outside the United States or being review articles or editorials. 27 studies were thus included in this analysis. SUMMARY OF REVIEW: Of the 27 studies included, 7 (25.9%) used patient data from California, 6 (22.2%) were multicenter, 3 (11.1%) were in Massachusetts, 2 (7.4%) each in Illinois, Missouri, and New York, and 1 (3.7%) each from South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 1 (3.7%) study used data from Utah and Texas. These were qualitatively compared to a CDC study showing the highest distribution of stroke in Mississippi (4.3%) followed by Oklahoma (3.4%), Washington D.C. (3.4%), Louisiana (3.3%), and Alabama (3.2%) while the prevalence in California was 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that a strong disconnect exists between the datasets and patient cohorts used in training machine learning algorithms in clinical research and the stroke distribution in which clinical tools using these algorithms will be implemented. In order to ensure a lack of bias and increase generalizability and accuracy in future machine learning studies, datasets using a varied patient population that reflects the unequal distribution of stroke risk factors would greatly benefit the usability of these tools and ensure accuracy on a nationwide scale.

Capturing Initial Understanding and Impressions of Surgical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an underutilized surgical therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Both physician and patient hesitancies have been described as potential barriers to DBS, but the specifics of patient perceptions of DBS have not been well-characterized in the general PD population. Objective: To characterize the understanding and impressions of surgical therapy in PD patients prior to formal surgical evaluation. Methods: A 30-question survey assessing impressions of surgical therapy for PD and understanding of DBS for PD was administered to PD patients seen at an urban movement disorders clinic. Results: One hundred and two patients completed the survey. When asked if they would undergo a hypothetical risk-free, curative brain surgery for PD, 98 patients responded "yes." Patients were more agreeable to "reversible," "minimally-invasive," and "incisionless" surgery. 51.2% thought DBS is an "effective" treatment for PD, 76.6% thought it was "invasive," and 18.3% thought it was "reversible." 45.2% reported fear of being awake during DBS surgery. Regarding costs, 52.4% were concerned that DBS was "very expensive" or "not covered by insurance." Initial source of information and perceived treatment effectiveness were not associated with concerns about DBS effectiveness or threats to normality. Negative perceptions of past surgery were associated with concerns about DBS altering mood and personality. Conclusion: Overall, patients expressed concerns regarding procedural efficacy, invasiveness, cost, and irreversibility-independent of the original source of information. Future studies are required to allow us to better understand the impact of these initial findings on DBS hesitancy and underutilization.

Onyx Embolization of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas and Its Impact on Intraocular Pressure and Recurrence: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are acquired pathological shunting lesions between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus leading to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). CCFs are commonly treated via endovascular embolization, which theoretically restores physiological pressure differentials. OBJECTIVE: To present our institutional data with CCF treated with embolization and discuss endovascular routes, recurrence rates, and dynamic IOP changes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 42 CCF patients who underwent Onyx (Covidien, Irvine, California) embolization and pre- and postoperative IOP measurement at a single institution. RESULTS: CCFs were 19.0% direct (type A) and 81.0% indirect (types B, C, or D). Onyx-18 liquid embolisate was used during all embolizations. Overall rate of total occlusion was 83.3% and was statistically similar between direct and indirect fistulas. Preoperative IOP was elevated in 37.5%, 100.0%, 75.0%, and 50% in type A, B, C, and D fistulas, respectively. Average ΔIOP was -7.3 ± 8.5 mmHg (range: -33 to +8). Follow-up time was 4.64 ± 7.62 mo. Full angiographic occlusion was a predictor of symptom resolution at 1 mo (P = .026) and 6 mo (P = .021). Partial occlusion was associated with persistent symptoms postoperatively at 1 mo (P = .038) and 6 mo follow-up (P = .012). Beyond 6 mo, negative ΔIOP was associated with continued symptom improvement. Recurrence occurred in 9.5% of patients, all of which were indirect CCFs. CONCLUSION: Onyx embolization of CCF is an effective treatment for CCF and often results in the reversal of IOP elevation. Full occlusion predicts favorable clinical outcomes up to 6 mo. Postoperative IOP reduction may indicate favorable long-term clinical outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Ventricular Puncture During Cranioplasty.

BACKGROUND: In patients with brain parenchyma extending beyond the craniectomy defect, cerebrospinal fluid diversion may be necessary to facilitate proper bone flap replacement during cranioplasty. In this study, we present our case series of patients who underwent ultrasound-guided ventricular puncture during cranioplasty and report periprocedural metrics and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who presented for cranioplasty that required ultrasound-guided ventricular puncture was performed. We also describe our operative technique for safely and accurately performing ultrasound-guided ventricular puncture. RESULTS: Ten consecutive patients were included in the overall patient cohort, all of whom required intraoperative ventricular puncture to achieve brain relaxation. The mean time between decompressive hemicraniectomy and cranioplasty was 145.4 days (range 19-419). The mean duration of cranioplasty operation was 146 minutes (range 74-193). All patients underwent ultrasound-guided ventricular puncture, and 5 patients had an external ventricular drain left in place for postoperative intracranial pressure monitoring and possible cerebrospinal fluid drainage. There were no instances of pericatheter hemorrhage. One patient presented postoperatively with wound infection, and this same patient was the only one in the cohort who required subsequent ventriculoperitoneal shunt for symptomatic hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided ventricular puncture is safe, feasible, and efficacious for use during cranioplasty to help facilitate bone flap replacement in patients with "full" brains, with an overall low rate of associated periprocedural complications. Although further studies are needed in a larger patient cohort, this technique should be considered to help reduce the morbidity associated with cranioplasty.

A comparison of dual-lumen balloon and simple microcatheters in the embolization of DAVFs and AVMs using onyx.

Endovascular embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) has become the mainstay in treatment for these pathologies. Traditional techniques required the formation of a proximal plug of Onyx around the microcatheter prior to embolization to avoid reflux. Recently, dual-lumen balloon catheters have been introduced as a potential solution to this issue. We sought to compare our institutional experience with dual-lumen balloons to traditional microcatheters in the endovascular embolization of AVMs and DAVFs. A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with Scepter between 2016 and 2020 was obtained. A control cohort treated with Marathon between 2012 and 2020 was also obtained. Variables collected included patient demographics, procedure times, pedicles treated, operative complications, obliteration rate, and retreatment rate. A total of 44 trial (30 DAVFs and 14 AVMs) and 25 control (15 DAVFs and 10 AVMs) subjects were identified. Average Scepter procedure times were 66.0 and 68.0 min for DAVFs and AVMs, respectively. Average Scepter volume of Onyx injected was 2.2 and 1.4 mL for DAVFs and AVMs, respectively. Complete angiographic occlusion Scepter rate was 86.7% and 50.0% for DAVFs and AVMs, respectively. The Scepter retreatment rate was 13.3% and 50.0% for DAVFs and AVMs, respectively. Predictors of angiographic occlusion included the number of pedicles (OR 0.54, 95%CI 0.30-0.97, p = 0.04). Predictors of retreatment included DAVF (OR 0.16, 95%CI 0.04-0.66, p = 0.01) and Marathon (OR 3.34, 95%CI 1.00-11.56, p = 0.05). Our study shows that dual-lumen balloon catheters are a viable option in the embolization of DAVFs and AVMs.

Developing standardized titles to classify the adverse events in 7,418 cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical procedures are life- and function-saving but carry a risk of adverse events (AE) which can cause permanent neurologic deficits. Unfortunately, there is lack of clearly defined AEs associated with given procedures, and their reporting is non-uniform and often arbitrary. However, with an increasing number of neurosurgical procedures performed, there is a need for standardization of AEs for systematic tracking. Such a system would establish a baseline for future quality improvement strategies. OBJECTIVE: To review our institutional AEs and devise standardized titles specific to the spine, tumor, functional, and vascular neurosurgery divisions. METHODS: A review of prospective monthly-reported morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference data within the Department of Neurological Surgery was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019. An AE was defined as any mortality, an "unintended and undesirable diagnostic or therapeutic event", "an event that prolongs the patient's hospital stay", or an outcome with permanent or transient neurologic deficit. RESULTS: A total of 1096 AEs from 7418 total procedures (14.8 %) were identified. Of those, 418 (5.6 %) were in cerebrovascular, 249 (3.4 %) were in neuro-oncology and 429 (5.8 %) were in the spine & functional divisions. The most common AEs across all divisions were infection (17 %), hemorrhage (11 %) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (7.8 %). Other AEs were indirectly related to the neurosurgical procedure, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (2.7 %), or pneumothorax (0.3 %). CONCLUSION: This work illustrates standardized AEs can be implemented universally across the spectrum of neurological surgery. Standardization can help identify recurring AE patterns through better tracking.

The Use of Alternative Routes for the Delivery of Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for treatment of retinoblastoma considerably changed the paradigm by which this disease is managed, with event-free survival rates being above 70%. OBJECTIVE: To analyze efficacy of IAC treatment using alternative approaches to ophthalmic artery catheterization (OAC), such as external carotid artery approach or balloon-assisted drug delivery. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review for subjects receiving IAC for retinoblastoma. The primary approach was OAC. In cases in which selective OAC was not feasible, alternative routes including catheterization of the external carotid artery or use of a balloon-assisted drug infusion were used. RESULTS: This study included 197 consecutive patients with 207 retinoblastomas who underwent 658 IAC procedures overall. The mean age at diagnosis was 24 mo, and 54.5% of the study population was male. Success rate with IAC was 97% (639). Alternative approaches to OAC were, in total, 42 cases (6.4%)-external carotid artery catheterization and use of ICA balloon were performed in 22 (3.3%) and 20 (3%) cases, respectively. A mean of 3.1 IAC cycles were performed for each patient. In total, there were 23 technical failures of the primary OAC technique (3.4%). Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 4 procedures (0.6%). Use of an alternative technique for chemotherapy delivery other than selective OAC in at least one IAC cycle was not a predictor of enucleation. CONCLUSION: IAC is a safe and effective treatment option for retinoblastoma. Chemotherapy delivery using alternative techniques is as effective as selective OAC.

Ophthalmic artery catheterization for retinoblastoma treatment: does reflux affect tumor response?

BACKGROUND: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma (Rb) has been established as a primary treatment for the disease. To determine whether the presence of reflux into the ICA is associated with tumor response or with any other adverse events in pediatric retinoblastoma patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients diagnosed with Rb and managed with ophthalmic artery catheterization (OAC). RESULTS: The total study cohort included 205 Rb tumors of 205 eyes in 194 consecutive patients who underwent 624 successful intra-arterial chemotherapy infusions using OAC. Of the 205 eyes, 65 eyes (32.7%) underwent 157 OAC procedures constituted group A (no reflux), 64 eyes (31.2%) underwent 236 OAC procedures constituted group B (variable pattern), and 74 eyes (36.1%) underwent 231 OAC procedures constituted group C (reflux). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the three cohorts. Also, there was no significant difference in tumor characteristics between the three groups, except for genetic status. There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of tumor response at completion of the treatment regimen. Complete tumor response was achieved at 70.2% in Group A, at 83.3% in Group B, and at 78.5% in group C (P=0.39). Similarly, eye enucleation occurred at 38.5% in group A, 31.8% in group B, and 31.5% in group C. None of the patients in both groups had any neurological adverse events or new onset of seizures. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of reflux, which may complicate the procedure and prolong it, was not associated with poor outcomes in our analysis.

Predictors of Complications, Functional Outcome, and Morbidity in a Large Cohort Treated With Flow Diversion.

BACKGROUND: A dramatic improvement in obliteration rates of large, wide-necked aneurysms has been observed after the FDA approved the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) in 2011. OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors of complications, morbidity, and unfavorable outcomes in a large cohort of patients with aneurysms treated with PED. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a prospectively maintained database for subjects treated with flow diversion from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS: A total of 598 aneurysms were treated during a period extending from 2010 to 2019 (84.28% females, mean age 55.5 yr, average aneurysm size 8.49 mm). Morbidity occurred at a rate of 5.8% and mortality at a rate of 2.2%. Ischemic stroke occurred at a rate of 3%, delayed aneurysmal rupture (DAR) at 1.2%, and distal intraparenchymal hemorrhage (DIPH) at 1.5%. On multivariate analysis, the predictor of stroke was aneurysm size >15 mm. Predictors of DAR were previous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), increasing aneurysm size, and posterior circulation aneurysm. Predictors of DIPH were using more than 1 PED and baseline P2Y12 value. Predictors of in-stent stenosis were the increasing year of treatment and balloon angioplasty, whereas increasing age and previous treatment were negatively associated with in-stent stenosis. Predictors of morbidity were posterior circulation aneurysms, increasing aneurysm size, and hypertension, and incidental aneurysm diagnosis was protective for morbidity. CONCLUSION: Flow diversion is a safe and effective treatment option for aneurysms. A better understanding of predictive factors of complications, morbidity, and functional outcomes is of high importance for a more accurate risk assessment.