Long-term psychiatric outcomes in pediatric brain tumor survivors.

PURPOSE: The increased efficacy of cancer treatments has led to a greater survival rate of patients with pediatric brain cancers. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the long-term consequences of therapies employed to treat pediatric brain tumors. The goal of this study was to provide a review of literature regarding the downstream psychological and psychiatric consequences experienced by adult survivors of pediatric brain cancer as a result of treatment, tumor type, or tumor location. METHODS: A PubMed MeSH search and additional online database searches were conducted to include pertinent studies that discussed psychological deficits in childhood brain cancer survivors. The studies included were subjected to data extraction to quantify relevant information for further analysis. RESULTS: A total of 17 papers with 5320 pediatric brain tumor patients were incorporated in our review. Mean age at diagnosis (8.13 ± 0.77 years), mean follow-up time (9.98 ± 3.05 years), and male-to-female ratios (1.08:1) were compiled from studies reporting this information. Incidences of depression (19 %), anxiety (20 %), suicidal ideation (10.9 %), schizophrenia and its related psychoses (9.8 %), and behavioral problem (28.7 %) were higher among pediatric brain cancer survivors than in the normal population. Craniospinal radiotherapy and/or surgery corresponded to an increased likelihood of developing adverse deficits. Astrocytomas or other glial tumors were linked to poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: Physicians treating pediatric brain tumor patients should be aware of the possible consequences associated with treatment. Psychiatric monitoring is warranted in survivors of pediatric brain tumors, but further investigation is needed to elucidate late outcomes regarding tumor type and location.

Retrospective comparison of craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy for surgical evacuation of nontraumatic, supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Surgical evacuation of nontraumatic, supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) is uncommonly performed, and outcomes are generally poor. On the basis of published experimental data and the authors' anecdotal observations, a retrospective chart review study was performed to test the hypothesis that large decompressive craniectomies (DCs), compared with craniotomies, would improve clinical outcomes after surgical evacuation of SICH. For patients with putaminal SICH, DC was associated with a statistically significant improvement in midline shift, compared with craniotomy. Decompressive craniectomies also resulted in a strong trend toward decreased likelihood of poor neurological outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 3). For patients with lobar SICH, no associations were found between DC or craniotomy and clinical outcomes. For patients selected to undergo surgical evacuation of putaminal SICH, a DC in addition to surgical evacuation of the hematoma might improve outcome.

Endoscopic-assisted resection of vestibular schwannomas in high-riding jugular bulb.

The present surgical video demonstrates safe opening of the internal auditory canal (IAC) during vestibular schwannoma surgery via a retrosigmoid approach in the sitting position. Resection of the intrameatal portion of a tumor is important for progression-free survival. Preoperative thin-sliced CT revealed a high-riding jugular bulb obscuring the trajectory. After dural opening, the IAC was approached anteriorly and superiorly. The posterior margin of IAC drilling was above the Tubingen line. Drilling was performed under continuous jugular compression. The vein was pushed down to augment visibility. An angled endoscope was helpful. IAC can be drilled safely in a high-riding jugular bulb with the technique mentioned in the video. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2198.

Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of C1-C2 Pannus, a Step-by-Step Surgical and Anatomical Description: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Expanded endonasal endoscopic approaches provide access to the entire central skull base and craiocervical junction. The authors present a case of an 81-year-old man who presented with progressive spastic quadriparesis to the point of being wheel-chair bound. Cervical spine computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multilevel extensive spondylitic changes with a large pannus at the C1-2 junction, severely compressing the spinal cord ( Figs. 1 and 2 ). Given the significant anterior spinal cord compression and the patient's substantial weakness, the decision was made to perform an endoscopic endonasal anterior cervical decompression and resection of the pannus followed a posterior cervical fusion. The patient recovered well following surgery with significant improvement of motor function. The preoperative assessment, the step-by-step surgical technique, and the technical nuances are demonstrated and discussed. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/HzrZO-0Vol4 .

Multimodal Management of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Techniques for endovascular management of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) have evolved over the years. Current strategies include transarterial or transvenous approaches and direct puncture or exposure of the cavernous sinus. Rarely, complex CCFs may require multiple approaches or procedures. We describe our experience managing CCFs, reporting on outcomes and technical nuances. METHODS: A retrospective review of institutional records was conducted to identify consecutive cases of CCF treated between July 2005 and July 2016. Pertinent technical details and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: In 44 patients, 51 procedures were performed. There were 13 direct CCFs and 31 indirect CCFs: 13 (30%) type A, 3 (7%) type B, 5 (11%) type C, and 23 (52%) type D. A transarterial approach was selected in 39% of cases (n = 20), resulting in a long-term successful embolization rate of 60% (n = 12). Transvenous methods via the inferior petrosal sinus or superior ophthalmic vein were used in 49% of cases (n = 25), resulting in a long-term obliteration rate of 88% (n = 22). Multimodal management was required in 5 patients, including 1 patient in whom a craniotomy was performed to facilitate coil embolization of the cavernous sinus under direct vision. A 7% complication rate (n = 3) was observed, with significant morbidity in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: CCFs are complex vascular lesions that require facility with various endovascular and surgical approaches. High-flow, direct-type fistulas may harbor a significant risk of recurrence after transarterial embolization. Partial or unsuccessful embolization may necessitate an open surgical approach to the superior ophthalmic vein or cavernous sinus.

Characteristics of Large-Vessel Occlusion Associated with COVID-19 and Ischemic Stroke.

The mechanisms and phenotype of ischemic stroke associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain uncertain. A retrospective study was conducted in patients with COVID-19 presenting with ischemic stroke from March 1 to May 25, 2020, and cases with large-vessel occlusion were identified. To provide baseline institutional stroke data within and outside the COVID-19 pandemic, all consecutive ischemic stroke and TIA admissions (COVID and non-COVID) to the hospital during a 10-week period from March 1 to May 10, 2020, were collected and compared with data from the same time period in 2019. Among 20 patients with COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke, 15 (75%) had large-vessel occlusion. These patients were young (mean age, 46.5 years), male (93%), without major burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and had a severe stroke presentation. Large-vessel occlusions were observed in multiple vessels (40%), uncommonly affected vessels, and atypical locations with a large thrombus burden. Systemic thrombosis separate from large-vessel occlusion was not uncommon (26%). At short-term follow-up, stroke etiology remained undetermined in 46% of patients and functional outcome was poor. The above findings raise the possibility of stroke related to mechanisms induced by the COVID-19 infection itself, including a hypercoagulable state and/or endothelial damage. In addition, they document the severe presentation and poor outcomes of large-vessel occlusion in COVID-19 ischemic stroke.

Direct percutaneous embolization of a carotid body tumor with Onyx.

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare highly vascular lesions that frequently require preoperative embolization to minimize surgical morbidity secondary to blood loss. Embolization has typically been performed via a transarterial route. However, this frequently results in incomplete devascularization of the tumor due to the complex angioarchitecture of the feeding arteries. Direct intralesional embolization has been used to gain easier accesses to the tumor vasculature and thus increase the likelihood of complete embolization. Cyanoacrylate glue has been the most commonly used embolic agent. The authors present a case of CBT that underwent direct intralesional embolization using Onyx (ev3; ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). To their knowledge, there have been no previous reports of direct percutaneous embolization of a CBT with this agent.

Eagle syndrome as a cause of transient ischemic attacks.

Eagle syndrome is an uncommon entity but is well known in the otorhinolaryngology and oral surgery literature. This syndrome results from the compression of cranial nerves in the neck by an elongated styloid process causing unilateral cervical and facial pain. The styloid process can also cause compression of the cervical carotid arteries leading to the so-called carotid artery syndrome together with carotidynia or neurological symptoms due to flow reduction in these arteries. The authors discuss the case of a 70-year-old man who suffered from transient ischemic attacks on turning his head to the left, with immediate remission of symptoms when his head returned to the neutral position. The patient was studied with dynamic angiography, which clearly showed focal flow restriction. Once a diagnosis was made, the styloid process was removed surgically and the patient completely recovered from his symptoms. A postoperative angiogram demonstrated complete resolution of the pathology. Neurosurgeons might encounter patients with Eagle syndrome and should be aware of the symptoms and signs. Once the diagnosis is made, the treatment is clear and very effective.

Isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy secondary to an atlantooccipital joint juxtafacet synovial cyst.

Juxtafacet cysts of the atlantooccipital joint that present with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy are rare and may mimic more common pathological entities. The authors report on the third such case in the literature and discuss the differential diagnosis, imaging hallmarks, preoperative recognition, and surgical management of this lesion, and provide a review of the literature. The authors discuss their experience with the treatment of a 67-year-old woman who presented with an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by a nonenhancing cystic septated lesion abutting the lateral medulla just medial to the left hypoglossal canal. The lesion was presumed to be a necrotic hypoglossal schwannoma or epidermoid tumor. Intradural surgical exploration failed to demonstrate an intradural lesion, but confirmed the presence of an extradural mass caudal to the hypoglossal nerve. Extradural exploration revealed a synovial cyst of the atlantooccipital joint, which was then resected. Postoperatively, the patient developed worsening dysphagia and hoarseness. Failure to recognize this rare entity preoperatively resulted in unnecessary intradural exploration and cranial nerve morbidity. In retrospect, the preoperative diagnosis of this lesion was suggested by lack of central enhancement, absence of dumbbell formation and the presence of erosive synovial changes. Regardless, the extreme rarity of this lesion at this location will always make its recognition challenging.

Endoscope-assisted resection of a brainstem cavernoma.

Procedures on cavernous malformations of the brainstem are challenging due to their eloquent location. This accounts especially for recurrent cavernomas as surgical scars, adhesions, and functional shift might have occurred since primary surgery. We report on a 38-year-old female patient with a large recurrent brainstem cavernoma, who underwent previous successful surgery and experienced recurrent bleeding about 2 years later. She harbored a large associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA) traversing the cavernoma through the midline of the brainstem. In order to visualize complete resection and preservation of the DVA at the same time, endoscopic-assisted resection within the brainstem after decompression in the semisitting position was performed. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/K1p-Sx7jUpA.

Early elective surgical exploration of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas of unknown origin.

OBJECT: The management of non-life threatening spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage with no obvious medical etiology in patients and the lack of findings on images has not been clearly defined. In general, the current practice is to treat these patients conservatively and repeat studies to rule out a treatable cause 6 weeks to 3 months later; more often than not these repeated studies fail to reveal any findings, and the patient is treated conservatively. For years, the senior author (R.C.H.) has treated these patients with early surgical exploration. This study was undertaken prospectively to ascertain the frequency of positive findings during surgical exploration. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2007, the authors prospectively collected data from 9 cases (4 cerebellar, 4 lobar, and 1 caudate head) of unexplained intraparenchymal hemorrhages. The patient age ranged from 18 to 45 years (mean 31.2 years). All patients were normotensive, had no underlying medical problems explaining such a hemorrhage, and failed to exhibit findings on cerebral angiograms. Magnetic resonance images with contrast showed no abnormal vasculature or enhancement. Eight patients underwent elective surgical exploration in the subacute stage, and urgent decompression of the clot was necessary in 1. RESULTS: In 7 (77.8%) of the 9 cases, histopathological examination revealed a cause for the hemorrhage (3 "cryptic" arteriovenous malformations, 3 cavernomas, and 1 neoplasm). A good outcome was achieved in all 8 patients who underwent elective surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors recommend elective surgical exploration of intracerebral hematomas of unknown etiology provided that the hematoma is surgically accessible and the patient is relatively young and healthy. Early exploration and resection can provide a cure and eliminate the risk of rebleeding when a vascular lesion is found or guide further treatment in cases of tumor.

Leiomyosarcoma metastases to the spine. Case series and review of the literature.

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant smooth-muscle tumor that rarely metastasizes to bone. It is extremely uncommon for osseous metastasis to be the initial presentation of leiomyosarcoma or to be the initial manifestation of recurrence in patients with a history of leiomyosarcoma. The authors have treated four cases of metastatic leiomyosarcoma with the lesion initially presenting in the spine, and a fifth case of disseminated leiomyosarcoma that involved the spine. In their report, they highlight the cases of two of these patients and provide tabular data for the remaining three. The authors performed a comprehensive review of the literature on spinal leiomyosarcomas and retrospective chart reviews of five surgically treated patients in whom a spinal metastatic leiomyosarcoma was diagnosed. Their series consists of five women who ranged in age from 36 to 47 years (mean age 43.2 years). Four patients had known, or presumed, uterine primary lesions, whereas one harbored a retroperitoneal primary tumor. These lesions generally appear as lytic foci on imaging studies, but variable imaging characteristics were observed. All cases were managed aggressively: four patients underwent posterior/posterolateral decompression and fusion, and one underwent anterior-posterior en bloc resection and fusion. In all cases preoperative symptoms resolved. Two patients died 9 and 13 years after initial presentation. The remaining patients are alive and neurologically intact. Metastatic spinal leiomyosarcomas tend to symptomatically involve only one spinal level at the time of diagnosis and are known to recur locally. These lesions commonly affect women in early middle age, and long-term survival, even in those with systemic metastatic lesions, is better than that seen in individuals with more aggressive spinal metastases. Attempted gross-total resection with fusion, as opposed to minimal palliative decompression, is recommended.

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and prognosis of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal communications, within the dural leaflets, between meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses and/or subarachnoid veins. Although many fistulas remain clinically silent and do not require treatment, presence of cortical venous reflux, intracranial bleed, and intolerable symptoms are the main indications for treatment. A thorough understanding of the natural history is of prime importance in the decision making and management of these lesions. In this chapter we discuss the epidemiology and natural history of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae.

Combined Use of Intraoperative Indocyanine Green and Dynamic Angiography in Rotational Vertebral Artery Occlusion.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion (RVAO) is a well-documented surgically amenable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Traditionally, patients have been imaged using dynamic rotational angiography. We report a case of RVAO in which intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to confirm adequate surgical decompression of the VA. A 57-year-old female who presented with multiple episodes of syncope provoked by turning her head to the right. Rotational dynamic angiography revealed a dominant right VA that became occluded at the level of C5/6 with head rotation to the right. The patient underwent successful surgical decompression of the VA via an anterior cervical approach. ICGA demonstrated VA patency with head rotation. This was further confirmed by intraoperative dynamic catheter angiography. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first use of ICG combined with intra-operative dynamic rotational angiography to document the adequacy surgical decompression of the VA in a patient with RVAO.

Microsurgical versus endovascular interventions for blood-blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery: systematic review of literature and meta-analysis on safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE Blood-blister aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) have a poor natural history associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, both surgical and endovascular techniques are employed to treat BBAs; thus, the authors sought to perform a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of these approaches. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar online databases was performed to include pertinent English-language studies from 2005 to 2015 that discussed the efficacy and safety of either surgical or endovascular therapies to treat BBAs. RESULTS Thirty-six papers describing 256 patients with BBAs treated endovascularly (122 procedures) or surgically (139 procedures) were examined for data related to therapeutic efficacy and safety. Pooled analysis of 9 papers demonstrated immediate and late (mean 20.9 months) aneurysm occlusion rates of 88.9% (95% CI 77.6%-94.8%) and 88.4% (95% CI 76.7%-94.6%), respectively, in surgically treated patients. Pooled analysis of 12 papers revealed immediate and late aneurysm obliteration rates of 63.9% (95% CI 52.3%-74.1%) and 75.9% (95% CI 65.9%-83.7%), respectively, in endovascularly treated aneurysms. Procedure-related complications and overall poor neurological outcomes were slightly greater in the surgically treated cases than in the endovascularly treated cases (27.8% [95% CI 19.6%-37.8%] vs 26.2% [95% CI 18.4%-35.8%]), indicating that endovascular therapy may provide better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Blood-blister aneurysms are rare, challenging lesions with a poor prognosis. Although surgical management potentially offers superior aneurysm obliteration rates immediately after treatment and at the long-term follow-up, endovascular therapy may have a better safety profile and provide better functional outcomes than surgery. A registry of patients treated for BBAs may be warranted to better document the natural course of the disease as well as treatment outcomes.