Suboccipital Craniotomy and C1 Laminectomy for Atypical Choroid Plexus Papilloma.

Atypical choroid plexus papilloma is a rare pediatric brain tumor that has distinct clinical and pathologic features. In this case, we highlight the diagnosis and management of this rare disease. The details of case positioning and execution are discussed. The case review is utilized as an overview of histopathologic findings, to discuss clinical features of the disease, and to highlight areas warranting further investigation. In particular, we provide insight into the typical clinical course post-treatment.

Epidemiology of Brain Metastases.

Brain metastasis continues to be a devastating complication of systemic malignancy, affecting approximately 20% of all patients suffering from cancer. Despite being a major source of morbidity and mortality for this patient population, a nationwide, systematic mechanism for reporting of brain metastases does not exist. Better understanding the epidemiology of brain metastases will help identify individuals who are at greatest risk of developing them and guide clinicians in selecting patients who are most likely to benefit from brain metastasis surveillance and prophylaxis.

Impact of Extent of Resection on Incidence of Postoperative Complications in Patients With Glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Extent of resection (EOR) is well established as correlating with overall survival in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). The impact of EOR on reported quality metrics such as patient safety indicators (PSIs) and hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective study to evaluate possible associations between EOR and the incidence of PSIs and HACs. METHODS: We queried all patients diagnosed with GBM who underwent surgical resection at our institution between January 2011 and May 2017. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance images were analyzed for EOR. Each chart was reviewed to determine the incidence of PSIs and HACs. RESULTS: A total of 284 patients met the inclusion criteria. EOR ranged from 39.00 to 100%, with a median of 99.84% and a mean of 95.7%. There were 16 PSI, and 13 HAC, events. There were no significant differences in the rates of PSIs or HACs when compared between patients stratified by gross total resection (EOR ≥ 95%) and subtotal resection (EOR < 95%). The odds of encountering a PSI or HAC were 2.5 times more likely in the subtotal resection group compared to the gross total resection group (P = .58). After adjusting for confounders, the odds of encountering a PSI or HAC in the subtotal resection group were 3.9 times greater than for the gross total resection group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Gross total resection of GBM is associated with a decreased incidence of PSIs and HACs, as compared to subtotal resection.

The effects of hyperglycemia on outcomes in surgical high-grade glioma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To define the glucose values associated with an increase in complication rates in post-operative brain tumor patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent craniotomy for resection of WHO Grade III or IV glioma from 2011 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Post-operative blood glucose values were recorded for post-operative day #0, #1, and #2. Medians were obtained and assessed for significance. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess patient demographics, pre-operative findings, steroid use, and blood glucose values with respect to post-operative complications and to 30-day readmission. RESULTS: 108 patients underwent craniotomy for resection of high-grade glioma and had postoperative blood glucose values documented. Median blood glucose values greater than 167 mg/dL were associated with increased serious post-operative complications, and values greater than 163 mg/dL were associated with increased 30-day readmissions. CONCLUSION: Post-operative hyperglycemia in patients with high-grade gliomas places this vulnerable patient population to undue post-operative complications and readmissions, potentially delaying further treatment of their disease.