Assessment of multimodal treatment options in recurrent and persistent acromegaly: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: In patients with acromegaly, secondary treatment options in cases of hormonal non-remission or tumor progression include repeat transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), radiation-based treatment (RT), or medical therapy (MT). In this study, we aim to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of various second-line treatment options for acromegaly. METHODS: Using the PRISMA guideline, a systematic review was performed by searching MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases from conception to the end of 2022. Outcomes of interest included hormonal remission rate, complications, and mortality associated with each treatment modality for refractory acromegaly. RESULTS: A total of 79 studies including 3,208 refractory acromegaly patients (44.90% males) were analyzed, with a mean patient age of 43.89 years. There was a statistically significant difference between various therapeutic modalities in terms of remission rate, with MT offering the highest remission rate (62.55%), followed by RT (50.15%) and TSS (37.39%). Subgroup analysis of radiotherapeutic and medical modalities did not show a significant difference in remission rate between different kinds of sub-modalities in each treatment approach. Recurrence following secondary treatment was not different in patients treated with reoperation TSS compared to other modalities. CONCLUSIONS: The management of persistent and recurrent acromegaly optimally requires a multimodal approach. In different scenarios of refractory acromegaly based on previous treatment, secondary treatments may vary in terms of remission rate and complications. Medical agents provide considerable effectiveness as a second-line therapy for recurrent or persistent disease. In selected cases, however, reoperation still provides an opportunity for cure or freedom from medications. The findings of this study may help clinicians to prioritize varying options involved in this multifaceted decision-making process.

The Influence of Coagulopathy on Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization as Standalone Treatment for Non-acute Subdural Hematomas.

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is emerging as a safe and effective standalone intervention for non-acute subdural hematomas (NASHs); however, the risk of hematoma recurrence after MMAE in coagulopathic patients is unclear. To characterize the impact of coagulopathy on treatment outcomes, we analyzed a multi-institutional database of patients who underwent standalone MMAE as treatment for NASH. We classified 537 patients who underwent MMAE as a standalone intervention between 2019 and 2023 by coagulopathy status. Coagulopathy was defined as use of anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents or pre-operative thrombocytopenia (platelets <100,000/µL). Demographics, pre-procedural characteristics, in-hospital course, and patient outcomes were collected. Thrombocytopenia, aspirin use, antiplatelet agent use, and anticoagulant use were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify any characteristics associated with the need for rescue surgical intervention, mortality, adverse events, and modified Rankin Scale score at 90-day follow-up. Propensity score-matched cohorts by coagulopathy status with matching covariates adjusting for risk factors implicated in surgical recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Minimal differences in pre-operative characteristics between patients with and those without coagulopathy were observed. On unmatched and matched analyses, patients with coagulopathy had higher rates of requiring subsequent surgery than those without (unmatched: 9.9% vs. 4.3%; matched: 12.6% vs. 4.6%; both p < 0.05). On matched multivariable analysis, patients with coagulopathy had an increased odds ratio (OR) of requiring surgical rescue (OR 3.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68-9.30; p < 0.01). Antiplatelet agent use (ticagrelor, prasugrel, or clopidogrel) was also predictive of surgical rescue (OR 4.38; 95% CI 1.51-12.72; p = 0.01), and patients with thrombocytopenia had significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality (OR 5.16; 95% CI 2.38-11.20; p < 0.01). There were no differences in follow-up radiographic and other clinical outcomes in patients with and those without coagulopathy. Patients with coagulopathy undergoing standalone MMAE for treatment of NASH may have greater risk of requiring surgical rescue (particularly in patients using antiplatelet agents), and in-hospital mortality (in thrombocytopenic patients).

General Versus Nongeneral Anesthesia for Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The choice of anesthesia type (general anesthesia [GA] vs nongeneral anesthesia [non-GA]) in middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) procedures for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) differs between institutions and left to care team discretion given lack of standard guidelines. We compare the outcomes of GA vs non-GA in MMAE. METHODS: Consecutive patients receiving MMAE for cSDH at 14 North American centers (2018-2023) were included. Clinical, cSDH characteristics, and technical/clinical outcomes were compared between the GA/non-GA groups. Using propensity score matching (PSM), patients were matched controlling for age, baseline modified Rankin Scale, concurrent/prior surgery, hematoma thickness/midline shift, and baseline antiplatelet/anticoagulation. The primary end points included surgical rescue and radiographic success rates (≥50% reduction in maximum hematoma thickness with minimum 2 weeks of imaging). Secondary end points included technical feasibility, procedural complications, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-eight patients (median age 73 years, 73.2% male patients) underwent 956 MMAE procedures, 667 (70.4%) were non-GA and 280 were GA (29.6%). After running 1:3 PSM algorithm, this resulted in 153 and 296 in the GA and non-GA groups, respectively. There were no baseline/procedural differences between the groups except radial access more significantly used in the non-GA group (P = .001). There was no difference between the groups in procedural technical feasibility, complications rate, length of stay, surgical rescue rates, or favorable functional outcome at the last follow-up. Subsequent 1:1 sensitivity PSM retained the same results. Bilateral MMAE procedures were more performed under non-GA group (75.8% vs 67.2%; P = .01); no differences were noted in clinical/radiographic outcomes between bilateral vs unilateral MMAE, except for longer procedure duration in the bilateral group (median 73 minutes [IQR 48.3-100] vs 54 minutes [39-75]; P < .0001). Another PSM analysis comparing GA vs non-GA in patients undergoing stand-alone MMAE retained similar associations. CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in radiological improvement/clinical outcomes between GA and non-GA for MMAE.

Direct Versus Indirect Revascularization for Moyamoya: a Large Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya is a chronic occlusive cerebrovascular disease of unknown etiology causing neovascularization of the lenticulostriate collaterals at the base of the brain. Although revascularization surgery is the most effective treatment for moyamoya, there is still no consensus on the best surgical treatment modality as different studies provide different outcomes. OBJECTIVE: In this large case series, we compare the outcomes of direct (DR) and indirect revascularisation (IR) and compare our results to the literature in order to reflect on the best revascularization modality for moyamoya. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology guidelines of moyamoya affected hemispheres treated with DR and IR surgeries across 13 academic institutions predominantly in North America. All patients who underwent surgical revascularization of their moyamoya-affected hemispheres were included in the study. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of symptomatic strokes. RESULTS: The rates of symptomatic strokes across 515 disease-affected hemispheres were comparable between the two cohorts (11.6% in the DR cohort vs 9.6% in the IR cohort, OR 1.238 (95% CI 0.651 to 2.354), p=0.514). The rate of total perioperative strokes was slightly higher in the DR cohort (6.1% for DR vs 2.0% for IR, OR 3.129 (95% CI 0.991 to 9.875), p=0.052). The rate of total follow-up strokes was slightly higher in the IR cohort (8.1% vs 6.6%, OR 0.799 (95% CI 0.374 to 1.709) p=0.563). CONCLUSION: Since both modalities showed comparable rates of overall total strokes, both modalities of revascularization can be performed depending on the patient's risk assessment.

Radiosurgery With Prior Embolization Versus Radiosurgery Alone for Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The addition of adjuvant embolization to radiosurgery has been proposed as a means of improving treatment outcomes of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, the relative efficacy and safety of radiosurgery with adjuvant embolization vs radiosurgery alone remain uncertain. Moreover, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have included a limited number of studies and did not consider the effects of baseline characteristics, including AVM volume, on the outcomes. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preradiosurgery embolization for intracranial AVMs with consideration to matching status between participants in each treatment group. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, up to January 2023. All studies evaluating the utilization of preradiosurgery embolization were included. RESULTS: A total of 70 studies (9 matched and 71 unmatched) with a total of 12 088 patients were included. The mean age of the included patients was 32.41 years, and 48.91% of the patients were female. Preradiosurgery embolization was used for larger AVMs and patients with previous hemorrhage ( P < .01, P = .02, respectively). The obliteration rate for preradiosurgery embolization (49.44%) was lower compared with radiosurgery alone (61.42%, odds ratio = 0.56, P < .01), regardless of the matching status of the analyzed studies. Although prior embolization was associated higher rate of cyst formation ( P = .04), it lowered the odds of radiation-induced changes ( P = .04). The risks of minor and major neurological deficits, postradiosurgery hemorrhage, and mortality were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that although preradiosurgery embolization is a suitable option to reduce the AVM size for future radiosurgical interventions, it may not be useful for same-sized AVMs eligible for radiosurgery. Utilization of preradiosurgery embolization in suitable lesions for radiosurgery may result in the added cost and burden of an endovascular procedure.

Standalone middle meningeal artery embolization versus middle meningeal artery embolization with concurrent surgical evacuation for chronic subdural hematomas: a multicenter propensity score matched analysis of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising therapy for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs). The efficacy of standalone MMAE compared with MMAE with concurrent surgery is largely unknown. METHODS: cSDH patients who underwent successful MMAE from 14 high volume centers with at least 30 days of follow-up were included. Clinical and radiographic variables were recorded and used to perform propensity score matching (PSM) of patients treated with standalone MMAE or MMAE with concurrent surgery. Multivariable logistic regression models were used for additional covariate adjustments. The primary outcome was recurrence requiring surgical rescue, and the secondary outcome was radiographic failure defined as <50% reduction of cSDH thickness. RESULTS: 722 MMAE procedures in 588 cSDH patients were identified. After PSM, 230 MMAE procedures remained (115 in each group). Median age was 73 years, 22.6% of patients were receiving anticoagulation medication, and 47.9% had no preoperative functional disability. Median midline shift was 4 mm and cSDH thickness was 16 mm, representing modestly sized cSDHs. Standalone MMAE and MMAE with surgery resulted in similar rates of surgical rescue (7.8% vs 13.0%, respectively, P=0.28; adjusted OR (aOR 0.73 (95% CI 0.20 to 2.40), P=0.60) and radiographic failure (15.5% vs 13.7%, respectively, P=0.84; aOR 1.08 (95% CI 0.37 to 2.19), P=0.88) with a median follow-up duration of 105 days. These results were similar across subgroup analyses and follow-up durations. CONCLUSIONS: Standalone MMAE led to similar and durable clinical and radiographic outcomes as MMAE combined with surgery in select patients with moderately sized cSDHs and mild clinical disease.

Predictors of aneurysmal occlusion following intracranial aneurysms treatment with pipeline embolization device.

PURPOSE: Pipeline embolization device (PED) is thought to induce aneurysmal occlusion through diversion of flow away from the aneurysmal sac with subsequent thrombosis and endothelialization. The impact of different factors especially hypertension (HTN)-a known predisposing factor to hypercoagulability and altered endothelial function-on aneurysmal occlusion after flow diversion has not been studied. We sought to determine predictors of aneurysmal occlusion following PED treatment focusing on impact of blood pressure. METHODS: Database of patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with PED from 2013 to 2019 at our institution was retrospectively reviewed. Patients were defined as hypertensive if (1) they had a documented history of HTN requiring anti-HTN medications or (2) average systolic blood pressure on three measurements was > 130 mmHg. The primary outcome was aneurysm occlusion status at the last imaging follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to assess the effect of HTN on occlusion, controlling for age, smoking, aneurysmal size, fusiform morphology, posterior circulation location, and incorporated branches. RESULTS: A total of 331 aneurysms in 294 patients were identified for this analysis. The mean age was 59 years (79.9% female). Fifty-five percent of the cohort were classified as hypertensive. When controlling for other potential confounders, hypertensive patients trended toward higher odds of achieving complete occlusion compared to non-hypertensive patients (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 0.99-4.25; p = 0.052). Meanwhile, age (OR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.88-0.95; p < 0.001) and an incorporated branch into an aneurysm (OR = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.08-0.58; p < 0.002) were associated with decreased odds for complete aneurysmal occlusion. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients show a trend toward higher odds of achieving complete occlusion when controlling for potential confounders. The HTN-induced hypercoagulable state, enhanced endothelial activation, and altered extracellular matrix regulation might be the contributing factors. Further research is warranted to explore clinical implications of these findings.

Cigarette Smoking as a Risk Factor for Hematoma Expansion in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Analysis From a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. We evaluated the impact of smoking status on hematoma expansion and clinical outcome in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods and Results This is a post hoc exploratory analysis of the ATACH (Antihypertensive Treatment at Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage)-2 trial. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were randomized into intensive blood pressure lowering (systolic blood pressure, <139 mm Hg) versus standard blood pressure lowering (systolic blood pressure, 140-179 mm Hg) in this study. We compared the demographic characteristics; hematoma size, location, and expansion rate; and clinical outcome based on subjects' smoking status. Of a total of 914 patients in the trial with known smoking status, 439 (48%) patients were ever smokers (264 current smokers and 175 former smokers). Current and former smokers were younger and more likely to be men. Baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score and initial hematoma size did not vary based on smoking status. Ever smokers had higher rates of thalamic hemorrhage (42% versus 34%) and intraventricular hemorrhage (29% versus 23%); this rate was highest among former smokers versus current smokers (49% versus 35%, respectively). Ever smokers had a higher rate of hematoma expansion in 24 hours (adjusted relative risk [RR] [95% CI], 1.46 [1.08-1.96]) compared with nonsmokers on multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in the rate of death and disability at 90 days between the 2 groups (adjusted RR [95% CI], 1.18 [0.998-1.40]). Conclusions Our analysis demonstrates cigarette smoking as an independent predictor for hematoma expansion. There was no significant difference in death and disability based on smoking status.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Adjunction to Surgical Evacuation for Treatment of Subdural Hematomas: A Nationwide Comparison of Outcomes With Isolated Surgical Evacuation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical evacuation is the standard treatment for chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) but is associated with a high risk of recurrence and readmission. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is a novel treatment approach which could be performed upfront or in adjunction to surgical evacuation. MMAE studies are limited by small sample sizes. This study aimed to describe and compare outcomes of MMAE in adjunction to surgery with those of surgery alone on a national level. METHODS: The national Vizient Clinical Database was queried by use of a specific validated set of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (October 2018-June 2022). Patients with the diagnosis of nontraumatic CSDH who received MMAE and surgical drainage in the same hospitalization were identified, and their outcomes were compared with isolated surgical drainage. RESULTS: A total of 606 subjects from 156 institutes and 6340 subjects from 369 institutes were included in the MMAE plus surgery (M&S) and surgery groups, respectively. Average length of stay was significantly longer in the M&S group (9.87 vs 7.53 days; P < .01). There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality rate (2.8% vs 2.9%), but the complication rate was significantly higher in the M&S group (8.7% vs 5.5%; P < .01). Complications that were significantly more common in the M&S group included aspiration pneumonia, postoperative sepsis, and anesthesia-related. Mean direct costs were significantly higher in the M&S group (28 834 vs 16 292 US dollars; P < .01). The 30-day readmission rate was significantly lower in the M&S group compared with the surgery group (4.2% vs 8.0%; P < .01). CONCLUSION: This analysis of large-scale national data indicates that MMAE performed in adjunction to surgery for treatment of CSDH is associated with higher direct costs, higher complication rates, and longer length of stay but lower readmission rates compared with surgical evacuation alone.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Predictors of Clinical and Radiographic Failure from 636 Embolizations.

Background Knowledge regarding predictors of clinical and radiographic failures of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization (MMAE) treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is limited. Purpose To identify predictors of MMAE treatment failure for CSDH. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, consecutive patients who underwent MMAE for CSDH from February 2018 to April 2022 at 13 U.S. centers were included. Clinical failure was defined as hematoma reaccumulation and/or neurologic deterioration requiring rescue surgery. Radiographic failure was defined as a maximal hematoma thickness reduction less than 50% at last imaging (minimum 2 weeks of head CT follow-up). Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify independent failure predictors, controlling for age, sex, concurrent surgical evacuation, midline shift, hematoma thickness, and pretreatment baseline antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy. Results Overall, 530 patients (mean age, 71.9 years ± 12.8 [SD]; 386 men; 106 with bilateral lesions) underwent 636 MMAE procedures. At presentation, the median CSDH thickness was 15 mm and 31.3% (166 of 530) and 21.7% (115 of 530) of patients were receiving antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications, respectively. Clinical failure occurred in 36 of 530 patients (6.8%, over a median follow-up of 4.1 months) and radiographic failure occurred in 26.3% (137 of 522) of procedures. At multivariable analysis, independent predictors of clinical failure were pretreatment anticoagulation therapy (odds ratio [OR], 3.23; P = .007) and an MMA diameter less than 1.5 mm (OR, 2.52; P = .027), while liquid embolic agents were associated with nonfailure (OR, 0.32; P = .011). For radiographic failure, female sex (OR, 0.36; P = .001), concurrent surgical evacuation (OR, 0.43; P = .009), and a longer imaging follow-up time were associated with nonfailure. Conversely, MMA diameter less than 1.5 mm (OR, 1.7; P = .044), midline shift (OR, 1.1; P = .02), and superselective MMA catheterization (without targeting the main MMA trunk) (OR, 2; P = .029) were associated with radiographic failure. Sensitivity analyses retained these associations. Conclusion Multiple independent predictors of failure of MMAE treatment for chronic subdural hematomas were identified, with small diameter (<1.5 mm) being the only factor independently associated with both clinical and radiographic failures. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Chaudhary and Gemmete in this issue.

Cost Comparison for Open Surgery versus Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) can be treated with conventional surgery or middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE). The cost profiles of open surgery versus MMAE have never been studied. Therefore, we sought to compare the costs of surgical and MMAE treatment of cSDH. METHODS: Patients treated with open surgery (2006-2019) and MMAE (2018-2020) were identified from the institutional database. Propensity score matching analysis was used to assemble a balanced group of subjects. Detailed hospitalization costs in each group were collected and compared. RESULTS: A total of 341 conventionally treated and 52 MMAE cases were identified. After propensity score matching, 33 patients were included in each group, for a total of 66 patients for analysis. Direct procedural cost was significantly greater in the MMAE group compared with the open surgery group ($38,255 ± $11,859 vs. $11,206 ± $7888; P < 0.001). Medication cost also was greater in the MMAE group ($6888 ± $6525 vs. $4291 ± $3547; P = 0.048). No significant difference was found in costs for intensive care unit care, pharmacy, therapy, laboratory values, and the emergency department. Imaging costs and other miscellaneous costs (e.g., wound care, preoperative, and postanesthesia care unit) were greater in the open surgery group (P < 0.05). Total hospitalization cost was not significantly different between the 2 groups ($60,598 ± 61,315 vs. $71,569 ± $37,813 for open surgery and MMAE respectively, P = 0.385). No significant differences in number of follow ups or total costs for follow up were found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery and MMAE offer an overall equivalent cost-profile for cSDH treatment when matching for potential cost confounders. Direct procedural costs are greater in MMAE; however, total hospitalization costs and follow up costs are not significantly different.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Implications for a Modern Management Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting is widely used in refractory idiopathic intracranial hypotension (IIH). Although multiple reviews have assessed its efficacy compared with other surgical treatments, there is no detailed analysis that evaluates the clinical outcomes after CSF shunting. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of the clinical impact of CSF shunting for refractory IIH and use this in conjunction with existing information on other treatment modalities to develop a modern management protocol. METHODS: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for studies describing CSF shunting for medically refractory IIH. Relevant information including study characteristics, patient demographics, clinical outcomes, periprocedural complications, and long-term outcomes were subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen studies published between 1988 and 2019 met our inclusion and exclusion criteria, providing 372 patients for analysis. The mean age was 31.2 years (range 0.5-71) with 83.6% being female. The average follow-up was 33.9 months (range 0-278 months). The overall rate of improvement in headache, papilledema, and visual impairment was 91% (95% CI 84%-97%), 96% (95% CI 85%-100%), and 85% (95% CI 72%-95%), respectively. Of 372 patients, 155 had 436 revisions; the overall revision rate was 42% (95% CI 26%-59%). There was no significant correlation between average follow-up duration and revision rates in studies ( P = .627). Periprocedural low-pressure headaches were noted in 74 patients (20%; 95% CI 11%-32%). CONCLUSION: CSF shunting for IIH is associated with significant improvement in clinical symptoms. Shunting rarely causes periprocedural complications except overdrainage-related low-pressure headache. However, CSF shunting has a relatively high revision rate.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization with Isolated Use of Coils for Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is a novel approach for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Studies comparing different procedural techniques for MMAE are lacking. It is unclear whether isolated use of coils results in suboptimal outcomes compared to when particle embolization is also performed. The objectives of this study are to describe the outcomes of coil-only MMAE and compare them with those of combined use of coils and particles. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective study of cSDH cases treated by MMAE was performed. Clinical outcomes, need for rescue surgery, and changes in hematoma's size were compared between the coil-only and coil + particle groups. RESULTS: Ninety-four hematomas in 78 patients were included. Twelve cases were treated by a coil-only MMAE procedure, often due to presence of dangerous ophthalmic collaterals. No treatment-related complications were observed in the coil-only group. There was no significant difference between the coil-only and coil + particle groups in baseline hematoma axial thickness, volume, midline shift, and duration of follow-up. The rate of need for rescue surgery was similar between the 2 groups (8.3% vs. 8.5%; P = 0.98). Coiling alone resulted in a similar percentage of reduction in cSDH volume (68.3% vs. 71.8%; P = 0.8) and rate of achieving ≥50% reduction in volume (81.8% vs. 76.3%; P = 0.68) compared to coils + particles. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated use of coils for endovascular treatment of cSDHs can be as effective as adjunct use of particle embolization. This method eliminates the risks of cranial nerve and visual complications associated with MMAE, can prevent procedural abortion due to presence of dangerous anastomoses, and reduces the technical complexity of the procedure.

Surgical Obliteration of a Posterior Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting with Exclusive Spinal Signs and Symptoms Caused by Spinal Cord Venous Hypertension.

Vascular malformations in the dura of the spinal root sleeve in the thoracic or lumbar region can cause venous hypertension with resultant spinal cord edema and neurologic deterioration. However, occasionally an intracranial vascular malformation can have venous drainage into the spinal canal causing symptoms, signs, and radiographic appearance that can mimic spinal lesions. Herein, we present the case of a 73-year-old man who developed lower extremity weakness and loss of sensation. The patient initially underwent L4-L5 diskectomy elsewhere, but the symptoms progressed. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed serpiginous vessels in the spinal subarachnoid space and spinal cord edema (Video 1). Diagnostic spinal and cerebral angiogram showed no evidence of spinal vascular malformations yet did reveal early venous shunting arising from the posterior fossa consistent with a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF). The venous drainage from this lesion was inferiorly directed into the spinal canal, causing venous hypertension of the spinal cord, which explained the patient's symptoms. An asymptomatic second dAVF of the petrous apex was also discovered. Surgical obliteration of both dAVFs in 1 sitting using a right far-lateral suboccipital craniotomy was planned. The dural drainage of each dAVF was identified and coagulated. Postoperative angiography confirmed complete obliteration of both dAVFs, and the patient's neurologic function improved shortly after surgery. This case highlights the importance of complete investigation of the spinal and cranial vasculature in the hunt for the cause of venous hypertension in the spinal cord.

Endoluminal flow diverting stents for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding the safety and efficacy of flow diverting stents (FDS) in the treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms are scarce and limited to small single center series, with particular concern for increased risk of ischemic complications with jailing one of the M2 branches. METHODS: Prospectively-maintained databases at six North American and European centers were queried for patients harboring MCA bifurcation aneurysms undergoing treatment with FDS (2011-2018). The pertinent clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: 87 patients (median age 60 years, 69% females) harboring 87 aneurysms were included. The majority of aneurysms were unruptured (79%); 75.9% were saccular with a median maximal diameter of 8.5 mm. Radiographic imaging follow-up was available in 88.5% of cases at a median of 16.3 months post-treatment, showing complete occlusion in 59% and near complete occlusion (90-99%) in 18% of aneurysms. The overall rate of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications was 8% and 1.1%, respectively. Symptomatic and permanent complications were encountered in 5.7% and 2.3% of patients respectively, with retreatment pursued in 2.3% of patients. Jailed branch occlusion was detected in 11.5% of cases, with clinical sequelae in 2.3%. Last follow-up modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 was noted in 96.8% of patients. On multivariate analysis, male sex was the only independent predictor of aneurysmal persistence at last follow-up imaging (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: FDS treatment for MCA bifurcation aneurysms is feasible, with comparable safety and efficacy profiles to other available endovascular options when utilized in carefully selected aneurysms. Jailing of M2 branches was not associated with a higher risk of post-procedural ischemic complications.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for treatment of chronic subdural hematomas: does selection of embolized branches affect outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization (MMAE) is a new therapeutic modality for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). There is limited evidence comparing various MMAE procedural techniques, resulting in significant variations in technique and procedural planning. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of MMAE by the number and location of MMA branches that were embolized. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of patients with cSDH treated by MMAE was conducted. Clinical outcomes, need for re-intervention, and changes in hematoma size were compared between different MMAE techniques. RESULTS: Ninety-four cSDHs in 78 patients were included. Embolization of the proximal trunk only, distal branches only, or proximal trunk plus distal branches resulted in similar rates of need for rescue surgery (7.4%, 13.0%, and 6.8%, respectively; p = 0.66) and rates of reducing the volume of the hematoma by at least 50% (74.1%, 80.0%, and 77.5%, respectively; p = 0.88). Embolization of only one branch had similar outcomes to embolization of more than one branch, as rescue surgery rates were 9.3% and 7.8% (p = 0.80), and rates ≥ 50% volume reduction were 75.6% and 78.3% (p = 0.76), respectively. Selective embolization of the dominant MMA branch was not associated with significantly different outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of distal, proximal, or combined proximal and distal MMAE in cSDH are not significantly different. Embolization of more than one branch is not associated with improved treatment efficacy. Arguably, targeting any location in the MMA provides sufficient flow restriction to enable spontaneous hematoma resolution. Accordingly, a technical planning algorithm for cSDH MMAE is suggested.

Morphological changes in chronic subdural hematomas following upfront middle meningeal artery embolization: sequence, timing, and association with outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is an increasingly utilized approach for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). The course of morphological progression of CSDHs following MMAE is poorly understood. Herein, the authors aimed to describe these morphological changes and assess their prognostic significance for the outcomes on follow-up. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective cohort study of CSDH cases treated by upfront MMAE, without prior or adjunctive surgical evacuation, was performed. Clinical outcomes, complications, and the need for rescue surgery on follow-up were recorded. Hematomas were categorized into 6 morphological subtypes. All baseline and follow-up head CT scans were assessed for CSDH structural appearance, density, and loculation. Changes in CSDH size were quantified via 3D reconstruction for volumetric measurement. RESULTS: Overall, 52 CSDHs in 45 patients treated with upfront MMAE were identified. Hematomas were followed for a mean of 92.9 days. Volume decreased by ≥ 50% in 79.6% of the CSDHs. The overall rescue surgery rate was 9.6%. A sequence of morphological changes after MMAE was identified. Hematomas that diverged from this sequence (5.4%) all progressed toward treatment failure and required rescue surgery. The CSDHs were categorized into early, intermediate, and late stages based on the baseline morphological appearance. Progression from early to intermediate and then to late stage took 12.7 and 30.0 days, respectively, on average. The volume of early/intermediate- and late-stage hematomas decreased by ≥ 50%, a mean of 78.2 and 47.6 days after MMAE, respectively. Early- and intermediate-stage hematomas showed a trend toward more favorable outcomes compared with late-stage hematomas. The density of homogeneous hypodense hematomas (HSDHs) transiently increased immediately after MMAE (p < 0.001). A marked decrease in density and volume 1 to 3 weeks after MMAE in HSDHs was detected, the lack of which indicated an eventual need for rescue surgery. In HSDHs, a baseline mean density of < 20 HU, and a lower density than baseline by 1 month post-MMAE were predictors of favorable outcomes. The baseline hematoma volume, axial thickness, midline shift, and loculation were not correlated with MMAE outcomes. Loculated, trabecular, and laminar hematomas, which are known to have unfavorable surgical outcomes, had MMAE outcomes similar to those of other "surgical" hematomas. CONCLUSIONS: The current study was the first to describe the nature, sequence, and timing of morphological changes of CSDHs after MMAE treatment and has identified structural features that can predict treatment outcomes.

Novel Methods to Improve the Efficiency of Radioimmunotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a novel strategy for treating non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Several studies have shown the promising results of using RIT in NHL, which have led to FDA approval for two RIT agents in treating low grade NHL. In spite of these favorable results in low-grade NHL, most of the aggressive or relapsed/refractory NHL subjects experience relapses following RIT. Although more aggressive treatments such as myeloablative doses of RIT followed by stem cell transplantation appear to be able to provide a longer survival for some patients these approaches are associated with significant treatment-related adverse events and challenging to deliver in most centers. Therefore, it seems reasonable to develop treatment approaches that enhance the efficiency of RIT, while reducing its toxicity. In this paper, novel methods that improve the efficiency of RIT and reduce its toxicity through various mechanisms are reviewed. Further clinical development of these methods could expand the NHL patient groups eligible for receiving RIT, and even extend the use of RIT to new indications and disease groups in future.

Effect of blood glucose level on standardized uptake value (SUV) in 18F- FDG PET-scan: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 20,807 individual SUV measurements.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of pre-scan blood glucose levels (BGL) on standardized uptake value (SUV) in 18F-FDG-PET scan. METHODS: A literature review was performed in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases. Multivariate regression analysis was performed on individual datum to investigate the correlation of BGL with SUVmax and SUVmean adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus diagnosis, 18F-FDG injected dose, and time interval. The ANOVA test was done to evaluate differences in SUVmax or SUVmean among five different BGL groups (< 110, 110-125, 125-150, 150-200, and > 200 mg/dl). RESULTS: Individual data for a total of 20,807 SUVmax and SUVmean measurements from 29 studies with 8380 patients was included in the analysis. Increased BGL is significantly correlated with decreased SUVmax and SUVmean in brain (p < 0.001, p < 0.001,) and muscle (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) and increased SUVmax and SUVmean in liver (p = 0.001, p = 0004) and blood pool (p = 0.008, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between BGL and SUVmax or SUVmean in tumors. In the ANOVA test, all hyperglycemic groups had significantly lower SUVs compared with the euglycemic group in brain and muscle, and significantly higher SUVs in liver and blood pool. However, in tumors only the hyperglycemic group with BGL of > 200 mg/dl had significantly lower SUVmax. CONCLUSION: If BGL is lower than 200 mg/dl no interventions are needed for lowering BGL, unless the liver is the organ of interest. Future studies are needed to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET scan in diagnosis of malignant lesions in hyperglycemia.

Radioimmunotherapy-based conditioning regimen prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy and the sixth cause of death from cancer in the USA. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic option for many NHL patients. Choosing the most effective conditioning regimen prior to ASCT can lead to longer survival in these patients, and, as in many cases of high risk NHL, the only potentially curative option is stem cell transplantation. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is based on using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies against tumoral antigens. Since lymphoma cells are sensitive to radiation, RIT has become a potential approach in treating NHL. In this review, we have discussed the efficacy and safety of RIT as an alternative conditioning regimen prior to ASCT.