Quantification of cervical spinal stenosis by automated 3D MRI segmentation of spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid space.

DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic study. OBJECTIVES: Anatomical evaluation and graduation of the severity of spinal stenosis is essential in degenerative cervical spine disease. In clinical practice, this is subjectively categorized on cervical MRI lacking an objective and reliable classification. We implemented a fully-automated quantification of spinal canal compromise through 3D T2-weighted MRI segmentation. SETTING: Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. METHODS: Evaluation of 202 participants receiving 3D T2-weighted MRI of the cervical spine. Segments C2/3 to C6/7 were analyzed for spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid space volume through a fully-automated segmentation based on a trained deep convolutional neural network. Spinal canal narrowing was characterized by relative values, across sever segments as adapted Maximal Canal Compromise (aMCC), and within the index segment as adapted Spinal Cord Occupation Ratio (aSCOR). Additionally, all segments were subjectively categorized by three observers as "no", "relative" or "absolute" stenosis. Computed scores were applied on the subjective categorization. RESULTS: 798 (79.0%) segments were subjectively categorized as "no" stenosis, 85 (8.4%) as "relative" stenosis, and 127 (12.6%) as "absolute" stenosis. The calculated scores revealed significant differences between each category (p ≤ 0.001). Youden's Index analysis of ROC curves revealed optimal cut-offs to distinguish between "no" and "relative" stenosis for aMCC = 1.18 and aSCOR = 36.9%, and between "relative" and "absolute" stenosis for aMCC = 1.54 and aSCOR = 49.3%. CONCLUSION: The presented fully-automated segmentation algorithm provides high diagnostic accuracy and objective classification of cervical spinal stenosis. The calculated cut-offs can be used for convenient radiological quantification of the severity of spinal canal compromise in clinical routine.

Spinal cord motion and CSF flow in the cervical spine of 70 healthy participants.

Pulsatile spinal cord and CSF velocities related to the cardiac cycle can be depicted by phase-contrast MRI. Among patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension, we have recently described relevant differences compared with healthy controls in segment C2/C3. The method might be a promising tool to solve clinical and diagnostic ambiguities. Therefore, it is important to understand the physiological range and the effects of clinical and anatomical parameters in healthy volunteers. Within a prospective study, 3D T2 -weighted MRI for spinal canal anatomy and cardiac-gated phase-contrast MRI adapted to CSF flow and spinal cord motion for time-resolved velocity data and derivatives were performed in 70 participants (age 20-79 years) in segments C2/C3 and C5/C6. Correlations were analyzed by multiple linear regression models; p < 0.01 was required to assume a significant impact of clinical or anatomical data quantified by the regression coefficient B. Data showed that in C2/C3, the CSF and spinal cord craniocaudal velocity ranges were 4.5 ± 0.9 and 0.55 ± 0.15 cm/s; the total displacements were 1.1 ± 0.3 and 0.07 ± 0.02 cm, respectively. The craniocaudal range of the CSF flow rate was 8.6 ± 2.4 mL/s; the CSF stroke volume was 2.1 ± 0.7 mL. In C5/C5, physiological narrowing of the spinal canal caused higher CSF velocity ranges and lower stroke volume (C5/C6 B = +1.64 cm/s, p < 0.001; B = -0.4 mL, p = 0.002, respectively). Aging correlated to lower spinal cord motion (e.g., B = -0.01 cm per 10 years of aging, p < 0.001). Increased diastolic blood pressure was associated with lower spinal cord motion and CSF flow parameters (e.g., C2/C3 CSF stroke volume B = -0.3 mL per 10 mmHg, p < 0.001). Males showed higher CSF flow and spinal cord motion (e.g., CSF stroke volume B = +0.5 mL, p < 0.001; total displacement spinal cord B = +0.016 cm, p = 0.002). We therefore propose to stratify data for age and sex and to adjust for diastolic blood pressure and segmental narrowing in future clinical studies.

Automated signal intensity analysis of the spinal cord for detection of degenerative cervical myelopathy - a matched-pair MRI study.

PURPOSE: Detection of T2 hyperintensities in suspected degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is done subjectively in clinical practice. To gain objective quantification for dedicated treatment, signal intensity analysis of the spinal cord is purposeful. We investigated fully automated quantification of the T2 signal intensity (T2-SI) of the spinal cord using a high-resolution MRI segmentation. METHODS: Matched-pair analysis of prospective acquired cervical 3D T2-weighted sequences of 114 symptomatic patients and 88 healthy volunteers. Cervical spinal cord was segmented automatically through a trained convolutional neuronal network with subsequent T2-SI registration slice-by-slice. Received T2-SI curves were subdivided for each cervical level from C2 to C7. Additionally, all levels were subjectively classified concerning a present T2 hyperintensity. For T2-positive levels, corresponding T2-SI curves were compared to curves of age-matched volunteers at the identical level. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients showed subjective T2 hyperintensities at any level. The corresponding T2-SI curves showed higher signal variabilities reflected by standard deviation (18.51 vs. 7.47 a.u.; p < 0.001) and range (56.09 vs. 24.34 a.u.; p < 0.001) compared to matched controls. Percentage of the range from the mean absolute T2-SI per cervical level, introduced as "T2 myelopathy index" (T2-MI), was correspondingly significantly higher in T2-positive segments (23.99% vs. 10.85%; p < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated excellent differentiation for all three parameters (AUC 0.865-0.920). CONCLUSION: This fully automated T2-SI quantification of the spinal cord revealed significantly increased signal variability for DCM patients compared to healthy volunteers. This innovative procedure and the applied parameters showed sufficient diagnostic accuracy, potentially diagnosing radiological DCM more objective to optimize treatment recommendation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00012962 (17.01.2018) and DRKS00017351 (28.05.2019).

Diffusion tensor imaging in unclear intramedullary tumor-suspected lesions allows separating tumors from inflammation.

DESIGN: Prospective diagnostic study. OBJECTIVES: Primary imaging-based diagnosis of spinal cord tumor-suspected lesions is often challenging. The identification of the definite entity is crucial for dedicated treatment and therefore reduction of morbidity. The aim of this trial was to investigate specific quantitative signal patterns to differentiate unclear intramedullary tumor-suspected lesions based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). SETTING: Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. METHODS: Forty patients with an unclear tumor-suspected lesion of the spinal cord prospectively underwent DTI. Primary diagnosis was determined by histological or clinical work-up or remained indeterminate with follow-up. DTI metrics (FA/ADC) were evaluated at the central lesion area, lesion margin, edema, and normal spinal cord and compared between different diagnostic groups (ependymomas, other spinal cord tumors, inflammations). RESULTS: Mean DTI metrics for all spinal cord tumors (n = 18) showed significantly reduced FA and increased ADC values compared to inflammatory lesions (n = 8) at the lesion margin (p < 0.001, p = 0.001) and reduced FA at the central lesion area (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences comparing the neoplastic subgroups of ependymomas (n = 10) and other spinal cord tumors (n = 8), but remaining differences for both compared to the inflammation subgroup. We found significant higher ADC (p = 0.040) and a trend to decreased FA (p = 0.081) for ependymomas compared to inflammations at the edema. CONCLUSION: Even if distinct differentiation of ependymomas from other spinal cord neoplasms was not possible based on quantitative DTI metrics, FA and ADC were feasible to separate inflammatory lesions. This may avoid unnecessary surgery in patients with unclear intramedullary tumor-suspected lesions.

The challenge of measuring spinopelvic parameters: inter-rater reliability before and after minimally invasive lumbar spondylodesis.

BACKGROUND: The common manual measurement technique of spinal sagittal alignment on X-rays is susceptible to rater-dependent variability, which has not been adequately considered in previous publications. This study investigates the effect of those variations in the characterization of patients receiving lumbar spondylodesis. METHODS: General alignment parameters on pre- and postoperative X-rays were evaluated by four raters in 43 prospectively sampled patients undergoing monolevel spondylodesis. The Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for each rater pair and all raters together was calculated for inter-rater reliability. For the operation-induced change of the sagittal alignment in every patient the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare for each rater separately. RESULTS: The ICCs were "good" (>0.75) to "excellent" (>0.9) for all raters together and for 45 of the 48 single rater pairs (93.75%). All revealed a significant increase of the addressed segmental lordosis and disc height and no significant change for spinopelvic parameters and sagittal vertical axis from pre- to postoperative. The lumbar lordosis showed a significant increase through the operation of +2.5° (p = 0.014) and +3.7° (p = 0.015) in two raters and no difference for the other ones (+2.1°, p = 0.171; -2.2°, p = 0.522). CONCLUSIONS: The pre- to postoperative change of lumbar lordosis revealed different significance levels for different raters, although the ICCs were formally good. Accordingly, the evaluation by only one rater would lead to different conclusions. Due to this susceptibility of alignment measurements to rater-dependent variability, the exact evaluation process should be described in every publication and the consistency of significant results be validated through multiple raters. TRIALS REGISTRATION: The trial was approved by the local ethics committee and listed at the national clinical trials register ( DRKS00004514 , date of registration: 08/11/2012).

Cranial facet joint injuries in percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw placement: a matched-pair analysis comparing intraoperative 3D navigation and conventional fluoroscopy.

PURPOSE: The violation of the cranial adjacent facet is a frequent complication in lumbar instrumentations and can induce local pain and adjacent segment disease. Minimally invasive screw implantation is often stated as risk factor in comparison with open approaches. Percutaneous pedicle screw placement (PPSP) can be performed using single X-ray images (fluoroscopy) or intraoperative 3D navigation. The study compares top-level screws in percutaneous lumbar instrumentations regarding facet violations and screw pedicle position using navigation or fluoroscopy. METHODS: Patients after lumbar PPSP were retrospectively separated according to the intraoperative technique: navigation (NAV) or fluoroscopy (FLUORO). Two blinded investigators graded the top-level screws regarding facet violations and pedicle breach in postoperative CT scans. Subsequent matched cohort analysis was performed for comparable groups. RESULTS: Evaluating 768 screws, we assessed 70 (9.1%) facet violations. Overall, 186 (24.2%) screws were implanted using navigation. There was no significant difference in the rate of facet violations between both imaging groups (NAV 19/186, 10.2%, FLUORO 51/582, 8.8%, p = 0.55). Totally, 728 (94.8%) of all screws showed a correct pedicle position. Most of the 40 unfavorable pedicle positions were placed by fluoroscopy (NAV 4/186, 2.2%, FLUORO 36/582, 6.6%, p = 0.03). The matched cohorts verified these results (facet violations: NAV 19/186, 10.2%, FLUORO 18/186, 9.7%, p = 0.55; pedicle penetrations: NAV 4/186, 2.2%, FLUORO 12/186, 6.9%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Both intraoperative imaging techniques allow lumbar PPSP with low rates of cranial facet violations if the surgeon intends to preserve facet integrity. Navigation was superior concerning accurate pedicle screw position, but could not significantly prevent facet violations.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in the management of acute stroke in children with Moyamoya disease: the difficult balance between the spontaneous postoperative revascularization process and the need for cranial reconstruction.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The decompressive hemicraniectomy (DCH) after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in children is a rare procedure, and the indication is discussed as being controversial. Etiological Moyamoya disease has some additional challenges concerning the therapeutic strategy that have not mentioned in the recent literature, as it is dependent on special pathophysiology. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report a case of a four-year-old patient with a decompressive hemicraniectomy after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction on the right hemisphere based on a Moyamoya syndrome with proximal MCA occlusions on both sides. After the decompression there was a good restitution of the hemiparesis, aphasia, and consciousness loss on admission. The bone flap replacement is usually done after three month in our department to ensure brain swelling has subsided. In this patient the cranioplasty was not arranged because of the development of collateral vessels to the right motor region through the craniotomy defect, to protect the supply of the eloquent cortex. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the indication of DCH and postoperative treatment should be discussed individually, especially when neovascularisation developments can occur like in Moyamoya disease. An important point is the right timing for bone flap replacement, which should be directly after cerebral edema has subsided prior to the evolution of collaterals through the craniotomy defect. Additionally, leaving the opportunity for neovascularization through smaller defects has to be taken into account.

Minimally invasive resection of a prominent transverse process in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: new application for a primarily spinal approach. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: The optimal surgical approach to treat neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) depends on the individual patient's anatomy as well as the surgeon's experience. The authors present a minimally invasive posterior approach for the resection of a prominent transverse process to reduce local muscular trauma. OBSERVATIONS: A 19-year-old female presented with painful sensations in the right arm and severe fine-motor skill dysfunction in the right hand, each of which had been present for several years. Further examination confirmed affected C8 and T1 areas, and imaging showed an elongated C7 transverse process displacing the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. Decompression of the plexus structures by resection of the C7 transverse process was indicated, owing to persistent neurological effects. Surgery was performed using a minimally invasive posterior approach in which the nuchal soft tissue was bluntly dissected by dilatators and resection of the transverse process was done microscopically through a tubular retractor. The postoperative course showed a sufficient reduction of pain and paresthesia. LESSONS: The authors describe a minimally invasive posterior approach for the treatment of nTOS with the aim of providing indirect relief of strain on brachial plexus structures. The advantages of this technique include a small skin incision and minor soft tissue damage.

Validity of negative high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging in transient acute cerebrovascular events.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A significant amount of strokes are reported to be diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) negative in acute imaging. We attempted to quantify the rate of false-negative high-resolution (hr) DWI and to identify a valid screening tool to guide follow-up MRI to diagnose infarction initially not visible on hrDWI. METHODS: An a priori-defined post hoc analysis of a prospective 3T MRI cohort of acute cerebrovascular events imaged within 24 hours of ictus. Basic demographics, risk factors, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and imaging parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Of 151 patients with negative acute hrDWI, 63 received follow-up scans depicting infarction in 7 cases (11.1%). Persistence of clinical symptoms as established by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale on the following day was strongly associated with infarction on follow-up MRI (odds ratios, 17.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-108.12). Negative predictive value of follow-up National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was 0.96. CONCLUSIONS: Infarcts are frequently invisible on initial hrDWI, but we may well trust in negative hrDWI in completely transient cerebrovascular events.

Meralgia Paresthetica: Relevance, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Pain and sensory disturbance in the distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the ventrolateral portion of the thigh is called meralgia paresthetica (MP). The incidence of MP has risen along with the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus and was recently estimated at 32 new cases per 100 000 persons per year. In this review, we provide an overview of current standards and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of MP. METHODS: This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective literature search, with special attention to meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and controlled trials (RCTs), and prospective observational studies. RESULTS: The diagnosis is mainly based on typical symptoms combined with a positive response to an infiltration procedure. In atypical cases, electrophysiological testing, neurosonography, and magnetic resonance imaging can be helpful in establishing the diagnosis. The literature search did not reveal any studies of high quality. Four prospective observational studies with small case numbers and partly inconsistent results are available. In a meta-analysis of 149 cases, pain relief was described after infiltration in 85% of cases and after surgery in 80%, with 1-38 months of follow-up. In another meta-analysis of 670 cases, there was pain relief after infiltration in 22% of cases, after surgical decompression in 63%, and after neurectomy in 85%. Hardly any data are available on more recent treatment options, such as radiofrequency therapy, spinal cord stimulation, or peripheral nerve stimulation. CONCLUSION: The state of the evidence is limited in both quantity and quality, corresponding to evidence level 2a for surgical and non-surgical methods. Advances in imaging and neurophysiological testing have made the diagnosis easier to establish. When intervention is needed, good success rates have been achieved with surgery (decompression, neurectomy), and variable success rates with infiltration.

Spinal cord motion assessed by phase-contrast MRI - An inter-center pooled data analysis.

BACKGROUND: Phase-contrast MRI of CSF and spinal cord dynamics has evolved among diseases caused by altered CSF volume (spontaneous intracranial hypotension, normal pressure hydrocephalus) and by altered CSF space (degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), Chiari malformation). While CSF seems to be an obvious target for possible diagnostic use, craniocaudal spinal cord motion analysis offers the benefit of fast and reliable assessments. It is driven by volume shifts between the intracranial and the intraspinal compartments (Monro-Kellie hypothesis). Despite promising initial reports, comparison of spinal cord motion data across different centers is challenged by reports of varying value, raising questions about the validity of the findings. OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate inter-center differences between phase-contrast MRI data. METHODS: Age- and gender matched, retrospective, pooled-data analysis across two centers: cardiac-gated, sagittal phase-contrast MRI of the cervical spinal cord (segments C2/C3 to C7/T1) including healthy participants and DCM patients; comparison and analysis of different MRI sequences and processing techniques (manual versus fully automated). RESULTS: A genuine craniocaudal spinal cord motion pattern and an increased focal spinal cord motion among DCM patients were depicted by both MRI sequences (p < 0.01). Higher time-resolution resolved steeper and larger peaks, causing inter-center differences (p < 0.01). Comparison of different processing methods showed a high level of rating reliability (ICC > 0.86 at segments C2/C3 to C6/C7). DISCUSSION: Craniocaudal spinal cord motion is a genuine finding. Differences between values were attributed to time-resolution of the MRI sequences. Automated processing confers the benefit of unbiased and consistent analysis, while data did not reveal any superiority.

Inhibition of the Nogo-pathway in experimental spinal cord injury: a meta-analysis of 76 experimental treatments.

Recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) may be propagated by plasticity-enhancing treatments. The myelin-associated nerve outgrowth inhibitor Nogo-A (Reticulon 4, RTN4) pathway has been shown to restrict neuroaxonal plasticity in experimental SCI models. Early randomized controlled trials are underway to investigate the effect of Nogo-A/Nogo-Receptor (NgR1) pathway blockers. This systematic review and meta-analysis of therapeutic approaches blocking the Nogo-A pathway interrogated the efficacy of functional locomotor recovery after experimental SCI according to a pre-registered study protocol. A total of 51 manuscripts reporting 76 experiments in 1572 animals were identified for meta-analysis. Overall, a neurobehavioral improvement by 18.9% (95% CI 14.5-23.2) was observed. Subgroup analysis (40 experiments, N = 890) revealed SCI-modelling factors associated with outcome variability. Lack of reported randomization and smaller group sizes were associated with larger effect sizes. Delayed treatment start was associated with lower effect sizes. Trim and Fill assessment as well as Egger regression suggested the presence of publication bias. Factoring in theoretically missing studies resulted in a reduced effect size [8.8% (95% CI 2.6-14.9)]. The available data indicates that inhibition of the Nogo-A/NgR1pathway alters functional recovery after SCI in animal studies although substantial differences appear for the applied injury mechanisms and other study details. Mirroring other SCI interventions assessed earlier we identify similar factors associated with outcome heterogeneity.

The Impact of Implementing a Radiation-Sparing Protocol for Percutaneous Kyphoplasty-A Prospective Dosemetric Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate a protocol for radiation-sparing kyphoplasty by assessing dosemetrically recorded radiation exposures to both patient and surgeon. METHODS: This prospective clinical study examines the radiation exposure to patient and surgeon during single-level kyphoplasty in 32 thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral body fractures (12 OF 2, 9 OF 3, 11 OF 4 types) using a radiation aware surgical protocol between May 2017 and November 2019. The radiation exposure was measured at different locations using film, eye lens and ring dosemeters. Dose values are reported under consideration of lower detection limits of each dosemeter type. RESULTS: A high proportion of dosemeter readings was below the lower detection limits, especially for the surgeon (>90%). Radiation exposure to the surgeon was highest at the unprotected thyroid gland (0.053 ± 0.047 mSv), however only slightly above the lower detection limit of dosemeters (0.044 mSv). Radiation exposure to the patient was highest at the chest (0.349 ± 0.414 mSv) and the gonad (0.186 ± 0.262 mSv). Fluoroscopy time, dose area product and number of fluoroscopic images were 46.0 ± 17.9 sec, 124 ± 109 cGy×cm2, and 35 ± 13 per kyphoplasty, respectively. Back pain significantly improved from 6.8 ± 1.6 to 2.5 ± 1.7 on the numeric rating scale on the first postoperative day (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a strict intraoperative radiation protection protocol allows for safely performed kyphoplasty with ultra-low radiation exposure for the patient and surgeon without exceeding the annual occupational dose limits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00011908, registration date 16/05/2017).

Mesoscopic Assessment of Microstructure in Glioblastomas and Metastases by Merging Advanced Diffusion Imaging with Immunohistopathology.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Glioblastomas and metastases are the most common malignant intra-axial brain tumors in adults and can be difficult to distinguish on conventional MR imaging due to similar imaging features. We used advanced diffusion techniques and structural histopathology to distinguish these tumor entities on the basis of microstructural axonal and fibrillar signatures in the contrast-enhancing tumor component. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Contrast-enhancing tumor components were analyzed in 22 glioblastomas and 21 brain metastases on 3T MR imaging using DTI-fractional anisotropy, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging-orientation dispersion, and diffusion microstructural imaging-micro-fractional anisotropy. Available histopathologic specimens (10 glioblastomas and 9 metastases) were assessed for the presence of axonal structures and scored using 4-level scales for Bielschowsky staining (0: no axonal structures, 1: minimal axonal fragments preserved, 2: decreased axonal density, 3: no axonal loss) and glial fibrillary acid protein expression (0: no glial fibrillary acid protein positivity, 1: limited expression, 2: equivalent to surrounding parenchyma, 3: increased expression). RESULTS: When we compared glioblastomas and metastases, fractional anisotropy was significantly increased and orientation dispersion was decreased in glioblastomas (each P < .001), with a significant shift toward increased glial fibrillary acid protein and Bielschowsky scores. Positive associations of fractional anisotropy and negative associations of orientation dispersion with glial fibrillary acid protein and Bielschowsky scores were revealed, whereas no association between micro-fractional anisotropy with glial fibrillary acid protein and Bielschowsky scores was detected. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed high predictive values of both fractional anisotropy (area under the curve = 0.8463) and orientation dispersion (area under the curve = 0.8398) regarding the presence of a glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion imaging fractional anisotropy and orientation dispersion metrics correlated with histopathologic markers of directionality and may serve as imaging biomarkers in contrast-enhancing tumor components.

Rate of cardiac arrhythmias and silent brain lesions in experienced marathon runners: rationale, design and baseline data of the Berlin Beat of Running study.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health but a recent meta-analysis indicated a relationship between extensive endurance sport and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, an independent risk factor for stroke. However, data on the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias or (clinically silent) brain lesions during and after marathon running are missing. METHODS/DESIGN: In the prospective observational "Berlin Beat of Running" study experienced endurance athletes underwent clinical examination (CE), 3 Tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid ultrasound imaging (CUI) and serial blood sampling (BS) within 2-3 days prior (CE, MRI, CUI, BS), directly after (CE, BS) and within 2 days after (CE, MRI, BS) the 38th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2011. All participants wore a portable electrocardiogram (ECG)-recorder throughout the 4 to 5 days baseline study period. Participants with pathological MRI findings after the marathon, troponin elevations or detected cardiac arrhythmias will be asked to undergo cardiac MRI to rule out structural abnormalities. A follow-up is scheduled after one year. RESULTS: Here we report the baseline data of the enrolled 110 athletes aged 36-61 years. Their mean age was 48.8 ± 6.0 years, 24.5% were female, 8.2% had hypertension and 2.7% had hyperlipidaemia. Participants have attended a mean of 7.5 ± 6.6 marathon races within the last 5 years and a mean of 16 ± 36 marathon races in total. Their weekly running distance prior to the 38th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON was 65 ± 17 km. Finally, 108 (98.2%) Berlin Beat-Study participants successfully completed the 38th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2011. DISCUSSION: Findings from the "Berlin Beats of Running" study will help to balance the benefits and risks of extensive endurance sport. ECG-recording during the marathon might contribute to identify athletes at risk for cardiovascular events. MRI results will give new insights into the link between physical stress and brain damage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov NCT01428778.

The Rydel Seiffer tuning fork - Age and gender matter.

BACKGROUND: The Rydel Seiffer tuning fork (RSTF) can be easily applied to evaluate deficits of vibration perception. Standard normative data as stated in textbooks (6/8-thresholds among the "elderly") is not suitable for an informed decision-making process. OBJECTIVE: To reevaluate the range of vibration detection thresholds (VDT) based on assessments in healthy Caucasians stratified for age and gender using the RSTF and on a short-review of literature on normative data on PubMed. METHODS: Monocentric, prospective assessment of VDT at the dorsal 1st metatarsophalangeal joint of both sides in 77 healthy volunteers. Participants were grouped according to age: 20-39 years (group I, n = 24), 40-59 years (group II, n = 29), 60-79 years (group III, n = 24). Data was stratified for gender. Means were compared via Mann-Whitney U-test; correlations were rated via Pearson correlation coefficient. A short-review of literature was performed on PubMed. RESULTS: Aging related to declined vibration perception (r = -0.446, p < 0.001). Women aged 60 years and older showed better vibration perception compared to men (men: 6.5 ± 1.3, women: 7.5 ± 0.9, p = 0.003). All VDT-limits were higher compared to results gathered in literature (I: 7.9 ± 0.3, II: 7.7 ± 0.5, III: 7.1 ± 1.1). Formerly reported VDT-limits at the lower limbs were scattered (e.g., >4.5/8 to ≥6.6/8 at age 18-29). Current data, especially VDT of participants aged 50 years and older, were largely in line with data reported by Hilz et al. 1998: 18-29 years: ≥ 6.6/8, 30-39 years: ≥ 5.5/8, 40-49 years: ≥ 5.7/8, 50-59 years: ≥ 5.4/8, 60-69 years ≥ 5.2/8, > 70 years ≥ 5.3/8, alternative: 30-39 years ≥ 6.2/8 Magerl et al. 2010. Data on diagnostic sensitivity by Xirou et al. 2020 supported a VDT-limit of 5.9/8 across all ages to aim for high sensitivity. A better vibration perception among elder women compared to men has been described by many studies. DISCUSSION: The current data and literature underline, that higher VDT-limits stratified for age and gender should be considered in a clinical setting. Until further validation within larger samples, we propose to consider the limits as reported by Hilz et al. 1998. Furthermore, women at age 60 + years presenting with borderline thresholds should be considered for further diagnostic workup.

Patient radiation exposure from intraoperative computed tomography in spinal surgery.

Intraoperative CT imaging is becoming increasingly used, but often little attention is paid to the underlying radiation exposure to the patient. This work showed that the dosimetrically assessed radiation exposure for cervical and lumbar 3D scans with an intraoperative CT is considerably higher than with a 3D C-arm. Therefore, proper selection of the intraoperative 3D imaging system is essential, and further technological developments and dose-saving protocols are warranted to further reduce patient radiation exposure.

Hydrocephalus Shunting in Supratentorial Glioblastoma: Functional Outcomes and Management.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is the most common and the most challenging to treat adult primary central nervous system tumor. Although modern management strategies modestly improved the overall survival, the prognosis remains dismal associated with poor life quality and the clinical course often dotted by treatment side effects and cognitive decline. Functional deterioration might be caused by obstructive or communicating hydrocephalus but due to poor overall prognosis surgical treatment options are often limited and its optimal management strategies remain elusive. We aimed to investigate risk factors, treatment options and outcomes for tumor-associated hydrocephalus in a contemporary 10 years cohort of glioblastoma patients. METHODS: We reviewed electronic health records of 1800 glioblastoma patients operated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg from 2009 to 2019. Demographics, clinical characteristics and radiological features were analyzed. Univariate analysis for nominal variables was performed either by Fisher's exact test or Chi-square test, as appropriate. RESULTS: We identified 39 glioblastoma patients with symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus treated by ventricular shunting (incidence 2.1%). Opening of the ventricular system during a previous tumor resection was associated with symptomatic hydrocephalus (p<0.05). There was also a trend toward location (frontal and temporal) and larger tumor volume. Number of craniotomies before shunting was not considered as a risk factor. Shunting improved hydrocephalus symptoms in 95% of the patients and Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) could be restored after shunting. Of note, 75% of the patients had a post-shunting oncological treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, most prevalently chemotherapy. Infection (7.7%) and over- or under drainage (17.9%) were the most common complications requiring shunt revision in ten patients (25.6%), No peritoneal metastasis was found. The median overall survival (OS) was 385 days and the median post shunting survival was 135 days. CONCLUSION: Ventricular system opening was identified as a risk factor for communicating hydrocephalus in glioblastoma patients. Although glioblastoma treatment remains challenging, shunting improved hydrocephalus-related functional status and may be considered even in a palliative setting for symptom relief.

Differentiation of Perilesional Edema in Glioblastomas and Brain Metastases: Comparison of Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging and Diffusion Microstructure Imaging.

Although the free water content within the perilesional T2 hyperintense region should differ between glioblastomas (GBM) and brain metastases based on histological differences, the application of classical MR diffusion models has led to inconsistent results regarding the differentiation between these two entities. Whereas diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) considers the voxel as a single compartment, multicompartment approaches such as neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) or the recently introduced diffusion microstructure imaging (DMI) allow for the calculation of the relative proportions of intra- and extra-axonal and also free water compartments in brain tissue. We investigate the potential of water-sensitive DTI, NODDI and DMI metrics to detect differences in free water content of the perilesional T2 hyperintense area between histopathologically confirmed GBM and brain metastases. Respective diffusion metrics most susceptible to alterations in the free water content (MD, V-ISO, V-CSF) were extracted from T2 hyperintense perilesional areas, normalized and compared in 24 patients with GBM and 25 with brain metastases. DTI MD was significantly increased in metastases (p = 0.006) compared to GBM, which was corroborated by an increased DMI V-CSF (p = 0.001), while the NODDI-derived ISO-VF showed only trend level increase in metastases not reaching significance (p = 0.060). In conclusion, diffusion MRI metrics are able to detect subtle differences in the free water content of perilesional T2 hyperintense areas in GBM and metastases, whereas DMI seems to be superior to DTI and NODDI.

Laminectomy and fusion in multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy - Correlation between objective and subjective postoperative restriction of cervical spine mobility.

For patients with multilevel degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), laminectomy and fusion is an established technique. A concomitant effect of multilevel fusion is a restriction of cervical spine mobility. This retrospective study on DCM-patients with at least 4 laminectomy and fusion levels, compares data between objective and subjective restriction of the postoperative cervical spine mobility. The patient-reported restriction of cervical spine mobility was acquired by a five-step score. Measurements of cervical range of motion were performed using the CROM device and were correlated with the subjective scores. Fusion was performed over 6 levels in most of the 36 patients. For the subjective cervical spine mobility, 52.8% reported none to medium, 38.9% severe and 8.3% complete restriction. Mean objective cervical range of motion was 45.0° for flexion-extension, 26.3° for total lateral flexion and 51.4° for total rotation and therefore evidently reduced compared to non-operated patient cohorts in literature. There was a significant medium, negative correlation between the objective measurements and the patient-reported general restriction of cervical spine mobility, and with the physical component summary of SF-8. The significant objective reduction of cervical range of motion after laminectomy and multilevel fusion correlates with the patient-reported assessment for general restriction.