Movement disorder Deep brain stimulation Hybridization: Patient and caregiver outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established surgical treatment for certain movement disorders and involves the implantation of brain electrodes connected to implantable pulse generators (IPGs). As more device manufacturers have entered the market, some IPG technology has been designed to be compatible with brain electrodes from other manufacturers, which has facilitated the hybridization of implant technology. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits of hybridization of non-rechargeable, constant voltage IPGs to rechargeable, constant current IPGs. Methods: A list of DBS movement disorder patients who had their non-rechargeable, constant voltage IPGs replaced with rechargeable, constant current IPGs from a different manufacturer was compiled. Structured surveys of these patients, and their caregivers when applicable, were undertaken to determine both patient and caregiver satisfaction in this DBS hybridization strategy. Results: Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria and twelve patients or their caregivers completed the structured survey (67% response rate). Nine patients had Parkinson's disease (75%), three had essential tremor (25%). Nine (75%) were converted from bilateral single-channel IPGs, and three (25%) were converted from a unilateral dual-channel IPGs. Overall, 92% of patients and caregivers surveyed reported improvement or no change in their symptoms, 92% reported a decrease or no change in their medication requirements, and 92% report they are satisfied or very satisfied with their IPG hybridization and would recommend the surgery to similar patients. There were no immediate surgical complications. Conclusion: In this series of movement disorder DBS patients, surgery was safe and patient and caregiver satisfaction were high with a hybridization of non-rechargeable, constant voltage IPGs to rechargeable, constant current IPGs.

Occipital-interhemispheric transtentorial pineal mass resection.

The occipital approach for pineal tumors was first described by James Poppen in 1966. Since then, it has been widely used for accessing deep-seated tumors as it offers a wider surgical view than the supracerebellar transtentorial approach. This video demonstrates the technical nuances of the occipital transtentorial approach and the exoscopic dissection of a pineal gland tumor in a 66-year-old male. Use of the exoscope over the microscope provides certain ergonomic advantages and improves surgical workflow, as demonstrated here. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23161.

Frontotemporal craniotomy with orbital osteotomy for superior hypophyseal artery aneurysm clipping.

Superior hypophyseal artery (SHA) aneurysms are rare paraclinoid aneurysms with a mortality rate as high as 3%-6%. Surgical clipping of these aneurysms is technically challenging due to the surrounding anatomy. The large size and complicated surrounding anatomy make endovascular coiling very difficult. Here we present the case of a ruptured right SHA aneurysm. The authors present technical nuances of the clipping using an exoscope rather than a traditional microscope. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.10.FOCVID23157.

Rare case of extracranial chordoid meningioma adjacent to the carotid sheath: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Chordoid meningioma is a rare World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2 variant of meningioma with histological features resembling those of a chordoma. This tumor type is known for having an aggressive clinical course with a propensity for local recurrence. Most cases occur within the cranium, more specifically around the cerebral convexities. Although extracranial meningiomas of various subtypes have been documented, extracranial meningioma with a chordoid subtype is an extremely rare entity. OBSERVATIONS: The authors herein report the case of a 51-year-old female who presented with a chief complaint of dysphagia and was found to have a neck mass abutting the carotid sheath. The patient underwent resection and final pathology results revealed a WHO grade 2 chordoid meningioma. LESSONS: This case report demonstrates an atypical case of an extracranial chordoid meningioma adjacent to the carotid sheath. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a chordoid meningioma occurring within the soft tissue of the neck.

Lumbar pedicle screw pseudoarthrosis salvage technique with moldable, bioabsorbable, calcium phosphate-based putty: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoarthrosis is a complication of spinal fixation. Risk factors include infection, larger constructs, significant medical comorbidities, and diabetes. The authors present a case report of dilated pedicle screw pseudoarthrosis salvaged with moldable, settable calcium phosphate-based putty. OBSERVATIONS: The patient presented with back pain and radiculopathy in the setting of poorly controlled diabetes. He was taken to the operating room for laminectomy and fusion complicated by postoperative infection requiring incision and drainage. He returned to the clinic 6 months later with pseudoarthrosis of the L4 screws and adjacent segment degeneration. He was taken for revision with extension of fusion. The L4 tracts were significantly dilated. A moldable, bioabsorbable polymer-based putty containing calcium phosphate was used to augment the dilated tract after decortication back to bleeding bone, allowing good purchase of screws. The patient did well postoperatively. LESSONS: There are several salvage options for clinically significant pseudoarthrosis after spinal fixation, including anterior or lateral constructs, extension, and revision of fusion. The authors were able to obtain good screw purchase with dilated screw tracts after addition of moldable, bioabsorbable polymer-based putty containing calcium phosphate. It appears that this may represent an effective salvage strategy for dilated pseudoarthropathy in select settings to support extension of fusion.

Mycotic aneurysm presenting as subdural empyema: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Mycotic aneurysms (MAs) are rare intracranial pathologies. They are associated with spontaneous rupture, which is often the first presenting sign. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and intraparenchymal hemorrhage are the most common sequelae of ruptured MAs, with subdural hematoma being an atypical presentation. The presentation of an MA as a subdural empyema has not yet been reported in the literature. OBSERVATIONS: The authors discussed a 68-year-old man who presented with subdural empyema and received surgery for evacuation. He was found to have a ruptured mycotic aneurysm intraoperatively. LESSONS: This case demonstrated a rare and atypical presentation of an MA.

Temporal evolution of a patient with a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula on serial MRI.

INTRODUCTION: A spinal dural arteriovenous fistula is a rare type of vascular malformation. If left untreated, these fistulas can result in significant neurological deficits secondary to spinal cord infarct or hemorrhage. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old female with a longstanding history of episodic progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness and sensory disturbances was previously misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Imaging revealed a T2 signal change from T7 to the conus with associated signal change and she subsequently underwent a T10-L1 laminectomy for clip ligation of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. Here we present the clinical and radiographic progression of one patient with a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. DISCUSSION: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare but treatable cause of myelopathy, so it is important to understand its natural progression and radiologic findings as it is frequently misdiagnosed.