Surgeon's Eyes on the Relevant Surgical Target.

The resolution of the naked eye has been a challenge for the neurosurgical endeavor since the very first attempts of cranial surgery, and advances have been achieved over the centuries, driven by a synergism between the application of emerging technology into the surgical environment and the expansion of the capabilities of neurosurgery. The understanding of the principles of the optical properties of lenses by Abbè (1840-1905) led to the introduction of loupes in the surgical practice, increasing the visual performance during macroscopic procedures. Modern neurosurgery began with the possibility of illumination and magnification of the surgical field as provided by the microscope. Pioneering contributions from Donaghy and Yasargil opened the way to the era of minimalism with reduction of operative corridors and surgical trauma through the adoption of the microsurgical technique. Almost at the same time, engineering mirabilia of Hopkins in terms of optics and lenses allowed for introduction of rigid and flexible endoscopes as a viable tool in neurosurgery. Nowadays, neurosurgeons are aware of and confident using effective and modern tools of visualization in their armamentarium. Herein we present a cogent review of the evolution of visualization tools in neurosurgery, with a special glimpse into the current development and future achievements.

Magnetic resonance parkinsonism indices and interpeduncular angle in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and progressive supranuclear palsy.

PURPOSE: The clinical presentation of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) may overlap with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI), MRPI 2.0, and the interpeduncular angle (IPA) have been investigated to differentiate PSP from healthy controls (HC) and other parkinsonisms. We aimed to assess equivalences and differences in MRPI, MRPI 2.0, and IPA in iNPH, PSP, and HC groups. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited 99 subjects (30 iNPH, 32 PSP, 37 HC) from two institutions. MRI exams, acquired on either 1.5 T or 3 T scanners, included 3D T1-weighted images to measure MRPI, MRPI 2.0, and IPA. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was investigated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and the two one-sided t tests (TOST) procedure was used to assess these markers in iNPH, PSP, and HC. RESULTS: For all the three measures, intra-rater and inter-rater ICC were excellent (range = 0.91-0.93). In the comparison of iNPH and PSP with HC, differences for MRPI and MRPI 2.0 (p < 0.01 in all cases) and no equivalence (p = 1.00 in all cases) were found at TOST. iNPH and PSP MRPI showed no difference (p = 0.06) and no equivalence (p = 0.08). MRPI 2.0 was not equivalent (p = 0.06) and not different (p = 0.09) in the same two populations. PSP and HC IPA proved equivalent (p < 0.01) while iNPH IPA was different (p < 0.01) and not equivalent (p = 0.96 and 0.82) from both PSP and HC. CONCLUSION: MRPI and MRPI 2.0 significantly overlap in iNPH and PSP, with risk of misdiagnosis, and for this reason may not be helpful in the differential diagnosis.

COVID-19 and neurosurgical training and education: an Italian perspective.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has an impact also on neurosurgical training and education, especially in most affected countries. We surveyed Italian neurosurgical residents, asking them to provide a brief description and analyze the situation they are experiencing and how the educational system reacted to the pandemic in one of the most affected countries all over the world. METHODS: An 18-question, web-based survey was administered to Italian neurosurgical residents from May 3 to May 11, 2020, by web-link or e-mail invitation. Closed-ended, multiple choice questions were focused on the experience of neurosurgical residents in the last 2 months (from March to May 2020) concerning both clinical and educational aspects. RESULTS: Among 331 Italian neurosurgical residents invited to participate, 192 responded to the survey (58%). According to the participants' responses, in the whole country, only 29.7% of residents were directly involved in the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. Time spent in the clinic and surgical activity was significantly reduced in most of the cases. Educational activities as well as scientific activity and time spent for studying, on the other hand, were reported to be significantly increased by the majority of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Most Italian neurosurgical residents reported significant changes on both training and education, highlighting a prompt reaction of the educational system in the whole country, regardless the local and regional diffusion of the pandemic.

Recurrence of spinal meningiomas: analysis of the risk factors.

Objective: Spinal meningiomas are slow-growing tumors with low recurrence rate after complete resection. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors correlated to the recurrence.Material and Methods: Six patients with spinal WHO grade I meningiomas which recurred after complete resection were reviewed and compared to 50 patients with no recurrence; the data were also compared with those of 50 intracranial meningiomas which recurred and 50 which did not recur after complete resection. The investigated factors included age and sex, tumor location and size, type of arachnoid interface, entity of resection (Simpson I or II), tumor consistency and vascularity, histological type, Ki-67 MIB-1, progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) expression. The data were statistically analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: The statistical analysis showed that the presence of arachnoidal invasion (p = 0.023) and higher Ki-67 LI (p < 0.0001) were the only two significant risk factors for recurrence for both spinal and intracranial meningiomas. Large tumor size (p = 0.012), Simpson grade II resection (p = 0.03) and the absence of PR expression (p < 0.0001) were significant risk factors for recurrence of intracranial but not spinal meningiomas. Finally, age and sex, tumor location, consistency and vascularity, histological type, and ER expression were not correlated to recurrence for both localizations.Conclusions: The proliferation index Ki-67 and the arachnoid invasion are the risk factors for recurrence of spinal meningiomas, whereas tumor size, dural resection and PR expression are not significant. The small tumor size and the limited dural invasion may contribute to explain the lower recurrence rate.

Multicentric and diffuse recurrences of meningiomas.

Background: Meningiomas recur with a rate of 10-32% at 10 years. Several features influence the risk of recurrence.Objective: To define the pathological and surgical features at risk of multicentric-diffuse versus local-peripheral recurrence.Methods: Thirty-three patients operated on for intracranial meningiomas who experienced multicentric-diffuse recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. The data of these patients were compared to those of 50 patients who experienced local-peripheral recurrence. The analyzed factors included age and sex, tumor location and shape, brain-tumor interface, entity of resection, WHO grade, Ki67 MIB1, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, number of reoperations, progression of WHO grade, and outcome.Results: Meningiomas which recurred in multicentric-diffuse pattern showed at initial surgery a significantly higher rate of flat-shaped tumors (p = .0008) and of cases with Ki67 Li ≥ 4% (p = .037) than those which recurred in localized-peripheral pattern, whereas other factors did not significantly differ. Among patients with multicentric-diffuse recurrences, 25 underwent one to three reoperations; 17 among them (66%) are alive with local tumor control or slow progression 2-25 years after the initial surgery versus only 2 out of 8 who did not undergo surgery.Conclusions: Flat-shaped meningiomas and those with Ki67 Li ≥ 4% are at higher risk of multicentric-diffuse recurrence. Multiple reoperations over a period of several years may obtain rather long survivals in selected patients with prevalent intradural, not anaplastic tumors and not too extensive dural infiltration.

Ventral Brainstem Anatomy: An Endoscopic Transoral Perspective.

In recent years the use of the endoscope through the transclival route has gained new attention as a minimally invasive operative method to successfully treat numerous clival pathologies such as chordomas, meningiomas, haemangiopericytomas, enterogenous and epidermoid cysts, and metastasis(Cappabianca et al. Neurosurgery 55:933-940, 2004; Cappabianca et al. Childs Nerv Syst 20:796-801, 2004; Cappabianca et al. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 33:151-199, 2008; Cappabianca et al. Neurosurgery 49:473-475, 2001; Cappabianca et al. Surg Neurol 62:227-233, 2004; Dehdashti et al. Neurosurgery 63:299-307, 2008; Kerschbaumer et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 25:2708-2715, 2000; Saito et al. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 154:879-886, 2012; Stippler et al. Neurosurgery 64:268-277, 2009). Here we describe the endoscopic anatomy of the region reached through an endoscopic transoral approach. Fresh and formalin-fixed cadaver specimens were used to demonstrate both the feasibility of an endoscopic transoral-transclival intradural approach and its potential exposure. The transoral approach was performed using a clival opening of 20 × 15 mm. This smaller access point through the clivus, which allowed insertion of the endoscope and its instruments, did not limit the complete exposure of the cisternal spaces and permitted reconstruction of all anatomical layers.This endoscopic approach thus provides excellent exposure of some of the most dangerous and inaccessible territories of the brain, respecting the anatomy and remaining a minimally invasive approach. Further extensive clinical experience is necessary to prove its safety. The endoscopic transoral-transclival approach will presumably be selected to gain access to lesions of the lower ventral brainstem and the surrounding cisternal spaces, with development of new and more efficient surgical strategies for dural and bone defect repair.

Tuberculum sellae meningiomas: grading scale to assess surgical outcomes using the transcranial versus transsphenoidal approach.

OBJECTIVE Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) are surgically challenging tumors that can severely impair vision. Debate exists regarding whether the transcranial (TC) or endoscopic transsphenoidal (TS) approach is best for resecting these tumors, and there are few large series comparing these approaches. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed at 2 academic centers comparing TC and TS approaches with respect to vision, extent of resection, recurrence, and complications. The authors report surgical outcomes and propose a simple preoperative tumor grading scale that scores tumor size (1-2), optic canal invasion (0-2), and arterial encasement (0-2). The authors performed univariate, multivariate, and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to evaluate outcomes. RESULTS The TSMs were resected in 139 patients. The median follow-up was 29 months. Ninety-five (68%) cases were resected via a TC and 44 (32%) via a TS approach. Tumors treated via a TC approach had a higher tumor (p = 0.0007), artery (p < 0.0001), and total score (p = 0.0012) on the grading scale. Preoperative visual deficits were present in 87% of patients. Vision improved in 47%, stayed the same in 35%, declined in 10%, and was not recorded in 8%. The extent of resection was 65% gross-total resection, 23% near-total resection (95%-99% resection), and 12% subtotal resection (< 95%). A lower tumor score was significantly associated with better or stable vision postoperatively (p = 0.0052). The RPA confirmed low tumor score as the key predictor of postoperative visual improvement or stability. Multivariate analysis and RPA demonstrate that lower canal score (p < 0.0001) and TC approach (p = 0.0019) are associated with gross-total resection. Complications occurred in 20 (14%) patients, including CSF leak (5%) and infection (4%). There was no difference in overall complication rates between TC and TS approaches; however, the TS approach had more CSF leaks (OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.10-32.04). The observed recurrence rate was 10%, and there was no difference between the TC and TS approaches. CONCLUSIONS Tuberculum sellae meningiomas can be resected using either a TC or TS approach, with low morbidity and good visual outcomes in appropriately selected patients. The simple proposed grading scale provides a standard preoperative method to evaluate TSMs and can serve as a starting point for selection of the surgical approach. Higher scores were associated with worsened visual outcomes and subtotal resection, regardless of approach. The authors plan a multicenter review of this grading scale to further evaluate its utility.

Tips and Tricks for Anterior Cranial Base Reconstruction.

Reconstruction procedures come last in skull base surgery, but they are not the least important phase-rather, reconstruction is one of the most important steps required to prevent complications. In our opinion, there are three general principles upon which a good reconstruction of the skull base stand: (1) anatomo-surgical knowledge; (2) approach/route selection; and (3) the cooperation of the skull base surgical team. In general, three major complications may occur when a good skull base reconstruction has not been achieved, i.e., cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, pneumoencephalus, and infection. Reconstruction of skull base defects requires a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy, disease, and patient risk factors. Various reconstruction techniques are available, from free tissue grafting to vascularized flaps. Possible complications that can occur after these procedures need to be considered.The reconstruction phase of the surgical procedure is a fundamental step in any surgical approach and it must not be ignored.

Postprocedural, midterm, and long-term results of cerebral aneurysms treated with flow-diverter devices: 7-year experience at a single center.

OBJECTIVE Flow diversion has emerged as a viable treatment option for selected intracranial aneurysms and recently has been gaining traction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of flow-diverter devices (FDDs) over a long-term follow-up period. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed all cerebral aneurysm cases that had been admitted to the Division of Neurosurgery of the Università degli Studi di Napoli between November 2008 and November 2015 and treated with an FDD. The records of 60 patients (48 females and 12 males) harboring 69 cerebral aneurysms were analyzed. The study end points were angiographic evidence of complete aneurysm occlusion, recanalization rate, occlusion of the parent artery, and clinical and radiological evidence of brain ischemia. The occlusion rate was evaluated according to the O'Kelly-Marotta (OKM) Scale for flow diversion, based on the degree of filling (A, total filling; B, subtotal filling; C, entry remnant; D, no filling). Postprocedural, midterm, and long-term results were strictly analyzed. RESULTS Complete occlusion (OKM D) was achieved in 63 (91%) of 69 aneurysms, partial occlusion (OKM C) in 4 (6%), occlusion of the parent artery in 2 (3%). Intraprocedural technical complications occurred in 3 patients (5%). Postprocedural complications occurred in 6 patients (10%), without neurological deficits. At the 12-month follow-up, 3 patients (5%) experienced asymptomatic cerebral infarction. No further complications were observed at later follow-up evaluations (> 24 months). There were no reports of any delayed aneurysm rupture, subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage, ischemic complications, or procedure- or device-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatment with an FDD is a safe treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, resulting in a high rate of occlusion. In the present study, the authors observed effective and stable aneurysm occlusion, even at the long-term follow-up. Data in this study also suggest that ischemic complications can occur at a later stage, particularly at 12-18 months. On the other hand, no other ischemic or hemorrhagic complications occurred beyond 24 months.

Long-Term Survival and Factors Associated with Increased Mortality in Patients with Ocular Adnexal Lymphomas.

Orbital and ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) affects the orbit and the surrounding structures and can arise as several subtypes with variable prognoses. We performed an observational study on the relationship between OAL subtype, diagnostic features, and prognosis to offer valuable insights into imaging techniques, such as Positron Emission Tomography with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-D-glucose integrated with Computed Tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT), in predicting outcomes. With this aim, we retrospectively reviewed 99 patients with OALs, recording demographics, cancer subtype, location and treatment, 18FDG avidity, and bone marrow positivity. We divided patients into Group 1 (those presenting with extranodal marginal zone lymphoma-EMZL) and Group 2, including all other subtypes. The primary outcome was long-term cancer-specific survival (CSS) based on key predictors, performed through Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test, with a p < 0.05 significance threshold. The mean patient age was 67 years (57-75.5). The most frequent histopathologic subtypes were EMZL lymphoma in 69 patients (69.7%), small lymphocytic lymphoma (11.1%) and diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma (10.1%). Patients of Group 1 showed a better prognosis (CSS = 80%) compared to those of Group 2 (CSS = 60%) (p = 0.01). In patients with high-grade lymphoma, the occurrence of 18FDG avidity (p = 0.003) and bone marrow positivity (p = 0.005) were related to a worse prognosis. In our group, EMZL was the most prominent subtype of OALs and exhibited the best prognosis, low 18FDG avidity, and bone marrow negativity. By observing specific patterns in radiological findings, it is possible to increase our understanding of disease progression, treatment response, and the overall prognosis in OAL patients.

Topographic Patterns of Intracranial Meningioma Recurrences-Systematic Review with Clinical Implication.

BACKGROUND: While several risk factors for recurrences have been defined, the topographic pattern of meningioma recurrences after surgical resection has been scarcely investigated. The possibility of theoretically predicting the site of recurrence not only allows us to better understand the pathogenetic bases of the disease and consequently to drive the development of new targeted therapies, but also guides the decision-making process for treatment strategies and tailored follow-ups to decrease/prevent recurrence. METHODS: The authors performed a comprehensive and detailed systematic literature review of the EMBASE and MEDLINE electronic online databases regarding the topographic pattern of recurrence after surgical treatment for intracranial meningiomas. Demographics and histopathological, neuroradiological and treatment data, pertinent to the topography of recurrences, as well as time to recurrences, were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Four studies, including 164 cases of recurrences according to the inclusion criteria, were identified. All studies consider the possibility of recurrence at the previous dural site; three out of four, which are the most recent, consider 1 cm outside the previous dural margin to be the main limit to distinguish recurrences closer to the previous site from those more distant. Recurrences mainly occur within or close to the surgical bed; higher values of proliferation index are associated with recurrences close to the original site rather than within it. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies, including genomic characterization of different patterns of recurrence, will better clarify the main features affecting the topography of recurrences. A comparison between topographic classifications of intracranial meningioma recurrences after surgery and after radiation treatment could provide further interesting information.

Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: The Rationale behind the Decision-Making Process of Treatment Strategy.

Surgery stands as the primary treatment for spheno-orbital meningiomas, following a symptoms-oriented approach. We discussed the decision-making process behind surgical strategies through a review of medical records from 80 patients who underwent surgical resection at the University of Naples Federico II. Different surgical approaches were employed based on the tumor's location relative to the optic nerve's long axis, categorized into lateral (type I), medial (type II), and diffuse (type III). We examined clinical, neuroradiological, surgical, pathological, and outcome factors. Proptosis emerged as the most frequent symptom (97%), followed by visual impairment (59%) and ocular motility issues (35%). Type I represented 20%, type II 43%, and type III 17%. Growth primarily affected the optic canal (74%), superior orbital fissure (65%), anterior clinoid (60%), and orbital apex (59%). The resection outcomes varied, with Simpson grades I and II achieved in all type I cases, 67.5% of type II, and 18% of type III. Recurrence rates were highest in type II (41.8%) and type III (59%). Improvement was notable in proptosis (68%) and visual function (51%, predominantly type I). Surgery for spheno-orbital meningiomas should be tailored to each patient, considering individual characteristics and tumor features to improve quality of life by addressing primary symptoms like proptosis and visual deficits.

Surgical unroofing of the optic canal and visual outcome in basal meningiomas.

BACKGROUND: To define from a series of surgically treated suprasellar, anterior clinoid, and sphenoid wing meningiomas, an unequivocal criterion for performing optic canal deroofing in patients with basal meningiomas with deteriorated vision. METHODS: One hundred-fifty consecutive patients with suprasellar and parasellar meningiomas (44 tuberculum sellae, 46 clinoidal, and 60 spheno-orbital) who underwent surgery between 1988 and 2008 are retrospectively analyzed. The rate of preoperative visual deficit, the incidence of optic canal involvement, the related surgical management, and its influence on visual outcome are reviewed in all tumor localizations. RESULTS: All 44 patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas had variable preoperative visual impairment. All were operated on by transcranial approach. Unroofing of the optic canal was performed in the two cases with intracanalar tumor extension. Postoperatively, the visual function improved in 27 patients (61.4 %) and was unchanged in 17 (25 %). Among 46 patients with clinoidal meningiomas, visual dysfunction was found in 30 (65.2 %). The first 32 patients were operated on by classical pterional approach, with selective opening of the optic canal in six cases (group A), whereas all the last 14 underwent routine anterior clinoidectomy and opening of the optic canal (group B). The visual function improved postoperatively in 17 among 30 patients (56.7 %), with a significantly higher rate in group B cases (80 % versus 45 %). Among 60 patients with spheno-orbital meningiomas, 36 (60 %) had visual dysfunction and 43 (71.6 %) involvement of the optic canal. The visual function improved in 18 cases (50 %), was unchanged in 13 (36 %), and worsened in 5 (14 %). Lateral tumors had the lowest rate of optic canal involvement and a 100 % rate of visual improvement; on the other hand, all orbital apex and diffuse tumors had concentric invasion of the optic canal with a 18.6 % rate of visual worsening. CONCLUSIONS: UOC seems to be a safe procedure not associated with immediate postoperative impairment of the vision. We recommend routine deroofing of the optic canal coupled with extradural anterior clinoidectomy in all clinoidal meningiomas in order to obtain early and complete exposure of both intradural and extradural segments of the optic nerve. For tuberculum sellae meningiomas, we advise to open the optic canal only in cases with intracanalar tumor extension. Finally, for spheno-orbital meningiomas, we recommend UOC through a cranio-orbital approach in almost all cases, except for lateral meningiomas, where the involvement of the lateral wall of the optic canal is rare and may be successfully managed through a lateral orbitotomy without craniotomy.

Early alterations in left ventricular diastolic function in normotensive diabetic patients.

In diabetes mellitus, structural and functional alterations of the heart can be already present at the time of first diagnosis. However, how early these alterations may occur has never been fully clarified. The present study aimed at investigating cardiac functional abnormalities in uncomplicated hypertensive or normotensive patients with a recent diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. We studied 40 diabetics (24 normotensives and 16 hypertensives) by means of routine echocardiography plus pulse tissue Doppler analysis. Data were compared with those obtained in healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Left ventricular remodelling was more evident in hypertensive diabetics than in normotensive diabetics vs controls. Diastolic function was altered in diabetic patients only when detected by pulse tissue Doppler analysis and not by conventional transmitral Doppler evaluation. Normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes with little or no evidence at standard echocardiography of alterations in cardiac structure and function, already displayed an alteration in diastolic function when the evaluation was based on the tissue Doppler approach. Patients with type 2 diabetes combined to hypertension showed more evident functional cardiac alterations at echocardiography. These findings support the conclusion that cardiac abnormalities are very early phenomena in type 2 diabetes.

Recurrences of Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: Risk Factors and Management.

BACKGROUND: The extent of resection constitutes one of the most important predictive risk factors of recurrence for spheno-orbital meningiomas; although gross total resection represents the gold standard, it is not always achievable, with a consequent high rate of recurrence. Management of these tumors is a surgical challenge and is represented by maximal safe resection with preservation of function. The aim of the present study is to discuss the risk factors for recurrence and the best management of the recurrent tumors. METHODS: Eighty patients operated on for spheno-orbital meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were identified: group 1 comprised 30 patients (37.5%) who experienced recurrence and group 2 comprised 50 patients with no recurrence from 5 to 28 years after the initial surgery. The analyzed factors in both groups include the involvement of the skull base structures, the extent of resection, and World Health Organization grade. In the recurrence group, the pattern of tumor regrowth, the entity of resection, and the management were also analyzed. RESULTS: The invasion of the whole orbit, the involvement of the orbital apex, superior orbital fissure, infratemporal fossa, and sphenoidal-ethmoidal sinuses, and World Health Organization grade II are risk factors of recurrence. All 30 patients with recurrence underwent reoperation, 9 of whom had 2 or 3 reoperations. Overall, 70 of the 80 patients (88%) had tumor control and no progression after one or more reoperations. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest re-surgery for spheno-orbital meningioma recurrences to prevent worsening of visual function and proptosis. Because of their slow natural course, even multiple reoperations may be performed, resulting in long overall survival with stable symptoms and good quality of life.

VITOM®-3D: preliminary experience with intradural extramedullary spinal tumors.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, application of the high-definition exoscope to different neurosurgical procedures has been reported in the literature. We described the first experience with the VITOM®-3D (Video Telescope Operating Microscope, Karl Storz Endoscopy, Tuttlingen, Germany) for the surgical treatment of intradural extra-medullary tumors. METHODS: Five neurosurgical procedures for the removal of intradural extra-medullary tumors were performed with the VITOM®-3D. Patients' population, feasibility of surgery under the exoscope visualization, VITOM®-3D's technical and optical characteristics, and surgical outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: All surgeries were performed following the common steps of spinal neurosurgical intradural procedures. The exoscope offered excellent, magnified, and brilliantly illuminated high-definition images of the surgical field in all the described cases. All the reported surgical operations were successfully completed under exoscope magnification from both the technical as well as the clinical points of view. No complications potentially related to the use of the exoscope occurred. Working environment ergonomics and trainees learning experience were the most relevant benefits associated with the use of exoscope. CONCLUSIONS: VITOM®-3D may represent a valid visualization tool in spinal procedure for intradural extra-medullary tumors. Our preliminary experience can be useful in better define the role of VITOM®-3D in neurosurgery.

Multidisciplinary management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Vertebral fractures represent the most frequent complication associated with osteoporosis. Patients harboring a vertebral fracture complain physical impairment including low back pain and spine balance alteration, i.e., kyphosis, leading to subsequent systemic complication, with an increase in morbidity and mortality risk. Different strategies are available in the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: medical therapy acts as a prevention strategy while surgical vertebral augmentation procedures, when correctly indicated, aim to reduce pain and to restore the physiological vertebral height. Considering the growing prevalence and incidence of this condition and its socio-economic burden, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures are of utmost importance. Our aim is to review the current strategies for the management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures providing an integrated multidisciplinary endocrinological, radiological and neurosurgical point of view.

Midline Skull Base Meningiomas: Transcranial and Endonasal Perspectives.

Skull base meningiomas have always represented a challenge for neurosurgeons. Despite their histological nature, they may be associated with unfavorable outcomes due to their deep-seated location and the surrounding neurovascular structures. The state of the art of skull base meningiomas accounts for both transcranial, or high, and endonasal, or low, routes. A comprehensive review of the pertinent literature was performed to address the surgical strategies and outcomes of skull base meningioma patients treated through a transcranial approach, an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA), or both. Three databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Ovid Embase) have been searched. The review of the literature provided 328 papers reporting the surgical, oncological, and clinical results of different approaches for the treatment of skull base meningiomas. The most suitable surgical corridors for olfactory groove, tuberculum sellae, clival and petroclival and cavernous sinus meningiomas have been analyzed. The EEA was proven to be associated with a lower extent of resection rates and better clinical outcomes compared with transcranial corridors, offering the possibility of achieving the so-called maximal safe resection.

Pericranial and scalp rotation flaps for occipitocervical hardware exposure with CSF leak in rheumatoid arthritis patient: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: There are several etiologies of craniocervical junction instability (CCJI); trauma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), infections, tumors, congenital deformity, and degenerative processes. These conditions often require surgery and craniocervical fixation. In rare cases, breakdown of such CCJI fusions (i.e., due to cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] leaks, infection, and wound necrosis) may warrant the utilization of occipital periosteal rescue flaps and scalp rotation flaps to achieve adequate closure. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 33-year-old female with RA, cranial settling, and high cervical cord compression underwent an occipitocervical instrumented C0-C3/C4 fusion. Two months later, revision surgery was required due to articular screws pull out, CSF leakage, and infection. At the second surgery, the patient required screws removal, the application of laminar clamps, and sealing the leak with fibrin glue. However, the CSF leak persisted, and the skin edges necrosed leaving the hardware exposed. The third surgery was performed in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. It included operative debridement and covering the instrumentation with a pericranial flap. The resulting cutaneous defect was then additionally reconstructed with a scalp rotation flap. Postoperatively, the patient adequately recovered without sequelae. CONCLUSION: A 33-year-old female undergoing an occipitocervical fusion developed a postoperative persistent CSF leak, infection, and wound necrosis. This complication warranted the assistance of plastic surgery to attain closure. This required an occipital periosteal rescue flap with an added scalp rotation flap.

Progesterone Receptor Expression in Meningiomas: Pathological and Prognostic Implications.

BACKGROUND: The progesterone receptor (PR) is variably expressed in most meningiomas and was found to have prognostic significance. However, the correlation with patient age, tumor location, time to recurrence, and pattern of regrowth has scarcely been discussed. METHODS: A surgical series of 300 patients with meningiomas is reviewed. The PR expression was classified as: 0. absent; 1. low (<15%); 2. moderately low (16-50%); 3. moderately high (51-79%); 4. high (≥80%). The PR values were correlated with the patient age and sex, meningioma location, WHO grade, Ki-67 MIB1, recurrence rate, pattern of recurrence (local-peripheral versus multicentric diffuse), and time to recurrence. RESULTS: The PR expression has shown lower rate of high expression in the elderly group (p = 0.032) and no sex difference (including premenopausal versus postmenopausal women), higher expression in medial skull base and spinal versus other locations (p = 0.0036), inverse correlation with WHO grade and Ki67-MIB1 (p < 0.0001). Meningiomas which recurred showed at initial surgery higher rates of low or moderately low PR expression than the non-recurrent ones (p = 0.0004), whereas the pattern of regrowth was not significant. Higher rates of PR values ≥80% were found in cases with time to recurrence >5 years (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The higher PR expression in medial skull base meningiomas, the significant correlation with the time to recurrence, the lack of difference of PR expression between premenopausal and postmenopausal women and between local-peripheral versus multicentric-diffuse recurrences are the most relevant unreported findings of this study. The rate of PR expression must be included in the routine pathological diagnosis of meningiomas because of its prognostic significance.