Enhancing outcomes in deep brain stimulation: a comparative study of direct targeting using 7T versus 3T MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of direct targeting in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for essential tremor using 7T MRI versus 3T MRI. The authors hypothesized that 7T MRI direct targeting would be noninferior to 3T MRI in early tremor outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing unilateral thalamic DBS for essential tremor between 2021 and 2023. Two matched cohorts were assessed, one using 7T MRI and the other using 3T MRI for surgical planning. The primary endpoint was the percentage improvement in the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) scores. Additionally, the authors assessed optimized programming settings and variance in electrode position on postoperative imaging. Demographic and clinical data were compared using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test. The squared Euclidean distance of each contact from the group mean centroid was calculated and averaged across the entire cohort to provide the variance (i.e., the mean squared distance) of electrode contact position. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were analyzed, with 17 in each cohort. There were no significant differences in demographic information or mean surgical dates between the groups. There were no differences in intraoperative target repositioning or adverse events. The 7T group had a significantly greater TRS improvement than the 3T group (64.9% ± 11.4% vs 50.9% ± 16.4%, p = 0.004). Patients in the 7T cohort also had a lower mean stimulation current compared with those in the 3T cohort (2.0 ± 0.8 mA vs 2.7 ± 0.9 mA, p = 0.01). Image evaluation revealed that although the mean electrode position was comparable between 7T and 3T, the 7T electrode positioning was more clustered, indicating a lower variance in the final electrode location. The mean Euclidean distance between the individual electrode tips and the group centroid was significantly less at 7T than at 3T (1.82 ± 0.68 mm vs 2.75 ± 0.81 mm, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite concerns for increased artifacts and distortions at 7T, the authors show that these effects can be mitigated with an appropriate workflow, leading to improved surgical outcomes with direct targeting using 7T MRI. Their results suggest similar accuracy but greater precision in targeting with 7T MRI compared with 3T MRI, resulting in lower stimulation currents and improved tremor reduction. Future studies are needed to assess outcomes related to 7T MRI in targeting other subcortical structures.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Pipeline Embolization Device in Anterior and Posterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Flow diversion using the pipeline embolization device (PED) has been a paradigm shift for anterior circulation (AC) aneurysms. However, only a few studies report the long-term (≥1 year) angiographic and clinical outcomes for posterior circulation (PC) aneurysms. This study aims to compare the long-term safety and efficacy of treatment of AC and PC aneurysms with PED. METHODS: The databases included Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane, and Scopus. Studies with at least 10 patients and 1-year follow-up were included. Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. A random effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate the ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed to estimate the pooled rates of long-term complete aneurysmal occlusion, symptomatic stroke, aneurysmal rupture, and intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: There were 1952 aneurysms, of which 1547 (79.25%) were in the AC and 405 (20.75%) in the PC. The 1-year occlusion rate was 78% in AC compared to 73% in PC aneurysms (P < 0.01). The symptomatic infarct rate was 5% in AC compared to 13% in PC (P < 0.01). While the rupture rate was 1% in AC compared to 4% in PC (P = 0.01), the rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 2% for both (P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term occlusion rate after PED was higher in AC aneurysms, and the cumulative incidence of stroke and aneurysm rupture was higher in PC aneurysms.

Diagnostic utility of 7T neuromelanin imaging of the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder that presents a diagnostic challenge due to symptom overlap with other disorders. Neuromelanin (NM) imaging is a promising biomarker for PD, but adoption has been limited, in part due to subpar performance at standard MRI field strengths. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ultra-high field 7T NM-sensitive imaging in the diagnosis of PD versus controls and essential tremor (ET), as well as NM differences among PD subtypes. A retrospective case-control study was conducted including PD patients, ET patients, and controls. 7T NM-sensitive 3D-GRE was acquired, and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) volumes, contrast ratios, and asymmetry indices were calculated. Statistical analyses, including general linear models and ROC curves, were employed. Twenty-one PD patients, 13 ET patients, and 18 controls were assessed. PD patients exhibited significantly lower SNpc volumes compared to non-PD subjects. SNpc total volume showed 100% sensitivity and 96.8% specificity (AUC = 0.998) for differentiating PD from non-PD and 100% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity (AUC = 0.996) in differentiating PD from ET. Contrast ratio was not significantly different between PD and non-PD groups (p = 0.07). There was also significantly higher asymmetry index in SNpc volume in PD compared to non-PD cohorts (p < 0.001). NM signal loss in PD predominantly involved the inferior, posterior, and lateral aspects of SNpc. Akinetic-rigid subtype showed more significant NM signal loss compared to tremor dominant subtype (p < 0.001). 7T NM imaging demonstrates potential as a diagnostic tool for PD, including potential distinction between subtypes, allowing improved understanding of disease progression and subtype-related characteristics.

Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass for Moyamoya Disease: The Influence of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities on Outcomes - A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is an established therapeutic option for Moyamoya disease (MMD). However, little is known about the effects of racial and ethnic disparities on outcomes. This study assessed trends in EC-IC bypass outcomes among MMD patients stratified by race and ethnicity. METHODS: Utilizing the US National Inpatient Sample, we identified MMD patients undergoing EC-IC bypass between 2002 and 2020. Demographic and hospital-level data were collected. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with outcomes. Trend analysis was performed using piecewise joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Out of 14,062 patients with MMD, 1771 underwent EC-IC bypass. Of these, 60.59% were White, 17.56% were Black, 12.36% were Asians, 8.47% were Hispanic, and 1.02% were Native Americans. Nonhome discharge was noted in 21.7% of cases, with a 6.7% death and 3.8% postoperative neurologic complications rates. EC-IC bypass was more commonly performed in Native Americans (23.38%) and Asians (17.76%). Hispanics had the longest mean length of stay (8.4 days) and lower odds of nonhome discharge compared to Whites (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.03; P = 0.04). Patients with Medicaid, private insurance, self-payers, and insurance paid by other governments had lower odds of nonhome discharge than those with Medicare. CONCLUSION: This study highlights racial and socioeconomic disparities in EC-IC bypass for patients with MMD. Despite these disparities, we did not find any significant difference in the quality of care. Addressing these disparities is essential for optimizing MMD outcomes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in twin and singleton pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal complications between twin and singleton pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus and the respective group without gestational diabetes mellitus (controls). DATA SOURCES: A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane from January 1980 to May 2023. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational studies reporting maternal and perinatal outcomes in singleton and/or twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus vs controls were included. METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled estimate risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were generated to determine the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes between twin and singleton pregnancies with and without gestational diabetes mellitus. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated in the model and expressed using the I2 statistic. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. The meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager (RevMan Web). Version 5.4. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020. Meta-regression was used to compare relative risks between singleton and twin pregnancies. The addition of multiple covariates into the models was used to address the lack of adjustments. RESULTS: Overall, 85 studies in singleton pregnancies and 27 in twin pregnancies were included. In singleton pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus, compared with controls, there were increased risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (relative risk, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-2.01), induction of labor (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.77), cesarean delivery (relative risk, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.38), large-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-1.77), preterm birth (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.46), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (relative risk, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-1.49). In twin pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus, compared with controls, there were increased risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (relative risk, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-1.90), cesarean delivery (relative risk, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.13), large-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.60), preterm birth (relative risk, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.32), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (relative risk, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.32) and reduced risks of small-for-gestational-age neonate (relative risk, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.97) and neonatal death (relative risk, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.65). When comparing relative risks in singleton vs twin pregnancies, there was sufficient evidence to suggest that twin pregnancies have a lower relative risk of cesarean delivery (P=.003), have sufficient adjustment for confounders, and have lower relative risks of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (P=.005), stillbirths (P=.002), and neonatal death (P=.001) than singleton pregnancies. CONCLUSION: In both singleton and twin pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In twin pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus may have a milder effect on some adverse perinatal outcomes and may be associated with a lower risk of neonatal death.

Safety and efficacy of the pipeline embolization device for treatment of small vs. large aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Flow diversion with the pipeline embolization device (PED) is increasingly used to treat intracranial aneurysms with high obliteration rates and low morbidity. However, long-term (≥ 1 year) angiographic and clinical outcomes still require further investigation. The aim of this study was to compare the occlusion and complication rates for small (< 10 mm) versus large (10-25 mm) aneurysms at long-term following treatment with PED. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We conducted a comprehensive search of English language databases including Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, and Daily, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. Our studies included a minimum of 10 patients treated with PED for small vs. large aneurysms and with at least 12 months of follow-up. The primary safety endpoint was the rate of clinical complications measured by the occurrence of symptomatic stroke (confirmed clinically and radiographically), intracranial hemorrhage, or aneurysmal rupture. The primary efficacy endpoint was the complete aneurysm occlusion rate. Our analysis included 19 studies with 1277 patients and 1493 aneurysms. Of those, 1378 aneurysms met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 53.9 years, and most aneurysms were small (89.75%; N = 1340) in women (79.1%; N = 1010). The long-term occlusion rate was 73% (95%, CI 65 to 80%) in small compared to 84% (95%, CI 76 to 90%) in large aneurysms (p < 0.01). The symptomatic thromboembolic complication rate was 5% (95%, CI 3 to 9%) in small compared to 7% (95%, CI 4 to 13%) in large aneurysms (p = 0.01). The rupture rate was 2% vs. 4% (p = 0.92), and the rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 2% vs. 4% (p = 0.96) for small vs. large aneurysms, respectively; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The long-term occlusion rate after PED treatment is higher in large vs. small aneurysms. Symptomatic thromboembolic rates with stroke are also higher in large vs. small aneurysms. The difference in the rates of aneurysm rupture and intracranial hemorrhage was insignificant. Although the PED seems a safe and effective treatment for small and large aneurysms, further studies are required to clarify how occlusion rate and morbidity are affected by aneurysm size.

Strategies to communicate pregnancy complications: a systematic review and practical points for healthcare professionals.

PURPOSE/METHODS: This systematic review aims to provide an overview of strategies available for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to effectively communicate unexpected news in pregnancy, specifically for the most common pregnancy complications. Three medical databases and grey literature were searched until March 2023 using subject headings and keywords. Snowball techniques were also used. The articles were reviewed at each stage of screening independently by two separate authors. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included. RECENT FINDINGS: Forty-three studies were included and grouped according to the gestational age of the pregnancy complication - miscarriage, increased risk screening, foetal conditions, stillbirth. The main key points for communication were outlined at each specific complication and eventually the six common themes that emerged from all the categories were included in the acronym PRICES (Preparation - Referral - Individualized care - Clarity - Empowerment - Sensitivity). SUMMARY: Given the negative impact of failed communications both in pregnancy outcomes and patients' experience, we advocate that communication training for HCP providing pregnancy care should be mandatory, and skills should be updated at regular intervals. Tools like our acronym PRICES can be used during teaching HCPs how to communicate more effectively.

Synthetic Inversion Image Generation using MP2RAGE T1 Mapping for Surgical Targeting in Deep Brain Stimulation and Lesioning.

BACKGROUND: Advances in MRI technology have increased interest in direct targeting for deep brain stimulation (DBS). Various imaging sequences have been shown to provide increased contrast of numerous common DBS targets, such as T1-weighted, Fast Gray Matter Acquisition T1 Inversion Recovery (FGATIR), gray matter nulled, and Edge-Enhancing Gradient Echo (EDGE); however, the continual increase in the number of necessary sequences has led to an increase in imaging time, which is undesirable. Additionally, carefully timed inversion pulses can often lead to less-than-ideal contrast in some subjects, particularly in ultra-high field MRI, where B1+ field inhomogeneity can lead to substantial contrast variation. OBJECTIVES: This study proposes using 3D MP2RAGE-based T1 maps to retrospectively synthesize images of any desired inversion time, including T1-weighted, FGATIR, and EDGE contrasts, to visualize specific DBS targets at both 3T and 7T. METHOD: First, a systematic sequence optimization framework was applied to optimize MP2RAGE T1 mapping sequence parameters for the purpose of DBS planning. Next, we show that synthetic inversion-time images can be generated through a mathematical transformation of the T1 maps. The sequence was then applied to patients undergoing preoperative planning for DBS at 3T and 7T to generate synthetic contrasts used in surgical planning. RESULTS: We show that synthetic image contrasts can be generated across a full range of inversion times at 3T and 7T, including commonly used sequences for DBS targeting, such as T1-weighted, FGATIR, and EDGE. Acquisition through a single sequence shortens scan time compared to acquiring the sequences independently without affecting image quality or contrast. CONCLUSIONS: The generation of synthetic images for DBS targeting allows faster acquisition of many key sequences, as well as the ability to optimize contrast properties post-acquisition to account for the variable B1+ effects present in ultra-high field MRI. The proposed approach has the potential to reduce imaging time and improve the accuracy of DBS targeting at 1.5T, 3T, and 7T.

Novel grading system for CADASIL severity: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited progressive cerebral microangiopathy with considerable phenotypic variability. The purpose of this study was to describe the generalizability of a recently proposed grading system of CADASIL across multiple centers in the United States. Methods: Electronic medical records (EMR) of an initial neurological assessment of adult patients with confirmed CADASIL were reviewed across 5 tertiary referral medical centers with expertise in CADASIL. Demographic, vascular risk factors, and neuroimaging data were abstracted from EMR. Patients were categorized into groups according to the proposed CADASIL grading system: Grade 0 (asymptomatic), Grade 1 (migraine only), Grade 2 (stroke, TIA, or MCI), Grade 3 (gait assistance or dementia), and Grade 4 (bedbound or end-stage). Inter-rater reliability (IRR) of grading was tested in a subset of cases. Results: We identified 138 patients with a mean age of 50.9 ± 13.1 years, and 57.2% were female. The IRR was acceptable over 33 cases (κ=0.855, SD 0.078, p<0.001) with 81.8% being concordant. There were 15 patients (10.9%) with Grade 0, 50 (36.2%) with Grade 1, 61 (44.2%) with Grade 2, 12 (8.7%) with Grade 3, and none with Grade 4. Patients with a lower severity grade (grade 0 vs 3) tended to be younger (49.5 vs. 61.9 years) and had a lower prevalence of hypertension (50% vs. 20%, p = 0.027) and diabetes mellitus (0% vs. 25%, p = 0.018). A higher severity grade was associated with an increased number of vascular risk factors (p = 0.02) and independently associated with hypertension and diabetes (p<0.05). Comparing Grade 0 vs. 3, cortical thickness tended to be greater (2.06 vs. 1.87 mm; p = 0.06) and white matter hyperintensity volume tended to be lower (54.7 vs. 72.5 ml; p = 0.73), but the differences did not reach significance. Conclusion: The CADASIL severity grading system is a pragmatic, reliable system for characterizing CADASIL phenotype that does not require testing beyond that done in standard clinical practice. Higher severity grades tended to have a higher vascular risk factor burden. This system offers a simple method of categorizing CADASIL patients which may help to describe populations in observational and interventional studies.

Craniovertebral Junction Instability after Oncological Resection: A Narrative Review.

The craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is a complex transition area between the skull and cervical spine. Pathologies such as chordoma, chondrosarcoma and aneurysmal bone cysts may be encountered in this anatomical area and may predispose individuals to joint instability. An adequate clinical and radiological assessment is mandatory to predict any postoperative instability and the need for fixation. There is no common consensus on the need for, timing and setting of craniovertebral fixation techniques after a craniovertebral oncological surgery. The aim of the present review is to summarize the anatomy, biomechanics and pathology of the craniovertebral junction and to describe the available surgical approaches to and considerations of joint instability after craniovertebral tumor resections. Although a one-size-fits-all approach cannot encompass the extremely challenging pathologies encountered in the CVJ area, including the possible mechanical instability that is a consequence of oncological resections, the optimal surgical strategy (anterior vs posterior vs posterolateral) tailored to the patient's needs can be assessed preoperatively in many instances. Preserving the intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments, principally the transverse ligament, and the bony structures, namely the C1 anterior arch and occipital condyle, ensures spinal stability in most of the cases. Conversely, in situations that require the removal of those structures, or in cases where they are disrupted by the tumor, a thorough clinical and radiological assessment is needed to timely detect any instability and to plan a surgical stabilization procedure. We hope that this review will help shed light on the current evidence and pave the way for future studies on this topic.

Flow diversion using the Pipeline embolization device for intracranial and extracranial pseudoaneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) are complex vascular lesions. Flow diversion has been proposed as an alternative treatment to parent artery occlusion that preserves laminar flow. The authors of the present study investigated the safety and short-term (< 1 year) and long-term (≥ 1 year) aneurysm occlusion rates following the treatment of intracranial and extracranial PSAs using the Pipeline embolization device (PED). METHODS: An electronic database search for full-text English-language articles in Ovid MEDLINE and Epub Ahead of Print, Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies of any design including at least 4 patients with intracranial or extracranial PSAs treated using a PED were included in this analysis. The primary outcome of interest was the rate of peri- and postprocedural complications. Secondarily, the authors analyzed the incidence of complete aneurysm occlusion. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with 96 PSAs across 9 studies were included. The mean age was 38.2 (SD 15.14) years, and 37.8% of the patients were women. The mean PSA size was 4.9 mm. Most PSAs were unruptured, and the most common etiology was trauma (n = 32, 35.5%), followed by spontaneous formation (n = 21, 23.3%) and iatrogenic injury (n = 19, 21.1%). Among the 51 (53.1%) intracranial and 45 (46.9%) extracranial PSAs were 19 (19.8%) dissecting PSAs. Sixty-six (77.6%) PSAs were in the internal carotid artery and 10 (11.8%) in the vertebral artery. Thirty-three (34.4%) PSAs were treated with ≥ 2 devices, and 8 (8.3%) underwent adjunctive coiling. The mean clinical and angiographic follow-up durations were 10.7 and 12.9 months, respectively. The short-term (< 1 year) and long-term (≥ 1 year) complete occlusion rates were 79% (95% CI 66%-88%, p = 0.82) and 84% (95% CI 70%-92%, p = 0.95), respectively. Complication rates were 8% for iatrogenic dissection (95% CI 3%-16%, p = 0.94), 10% for silent thromboembolism (95% CI 5%-21%, p = 0.77), and 12% for symptomatic thromboembolism (95% CI 6%-23%, p = 0.48). No treatment-related hemorrhage was observed. The overall mortality rate at the last follow-up was 14%. CONCLUSIONS: The complete occlusion rate for PSAs treated with the PED was high and increased over time. Although postprocedural complications and mortality were not insignificant, flow diversion represents a reasonably safe option for managing these complex lesions.

Management of Intraventricular Meningiomas.

Intraventricular meningiomas (IVM) are intracranial tumors that originate from collections of arachnoid cells within the choroid plexus. The incidence of meningiomas is estimated to be about 97.5 per 100,000 individuals in the United States with IVMs constituting 0.7% to 3%. Positive outcomes have been observed with surgical treatment of intraventricular meningiomas. This review explores elements of surgical care and management of patients with IVM, highlighting nuances in surgical approaches, their indications, and considerations.

Open Questions on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Twin Pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: The concurrent, recent increase in prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and twin pregnancy, in combination with the shared risk factors, has led to speculation that multiples are a risk factor for GDM and, GDM may contribute to twin complications. Twin pregnancies have different physiology and greater obstetric risks compared to singletons, including prematurity and growth restriction. However, in twins methods of GDM screening, thresholds for diagnosis and treatment, as well as glycaemic control targets, have been predominantly extrapolated from singletons. Studies investigating the impact of GDM on pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies are conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive, critical overview of evidence on GDM in twin pregnancies with an emphasis on prevalence, methods of screening, thresholds for diagnosis, risk of pregnancy complications and the impact of treatment on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Review of retrospective and prospective cohort, case-control, and case-series studies on twin pregnancies with GDM published between 1980 and 2021. RESULTS: Glucose tolerance in twin pregnancies is poorly studied. Specific guidance for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM in twins is lacking. Studies evaluating pregnancy outcomes in twins with GDM are few and heterogeneous. The absolute risk of maternal complications is greater in twins with GDM compared to singletons; conversely, differences in risks between twins with and without GDM may be due to maternal confounders rather than to GDM. Most studies agree on a positive effect of GDM on neonatal outcomes in twins, likely mediated by the hyperglycaemia improving fetal growth. The impact of lifestyle-measures versus medical management on pregnancy outcomes in twins with GDM is unknown. CONCLUSION: Larger longitudinal studies evaluating glucose tolerance, pregnancy outcomes and the impact of treatment both in mono and di-chorionic twins with GDM are warranted to gain further insight into the pathophysiology of this condition and guide optimal management.

Clinical outcome of imaging-based programming for anterior thalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: The authors hypothesized that the proximity of deep brain stimulator contacts to the anterior thalamic nucleus-mammillothalamic tract (ANT-MMT) junction determines responsiveness to treatment with ANT deep brain stimulation (DBS) in drug-resistant epilepsy and conducted this study to test that hypothesis. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated patients who had undergone ANT DBS electrode implantation and whose devices were programmed to stimulate nearest the ANT-MMT junction based on direct MRI visualization. The proximity of the active electrode to the ANT and the ANT-MMT junction was compared between responders (≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency) and nonresponders. Linear regression was performed to assess the percentage of seizure reduction and distance to both the ANT and the ANT-MMT junction. RESULTS: Four (57.1%) of 7 patients had ≥ 50% reduction in seizures. All 4 responders had at least one contact within 1 mm of the ANT-MMT junction, whereas the 3 patients with < 50% seizure improvement did not have a contact within 1 mm of the ANT-MMT junction. Additionally, the 4 responders demonstrated contact positioning closer to the ANT-MMT junction than the 3 nonresponders (mean distance from MMT: 0.7 mm on the left and 0.6 mm on the right in responders vs 3.0 mm on the left and 2.3 mm on the right in nonresponders). However, proximity of the electrode contact to any point in the ANT nucleus did not correlate with seizure reduction. Greater seizure improvement was correlated with a contact position closer to the ANT-MMT junction (R2 = 0.62, p = 0.04). Seizure improvement was not significantly correlated with proximity of the contact to any ANT border (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Obtained using a combination of direct visualization and targeted programming of the ANT-MMT junction, data in this study support the hypothesis that proximity to the ANT alone does not correlate with seizure reduction in ANT DBS, whereas proximity to the ANT-MMT junction does. These findings support the importance of direct targeting in ANT DBS, as well as imaging-informed programming. Additionally, the authors provide supportive evidence for future prospective trials using ANT-MMT junction for direct surgical targeting.

Adult extracardiac rhabdomyomas presenting as a slowly growing neck mass.

Rhabdomyomas are rare benign tumors arising from skeletal muscle cells, most common cardiac in origin and usually seen in pediatric age group, often associated with neurophakomatosis like tuberous sclerosis. Extracardiac tumors are rare and are classified based on histology into adult, fetal and genital forms. The adult form of extracardiac rhabdomyoma are seen in the head and neck region in vast majority of cases. These can occur within the pharyngeal or laryngeal compartments along with other neck spaces and the orbits. In this case report, we describe the findings of adult extracardiac rhabdomyoma and discuss the striking similarity with lymphomas on imaging.

Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON): The great tumor mimicker.

Calcifying pseudoneoplasms of the neuraxis (CAPNON) are very rare intracranial lesions with less than 50 cases reported in literature. These are non-neoplastic in etiology and despite having unique imaging characteristics, are often misdiagnosed as a neoplastic condition like meningioma, chordoma and gliomas. These do not have any predilection for any age, gender or intracranial location and can be seen in a wide range of age groups. Despite having an imaging overlap with neoplastic conditions, CAPNONs have classic histopathologic findings including chondromyxoid matrix, palisading spindle cells and calcific or ossific metaplasia. As more cases are being described in literature the imaging features are also being better defined. We discuss the clinical, imaging and histopathological findings of 2 cases of CAPNON mimicking posterior fossa meningioma and glial neoplasm.

Combined Neuroendoscopic Techniques in the Management of Pediatric Brain and Skull Base Tumors: A Single-Institutional Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system tumors encompass the leading cause of cancer-related death in the pediatric population. Neuroendoscopic techniques have been optimized over the years, becoming an important tool for the management of brain tumors. Our study aims to review the indications for neuroendoscopic procedures and the feasibility of combined interventions. METHODS: This is a single-center, self-adjudicated, retrospective experience. Inclusion criteria consisted of pediatric patients (≤18 years old) who underwent management of brain tumor or related diseases with the employment of neuroendoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients undergoing 51 procedures met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 9.8 ± 4.6 years, and the majority were female (55.3%). Common indications for endoscopic intervention were hydrocephalus management (n = 24; 16 endoscopic third ventriculostomies and 9 septostomies), tumor biopsy (n = 19), cyst fenestration (n = 16), and tumor resection (n = 9). In one third of the cases, combined interventions occurred during a single operative session. Hydrocephalus was successfully managed in 74.4% of cases; tumor biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 95.8% of cases, and gross total resection was achieved in 88.9% of cases. Cyst fenestration required reintervention in 3 cases: one case associated with initial cyst enlargement and 2 cases with the development of new tumor cysts separated from the originally fenestrated cyst. The overall complication rate was 6.3%, with only one major safety event, which was successfully managed. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendoscopy is an important minimally invasive tool for diagnosing and treating pediatric patients with brain tumors, permitting to address multiple problems in a single surgery.

Hypoperfusion intensity ratio for refinement of elderly patient selection for endovascular thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Patients ≥80-year-old presenting with large-vessel occlusion treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) have worst outcomes than younger individuals. Improved patient selection in this age range is warranted. We investigated the hypoperfusion-intensity-ratio (HIR) and its associations with baseline parameters and clinical outcomes in a cohort ≥80-year-old to assess whether it could an option in improving their selection for EVT. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with EVT at our center between 2015 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were age ≥80-year-old, any baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and anterior circulation occlusion. Demographic information, baseline characteristics, clinical data, and radiological imaging parameters were collected. HIR was dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable based on median value of the cohort. Good outcome was defined as mRS ≤2 at 90-days. RESULTS: We included 82 patients. HIR was significantly correlated with baseline ischemic core volume, NIHSS, and time-of-onset to groin puncture. Good outcome was achieved in 18.3% and mortality occurred in 34.1%. In patients with baseline mRS ≤2, the rate of good outcome was significantly higher in favorable vs unfavorable HIR (52.6% vs 20%, P=0.02). In shift-analysis, unfavorable HIR was significantly associated with downshift to mRS ≥3 (P=0.02). Regression analysis found lower baseline mRS (P=0.009), higher ASPECTS (P=0.02), complete recanalization (P=0.04), and lower HIR (P=0.02) to be associated with increased rate of good outcome. Hierarchical regression showed HIR to independently predict good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, HIR was correlated with baseline parameters and predicted clinical outcomes. Future studies should investigate perfusion parameters such as HIR to improve the selection of elderly patients for EVT.

Pravastatin Versus Placebo in Pregnancies at High Risk of Term Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Effective screening for term preeclampsia is provided by a combination of maternal factors with measurements of mean arterial pressure, serum placental growth factor, and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation, with a detection rate of ≈75% at a screen-positive rate of 10%. However, there is no known intervention to reduce the incidence of the disease. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 1120 women with singleton pregnancies at high risk of term preeclampsia to receive pravastatin at a dose of 20 mg/d or placebo from 35 to 37 weeks of gestation until delivery or 41 weeks. The primary outcome was delivery with preeclampsia at any time after randomization. The analysis was performed according to intention to treat. RESULTS: A total of 29 women withdrew consent during the trial. Preeclampsia occurred in 14.6% (80 of 548) of participants in the pravastatin group and in 13.6% (74 of 543) in the placebo group. Allowing for the effect of risk at the time of screening and participating center, the mixed-effects Cox regression showed no evidence of an effect of pravastatin (hazard ratio for statin/placebo, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.78-1.49]; P=0.65). There was no evidence of interaction between the effect of pravastatin, estimated risk of preeclampsia, pregnancy history, adherence, and aspirin treatment. There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of any secondary outcomes, including gestational hypertension, stillbirth, abruption, delivery of small for gestational age neonates, neonatal death, or neonatal morbidity. There was no significant between-group difference in the treatment effects on serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations 1 and 3 weeks after randomization. Adherence was good, with reported intake of ≥80% of the required number of tablets in 89% of participants. There were no significant between-group differences in neonatal adverse outcomes or other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Pravastatin in women at high risk of term preeclampsia did not reduce the incidence of delivery with preeclampsia. Registration: URL: https://www.isrctn.com; Unique identifier ISRCTN16123934.