Efficacy and safety of bedside percutaneous three-millimeter twist-drill trephination under local anesthesia-a retrospective study of 1000 patients.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous 3-mm twist-drill trephination (TDT) under local anesthesia as a bedside operative technique is an alternative to the conventional open surgical trephination in the operating theatre. The aim of this study was to verify the efficacy and safety of this minimal invasive procedure. METHODS: This retrospective study comprises 1000 patients who were treated with TDT under local anesthesia at bedside due to chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and hydrocephalus (HYD) as a result of subarachnoid hemorrhage or non-hemorrhagic causes, increased intracranial pressure (IIP) in traumatic brain injury or non-traumatic brain edema, and other pathologies (OP) requiring drainage. Medical records, clinical outcome, and results of pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) were analyzed. RESULTS: Indications for TDT were cSDH (n = 275; 27.5%), ICH (n = 291; 29.1%), HYD (n = 316; 31.6%), IIP (n = 112; 11.2%), and OP (n = 6; 0.6%). Overall, primary catheter placement was sufficient in 93.8% of trephinations. Complication rate was 14.1% and mainly related to primary catheter malposition (6.2%), infections (5.2%), and secondary hemorrhage (2.7%); the majority of which were clinically inapparent puncture channel bleedings not requiring surgical intervention. The revision rate was 13%. CONCLUSIONS: Bedside TDT under local anesthesia has proven to be an effective and safe alternative to the conventional burr-hole operative technique as usually performed under general anesthesia in the operation theatre, and may be particularly useful in emergency cases as well as in elderly and multimorbid patients.

Leveraging artificial intelligence in neurosurgery-unveiling ChatGPT for neurosurgical discharge summaries and operative reports.

PURPOSE: Chat generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) is a novel large pre-trained natural language processing software that can enable scientific writing amongst a litany of other features. Given this, there is a growing interest in exploring the use of ChatGPT models as a modality to facilitate/assist in the provision of clinical care. METHODS: We investigated the time taken for the composition of neurosurgical discharge summaries and operative reports at a major University hospital. In so doing, we compared currently employed speech recognition software (i.e., SpeaKING) vs novel ChatGPT for three distinct neurosurgical diseases: chronic subdural hematoma, spinal decompression, and craniotomy. Furthermore, factual correctness was analyzed for the abovementioned diseases. RESULTS: The composition of neurosurgical discharge summaries and operative reports with the assistance of ChatGPT leads to a statistically significant time reduction across all three diseases/report types: p < 0.001 for chronic subdural hematoma, p < 0.001 for decompression of spinal stenosis, and p < 0.001 for craniotomy and tumor resection. However, despite a high degree of factual correctness, the preparation of a surgical report for craniotomy proved to be significantly lower (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: ChatGPT assisted in the writing of discharge summaries and operative reports as evidenced by an impressive reduction in time spent as compared to standard speech recognition software. While promising, the optimal use cases and ethics of AI-generated medical writing remain to be fully elucidated and must be further explored in future studies.

Cerebellar Stroke Score and Grading Scale for the Prediction of Mortality and Outcomes in Ischemic Cerebellar Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Several individual predictors for outcomes in patients with cerebellar stroke (CS) have been previously identified. There is, however, no established clinical score for CS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop simple and accurate grading scales for patients with CS in an effort to better estimate mortality and outcomes. METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study included 531 patients with ischemic CS presenting to 5 different academic neurosurgical and neurological departments throughout Germany between 2008 and 2021. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors related to 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 4-6). By weighing each parameter via calculation of regression coefficients, an ischemic CS-score and CS-grading scale (CS-GS) were developed and internally validated. RESULTS: Independent predictors for 30-day mortality were aged ≥70 years (odds ratio, 5.2), Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4 at admission (odds ratio, 2.6), stroke volume ≥25 cm3 (odds ratio, 2.7), and involvement of the brain stem (odds ratio, 3.9). When integrating each parameter into the CS-score, age≥70 years and brain stem stroke were assigned 2 points, Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4, and stroke volume≥25 cm3 1 point resulting in a score ranging from 0 to 6. CS-score of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 points resulted in 30-day mortality of 1%, 6%, 6%, 17%, 21%, 55%, and 67%, respectively. Independent predictors for 30-day unfavorable outcomes consisted of all components of the CS-score with an additional variable focused on comorbidities (CS-GS). Except for Glasgow Coma Scale score 3 to 4 at admission, which was assigned 3 points, all other parameters were assigned 1 point resulting in an overall score ranging from 0 to 7. CS-GS of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 points resulted in 30-day unfavorable outcome of 1%, 17%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 80%, 77%, and 100%, respectively. Both 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcomes increased with increasing CS-score and CS-GS (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CS-score and CS-GS are simple and accurate grading scales for the prediction of 30-day mortality and unfavorable outcome in patients with CS. While the score systems proposed here may not directly impact treatment decisions, it may help discuss mortality and outcome with patients and caregivers.

The Long-Term Use of Diagnostic Subdural Electroencephalogram Electrodes and Subdural Hematoma: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Seizures and status epilepticus (SE) are frequent complications of acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether invasive subdural electroencephalogram recording leads to earlier seizure detection and treatment initiation in patients with aSDH. DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, cohort trial. SETTING: Neurologic and neurosurgical ICUs of one academic hospital in Germany. PATIENTS: Patients with aSDH undergoing surgical treatment. In total, 76 patients were enrolled in this study, 31 patients (40.8%) were assigned to the invasive electroencephalogram (iEEG) monitoring group and 45 patients (59.2%) to control group. INTERVENTIONS: The electrode group was implanted with a subdural strip electrode providing up to 7 days of real-time electroencephalogram recording in the neurointensive care unit, whereas the control group received regular normal surface electroencephalograms during the 7-day period. The primary outcomes were the prevalence and time to seizures and SE occurrence. Secondary outcomes included neurologic outcomes assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and 6-month follow-up and the prevalence of focal structural epilepsy within 2 years after discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The trial was stopped after a study committee meeting when the prespecified criteria were met. The iEEG and control groups were well-matched for clinical characteristics at admission. Frequencies of seizures and SE detection were significantly higher in the iEEG group than in the control group (61% vs 15.6%; p < 0.001 and 38.7% vs 11.1%; p = 0.005). Time to seizure and SE detection was significantly earlier (median 29.2 vs 83.8 hr; p = 0.018 and 17.2 vs 83.8 hr; p = 0.033) in the iEEG group than in the control group. Favorable outcomes (GOS 4-5) were more frequently achieved in the iEEG group than in the control group (58% vs 31%; p = 0.065). No significant differences were detected in long-term mortality or post-traumatic epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive subdural electroencephalogram monitoring is valuable and safe for early seizure/SE detection and treatment and might improve outcomes in the neurocritical care of patients with aSDH.

Long-term follow-up in patients with brain arteriovenous malformation based on the Quality of Life Scale and socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE: Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is associated with permanent neurological disability resulting in deterioration of the quality of life (QoL). Our study assesses QoL in patients with ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in long-term follow-up at least five years after ICH and compares their QoL with the QoL of patient with non-ruptured AVM. METHODS: Using the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, and the socioeconomic status (SES), a prospective assessment was performed. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was assessed for outcome. RESULTS: Of 73 patients, 42 (57.5%) had ruptured (group 1) and 31 (42.5%) a non-ruptured AVM (group 2). Mean follow-up time was 8.6 ± 3.9 years (8.5 ± 4.2 years in group 1 and 8.9 ± 3.7 years in group 2). Favourable outcome (mRS 0-1) was assessed in 60 (83.3%) and unfavourable in 12 (16.7%) patients. Thirty-one of 42 patients (73.8%) in group 1 and 29 of 30 patients in group 2 (96.7%) had favourable outcomes. Mean QOLS was 85.6 ± 14.1 (group 1 86.1 ± 15.9, group 2 84.9 ± 11.4). Patients in group 1 did not show a significant difference in QoL compared to patients in group 2 (p = 0.23). Additional analyses in group 2 (rho = - 0.73; p < 0.01) and in untreated AVM patients (rho = - 0.81; p < 0.01) showed a strong correlation between QOLS and PHQ-9. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up showed no difference in the QoL between patients with and without ICH caused by brain AVM. Outcome- and QoL-scores were high in both groups. Further studies are necessary to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with AVM.

Intracranial pressure monitoring in posterior fossa lesions-systematic review and meta-analysis.

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) with reduced cerebral perfusion pressure is a well-known cause of secondary brain injury. Previously, there have been some reports describing different supra- and infratentorial ICP measurements depending on the location of the mass effect. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the issue of optimal ICP monitoring in the infratentorial mass lesion. A literature search of electronic databases (PUBMED, EMBASE) was performed from January 1969 until February 2021 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Two assessors are independently screened for eligible studies reporting the use of simultaneous ICP monitoring in the supra- and infratentorial compartments. For quality assessment of those studies, the New Castle Ottawa Scale was used. The primary outcome was to evaluate the value of supra- and infratentorial ICP measurement, and the secondary outcome was to determine the time threshold until equalization of both values. Current evidence surrounding infratentorial ICP measurement was found to be low to very low quality according to New Castle Ottawa Scale. Eight studies were included in the systematic review, four of them containing human subjects encompassing 27 patients with infratentorial pathology. The pooled data demonstrated significantly higher infratentorial ICP values than supratentorial ICP values 12 h after onset (p < 0.05, 95% CI 3.82-5.38) up to 24 h after onset (p < 0.05; CI 1.14-3.98). After 48-72 h, both ICP measurements equilibrated showing no significant difference. Further, four studies containing 26 pigs and eight dogs showed a simultaneous increase of supra- and infratentorial ICP value according to the increase of supratentorial mass volume; however, there was a significant difference towards lower ICP in the infratentorial compartment compared to the supratentorial compartment. The transtentorial gradient leads to a significant discrepancy between supra- and infratentorial ICP monitoring. Therefore, infratentorial ICP monitoring is warranted in case of posterior fossa lesions for at least 48 h.

Direct oral anticoagulants vs. low-molecular-weight heparin for pulmonary embolism in patients with glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a cancer type with high thrombogenic potential and GBM patients are therefore at a particularly high risk for thrombotic events. To date, only limited data on anticoagulation management after pulmonary embolism (PE) in GBM is available and the sporadic use of DOACs remains off-label. A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with GBM and postoperative, thoracic CT scan confirmed PE was performed. Clinical course, follow-up at 6 and 12 months and the overall survival (OS) were evaluated using medical charts and neuroradiological data. Out of 584 GBM patients, 8% suffered from postoperative PE. Out of these, 30% received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and 70% low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for therapeutic anticoagulation. There was no significant difference in major intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), re-thrombosis, or re-embolism between the two cohorts. Although statistically non-significant, a tendency to reduced mRS at 6 and 12 months was observed in the LMWH cohort. Furthermore, patients receiving DOACs had a statistical benefit in OS. In our analysis, DOACs showed a satisfactory safety profile in terms of major ICH, re-thrombosis, and re-embolism compared to LMWH in GBM patients with postoperative PE. Prospective, randomized trials are urgent to evaluate DOACs for therapeutic anticoagulation in GBM patients with PE.

Pulmonary embolism in neurocritical care-introduction of a novel grading system for risk stratification: the Frankfurt AMBOS score.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) due to deep vein thrombosis is a complication with severe morbidity and mortality rates. Neurocritical care patients constitute an inhomogeneous cohort with often strict contraindications to conventional embolism treatment. The aim of the present study is to identify risk factors for pulmonary embolism for intensified risk stratification in this demanding cohort. In this retrospective analysis, 387 neurocritical care patients received computed tomography for clinical suspicion of PE (304 neurosurgical and 83 neurological patients). Analysed parameters included age, gender, disease pattern, the presence of deep vein thrombosis, resuscitation, in-hospital mortality, present anticoagulation, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, hypertension and ABO blood type. Computed tomography confirmed 165 cases of pulmonary embolism among 387 patients with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism (42%). Younger age (p < 0.0001), female gender (p < 0.006), neurooncological disease (p < 0.002), non-O blood type (p < 0.002) and the absence of Marcumar therapy (p < 0.003) were identified as significant risk factors for pulmonary embolism. On the basis of the identified risk factors, the AMBOS score system is introduced. Neurocritical care patients with high AMBOS score are at elevated risk for PE and should therefore be put under intensified monitoring for cardiovascular events in neurocritical care units.

External validation and modification of the Oslo grading system for prediction of postoperative recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma.

Recently, Oslo grading system (OGS) for prediction of recurrence in chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) was introduced. The aim of the study was to validate and if applicable to modify the grading system. Data of all patients admitted to the Goethe University Hospital between 2016 and 2018 with chronic subdural hematoma were prospectively entered into a database. Dataset of patients with uni- (n = 272) and bilateral cSDH (n = 177) were used for the validation of OGS via logistic regression analysis. Additional predictors were identified and integrated to build a modified OGS (mOGS). Internal validation of the modified OGS was performed using same dataset of patients. The OGS showed a significant good predictive value with correlating increase of recurrence rate depending on the level of score in unilateral cSDH (p = 0.002). Regarding bilateral cSDH, there was no significant predictive value found (p = 0.921). By performing uni- and multivariate analysis, additional predictors for recurrence in uni- and bilateral cSDH were identified and integrated into the score system. Accordingly, the mOGS for unilateral cSDH inherited 4 components: previous OGS with 3 components (OR1.6) and seizure (OR2.5) (0 point, 0% recurrence rate; 1-2 points, 17.4%; 3-4 points, 30.6%; ≥ 5 points, 80%). Regarding bilateral cSDH, the mOGS consisted of 4 components as well: hypodense/gradation subtypes (OR3.3), postoperative unilateral volume > 80 mL (OR7.4), postoperative unilateral air trapping > 80 mL (OR15.3), and seizure (OR5.5) (0 point, 3.6% recurrence rate; 1 point, 30.6%; 2 points, 53.5%; 3 points, 58.3%; ≥ 4 points, 100%). Furthermore, the mOGS was internally verified showing high significant predictive power for recurrent hematoma in uni- (p = 0.004) and bilateral cSDH (p < 0.001). External validation of OGS showed accurate risk stratification of recurrence in unilateral cSDH; however, the validation failed for bilateral cSDH. Thus, mOGS was developed to strengthen its clinical utility and applicability.

Predictive variables for the presence of vascular malformations as the cause of basal ganglia hemorrhages.

To evaluate potential bleeding sources and predictive variables for basal ganglia hemorrhage. Fifty-seven patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage admitted to our neurosurgical ICU between 2005 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to assess predictive variables for identifying the bleeding source and outcome. ROC curves were plotted for a cutoff value for age and hematoma volume in patients with a vascular pathology and patients without a vascular pathology. In 19 patients, a vascular pathology was found as a bleeding source for basal ganglia hemorrhage (33.3%; 95% CI 0.33 [0.21; 0.47]). Most of the arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) were small sized (61.1%) with deep venous drainage (94.4%). A single vein was found in 17 (77.8%) AVMs. Patients younger than 50 years were more likely to have a vascular pathology (AUC of 0.85 [95% CI 0.73; 0.98]; p = 0.001; cutoff value 46.5 years). Four (21.1%) patients older than 50 years suffered an AVM hemorrhage; 75% of them were located ventricular or thalamic. Hematoma volume in patients with AVM hemorrhage was predominantly less than 30 cm3 (AUC of 0.86 [95% CI 0.76; 0.96]; p = 0.001; cutoff value 12.6 cm3). Outcome in patients with a vascular pathology was more often favorable as in patients with a spontaneous hemorrhage (92.9% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.001). Young age and hematoma volume are significant predictors for presence of a bleeding source and outcome in basal ganglia hemorrhage. These criteria must be taken into account in the emergency diagnostics and therapy in order to achieve a rapid and sufficient result. Outcome in patients with AVM hemorrhage in basal ganglia is more often favorable.

Management of hydrocephalus after resection of posterior fossa lesions in pediatric and adult patients-predictors for development of hydrocephalus.

The surgical management of hydrocephalus in patients with posterior fossa lesions (PFL) is critical for optimal patient outcome(s). Accordingly, it is prudent to identify patients in need of aggressive surgical intervention (i.e., ventriculoperitoneal [VP] shunting). To analyze prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, the development of post-operative hydrocephalus in both pediatrics and adults. A retrospective institutional analysis and review of patient records in those who had undergone PFL surgery was performed. In so doing, the authors identified patients that went on to develop post-operative hydrocephalus. The study included pediatric and adult patients treated between 2009 and 2017. Fifteen of 40 pediatric (37.5%) and 18 of 262 adult (6.9%) patients developed hydrocephalus after PFL surgery. The most common tumor entity in pediatrics was medulloblastoma (34%), astrocytoma (24.4%), and pilocytic astrocytoma (22%), whereas in adults, metastasis (29.5%), meningioma (22%), and acoustic neuroma (17.8%) were most common. Young age ≤ 2 years, medulloblastoma (OR 13.9), and brain stem compression (OR 5.4) were confirmed as independent predictors for hydrocephalus in pediatrics and pilocytic astrocytoma (OR 15.4) and pre-operative hydrocephalus (OR 3.6) in adults, respectively. All patients received VP shunts for hydrocephalus management and the mean follow-up was 29.5 months in pediatrics vs 19.2 months in adults. Overall complication rates related to VP shunts were 33.3% in pediatrics and 16.7% in adults, respectively. Shunt dependency and associated complications in pediatrics were noted to be higher than in adults. Given the identification of predictors for hydrocephalus, it is authors' contention that certain patients with those predictors may ultimately benefit from an alternative treatment regimen (e.g., pre-operative interventions) prior to PFT surgery.

Vitamin K Antagonist (Phenprocoumon) and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center, Matched-Pair Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Demographic changes are leading to an aging society with a growing number of patients relying on anticoagulation, and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are still widely used. As mortality and functional outcomes are worse in case of VKA-associated hemorrhagic stroke, phenprocoumon treatment seems to be a negative prognostic factor in case of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to analyze whether phenprocoumon treatment does worsen the outcome after non-traumatic SAH. METHODS: All patients treated for non-traumatic SAH between January 2007 and December 2016 in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. After exclusion of patients with anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment other than phenprocoumon, we analyzed 1040 patients. Thirty-three patients (3%) of those were treated with continuous phenprocoumon. In total, 132 out of all 1007 patients without anticoagulant treatment of the remaining patients were matched as control group (ratio = 1:4). RESULTS: Patients with phenprocoumon treatment were significantly older (66.5 years vs. 53.9 years; p < .0001), and admission status was significantly more often poor (66.7% vs. 41.8%, p = .007) compared to all patients without anticoagulant treatment. Further, bleeding pattern and rates of early hydrocephalus did not differ. Matched-pair analysis revealed a significant higher rate of angio-negative SAH in the study group (p = .001). Overall rates of hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications did not differ (21.4% vs. 18.8%; NS) but were more often fatal, and 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the phenprocoumon group than in patients of the matched-pair control group (33% vs. 24%; p < .001). 30% of the phenprocoumon group and 37% of the matched-pair control group reached favorable outcome. However, poor outcome was strong associated with the reason for phenprocoumon treatment. CONCLUSION: Patients with phenprocoumon treatment at the time of SAH are significantly older, admission status is worse, and 30-day mortality rates are significantly higher compared to patients without anticoagulant treatment. However, outcome at 6 months did not differ to the matched-pair control group but seems to be strongly associated with the underlying cardiovascular disease. Treatment of these patients is challenging and should be performed on an interdisciplinary base in each individual case. Careful decision-making regarding discontinuation and bridging of anticoagulation and close observation is mandatory.

Cerebral Vasospasm Due to Arteriovenous Malformation-Associated Hemorrhage: Impact of Bleeding Source and Pattern.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is rarely reported. This study is aimed at evaluating the predictive variables in AVM hemorrhage for CVS. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with ruptured AVMs were admitted to our neurosurgical department from 2002 to 2018. The frequency of cerebral vasospasm after AVM hemorrhage and the impact of AVM-associated aneurysms were evaluated. We compared different bleeding patterns, such as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or a combination of both (ICH + SAH) and evaluated predictive variables for outcome in last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 62 (39%) patients had AAA, mostly located prenidal (75.8%). AVMs with ruptured aneurysms often resulted in ICH with SAH component (p < 0.001). Eighty-two patients (51%) presented a SAH component, and CVS occurred in 6 patients (7.3%), mostly due to a ruptured infratentorial AVM (p < 0.03). Infratentorial location and the amount of SAH component (p < 0.001) predicted the incidence of CVS significantly. Cerebral infarction was significantly associated with CVS (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: SAH component and infratentorial location of ruptured AVMs may harbor a higher risk for CVS. Follow-up with angiographic imaging should be considered in patients with infratentorial AVM hemorrhage and delayed neurologic deterioration to rule out CVS.

Seizure and status epilepticus in chronic subdural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Acute symptomatic seizure (ASz) and status epilepticus (SE) are serious conditions associated with poor quality of life, with unfavorable psychosocial and functional outcome. Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical disease related to those complications; therefore, we aimed to evaluate incidence, predictors of ASz/SE, and outcome in this cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patient diagnosed cSDH between 2010 and 2017. Beside their incidence of ASz/SE, patient characteristics, symptoms at admission, comorbidities, and all previously published relevant parameters were assessed. Recurrence rate and functional outcome were analyzed at hospital discharge and 90-day follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 375 patients were included; incidence of ASz was 15.2% and of SE, 1.9%. In the univariate analysis, drainage insertion (P =  0.004; OR = 0.3) was a significant negative predictor for ASz/SE and multivariate analysis, including all significant parameters, designated GCS ≤13 at admission (P = 0.09; OR = 1.9), remote stroke (P = 0.009; OR = 2.9), and recurrence rate within 14 days (P = 0.001; OR = 3.3; with an incidence of 13%) as independent predictors for ASz/SE. Overall, patients with ASz/SE had significantly unfavorable outcome at discharge (54.7%; P < 0.001) and follow-up (39.5%; P < 0.001) with only slight improvement. Late seizures occurred in 3.8% within follow-up period. Any patient with SE had an unfavorable outcome at discharge without any improvement at follow-up having a mortality rate of 14.2%. CONCLUSION: Independent predictors for ASz/SE are GCS ≤13 at admission, remote stroke, and recurrent hematoma in patients with cSDH, which is associated with worse functional outcome, particularly those with SE. Due to the higher rate of seizures than recurrence rate, a routine pre- and postoperative EEG besides CT is recommended.

Prognostic variables and outcome in relation to different bleeding patterns in arteriovenous malformations.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage as bleeding pattern occurs rarely in ruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVM). The aim of the present study is to evaluate different bleeding patterns in hemorrhages due to an AVM and their impact on outcome in terms of risk and treatment stratification. We evaluated 158 patients with ruptured AVMs who were admitted to our neurosurgical department from 2002 to 2017. We compared different bleeding patterns, such as intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or both (ICH + SAH) and evaluated predictive variables for outcome in the last follow-up. ICH was found in 48.7% of patients, isolated SAH in 20.9% of patients, and both in 30.4% of patients. The mean parenchymal blood volume was 34.5cm3. 38.6% of the patients had AVM-associated aneurysms, mostly located pre-nidal (77%). AVMs with ruptured aneurysms often resulted in ICH with SAH component (p < 0.001) and SAH pattern occurred more often infratentorial (p = 0.003). In a multivariate logistic regression model, poor clinical state on admission (WFNS IV-V) (p < 0.01), eloquence, infratentorial location (p = 0.05), and presence of ICH with SAH component (p = 0.02) were the most relevant predictors of a poor outcome after AVM rupture. Bleeding pattern in AVM hemorrhage depends on angioarchitectural and hemodynamic features and SAH component predicts outcome negatively. AVM-associated pre-nidal aneurysms may harbor a higher risk for rupture and SAH pattern when located infratentorial. Treatment decisions and risk stratifications should be considered in view of these findings.

Pain medication at ictus of subarachnoid hemorrhage-the influence of one-time acetylsalicylic acid usage on bleeding pattern, treatment course, and outcome: a matched pair analysis.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is a well-known and widely used analgesic for acute pain. Patients with acute headache due to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are inclined to take ASA in this situation. Due to the antithrombotic effects, ASA intake is related to higher bleeding rates in case of hemorrhage or surgical treatment. Between January 2006 and December 2016, 941 patients without continuous antithrombotic or anticoagulant medication were treated due to SAH in our institution. Fourteen of them (1.5%) had taken ASA as a single dose because of headache within 24 h before hospital admission. A matched pair analysis was performed. Admission status was good in 93% of patients with one-time use of ASA (OTA), but only in 59% of all other patients (p < 0.01). Bleeding pattern did not differ, but half of the patients with OTA had no identifiable bleeding source; this rate was significantly lower in the rest of the patients (p < 0.005). Aneurysm treatment and related complications did not differ between both groups. Cerebral vasospasm was more often only mild and rates of cerebral infarctions were lower in the OTA group but not on a significant level. Eighty-six percent of the OTA group and 84% (p = 0.8) of the matched pair control group reached favorable outcome according to mRS 6 months after SAH. Patients with OTA in case of SAH are usually in good clinical condition and bleeding pattern does not differ. In half of the patients with OTA, no bleeding source was detectable. In the case of aneurysm treatment, related complications did not differ and most of the patients reached favorable outcome. In the case of aneurysm treatment procedure, OTA does not influence treatment course and should not influence treatment decisions.

Infective endocarditis in patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis: implications for diagnosis and therapy.

OBJECTIVEThe incidence of patients with pyogenic spinal infection is increasing. In addition to treatment of the spinal infection, early diagnosis of and therapy for coexisting infections, especially infective endocarditis (IE), is an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of coexisting IE and the value of routine transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the management of these patients.METHODSThe medical history, laboratory data, radiographic findings, treatment modalities, and results of TEE of patients admitted between 2007 and 2017 were analyzed.RESULTSDuring the abovementioned period, 110 of 255 total patients underwent TEE for detection of IE. The detection rate of IE between those patients undergoing and not undergoing TEE was 33% and 3%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Thirty-six percent of patients with IE needed cardiac surgical intervention because of severe valve destruction. Chronic renal failure, heart failure, septic condition at admission, and preexisting heart condition were significantly associated with coexisting IE. The mortality rate in patients with IE was significantly higher than in patients without IE (22% vs 3%, p = 0.002).CONCLUSIONSTEE should be performed routinely in all patients with spondylodiscitis.

Academic output of German neurosurgical residents in 35 academic neurosurgery residency programs.

BACKGROUND: The scientific activity of neurosurgeons and neurosurgery residents as measured by bibliometric parameters is of increased interest. While data about academic output for neurosurgeons in the USA, the UK, and Canada have been published, no similar results for German neurosurgical residents exist. Within this study, we aim to evaluate the academic output of German neurosurgery residents in 35 academic residency programs. METHODS: Data for each resident were collected from the departmental websites, Pubmed, and Scopus. Further analyses evaluated the relationship between publication productivity, sex, and academic degree (Dr. med.). RESULTS: Data from 424 neurosurgery residents were analyzed. A total of 1222 publications were considered. A total of 355 (29%) of the 1222 publications were first-author publications. The average number of publications per resident was 2.9; the average h-index and m-quotient was 1.1 and 0.4, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in academic output and h-index among neurosurgical residents with a doctoral degree compared with residents without such degree (5.3 vs. 1.3, p < 0.0001 and 2.0 vs. 0.5, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This is the very first study evaluating the academic output of neurosurgical residents in academic neurosurgical departments in Germany.

Thromboembolic infarction caused by an unknown patent foramen ovale 30 years after VA shunt insertion: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculoatrial shunt (VA) insertion is one of the possible surgical procedures to treat hydrocephalus. However, it is also associated with several complications such as obstruction and shunt infection as well as life-threatening complications like intraatrial thrombus or thrombosis on the distal catheter. In this case report, we share a rare case of a patient with a VA shunt, who was admitted to our hospital with a stroke. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old female patient with suspected acute stroke was admitted to the stroke unit. CT and MRI scans showed multiple cerebral infarctions in both hemispheres. The transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed at the tip of the VA shunt catheter, which was implanted about 30 years ago due to aqueduct stenosis, also a thrombotic formation as the reason of stroke. Interestingly, the tip of the catheter was not in the right atrium as expected, but in the left atrium. Further evaluation showed a patent foramen ovale (PFO), through which the catheter migrated from the right to the left side. At first, conservative treatment with anticoagulation was started with the aim to dissolve the thrombotic formation; however, a control TEE showed an unchanged mass at the catheter tip. Therefore, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted and the proximal shunt catheter was removed with an additional closure of the PFO by our heart surgeons. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged 10 days later in good condition to a rehabilitation center. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic events due to a PFO are rare but possible life-threatening complication after VA shunt insertion. Therefore, preoperative cardiac diagnostic might be clinically relevant prior to a VA shunt implantation to avoid such complications.

Dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis is associated with poor survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Despite its well-characterized side effects, dexamethasone is widely used in the pre-, peri- and postoperative neurosurgical setting due to its effective relief of tumor-induced symptoms through the reduction of tumor-associated edema. However, some patients show laboratory-defined dexamethasone induced elevation of white blood cell count, and its impact on glioblastoma progression is unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 113 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma to describe the incidence, risk factors and clinical features of dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis in primary glioblastoma patients. We further conducted an immunohistochemical analysis of the granulocyte and lymphocyte tumor-infiltration in the available corresponding histological sections. Patient age was identified to be a risk factor for the development of dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis (p < 0.05). The presence of dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis decreased overall survival (HR 2.25 95% CI [1.15-4.38]; p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR 2.23 95% CI [1.09-4.59]; p < 0.01). Furthermore, patients with dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis had significantly reduced CD15 + granulocytic- (p < 0.05) and CD3 + lymphocytic tumour infiltration (p < 0.05). We identified a subgroup of glioblastoma patients that are at particularly high risk for poor outcome upon dexamethasone treatment. Therefore, restrictive dosage or other edema reducing substances should be considered in patients with dexamethasone-induced leukocytosis.