Stereotactic cyst aspiration directly followed by Gamma Knife radiosurgery for large cystic brain metastases.

BACKGROUND: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been proven to be a successful primary treatment for metastatic brain tumors (BM). BM can come in cystic lesions and are often too large for GKRS. An alternative approach to treat cystic BM is stereotactic cyst aspiration (SCA) for volume reduction, making it suitable for GKRS afterwards. OBJECTIVE: Our objective is evaluation of volumetric reduction after SCA, tumor control, and complications after SCA directly followed by GKRS. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent SCA directly followed by GKRS at the Gamma Knife Center of the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in Tilburg between 2002 and 2015. In total, 54 patients had undergone this combined approach. Two patients were excluded because of prior intracranial treatment. The other 52 patients were included for analysis. RESULTS: SCA resulted in a mean volumetric reduction of 56.5% (range 5.50-87.00%). In 83.6% of the tumors (46 tumors), SCA led to sufficient volumetric reduction making GKRS possible. The overall local tumor control (OLTC) of the aspirated lesions post-GKRS was 60.9% (28 out of 46 tumors). Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients were 3 (range 5 days-14 months) and 12 months (range 5 days-58 months), respectively. Leptomeningeal disease was reported in 5 (9.6%) cases. CONCLUSION: SCA directly followed by GKRS is an effective and time-efficient treatment for large cystic BM in selected patients in which surgery is contraindicated and those with deeply located lesions.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for recurrent gliomas.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become increasingly more popular as a salvage treatment modality for patients diagnosed with recurrent gliomas. The goal of GKRS for recurrent glioma patients is to improve survival rates with minimal burden for these patients. The emphasis of this report is on local tumor control (TC), clinical outcome and survival analysis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent GKRS for gliomas at the Gamma Knife Center Tilburg between 23-09-2002 and 21-05-2015. In total, 94 patients with glioma were treated with GKRS. Two patients were excluded because GKRS was used as a first stage treatment. The other 92 patients were included for analysis. RESULTS: TC was 37% for all tumors (TC was 50% in LGGs and 27% in HGGs). Local progression (LP) was 46% for all tumors (LP was 31% in LGGs and 58% in HGGs). New distant lesions were seen in 18% of all patients (in 5% of LGG patients and 31% of HGG patients). Median progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS) for all patients were 10.5 and 34.4 months, respectively. Median PFS was 50.1 and 5.7 months for low and high grade tumors, respectively. Median OS was 86.6 and 12.8 months for low and high grade tumors, respectively. No serious adverse events were noted post-GKRS. CONCLUSION: GKRS can safely be used as salvage treatment for recurrent glioma and seems to improve survival rates in (high grade) glioma patients with minimal burden.

Surgery, radiotherapy or a combined modality for jugulotympanic paraganglioma of Fisch class C and D.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the risks associated with surgery, radiotherapy or a combined treatment approach for Fisch class C and D jugulotympanic paraganglioma, in order to develop an individualised approach for each patient depending on Fisch class, age, mutation presence, tumour size growth rate and presenting symptoms. DESIGN: A retrospective multicenter cohort study with all patient records of patients with a head and neck paraganglioma in the Radboudumc, Nijmegen and the St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Local control, cranial nerve damage, complications, function recovery. RESULTS: We found highest local control rates after tumour debulking with postoperative radiotherapy in case of residual tumour growth, referred to as the combined treatment group, (100%; n = 19), which was significantly higher than the surgical group (82%; n = 17; P = 0.00), but did not differ from the radiotherapy group (90%; n = 29). There were significantly less complications in the radiotherapy group, when compared to surgery (63 vs 27%; P = 0.002) and the combined group (44 vs 27%; P = 0.016). Furthermore,: using a logistic regression model, we found that pretreatment tumour growth was a negative predictor for post-treatment cranial nerve function recovery (OR = 50.178, P = 0.001), reducing the chance of symptom recovery (67.3% vs 35.7%) post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy should be the treatment of choice for the elderly. For younger patients, tumour debulking should be considered, with potential radiotherapy in case of residual tumour growth.

A microcosting study of microsurgery, LINAC radiosurgery, and gamma knife radiosurgery in meningioma patients.

The aim of the present study is to determine and compare initial treatment costs of microsurgery, linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery, and gamma knife radiosurgery in meningioma patients. Additionally, the follow-up costs in the first year after initial treatment were assessed. Cost analyses were performed at two neurosurgical departments in The Netherlands from the healthcare providers' perspective. A total of 59 patients were included, of whom 18 underwent microsurgery, 15 underwent LINAC radiosurgery, and 26 underwent gamma knife radiosurgery. A standardized microcosting methodology was employed to ensure that the identified cost differences would reflect only actual cost differences. Initial treatment costs, using equipment costs per fraction, were 12,288 for microsurgery, 1,547 for LINAC radiosurgery, and 2,412 for gamma knife radiosurgery. Higher initial treatment costs for microsurgery were predominantly due to inpatient stay (5,321) and indirect costs (4,350). LINAC and gamma knife radiosurgery were equally expensive when equipment was valued per treatment (2,198 and 2,412, respectively). Follow-up costs were slightly, but not significantly, higher for microsurgery compared with LINAC and gamma knife radiosurgery. Even though initial treatment costs were over five times higher for microsurgery compared with both radiosurgical treatments, our study gives indications that the relative cost difference may decrease when follow-up costs occurring during the first year after initial treatment are incorporated. This reinforces the need to consider follow-up costs after initial treatment when examining the relative costs of alternative treatments.

Cognitive and radiological effects of radiotherapy in patients with low-grade glioma: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study on cognitive functioning among 195 patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) a mean of 6 years after diagnosis suggested that the tumour itself, rather than the radiotherapy used to treat it, has the most deleterious effect on cognitive functioning; only high fraction dose radiotherapy (>2 Gy) resulted in significant added cognitive deterioration. The present study assesses the radiological and cognitive abnormalities in survivors of LGG at a mean of 12 years after first diagnosis. METHODS: Patients who have had stable disease since the first assessment were invited for follow-up cognitive assessment (letter-digit substitution test, concept shifting test, Stroop colour-word test, visual verbal learning test, memory comparison test, and categoric word fluency). Compound scores in six cognitive domains (attention, executive functioning, verbal memory, working memory, psychomotor functioning, and information processing speed) were calculated to detect differences between patients who had radiotherapy and patients who did not have radiotherapy. White-matter hyperintensities and global cortical atrophy were rated on MRI scans. FINDINGS: 65 patients completed neuropsychological follow-up at a mean of 12 years (range 6-28 years). 32 (49%) patients had received radiotherapy (three had fraction doses >2 Gy). The patients who had radiotherapy had more deficits that affected attentional functioning at the second follow-up, regardless of fraction dose, than those who did not have radiotherapy (-1.6 [SD 2.4] vs -0.1 [1.3], p=0.003; mean difference 1.4, 95% CI 0.5-2.4). The patients who had radiotherapy also did worse in measures of executive functioning (-2.0 [3.7] vs -0.5 [1.2], p=0.03; mean difference 1.5, 0.2-2.9) and information processing speed (-2.0 [3.7] vs -0.6 [1.5], p=0.05; mean difference 0.8, 0.009-1.6]) between the two assessments. Furthermore, attentional functioning deteriorated significantly between the first and second assessments in patients who had radiotherapy (p=0.25). In total, 17 (53%) patients who had radiotherapy developed cognitive disabilities deficits in at least five of 18 neuropsychological test parameters compared with four (27%) patients who were radiotherapy naive. White-matter hyperintensities and global cortical atrophy were associated with worse cognitive functioning in several domains. INTERPRETATION: Long-term survivors of LGG who did not have radiotherapy had stable radiological and cognitive status. By contrast, patients with low-grade glioma who received radiotherapy showed a progressive decline in attentional functioning, even those who received fraction doses that are regarded as safe (

Internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms: frequency, angiographic anatomy and results of coiling in 50 aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: Internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation aneurysms are uncommon. Little is known about incidence, anatomical characteristics and results of endovascular treatment. We report our experience with endovascular treatment of 50 ICA bifurcation aneurysms in 46 patients. METHODS: There were 13 men (28%) and 33 women (72%) with a mean age of 49.3 years (range 23-76 years). Of 50 aneurysms, 26 (52%) were ruptured and 24 (48%) were unruptured. Of the 46 patients, 23 (50%) had one to five additional aneurysms. RESULTS: The frequency of ICA bifurcation aneurysms was 2.4% (53 of 2,249, 95% CI 1.8-3.1%). Their mean size was 9.6 mm (median 6 mm, range 2-55 mm). Aneurysm neck was symmetrically on A1 and M1 in 30 aneurysms (60%), dominant on A1 in 14 (28%), on M1 in 2 (4%) and on the ICA in 4 (8%). Aneurysm fundus projection was superior in 28 aneurysms (56%), posterior in 9 (18%), anterior in 10 (20%) and lateral in 3 (6%). Four aneurysms were coiled with balloon assistance. Procedural morbidity and mortality of coiling was 2% each. During follow-up, 7 of 50 aneurysms (all 10 mm or larger) were additionally treated (retreatment rate 14%). CONCLUSION: ICA bifurcation aneurysms are rare with a frequency of 2.4% of treated aneurysms in our institution. They are often associated with additional aneurysms. Most aneurysm necks are located symmetrically on A1 and M1 and fundus projection is mostly superior. Coiling is safe and effective for the management of these aneurysms. The aneurysms that needed retreatment were >/=10 mm.

How long does it take to coil an intracranial aneurysm?

INTRODUCTION: The change in the treatment of choice for intracranial aneurysms from clipping to coiling has been associated with an important change in logistics. The time needed for coiling is variable and depends on many factors. In this study, we assessed the procedural time for the coiling of 642 aneurysms and tried to identify predictors of a long procedural time. METHODS: The procedural time for coiling was defined as the number of minutes between the first diagnostic angiographic run and the last angiographic run after embolization. Thus, induction of general anesthesia and catheterization of the first vessel were not included in the procedural time. A long procedural time was defined as the upper quartile of procedural times (70-158 min). Logistic regression analysis was performed for several variables. RESULTS: The mean procedural time was 57.3 min (median 52 min, range 15-158 min). More than half of the coiling procedures lasted between 30 and 60 min. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified the use of a supportive device (OR 5.4), procedural morbidity (OR 4.5) and large aneurysm size (OR 3.0) as independent predictors of a long procedural time. A poor clinical condition of the patient, the rupture status of the aneurysm, gender, the occurrence of procedural rupture, and aneurysm location were not related to a long procedural time. The mean time for the first 321 coiling procedures was not statistically significantly different from mean time for the last 321 procedures. CONCLUSION: With optimal logistics, coiling of most intracranial aneurysms can be performed in one to two hours, including patient handling before and after the actual coiling procedure.

Retreatment of vestibular schwannoma with Gamma Knife radiosurgery: clinical outcome, tumor control, and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has become an accepted treatment for vestibular schwannoma, with a high rate of tumor control and good clinical outcome. In a small number of cases, additional treatment is needed. This retrospective study examines the clinical outcome, reproducibility of volumetric response patterns, and tumor control rate after administering a second GKRS to treat vestibular schwannomas. METHODS A total of 38 patients were included: 28 patients underwent a radiosurgical procedure as the initial treatment (Group 1), and 10 patients underwent microsurgical resection with adjuvant radiosurgery on the tumor remnant as the initial treatment (Group 2). The indication for a second GKRS treatment was growth observed on follow-up imaging. The median margin dose was 11.0 Gy for the first procedure and 11.5 Gy for the second procedure. Tumor control after retreatment was assessed through volumetric analysis. Clinical outcome was assessed through medical chart review. RESULTS Median tumor volume at retreatment was 3.6 cm3, with a median treatment interval of 49 months. All patients showed tumor control in a median follow-up period of 75 months after the second radiosurgical procedure. Volumetric tumor response after the second procedure did not correspond to response after the first procedure. After retreatment, persisting House-Brackmann Grade II facial nerve dysfunction was observed in 3 patients (7.9%), facial spasms in 5 patients (13%), and trigeminal nerve hypesthesia in 3 patients (7.9%). Hearing preservation was not evaluated because of the small number of patients with serviceable hearing at the second procedure. CONCLUSIONS Repeat GKRS after a failed first treatment appears to be an effective strategy in terms of tumor control. The volumetric response after a repeat procedure could not be predicted by the volumetric response observed after first treatment. This justifies considering repeat GKRS even for tumors that do not show any volumetric response and show continuous growth after first treatment. An increased risk of mild facial and trigeminal nerve dysfunction was observed after the second treatment compared with the first treatment.

Balloon-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: incidence, complications, and angiography results.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, indications, complications, and angiography results associated with balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) of intracranial aneurysms and to compare these factors with those for conventional coil embolization (CE). METHODS: Between 1995 and 2005, 827 intracranial aneurysms in 757 consecutive patients were packed with coils. Balloon-assisted coil embolization was used in 8.6% (71 of 827) of the coil insertion procedures and was more frequently used in large aneurysms, unruptured lesions, and those located on the vertebrobasilar system and carotid artery. Procedure-related complications leading to death or dependency were significantly higher in BACEs (14.1%) compared with those in CEs (3%). Packing densities and the results of 6-month follow-up angiography studies did not differ significantly between the two types of treatments. There was a strong trend for a higher retreatment rate in the aneurysms treated with BACE. CONCLUSIONS: Balloon-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms is associated with a high complication rate and should only be used if conventional CE of these lesions is impossible or has failed and if anticipated surgical risks are too high. The BACE procedure does not improve the occlusion rates of the aneurysms on follow-up evaluation.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas: evaluation of tumor control and its predictors in a large patient cohort in The Netherlands.

OBJECT The authors of this study sought to assess tumor control and complication rates in a large cohort of patients who underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and to identify predictors of tumor control. METHODS The records of 420 patients treated with GKRS for VS with a median marginal dose of 11 Gy were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 or who had undergone treatment for VS previously were excluded. The authors assessed tumor control and complication rates with chart review and used the Cox proportional hazards model to identify predictors of tumor control. Preservation of serviceable hearing, defined as Gardner-Robertson Class I-II, was evaluated in a subgroup of 71 patients with serviceable hearing at baseline and with available follow-up audiograms. RESULTS The median VS tumor volume was 1.4 cm(3), and the median length of follow-up was 5.1 years. Actuarial 5-and 10-year tumor control rates were 91.3% and 84.8%, respectively. Only tumor volume was a statistically significant predictor of tumor control rate. The tumor control rate decreased from 94.1% for tumors smaller than 0.5 cm(3) to 80.7% for tumors larger than 6 cm(3). Thirteen patients (3.1%) had new or increased permanent trigeminal nerve neuropathy, 4 (1.0%) had new or increased permanent facial weakness, and 5 (1.2%) exhibited new or increased hydrocephalus requiring a shunting procedure. Actuarial 3-year and 5-year hearing preservation rates were 65% and 42%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 5-year actuarial tumor control rate of 91.3% in this cohort of patients with VS compared slightly unfavorably with the rates reported in other large studies, but the complication and hearing preservation rates in this study were similar to those reported previously. Various factors may contribute to the observed differences in reported outcomes. These factors include variations in treatment indication and in the definition of treatment failure, as well as a lack of standardization of terminology and of evaluation of complications. Last, differences in dosimetric variables may also be an explanatory factor.

Late rebleeding of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of late rebleeding of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with detachable coils. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical follow-up study was conducted in 393 consecutive patients with a ruptured aneurysm treated with detachable coils between January 1995 and January 2003. Late rebleeding was defined as recurrent hemorrhage from a coiled aneurysm >1 month after coiling. One patient was lost to follow-up. Total clinical follow-up of the 392 patients who were coiled for ruptured cerebral aneurysms was 18,708 months (1559 patient years; median, 48 months; mean, 47.7 months; range, 0-120 months). RESULTS: Four patients suffered late rebleeding from the coiled aneurysm at 8, 12, 30, and 40 months after coiling, respectively. Two of these patients died. Another patient died of probable rebleeding 4 months after coiling. The incidence of late rebleeding was 1.27% (5/393) and mortality of late rebleeding was 0.76% (3/393). The annual late rebleeding rate was 0.32%, and the annual mortality rate from late rebleeding was 0.19%. During the follow-up period, 53 coiled aneurysms in 53 patients (13%) were additionally treated: 35 aneurysms (8.9%) were additionally treated with coils, 16 aneurysms (4.1%) were additionally clipped, and 2 aneurysms (0.5%) were additionally treated with parent vessel balloon occlusion. CONCLUSION: The late rebleeding rate after coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms is very low. Follow-up of patients with a coiled aneurysm is mandatory to identify aneurysms that need additional treatment after reopening.

Embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: importance of occlusion of the draining vein.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to assess whether glue-induced occlusion of the draining vein predicts permanent closure of the fistula following embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs). METHODS: Between 1994 and 2004, 36 consecutive patients with an SDAVF were treated at the authors' institution. Twelve patients underwent surgery and 24 glue-based embolization. In 12 of 24 embolization procedures the draining vein was occluded and no recurrence or persistent fistula was seen during the follow-up period. In the other 12 patients the glue had not reached the draining vein and in eight of these the fistula recurred, necessitating additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In embolization of SDAVFs penetration of the glue into the draining vein predicts permanent closure of the fistula. When penetration of the glue into the draining vein can be expected, embolization is the preferred treatment option. In other cases surgery should be the treatment of choice.

Subthalamic nucleus versus globus pallidus bilateral deep brain stimulation for advanced Parkinson's disease (NSTAPS study): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease often have rapid swings between mobility and immobility, and many respond unsatisfactorily to adjustments in pharmacological treatment. We assessed whether globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) gives greater functional improvement than does subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS. METHODS: We recruited patients from five centres in the Netherlands who were aged 18 years or older, had idiopathic Parkinson's disease, and had, despite optimum pharmacological treatment, at least one of the following symptoms: severe response fluctuations, dyskinesias, painful dystonias, or bradykinesia. By use of a computer-generated randomisation sequence, we randomly assigned patients to receive either GPi DBS or STN DBS (1:1), applying a minimisation procedure according to drug use (levodopa equivalent dose <1000 mg vs ≥1000 mg) and treatment centre. Patients and study assessors (but not those who assessed adverse events) were masked to treatment allocation. We had two primary outcomes: functional health as measured by the weighted Academic Medical Center Linear Disability Scale (ALDS; weighted by time spent in the off phase and on phase) and a composite score for cognitive, mood, and behavioural effects up to 1 year after surgery. Secondary outcomes were symptom scales, activities of daily living scales, a quality-of-life questionnaire, the occurrence of adverse events, and drug use. We used the intention-to-treat principle for all analyses. This trial is registered with www.controlled-trials.com, number ISRCTN85542074. FINDINGS: Between Feb 1, 2007, and March 29, 2011, we enrolled 128 patients, assigning 65 to GPi DBS and 63 to STN DBS. We found no statistically significant difference in either of our primary outcomes: mean change in weighted ALDS (3·0 [SD 14·5] in the GPi group vs 7·7 [23·2] in the STN group; p=0·28) and the number of patients with cognitive, mood, and behavioural side-effects (36 [58%] of 62 patients in the GPi group vs 35 [56%] of 63 patients in the STN group; p=0·94). Secondary outcomes showed larger improvements in off-drug phase in the STN group compared with the GPi group in the mean change in unified Parkinson's disease rating scale motor examination scores (20·3 [16·3] vs 11·4 [16·1]; p=0·03), the mean change in ALDS scores (20·3 [27·1] vs 11·8 [18·9]; p=0·04), and medication (mean levodopa equivalent drug reduction: 546 [SD 561] vs 208 [521]; p=0·01). We recorded no difference in the occurrence of adverse events between the two groups. Other secondary endpoints showed no difference between the groups. INTERPRETATION: Although there was no difference in our primary outcomes, our findings suggest that STN could be the preferred target for DBS in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. FUNDING: Stichting Internationaal Parkinson Fonds, Prinses Beatrix Fonds, and Parkinson Vereniging.

Compromised health-related quality of life in patients with low-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the generic and condition-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with low-grade glioma (LGG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 195 patients with LGG, which was diagnosed, on average, 5.6 years before the study, were compared with 100 patients with hematologic (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma and chronic lymphatic leukemia cancer (NHL/CLL) and 205 general population controls who were comparable with patients with LGG at the group level for age, sex, and education (healthy controls). Generic HRQL was assessed with the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey, and condition-specific HRQL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study cognitive function questionnaire and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer brain cancer module. Objective neurocognitive functioning was assessed with a standardized battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with LGG and patients with NHL/CLL in SF-36 scores. Patients with LGG scored significantly lower than healthy controls on six of eight scales and on the mental health component score of the SF-36. Approximately one quarter of patients with LGG reported serious neurocognitive symptoms. Female sex, epilepsy burden, and number of objectively assessed neurocognitive deficits were associated significantly with both generic and condition-specific HRQL. Clinical variables, including the time since diagnosis, tumor lateralization, extent of surgery, and radiotherapy, did not show a consistent relationship with HRQL. CONCLUSION: Patients with LGG experienced significant problems across a broad range of HRQL domains, many of which were not condition-specific. However, the neurocognitive deficits and epilepsy that were relatively prevalent among patients with LGG were associated with negative HRQL outcomes and, thus, contributed additionally to the vulnerability of this population of patients with cancer.

Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal neuralgia: a review of 450 consecutive cases.

OBJECT: The success rates and side effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) are not fully clear. A comparison of data across previous reports is hampered by differences in treatment protocols, lengths of follow-up, and outcome criteria. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to knowledge of the efficacy of GKS in TN by reviewing data in a large group of patients with this disorder, who were treated with a uniform treatment protocol and evaluated using a well-established pain scale and Kaplan-Meier analysis. METHODS: The authors reviewed 450 treatments in 365 patents with medically refractory TN who were treated between June 2002 and October 2009 at the Gamma Knife Center Tilburg. In all patients 80 Gy was prescribed, with a single 4-mm isocenter located at the root entry zone (REZ). In 79 patients repeated GKS was performed using a uniform dose of 80 Gy, which was delivered, in a highly standardized manner, to a spot anterior to the position of the first treatment. Follow-up was obtained by reviewing the patients' medical records and conducting telephone interviews. Outcome was assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain scale and the BNI facial numbness scale. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 28 months. In the idiopathic TN group, rates of adequate pain relief, defined as BNI Pain Scores I-IIIB, were 75%, 60%, and 58% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. In the multiple sclerosis (MS)-related TN group the rates of adequate pain relief were 56%, 30%, and 20% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Repeated GKS was as successful as the first. An analysis of our treatment strategy of repeated GKS showed rates of adequate pain relief of 75% at 5 years in the idiopathic TN and 46% in the MS-related TN group. Somewhat bothersome numbness was reported by 6% of patients after the first treatment and by 24% after repeated GKS. Very bothersome numbness was reported in 0.5% after the first GKS and in 2% after the second treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the authors analyzed outcomes of GKS in a large cohort of patients with TN; uniform treatment consisted of 80 Gy delivered to the REZ. The initial and long-term outcomes of pain relief and sensory dysfunction are comparable to recently published results at other institutions, where similar outcome criteria were used. These data should prove helpful to assist patients and clinicians in their TN management decisions.

Cognitive rehabilitation in patients with gliomas: a randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Patients with gliomas often experience cognitive deficits, including problems with attention and memory. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the effects of a multifaceted cognitive rehabilitation program (CRP) on cognitive functioning and selected quality-of-life domains in patients with gliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty adult patients with low-grade and anaplastic gliomas, favorable prognostic factors, and both subjective cognitive symptoms and objective cognitive deficits were recruited from 11 hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group or to a waiting-list control group. The intervention incorporated both computer-based attention retraining and compensatory skills training of attention, memory, and executive functioning. Participants completed a battery of neuropsychological (NP) tests and self-report questionnaires on cognitive functioning, fatigue, mental health-related quality of life, and community integration at baseline, after completion of the CRP, and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: At the immediate post-treatment evaluation, statistically significant intervention effects were observed for measures of subjective cognitive functioning and its perceived burden but not for the objective NP outcomes or for any of the other self-report measures. At the 6-month follow-up, the CRP group performed significantly better than the control group on NP tests of attention and verbal memory and reported less mental fatigue. Group differences in other subjective outcomes were not significant at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The CRP has a salutary effect on short-term cognitive complaints and on longer-term cognitive performance and mental fatigue. Additional research is needed to identify which elements of the intervention are most effective.

Intracranial aneurysms that repeatedly reopen over time after coiling: imaging characteristics and treatment outcome.

INTRODUCTION: We report imaging and clinical characteristics of patients with aneurysms that repeatedly reopened over time and were coiled three times or more during a follow-up period of 2-11 years. METHODS: At angiographic follow-up of 624 of 827 aneurysms coiled between 1995 and 2005, 74 aneurysms (8.9%) reopened and were additionally coiled. During an extended follow-up, 12 aneurysms (1.5%) in 12 patients repeatedly reopened and were repeatedly coiled. Initial aneurysm sizes ranged from 15 to 30 mm. Four aneurysms contained intraluminal thrombus. Eight aneurysms were associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and two with a mass effect, and two were incidentally discovered. The locations of aneurysms were basilar artery (eight), carotid artery (two), anterior communicating artery (one) and middle cerebral artery (one). RESULTS: Altogether, 49 coil treatments were performed in the 12 aneurysms, ranging from three to six coil treatments per aneurysm. Of the 49 coil treatments, 20 (41%) were performed with a supporting device. There were no procedural complications (0%, 97.5% CI 0-5.7%). The mean clinical follow-up period was 70.6 months (median 60, range 25-135 months). All 12 patients are neurologically doing well (GOS 5). Reopening was by compaction in nine aneurysms and by migration of coils into intraluminal thrombus in three aneurysms. In two aneurysms, late regrowth became apparent at 76 and 95 months after the previous coiling. CONCLUSION: Aneurysms that reopen over time and need to be coiled for a second time should be imaged at regular intervals to detect repeated reopening or regrowth. The treatment strategy of regular follow-up and additional treatments when necessary is effective and safe.

Superior cerebellar artery aneurysms: incidence, clinical presentation and midterm outcome of endovascular treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence, clinical presentation and midterm clinical and imaging outcome of endovascular treatment of 34 superior cerebellar artery (SCA) aneurysms in 33 patients. METHODS: Between January 1995 and January 2007, 2,112 aneurysms were treated in our institution, and 36 aneurysms in 35 patients were located on the SCA (incidence 1.7%). Two of three distal SCA aneurysms were excluded. All the remaining 34 SCA aneurysms, of which 22 (65%) were ruptured and 12 (35%) were unruptured, in 33 patients were treated by endovascular techniques. There were 6 men and 27 women ranging from 29-72 years. In 14 patients (42%) multiple aneurysms were present. RESULTS: Initial angiographic occlusion was (near) complete in 32 aneurysms (94%) and incomplete in 2 aneurysms (6%). Complications leading to permanent morbidity or death occurred in two patients (6.1%, 95% CI 0.6 to 20.60%). Outcome at 6 months follow-up in 31 surviving patients was GOS5 in 26 (84%), GOS4 in 4 (13%) and GOS3 in 1 patient (3%). There were no episodes of (re)bleeding during 118 patient-years of follow-up. The 6-month angiographic follow up in 28 SCA aneurysms and extended angiographic follow-up in 19 showed stable occlusion in 27 aneurysms. No additional treatments were performed. CONCLUSION: SCA aneurysms are rare with an incidence of 1.7% of treated aneurysms at our institution. They are frequently associated with other aneurysms. Endovascular treatment is effective and safe in excluding the aneurysms from the circulation.