The role of MicroRNA as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for cerebral aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the dysregulated functional miRNAs, miRNA-16, miRNA-143, and miRNA-200 as potential biomarkers of cerebral aneurysms(CAs) to aid in diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: This is a prospective case-control study conducted among patients with CA. All patients' computed tomography angiography (CTA) and interventional angiogram were assessed and studied. The miRNAs were isolated and quantified from peripheral blood samples and the expression profiling was done using TaqMan chemistry on Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: A total of 37 samples were included. Three cases had double aneurysms and 10 cases presented with aneurysmal rupture. miRNA-16, miRNA-143, and miRNA-200 were upregulated with an absolute fold-change of >8 in the CA group in comparison to controls (p<0.05). miRNA-200 showed double expression in patients with single aneurysm. A statically significant increase was observed in the expression of miRNA-143 in patients who had an aneurysmal rupture with p<0.05. Diabetic patients showed an obvious increase in miRNA-200 (13.03 folds) and miRNA-16 (26.82 folds) expression. Also, there was a notable elevation in miRNA-16, miRNA-143, and miRNA-200 in patients who had hypertension in comparison to those who did not. CONCLUSION: miRNA-16, miRNA-143, and miRNA-200 showed statically significant higher expression among cases with cerebral aneurysms in comparison to controls. Thus, these preliminary results of miRNAs biomarkers are promising future tool to be used for aneurysmal screening.

The utility of decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury in Saudi Arabia trauma centers.

Background: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) represents an effective method for intracranial pressure (ICP) reduction in cases of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, little is known regarding the attitude of practicing neurosurgeons toward decompressive craniectomy (DC) in Saudi Arabia.Objective: We aimed to explore the perspective on DC among neurosurgeons in Saudi Arabia.Methods: An electronic survey was distributed via e-mail to members of the Saudi Association of Neurological Surgery (SANS).Results: A total of 52 neurosurgeons participated in this survey. The majority of these neurosurgeons practice in a governmental (95.2%), tertiary hospital (75.5%) with academic affiliations (77.6%). Most surgeons (71.4%) agreed that the DC approach for managing refractory ICP is supported by evidence-based medicine. The majority of the participants choose to perform DC on a unilateral basis (80%). Interestingly, DC followed by duraplasty was performed by only 71% of these surgeons, with 29% of the respondents not performing expansive duraplasty.Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia, the utility of DC in cases of TBI with refractory intracranial hypertension has not been clearly defined among practicing neurosurgeons. The development of appropriate, widely adopted TBI guidelines should thus be a priority in Saudi Arabia to reduce variability among TBI care practices. In addition, a national TBI registry should be established for documenting different practices and longitudinal outcomes.

Impact of Physiological Symptoms and Complications of Colorectal Cancer on the Quality of Life of Patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common worldwide. The high prevalence of the disease raises concerns about how CRC influences the health-related quality of life (QoL). To explore the impact of physiological symptoms and complications of CRC on patients' QoL, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using the FACT-C self-report instrument. The chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data. We found that pain was reported by most of the patients (n = 31; 77.5 %). Furthermore, male patients were more likely to complain of pain "mostly" as compared with females (P = .032). We found no significant differences between genders regarding general health-related questions. A greater proportion of male patients often complained of abdominal cramps (P = .542), weight loss (P = .086), and diarrhea (P = .408). More than half of the patients (n = 26; 65 %) reported having a good appetite; a greater proportion of males reported having a good appetite "mostly" (P = .014). Social and psychological qualities of life were not significantly different between male and female patients. Male and female patients did not differ in their report of disease acceptance (P = .420) and ability to enjoy life (P = .744). No difference was also found between genders regarding contentment with QoL (P = .793) or ability to sleep well (P = .695). Furthermore, there were no differences between genders regarding job fulfillment (P = .272). Our results add to the growing body of knowledge about the effect of CRC on QoL. Importantly, the differences in self-reported pain and appetite between male and female patients in our study suggest the importance of gender-based treatments in improving patients' QoL.

Surgical Neuromodulation of Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are common among young adults, with a majority of patients succumbing to chronic pain syndromes. Conservative management is usually not satisfactory in these cases and surgical interventions are often required. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining one of the neurosurgical techniques, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), in chronic pain neuromodulation in cases of chronic pain syndrome after traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore the reported use of cervical spinal cord stimulation as a neuromodulator in patients with chronic pain syndromes following traumatic brachial plexus injury. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE through the OVID interface, ProQuest, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Our own files and reference lists of identified key articles were also searched. Results: A total of 13 studies (8 case reports and 5 case series), comprising 29 patients were included. Most brachial plexus injuries were sustained in motor vehicle accidents. 86% (25/29) of patients showed a good initial response to SCS, however, the response decreased over time, and 69% (20/29) of the patients reported a good response at the end of follow-up. Lead migration was the only complication reported in two studies. Conclusion: SCS is a less invasive procedure with significantly fewer neurological side effects. A trial period of SCS is suggested in patients who have failed conservative treatment modalities before other neurosurgical interventions are considered.

Outcomes of Blenderized Gastrostomy Feeding in Children at Rouen University Hospital.

Purpose: During the last few years, there has been an observed increase in the demand for blenderized tube feeding (BTF) in the outpatient setting among the caregivers of children suffering from chronic illnesses. This study aimed to assess the clinical and biochemical effect of BTF on children's general health and determine the psychosocial effect of this feeding type on their families. Patients and Methods: This monocenter, retrospective study was conducted at the pediatric department of Rouen Hospital, France, and included ten children receiving a blended diet via enteral feeding tubes. Data were collected from the patients' profiles and by interviewing the caregivers to evaluate the clinical effects of BTF and its psychosocial effects on caregivers. Additionally, patients' medical records were reviewed for their nutritional status by assessing anthropomcetric measurements and biochemical markers recorded during follow-up visits. Results: Ten patients were included (mean age, 6.2 years), and the mean BTF duration was 2.8 years. The patients were fed either homemade or commercial puree. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting improved rapidly after the introduction of blended food in six children (60%), where four experienced complete symptom regression and two showed marked improvement. Similarly, gagging and retching were alleviated in all cases. Diarrhea was alleviated in all cases, whereas constipation improved in three out of four patients. The families were satisfied with using natural BTF; however, caregivers cited the time taken to deliver blended food via syringe as a disadvantage. Conclusion: We observed an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms after the use of blended feeding by gastrostomy. Additionally, BTF had a positive psychological effect on caregivers.

When Brain Biopsy Solves the Dilemma of Diagnosing Atypical Cerebral Amyoild Angiopathy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) is an acknowledged syndrome of reversible encephalopathy, also known as cerebral ß-related angiitis. It is characterized by brisk progressive higher mental dysfunctions, headaches, seizures/epilepsy, and behavioral changes, and is highly responsive to immunosuppressive medications. To quickly and properly determine patients' management plans and prognoses, doctors are left with only CAA-ri-associated behavioral changes and seizures, in addition to a high index of suspicion of the correct diagnosis. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old woman was presented to the emergency room (ER) with behavioral changes and seizures. Upon screening, the patient was found to have radiological evidence of asymmetrical cortical-subcortical white-matter lesions accompanied by multiple cerebral microbleeds in the background of the negative screening for infectious/neoplastic and paraneoplastic processes. After undergoing a brain biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed to be amyloid deposition within the inflammatory vessel walls. The patient showed a dramatic improvement after methylprednisolone pulse therapy, plasma exchange, and rituximab maintenance. CONCLUSIONS We encourage and support brain biopsies to confirm highly suspicious CAA-ri atypical cases to initiate early treatment and achieve the best outcome without any further delays.

"Thrombectomy and Back:" A Novel Approach for Treating Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Timely access to comprehensive stroke centers for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains a commonly encountered obstacle worldwide, especially in areas with no comprehensive stroke or thrombectomy-capable stroke centers. OBJECTIVE: To present our novel experience with a "thrombectomy-and-back" model implemented in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), a 600-bed hospital located in Al Khobar with an open-access emergency department, was designated as a comprehensive stroke center in the Eastern Province. "Thrombectomy-and-back" was designed such that the neurologist in the referring hospital directly communicates with the attending neurovascular team at KFHU for their anticipation of the case, and subsequently confirms LVO presence through urgent acquisition of a CT and a CT angiogram. Once LVO was confirmed, the patients were timely transferred to KFHU for mechanical thrombectomy. Upon procedure completion, the patients returned to the referring hospital with the same medical and EMS team. The safety of transfer and peri-procedural complications were analyzed. RESULTS: From December 2017 to December 2019, 20 thrombectomy-and-back codes were activated, of which 10 were deactivated on negative LVO and 10 remained activated. Of these 10 patients, 2 required admission to our hospital's Neuro-ICU: one was because the middle cerebral artery reoccluded during the procedure and the other was due to hemodynamic instability upon arrival; this first patient passed away 2 months later due to the complications of the malignant left middle cerebral artery stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The novel Thrombectomy-and-Back model in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has proved to be a safe and efficient approach for patients presenting with LVO to receive timely interventional therapy and minimizing futile transfers.

The Analysis of Morphoradiological Parameters in Predicting Risk of Basilar Artery Tip Aneurysm Rupture: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Basilar artery tip aneurysms can have fatal consequences and poor prognostic outcomes in case of rupture. We investigated the standard parameters used to evaluate aneurysmal morphology to predict aneurysm rupture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We measured the differences between ruptured and unruptured basilar bifurcation aneurysms in terms of morphological features, including aneurysm size, size ratio, aneurysm height, perpendicular height, aneurysm width, bottleneck ratio, aspect ratio, and present daughter domes, using 3D angiography. RESULTS: Among 34 patients, 21 (61.8%) and 13 (38.2%) had ruptured and unruptured basilar tip aneurysms, respectively. In the ruptured group, the mean aneurysm size, and aspect, size, and bottleneck ratios were 6.8 ± 1.9 mm, 3.2 ± 1.0, 2.3 ± 0.5, and 2.2 ± 0.4, respectively, compared to 4.5 ± 1.5 mm, 4.4 ± 2.0, 1.6 ± 0.4, and 2.7 ± 0.7, respectively, in the non-ruptured group. Univariate analysis showed a larger aneurysmal cross-sectional diameter (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-5.392; p < 0.05), a larger size ratio (OR, 21.375; 95% CI, 3.283-139.177; p < 0.05), and presence of a daughter dome (OR, 72.0; 95% CI, 6.7-776.5; p < 0.05) with ruptured basilar artery tip aneurysms. CONCLUSION: A larger aneurysm size and size ratio, and the presence of a daughter dome were significantly associated with increased rupture risk in basilar tip aneurysms.

Posterior fossa extra-axial variations of medulloblastoma: a pictorial review as a primer for radiologists.

Manifestations of an atypical variant of medulloblastoma of the posterior fossa in extra-axial locations have been reported, and key questions concerning its interpretation have been raised previously. This review illustrated the clinico-radiological and histopathological features of the posterior fossa extra-axial medulloblastoma and described possible management strategies. We thoroughly reviewed all atypical anatomical locations of medulloblastoma reported within the posterior fossa and extra-axial spaces. The main characteristics of diagnostic imaging and histopathological results, primarily the distinctive radiopathological characteristics, were summarized to distinguish between intra- and extra-axial medulloblastoma, or pathologies mimicking this tumor. Most cases of posterior fossa extra-axial medulloblastoma have been reported in the cerebellopontine angle, followed by the tentorial and lateral cerebellar locations. The dural tail sign, which is commonly observed in meningioma, is rarely seen in intra- or extra-axial medulloblastoma and might be associated with other benign or malignant lesions. In addition to magnetic resonance imaging, the proposed new imaging techniques, including advances in modern neuroimaging modalities, were discussed, as potentially efficient modalities for characterizing extra-axial medulloblastoma. Radionuclide imaging and magnetic resonance perfusion imaging are practical alternatives to limit the number of differential diagnoses. We believe that medulloblastoma cases are likely under-reported because of publication bias and frequent tumors in unusual locations. Addressing these issues would help establish a more accurate understanding of this entity.

A Case of Coincidental Free Floating Thrombus in the Vertebral Artery in a Patient Presenting with an Anterior Circulation Stroke and Literature Review.

Free-floating thrombus (FFT) is a rare condition with unknown etiology as described by many case reports presented in previous literature. The patients usually present symptomatically while the other few patients remain asymptomatic and are usually discovered incidentally on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Most of the cases reported in the literature are of FFT in the internal carotid artery. We present a 59-year-old female as a case of FFT in the vertebral artery which was coincidently discovered on CTA in a patient initially presenting with an anterior circulation stroke. This case highlights the importance of early contrast-based vascular imaging in patients presenting with large vessel strokes that are cardioembolic in nature and the unique utilization of a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) for revascularization. Included herein an extensive review of the literature about the decision making in patients with FFT and a devised proposed practical approach to this entity.

Camel Bite Associated with Depressed Skull Fracture with Rapidly Spreading Subgaleal Cellulitis.

Camel bite represents a minimal proportion, and most of them are from the Middle East countries. Their infectious potential is poorly understood, and the guidelines for antimicrobial treatment are not well developed. We describe a 40-year-old male, who works as a camel herder and was bitten by a camel while he was tying it down which led to a unilateral depressed skull fracture and multiple bilateral teeth-puncture wounds in the scalp. He arrived to our emergency department 3 hours after injury. All the wounds were dry and the skin around them was healthy looking with no subcutaneous collections. CT scan of the head showed depressed skull fracture on the left temporal region. Within 12 hours, the patient developed spreading cellulitis in the scalp. This necessitated an urgent surgical intervention. The added challenge is the presence of a dural breach. Our patient presented a challenge at several levels. He presented early with clean puncture wounds that were treated according to the most agreed upon guidelines. But our novel finding of rapidly spreading cellulitis requires alteration of recommendation towards more aggressive therapeutic attitude including early surgical intervention, especially for those patients suspected of a dural tear with the depressed skull fracture, even if treated with appropriate antibiotics.

The Correlation between Histopathology of Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc and Clinical Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Prolapsed lumbar disc is one of the most frequent diseases, which is usually presented by motor and sensory deficits. Consistency of herniated disc may play a significant role in surgical treatment and postoperative improvement. The objective of this study is to assess whether the histopathological degeneration in the sample of lumbar discs operated on is correlated to clinical variables and surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind prospective study of lumbar disc prolapse cases over a period of 24 months was done. Forty cases were initially included in the study. All the included cases with a scheduled lumbar discectomy in the Department of Neurosurgery, King Fahd University Hospital, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, during this period were examined histologically. RESULTS: Finally, 21 patients were only considered in this study due to loss of follow-up of the other 19 patients; of these 21 patients, 18 were male and 3 were female. The youngest patient was 32 years old, and the oldest was 72 years old. There is no significant correlation between the major histopathological changes of the prolapsed discs and the clinical findings of low back pain (correlation coefficient = 0.058, P < 0.8), duration of sciatica (correlation coefficient = -0.337, P < 0.1), paresthesia (correlation coefficient = 0.111, P < 0.6), motor weakness (correlation coefficient = 0.274, P < 0.2), and reflex (correlation coefficient = 0.081, P < 0.7). Meanwhile, the correlation coefficient between numbness and histopathological degeneration score (HPDS) is not defined because all reported cases were presented with numbness. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant correlation between the histopathological changes of the prolapsed discs and some clinical findings. Moreover, the different types of prolapsed discs' histopathological changes have no impact on the outcome of the surgery. We also concluded that the disc material undergoes certain degenerative processes with age.

Neurosurgical Procedures and Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case-Control Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative documentation of the effects of outbreaks, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is limited in neurosurgery. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical practice and to determine whether surgical procedures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A multicenter case-control study was conducted, involving patients who underwent neurosurgical intervention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during 2 periods: pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surgical intervention data evaluated included diagnostic category, case priority, complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 850 procedures were included, 36% during COVID-19. The median number of procedures per day was significantly lower during the COVID-19 period (5.5 cases) than during the pre-COVID-19 period (12 cases; P < 0.0001). Complications, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality did not differ during the pandemic. In a multivariate analysis comparing both periods, case priority levels 1 (immediate) (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.67), 1 (1-24 h) (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.10-2.41), and 4 (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.19-0.42) showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall number of neurosurgical procedures declined, but the load of emergency procedures remained the same, thus highlighting the need to allocate sufficient resources for emergencies. More importantly, performing neurosurgical procedures during the pandemic in regions with limited effects of the outbreak on the health care system was safe. Our findings may aid in developing guidelines for acute and long-term care during pandemics in surgical subspecialties.

The longitudinal impact of COVID-19 pandemic on neurosurgical practice.

OBJECTIVE: This observational cross-sectional multicenter study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on neurosurgical practice. METHODS: We included 29 participating neurosurgeons in centers from all geographical regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study period, which was between March 5, 2020 and May 20, 2020, was divided into three equal periods to determine the longitudinal effect of COVID-19 measures on neurosurgical practice over time. RESULTS: During the 11-week study period, 474 neurosurgical interventions were performed. The median number of neurosurgical procedures per day was 5.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-8). The number of cases declined from 72 in the first week and plateaued at the 30's range in subsequent weeks. The most and least number of performed procedures were oncology (129 [27.2 %]) and functional procedures (6 [1.3 %]), respectively. Emergency (Priority 1) cases were more frequent than non-urgent (Priority 4) cases (178 [37.6 %] vs. 74 [15.6 %], respectively). In our series, there were three positive COVID-19 cases. There was a significant among-period difference in the length of hospital stay, which dropped from a median stay of 7 days (IQR: 4-18) to 6 (IQR: 3-13) to 5 days (IQR: 2-8). There was no significant among-period difference with respect to institution type, complications, or mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic decreased the number of procedures performed in neurosurgery practice. The load of emergency neurosurgery procedures did not change throughout the three periods, which reflects the need to designate ample resources to cover emergencies. Notably, with strict screening for COVID -19 infections, neurosurgical procedures could be safely performed during the early pandemic phase. We recommend to restart performing neurosurgical procedures once the pandemic gets stabilized to avoid possible post pandemic health-care system intolerable overload.

CT Perfusion to Guide Placement of Invasive Cerebral Perfusion Monitor in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Induced Vasospasm.

BACKGROUND: Vasospasm is a challenging component of the subarachnoid hemorrhage "syndrome" that is unpredictable and very difficult to monitor using noninvasive or invasive monitoring technologies in neurocritical units. METHODS: We describe the novel use of computerized tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging to choose proper targets for invasive cerebral blood flow monitors. RESULTS: A total of 3 patients are included in this report. CTP parameters were used to generate points of interest to target using invasive cerebral monitoring of the cerebral blood flow and initiate vasodilator therapy and subsequently guide its weaning. CONCLUSIONS: CTP can be useful in localizing a specific anatomical target for invasive monitoring in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients suffering from vasospasm.