The neurosurgical outpatient clinic: comparison between accesses in public and private activities.

BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical clinic assesses presence and extent of pathologies of central and peripheral nervous system or disorders affecting the spine, to identify most effective treatment and possible recourse to surgery. The aim of the study is to evaluate the appropriateness of request for a neurosurgical consult both in private and in public outpatient clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected and analyzed all the reports of outpatient visits of public and private clinic over a period between January and December 2018. RESULTS: There were 0.62% real urgent visits in the public sector and 1.19% in the private sector (p = 0.05). Peripheral pathologies represented 12.53% and 6.21% of pathologies evaluated in public and private sector respectively (p < 0.00001). In addition, 15.76% of visits in public lead to surgery, while they represented 11.45% in private (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: No study is available comparing accesses of patients in neurosurgical outpatient clinics. In public clinic, visits are booked as urgent on the prescription of the general practitioner: in reality, only 5% of these visits were really confirmed as urgent by the specialist. Peripheral pathologies are more frequent in public clinic, while cranial pathologies are more frequent in private one. Patients with cranial pathologies prefer to choose their surgeon by accessing private clinic.

Bleeding risk evaluation in cerebral cavernous malformation, the role of medications, and hemorrhagic factors: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are vascular lesions with an overall risk of rupture from 2% to 6% per year, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The diagnostic incidence is increasing, so it is of paramount importance to stratify patients based on their risk of rupture. Data in the literature seem to suggest that specific medications, particularly antithrombotic and cardiovascular agents, are associated with a reduced risk of bleeding. However, the effect of the patient coagulative status on the cumulative bleeding risk remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different radiological, clinical, and pharmacological factors on the bleeding risk of CCMs and to assess the predictive power of an already validated scale for general bleeding risk, the HAS-BLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history or predisposition, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol concomitantly). METHOD: This was a multicenter retrospective observational study. The authors collected imaging, clinical status, and therapy data on patients with bleeding and nonbleeding CCMs. Univariate analysis and subsequent multivariate logistic regression were performed between the considered variables and bleeding or nonbleeding status to identify potential independent predictors of bleeding. RESULTS: The authors collected data on 257 patients (46.7% male, 25.3% with bleeding CCMs). Compared with patients with nonbleeding lesions, those with bleeding CCMs were younger, less frequently had hypertension, and less frequently required antiplatelet drugs and beta-blockers (all p < 0.05). Bleeding lesions, however, had significantly higher median volumes (1050 mm3 vs 523 mm3 , p < 0.001). On multivariate analyses, after adjusting for age, history of hypertension and diabetes, and use of antiplatelet drugs or beta-blockers, lesion volume ≥ 300 mm3 was the only significant predictor of bleeding (adjusted OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.09-8.86). When the diagnostic accuracy of different volume thresholds was explored, volume ≥ 300 mm3 showed a limited sensitivity (36.7%, 95% CI 24.6%-50.0%), but a high specificity 78.2% (95% CI 71.3%-84.2%), with an area under the curve of 0.57 (95% CI 0.51-0.64). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports previous findings that the CCM volume is the only factor influencing the bleeding risk. Antithrombotic agents and propranolol seem to have a protective role against the bleeding events. A high HAS-BLED score was not associated with an increased bleeding risk. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Recurrent or junctional lumbar foraminal herniated disc in patients operated with trans pars microscopic approach.

This is a retrospective monocentric study. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of recurrent or junctional lumbar foraminal herniated disc, in patients treated with trans pars microsurgical approach. Foraminal lumbar disc herniation represents a challenging pathology for the spinal surgeon. The appropriate surgical approach still represents a matter of debate. Several open and minimally-invasive techniques have been developed, in order to allow a proper tissue exposure and preserving the vertebral stability. The trans pars approach has already been described as a possible alternative, allowing excellent exposure of the herniated fragment with minimum bone removal. While few studies have analyzed the very low rate of post-operative instability, no articles deal with the incidence of post-operative herniated disc recurrence or junctional disc herniation in patients treated with this technique. We enrolled 160 patients operated at our institution. A univariate and multivariate analysis of possible factors influencing outcome (age, sex, level and BMI) was performed. Outcome variables were recurrent or junctional herniated disc. At the end, 135 patients were analyzed. Of the 135 patients, six presented recurrent herniated disc (4.4%) and other three developed a junctional herniation (2.2%). The occurrence of junctional herniated disc or recurrent herniated disc was not influenced by the analyzed variables, both at univariate and at multivariate analyses. The trans pars approach presents a low rate of recurrence and junctional herniation. Age, sex, level, and BMI do not influence the recurrence rate, both at same level and at junctional level.

Effects of a sphenopalatine ganglion block on postcraniotomy pain management: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Postcraniotomy pain (PCP) is a common finding after neurosurgical procedures, occurring in as many 87% of patients. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has a pivotal role in several headache syndromes, and its anesthetic block is currently used in different clinical conditions with benefit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an SPG block (SPGB) via a transnasal approach as adjunctive therapy in reducing pain scores during the postcraniotomy period. METHODS: In this single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing elective surgery with a supratentorial craniotomy were randomly assigned to a scalp block, local anesthetic infiltration of the wound, and systemic analgesia during the first 48 postoperative hours (standard therapy), or to standard therapy as well as an SPGB (experimental therapy). According to the available evidence, assuming a 50% reduction in the incidence of the main outcome in patients with an SPGB (vs standard treatment), 82 patients were needed to achieve 80% statistical power in an intent-to-treat analysis. Pain intensity was recorded during the first 180 postoperative days at selective time points (5 times in the hospital, 3 times by telephone interview) with different pain rating systems (a visual analog scale [VAS], numeric rating scale [NRS], and pain assessment in advanced dementia [PAINAD] scale), together with demographic, clinical, and surgical variables and complications. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded during surgery. Differences in all variables were evaluated using a paired t-test and confirmed through Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: No complications occurred among the 83 patients enrolled. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean VAS score at postoperative days 0 (p = 0.05), 2 (p = 0.03), and 3 (p = 0.03). The PAINAD scale score showed significant differences between groups at postoperative days 1 (p = 0.006), 2 (p = 0.001), 3 (p = 0.03), and 4 (p = 0.05). The proportion of patients reporting a VAS score ≥ 3 in the first day after surgery was lower in the SPGB group than in the standard treatment group (71.9% vs 89.5%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. At postoperative day 180, 5 patients (2 in the control group, 3 in the treatment group) had developed chronic PCP (NRS score ≥ 3). CONCLUSIONS: SPGB is a safe and effective procedure as an adjunctive treatment for PCP management in elective supratentorial craniotomy during the first 4 postoperative days compared with standard therapy. Further studies are needed to better define the clinical impact of SPGB use and its indications. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT05136625 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Ideal trajectory for frontal ventriculostomy: Radiological study and anatomical study.

OBJECTIVE: Several techniques have been described to improve the accuracy of the freehand procedure for frontal ventriculostomy and reduce complications due to suboptimal placement or misplacement of the catheter tip. To date, none of the available studies have found a reliable, low cost and consistent technique. We aimed to provide a standardized protocol for freehand frontal ventriculostomy. METHODS: In the first part of the radiological study, 125 CT scans were used to measure the length of the catheter using 2 right-sided entry points. In the second part, a grid of 24 entry points on the frontal bone was used in 50 CT scans to record the distance from the cranial surface to the Foramen of Monro (FM). Ventriculostomy was performed on six cadaveric heads using a grid of 9 entry points, comparing a 5 ml syringe with the freehand technique to reach the target. RESULTS: The first part of the radiological study showed a length from the cranial surface to the FM was overall 67,38 ± 1,03 mm. For the second part, the mean length of the 24 selected points was 68,54 ± 2,73 mm without statistical difference. In the anatomical study, the FM was reached 8 times (14.8%) with the syringe vs 31 times (57.4%) with the freehand technique, and the ventricles 43 (79.6%) vs 37 (68.5%). The mean lengths from the skull to the FM were 71.33 ± 4.21 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we showed the optimal length of a frontal ventricular catheter. We have also demonstrated that the portion of the frontal bone above the superior temporal lines matches a sphere in which the center is the FM.

Influence of nutritional status on the clinical outcome of patients with chronic subdural hematoma: a prospective multicenter clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients present a higher risk of developing chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) together with increased risk of malnutrition. The nutritional status may affect outcomes, response to treatments, and prognosis. Influence on other kinds of diseases was investigated showing an increased risk of mortality, morbidity, and adverse outcomes. However, no studies are available on its possible role for the outcome of patients with CSDH. This study aims to evaluate a possible relationship between the nutritional status and the clinical outcome of patients who underwent CSDH surgery. METHODS: This is a multicenter prospective study enrolling all patients treated for CSDH. Demographic and clinical data were collected. For nutritional status evaluation, we used the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Chi-square test was used for comparing clinical variables of patients and logistic regression analysis was used for defining the impact of the aforementioned variables on the clinical outcome. RESULTS: We enrolled 178 patients. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was 0-2 pre-operatively in 23.6% of patients and post-operatively in 61.2% of patients. Total assessment MNA score was >23.5 in 47.8% of patients. Ninety-three patients (52.2%) presented a normal nutritional status, 63 (35.4%) were at risk of malnutrition and 22 (12.4%) were malnourished. The mean follow-up was 2.6 months. Malnourished patients were at higher risk of a worse outcome (OR 81; CI = 9-750). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that nutritional status represents a strong predictor of outcome. Our results, albeit preliminary, demonstrated malnutrition is correlated to the risk of worse clinical outcome for patients undergoing surgery for chronic subdural hematoma. Further investigations with wider casuistry and multiple nutritional scores are required to validate our data.

A New Insight in Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Potential Role of the Internal Jugular Veins.

BACKGROUND: Causes of the nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (na-SAH) are still debated. Many studies confirmed the possible involvement of the intracranial venous system, in particular variants of the basal vein of Rosenthal. STUDY OBJECT: The aim of this study is to investigate the role of extracranial venous system, in particular the jugular drainage, in the na-SAH pathophysiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study including patients suffering from na-SAH who were radiologically screened to exclude vascular malformations. The course of the internal jugular veins was evaluated to reveal any stenosis (caliber reduction >80%). Particular attention was paid at the passage between the styloid process and the arch of C1 to detect possible compression. As a control group, we enrolled patients who underwent CT angiograms and/or cerebral DSAs in the past 2 years. RESULTS: We included 194 patients. The na-SAH group consisted of 94 patients, whereas the control group consisted of 100 patients. Fifty patients of the control group underwent a CT angiography for an ischemic cerebrovascular disease or trauma and 50 patients for an SAH due to a ruptured aneurysm. A significant jugular stenosis was found in 49 (52.1%) patients in the na-SAH group and in 18 (18%) patients in the control group. At univariate and multivariate analysis, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study investigating the correlation between jugular stenosis and the occurrence of na-SAH. The impaired venous outflow due to reduced venous caliber could result in an engorgement of the upstream intracranial veins with transient hypertensive phases facilitating ruptures. Further larger prospective studies are necessary to confirm these data.

Patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate customised cranioplasty using 3D printed silicone moulds: Technical note.

INTRODUCTION: Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy can be performed with several techniques and materials. With the common use of 3D printing, custom cranioplasty can be produced at affordable cost. Aim of this technical note is to describe our technique for producing patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cranioplasty using 3D printed silicone moulds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled seven patients from January 2020 to June 2021 who required surgery for cranioplasty. The 3D printing was used to produce silicone moulds for defining the exact shape of the PMMA cranioplasty, according to the CT scan of the patient. RESULTS: We performed seven procedures. The mean time of the surgery was 80 min. All cranioplasties perfectly matched the patient specific anatomy. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D printed patient specific silicone moulds and PMMA resulted to be effective, with affordable costs and ensuring a good cosmetic result.

Long term results of Dorsal Root Entry Zone (DREZ) lesions for the treatment of intractable pain: A systematic review of the literature on 1242 cases.

BACKGROUND: Different Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesion techniques have been reported as effective treatment for intractable painful conditions, though with contradictory results. Overall, good results were reported especially in specific conditions, such as pain due to brachial plexus avulsion, spinal cord injuries and oncological pain management. However, data on long term results in different clinical conditions are still missing. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the pertinent literature to evaluate indications, clinical outcomes, and complications of DREZ lesion (DREZotomy), in chronic pain management. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. Papers on DREZotomy for chronic pain in cancer, brachial plexus avulsion, spinal cord injury, post herpetic neuralgia, and phantom limb pain were considered for eligibility. For each category we further identified two sub-group according to the length of follow up: medium term and long term follow up (more than 3 years) respectively. RESULTS: 46 papers, and 1242 patients, were included in the present investigation. When considering long term results DREZotomy provided favorable clinical outcomes in brachial plexus avulsion and spinal cord injury, in 60.8% and 55.8% of the cases respectively. Conversely, the success rate was 35.3% in phantom limb pain and 28.2% in post herpetic neuralgia. A poor clinical outcome was reported in over than 25% of the patients suffering from phantom limb pain, post herpetic neuralgia and spinal cord injury. The mean complications rate was 23.58%. While BPA and SCI patients presented stable improvement over time, good outcomes among PHN and PLP groups dropped by - 46.2%; and - 14.7% at long term follow up respectively. CONCLUSION: DREZotomy seems to be an effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, especially for brachial plexus avulsion, spinal cord injury and intractable cancer/post-radiation pain. According to the low level of evidence of the pertinent literature, further studies are strongly recommended, to better define potential benefits and limitations of this technique.

Factors affecting functional outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) represents a standardized procedure for surgical treatment of a cervical herniated disc, several variables could affect patients' clinical and radiological outcome. We evaluated the impact of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), myelopathy, one- or two-level ACDF, and the use of postoperative collars on functional and radiological outcomes in a large series of patients operated for ACDF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases of three institutions were searched, resulting in the enrollment of 234 patients submitted to one- or two-level ACDF from January 2013 to December 2017 and followed as outpatients at 6- and 12-month follow-up. The impact of variables on functional and radiological outcomes was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At univariate analysis, female sex, higher BMI, two-level ACDF, and postoperative collar correlated with a significantly worse early and late Neck Disability Index (NDI). Multivariate analysis showed that male patients had a lower risk of worse early (P = 0.01) and late NDIs (P = 0.009). Patients with myelopathy showed better early NDI (P = 0.004). Cervical collar negatively influenced both early and late NDIs (P < 0.0001), with a higher risk of early nonfusion (P = 0.001) but a lower risk of late nonfusion (P = 0.01). Patients operated for two-level ACDF have a worse early NDI (P = 0.005), a worse late NDI (P = 0.01), and a higher risk of early nonfusion (P = 0.048). BMI and age did not influence outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex, two-level surgery, and the use of postoperative collars significantly correlate with worse functional outcomes after one- or two-level ACDF.

Styloidogenic-cervical spondylotic internal jugular venous compression, a vascular disease related to several clinical neurological manifestations: diagnosis and treatment-a comprehensive literature review.

Internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis is associated with several central nervous system disorders such as Ménière or Alzheimer's disease. The extrinsic compression between the styloid process and the C1 transverse process, is an emerging biomarker related to several clinical manifestations. However, nowadays a limited number of cases are reported, and few information are available about treatment, outcome and complications. Our aim is to collect and identify clinical-radiological characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the styloidogenic internal jugular venous compression. We performed a comprehensive literature review. Studies reporting patients suffering from extracranial jugular stenosis were searched. For every patient we collected: demography, clinical and radiological characteristics and outcome, type of treatment, complications. Thirteen articles reporting 149 patients were included. Clinical presentation was non-specific. Most frequent symptoms were headache (46.3%), tinnitus (43.6%), insomnia (39.6%). The stenosis was monolateral in 51 patients (45.9%) and bilateral in 60 (54.1%). Anticoagulants were the most common prescribed drug (57.4%). Endovascular treatment was performed in 50 patients (33.6%), surgery in 55 (36.9%), combined in 28 (18.8%). Improvement of general conditions was reported in 58/80 patients (72.5%). Complications were reported in 23% of cases. Jugular stenosis is a complex and often underestimated disease. Conservative medical treatment usually fails while surgical, endovascular or a combined treatment improves general conditions in more than 70% of patients.

Incidence of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease due to vascular malformations during the COVID-19 national quarantine in Italy.

BACKGROUND: hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease due to vascular malformations represents an emergency for neurosurgery and neuro-interventional departments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a dramatic reduction in the number of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction or stroke and a larger time interval from symptom onset to first medical contact have been reported. This study aims to verify the hypothesis that there would also have been a reduction of admissions for hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease during the Italian lockdown. MATERIAL AND METHOD: s A multicenter, observational survey was conducted to collect data on hospital admissions for hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease due to vascular malformations throughout two-months (March 15th to May 15th); the years 2020 (COVID-19 Italian lockdown), 2019 and 2018 were compared. Cases were identified by ICD-9 codes 430, 431, 432.1, 432.9, 747.81 of each hospital database. The statistical significance of the difference between the event rate of one year versus the others was evaluated using Poisson Means test, assuming a constant population. RESULTS: During the 2020 lockdown, the total number of admissions for hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease was 92 compared with 116 in 2019 and 95 in 2018. This difference was not significant. GCS upon admission was 3-8 in 44 % of cases in 2020 (41 patients), 39.7 % in 2019 (46 patients) and 28 % in 2018 (27 patients). CONCLUSION: Reduction of admissions for hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease due to vascular malformations during the COVID-19 lockdown was not confirmed. Nevertheless, some patients reached the emergency rooms only several days after symptoms onset, resulting in a worse clinical condition at admission.

Ct guided reference markers for spinal dorsal lesions: A safe and valuable tool impacting intraoperative localization time.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative localization of the correct spine level can be challenging when dealing with the thoracic spine; especially in morbidly obese patients and in mid-thoracic spine lesions. Different radiological reference markers techniques for dorsal surgery have been reported without a clear DAP (effective dose), localization and surgical time analysis. PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to analyze the radiological reference markers technique in terms of localization time and radiation dose during surgery for dorsal lesions. METHODS: We used a radiopaque marker (fiducial) directly positioned before surgery over the lamina or the spinous process using CT scan for precise localization and vertebra count. We prospectively collected data about patients who underwent preoperative thoracic localization between April 2015 and September 2018 at Neurosurgery Department of Ferrara University Hospital. Clinical data as pathology, related surgical technique, radiological exams, localization time and radiation exposure were analyzed. RESULTS: 19 patients who underwent preoperative radiopaque marker (fiducial) positioning and 11 patients who underwent fluoroscopy technique were enrolled. No complications related to fiducial placement and no wrong-level occurred. The localization time with the fiducial was reduced dramatically (3 min vs 15 min of the standard technique). The average DAP (effective dose) for the fiducial group was 20 Gy-cm2 compared with 16 Gy-cm2 of the traditional group. CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative fiducial for intraoperative localization of the target level in the thoracic spine dramatically reduce the location time without a significantly higher DAP (effective dose).

Awake surgery for skills preservation during a sensory area tumor resection in a clarinet player.

Tumors in primary sensory area are challenging to remove without causing a neurological deficit, especially in musicians who present complex neuronal networks. Indeed, in this kind of patients, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are not plenty. We describe our experience for sensory and proprioception preservation in a professional clarinet player undergoing surgery for a right parietal glioblastoma. The patient underwent surgery for a right parietal glioblastoma. Intraoperative monitoring and awake surgery while playing instrument, were performed. During resection, intraoperative stimulation caused a transient impairment of left hand movements, without SSEPs alteration. The resection was stopped anytime there was a movement impairment. We obtained a gross total tumor resection. Patient did not present neurological deficits. Standard neurophysiological monitoring is fundamental but cannot be sufficient. More complex strategies of monitoring, such as awake surgery and playing an instrument could be of help for preserving complex sensory-motor functions.

Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid in Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Neurosurgeon's Sword of Damocles.

Background: The possible influence of different antithrombotic drugs on outcome after neurosurgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is still unclear. Nowadays, no randomized clinical trials are available. A metanalysis including 24 studies for a total of 1,812 pooled patients concluded that antiplatelets and anticoagulations present higher risk of recurrences. On the other hand, several studies highlighted that antithrombotic suspension, timing of surgery, and resumption of these drugs are still debated, and patients taking these present higher risk of thromboembolic events with no excess risk of bleed recurrences or worse functional outcome. Our assumption is that the real hemorrhagic risk related to antithrombotic drug continuation in CSDH may be overrated and the thromboembolic risk for discontinuation underestimated, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Methods: A comprehensive literature review with the search terms "acetylsalicylic acid" and "chronic subdural x" was performed. Clinical status, treatment, time of drug discontinuation, complications (in particular, rebleeding or thromboembolic events), and clinical and radiological outcome at follow-up were evaluated. Results: Five retrospective studies were selected for the review, three of them reporting specifically low-dose acetylsalicylic intake and two of them general antithrombotic drugs for a total of 1,226 patients. Only two papers reported the thromboembolic rate after surgery; in one paper, it is not even divided from other cardiac complications. Conclusion: The literature review does not clarify the best management of low-dose acetylsalicylic in CSDH patients, in particular, concerning the balance between thromboembolic event rates and rebleeding risks. We do believe that CSDH precipitates the worsening of comorbidities with a resulting increased mortality. Further studies clearly evaluating the thromboembolic events are strongly needed to clarify this topic. In this perspective paper, we discuss the difficult choice of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LDAA) management in patients suffering from chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The balance between hemorrhagic and thromboembolic risks often represents a sword of Damocles for neurosurgeons, especially when dealing with patients with high cardiovascular risk. No guidelines are currently available, and a survey by Kamenova et al. showed that most neurosurgeons discontinue LDAA treatment for at least 7 days in the perioperative period of surgical evacuation of CSDH, even though recent studies show that early LDAA resumption might be safe. Thrombosis prophylaxis is administered by only 60%, even though patients with CSDH are at high risk of developing thromboembolic complications. We would like to bring attention to this controversial issue.

To drill or not to drill, that is the question: nonsurgical treatment of chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical pathologies, typically affecting the elderly. Its incidence is expected to grow along with the aging population. Surgical drainage represents the treatment of choice; however, postoperative complications and the rate of recurrence are not negligible. For this reason, nonsurgical alternatives (such as middle meningeal artery embolization, steroids, or tranexamic acid administration) are gaining popularity worldwide and need to be carefully evaluated, especially in the elderly population. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review according to PRISMA criteria of the studies analyzing the nonsurgical strategies for CSDHs. They collected all papers in the English language published between 1990 and 2019 by searching different medical databases. The chosen keywords were "chronic subdural hematoma," "conservative treatment/management," "pharmacological treatment," "non-surgical," "tranexamic acid," "dexamethasone," "corticosteroid," "glucocorticoid," "middle meningeal artery," "endovascular treatment," and "embolization." RESULTS: The authors ultimately collected 15 articles regarding the pharmacological management of CSDHs matching the criteria, and 14 papers included the endovascular treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that surgery still represents the mainstay in cases of symptomatic patients with large CSDHs; however, adjuvant and alternative therapies can be effective and safe in a carefully selected population. Their inclusion in new guidelines is advisable.

Transcranial Sonography versus CT for Postoperative Monitoring After Decompressive Craniectomy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) is the actual gold standard diagnostic tool for monitoring patients after decompressive craniectomy. It is validated and provides a wide number of information. However, it takes time, expensive, and requires patient transportation. Transcranial sonography (TCS) could represent an alternative diagnostic tool in these patients. The aim of this study is to compare TCS versus CT scan after decompressive craniectomy in terms of diagnosing complications and costs evaluation. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 10 craniectomized patients who were monitored with sonography and CT. Ventricular measurements and possible complications were evaluated by two independent observers. The two methods were compared using Fisher's exact test and Spearman's Rho coefficient. A costs analysis was also conducted. RESULTS: A good correlation coefficient (ρ) between CT and TCS was found for frontal horn dimensions (ρ .9929), median cella (ρ .9516), and third ventricle (ρ .8989). All results were statistically significant (P < .0001) and Bland-Altman plots showed no systemic biases. Fisher's exact test showed no statistically significant differences between TCS and CT for all the studied predefined complications. Cost analysis showed a 68% cost reduction in favor of TCS. CONCLUSIONS: TCS could be a reliable alternative diagnostic tool for major complications in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. It could limit the number of CT scans per patient overcoming several limitations, such as costs, radiation exposure, and need to move the patient.

Artists playing music while undergoing brain surgery: A look into the scientific evidence and the social media perspective.

Recently, social media showed musicians performing pieces during awake surgery for brain diseases, such as tumors or dystonia. They tend to emphasize the use of intraoperative performance. Our aim is to review the literature on intraoperative performance in awake surgery for musicians, in order to understand if it is appropriate for all kind of procedures reported. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature with chosen keywords. We selected all papers regarding musicians who underwent awake surgery. The data extracted were analyzed. Literature search retrieved a total of 12 studies: among these, 5 studies reported musicians performing pieces during surgery. Google search returned a total of 11 cases. The ability to play an instrument involves multiple higher cognitive functions that remain not fully understood. During tumor resection or surgical treatment for epilepsies involving eloquent areas in musicians, an intraoperative musical performance could allow a more accurate monitoring of complex function, rather than the simple finger exercises and movements. On the other hand, treatment of dystonia follows standardized stereotactic procedures (DBS), the target is preset and determined by imaging and neurophysiology. The patient indeed, is awake mainly for side effects monitoring. However, in most cases, playing music did not improve or modify surgery. Intraoperative performances certainly generate amazement and interest, especially in the media and in non-experts. During tumor or brain lesion resection, intraoperative musical performances can avoid subsequent neurological al disturbances. However, in several procedures (DBS), playing music did not improve or modify surgery.