Efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopy surgery versus craniotomy for supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Neuroendoscopy (NE) surgery emerged as a promising technique for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzed the efficacy and safety of NE compared to craniotomy, but NE did not present a significant improvement in functional outcomes. However, a new study provided an opportunity to update the current knowledge. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs reporting NE evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial ICH compared to craniotomy. The efficacy outcomes of interest were favorable functional outcome, functional disability, hematoma evacuation rate, and residual hematoma volume. The safety outcomes of interest were rebleeding, infection, and mortality. Seven RCTs were included containing 879 patients. The NE approach presented a significantly higher rate of favorable functional outcome compared with craniotomy (RR: 1.42; 95% CI 1.17, 1.73; p < 0.001). The evacuation rate was higher in patients who underwent the NE approach (MD: -8.36; 95% CI -12.66, -4.07; p < 0.001). NE did not show a benefit in improving the mortality rate (RR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.54, 1.22; p = 0.32). NE was associated with more favorable functional outcomes and lower rates of functional disabilities compared to craniotomy. Also, NE was superior regarding evacuation rate, while presenting a reduction in residual hematoma volume. NE might be associated with lower infection rates. Mortality was not improved by NE surgery. Larger, higher-quality randomized studies are needed to adequately evaluate the efficacy and safety of NE compared to craniotomy.

Efficacy and Safety of Atorvastatin for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition, especially in the elderly population. Atorvastatin has shown the potential to reduce the recurrence of CSDH and improve overall outcomes. New studies have emerged since the last meta-analysis, increasing the sample size and the variety of outcomes analyzed. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies comparing the use of atorvastatin in CSDH patients with a control group or placebo. The primary outcome was the recurrence of CSDH. Secondary outcomes of interest were hematoma volume, composite adverse effects, mortality, and neurological function, measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale and Barthel index for activities of daily living. RESULTS: Seven studies, of which 2 were randomized controlled trials, were included, containing 1192 patients. Overall recurrence significantly decreased compared to the control group (risk ratio [RR] 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.83; P=0.009). The benefits of atorvastatin were sustained in the subgroup analysis of patients who underwent initial conservative therapy (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.22-0.70; P=0.001). However, there was no significant difference when atorvastatin was combined with surgical intervention (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.21-1.32; P=0.17). Adverse effects were not increased by atorvastatin (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.51-1.34; P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin might be beneficial in reducing CSDH recurrence, especially in conservative treatment patients. Atorvastatin was not significantly associated with adverse effects. Larger, higher-quality randomized studies are needed to adequately evaluate the efficacy, safety, and optimal dose of atorvastatin in CSDH patients.

Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in dual antiplatelet therapy after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack: an updated network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel plus aspirin is a well-established practice after a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, ticagrelor plus aspirin may be an alternative. AIMS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central from inception to January 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adults with acute minor stroke or TIA within 72 hours of the onset of the symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 8 RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Ticagrelor plus aspirin (RR, 0.70; 95% CrI 0.52, 0.91) and clopidogrel plus aspirin (RR, 0.79; 95% CrI 0.64, 0.98) were superior to aspirin in preventing stroke recurrence in overall analysis. Excluding studies with dual antiplatelet up to 90 days, ticagrelor plus aspirin was the only strategy that maintained superiority compared with aspirin regarding stroke recurrence (RR, 0.70; 95% CrI 0.51, 0.95) and ischemic stroke (RR, 0.68; 95% CrI 0.47, 0.94). There was no significant difference between treatment groups regarding hemorrhagic stroke, functional disability, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: DAPTs were superior to aspirin in preventing recurrence or ischemic stroke. Although no significant difference was observed between DAPTs, ticagrelor plus aspirin may be related to worse major bleeding results, including intracranial bleeding. Ticagrelor plus aspirin is a considerable option for patients after a minor stroke or TIA.

Microvascular decompression using autologous muscle graft for trigeminal neuralgia: a case series and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe a case series of patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) who were submitted to microvascular decompression (MVD) using autologous muscle graft (AMG) and perform a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Forty-four adult patients who underwent MVD using AMG between 2012 and 2022 were studied retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and surgical factors were assessed. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to May 2023. We used random-effects model for all outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2. We used R software 4.3.1 for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Among patients in the case series, the mean age was 52 ± 12.9 years, and the proportion of females was 65.9%. Forty-one patients (93.2%) presented complete pain relief after a mean follow-up of 7.7 years. The pooled analysis of immediate pain relief was 91.3% (95% CI 82-96%; I2=78%). The good pain relief during follow-up was 88.2% (95% CI 78-94%; I2=80%) at follow-up. The recurrence rates at 6, 12, 36 months, and during follow-up were 6.2%, 10.5%, 10.3%, and 11%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this case series and meta-analysis of over 440 patients, our findings suggest that the practice of MVD using AMG may be an efficient option in the short term as surgical treatment for TN. Further trials should compare AMG with other materials and its effectiveness in a long-term follow-up.

Chondrosarcoma secondary to hereditary multiple osteochondromas with spinal cord compression: A case report and systematic review.

Background: Hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMOs) are a rare genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple benign osteochondromas that can undergo malignant transformation into chondrosarcoma. Case Description: A 24-year-old male with a history of HMO and osteochondroma surgery 4 years ago, presented with back pain and paresthesias. The magnetic resonance showed a right paravertebral infiltrating mass at the T12-L1 level causing spinal cord compression. Following en bloc resection of the tumor, the patient's symptoms/ signs resolved. The final pathological diagnosis was consistent with a chondrosarcoma. Conclusion: Chondrosarcomas secondary to HMO with spinal cord compression are rare. These patients often presenting with significant myelopathy/cord compression should undergo gross total resection where feasible to achieve the best outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Clazosentan After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clazosentan has been studied to treat cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials updates the current knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of clazosentan compared with placebo after aSAH. METHODS: Databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials directly comparing the use of clazosentan and placebo for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aSAH. Additional eligibility criteria were the report of any of the outcomes of interest (vasospasm, morbidity, functional outcome, or mortality). The primary outcome was vasospasm-related delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The analyses were stratified by clazosentan dosage (low or high dose) and aneurysm treatment modality (clipping or coiling). The Cochrane RoB-2 tool was used for studies quality assessment. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 7 clinical trials were included, involving 2778 patients. Clazosentan decreased the risk of vasospasm-related DCI (risk ratio [RR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81) and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (RR 0.63, 95% 0.50-0.80). Angiographic vasospasm (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.47-0.61) was also decreased. Functional outcomes (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale, RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.24) and death (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.71-1.49) did not change. Meanwhile, adverse events were increased by clazosentan (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.35-1.76). CONCLUSION: Clazosentan decreased vasospasm-related DCI and angiographic vasospasm but did not improve functional outcomes or mortality. Adverse events were increased by clazosentan.

Rete Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Background Middle cerebral artery (MCA) anomalies are a rare finding and may be associated with vascular changes, such as intracranial aneurysms. Among them, the rete MCA aneurysm is very rare, with only 22 cases reported to date. Case Description A 50-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid, intraventricular, and intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured aneurysm of rete MCA from an anomalous collateral artery of the anterior cerebral artery, treated successfully by microsurgical clipping. She presented a good recovery after a 2-year follow-up. Conclusion A systematic review of rete MCA aneurysms is presented, comparing aneurysms originating from twig-like MCA, with 16 reports, and twig-like networks of an anomalous collateral artery, with 6 reports including ours. Several factors influence the treatment decision-making, though microsurgical clipping is the main procedure. A wider use of coiling is requested for a better comparison of the treatment approaches.

Eight-and-a-Half Syndrome Secondary to Neurotoxoplasmosis: A Rare Case Report.

Eight-and-a-half syndrome (EHS) is a neuro-ophthalmological condition characterised by horizontal gaze palsy, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and ipsilateral facial palsy. Albeit rare, EHS is a well reported condition in the literature, with several reports presenting multiple aetiologies. Infarcts are the cause in more than half the cases. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related cases are rare, and are probably underreported in low- and middle-income countries. In this report, we describe EHS secondary to neurotoxoplasmosis in a 40-year-old HIV-positive Brazilian man. EHS secondary to neurotoxoplasmosis is a challenging diagnosis, with important differential diagnoses, notably for HIV patients.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in Latin America: A critical review of risk factors, clinical and radiological characteristics.

Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare disease that frequently occurs in young women of childbearing age, with variable clinical presentation in regions with limited access to diagnostic imaging or specialized neurological care. In the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of studies on CVT in Latin America, which may contribute to a better epidemiological description of the disease in this region and, consequently, its early diagnosis. Objectives: Our study aims to review the risk factors, clinical and radiological characteristics of CVT in Latin America, being critically compared with data from world literature. Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BVS, and Scopus were searched to identify studies reporting CVT in Latin American countries published up to July 2022. We excluded case reports and case series reporting <5 patients later in the final analysis. Results: We identified a total of 3714 studies and 26 qualified for the quantitative analysis, which described 1486 cases of CVT. Headache was the most frequent symptom (82.1%) and the use of oral contraceptives in women was the main risk factor (46.7%). The transverse sinus was the most frequent location of the thrombus (52%). The treatment used most in the acute phase was heparin (88.5%) and oral anticoagulation was widely used at hospital discharge (67.8%). The mortality was low (6.5%), and most patients achieved complete recovery (75.3%). Conclusion: Despite considerable dissimilarities in studies between countries, particularities were identified in the risk factors of CVT in Latin America compared to other regions of the world.

Intraparenchymal pericatheter cyst as an indicator of ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction: A case-based update.

Background: Intraparenchymal pericatheter cysts (IPCs) are a rare ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) complication, with only a few cases recorded in the literature. Case Description: We report a 22-year-old woman admitted with headache, papilledema, vision loss, and a history of leukemia. Lumbar puncture revealed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Three months after VPS implantation, she was readmitted with headache and worsening of visual impairment. CT evidenced a IPC with perilesional edema. Intraoperatively, a shunt revision and cyst drainage were opted for. We present a discussion and literature review on this unique complication of VPS, with emphasis on management. Conclusion: It is important to understand and consider IPCs as complications of VPS surgery, including in adult patients and IIH cases.

Corrigendum: Cerebral venous thrombosis in Latin America: A critical review of risk factors, clinical and radiological characteristics.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1017565.].

Multiple extradural spinal arachnoid cysts: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Extradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) rarely cause neural compression and disability. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old female presented with a history of two episodes of falling due to transient weakness in the lower limbs. The neurological examination showed normal motor and sensory function, but hyperreflexia. The thoracic magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple extradural SACs between the T3-L1 levels. Following complete surgical resection of the most symptomatic cyst, she did well. The histopathological examination confirmed a Type I extradural SAC. CONCLUSION: Here, we discussed one case and reviewed the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of multiple extradural SACs.