Effectiveness of a multimodal strategy to reduce external ventricular drain-associated infection: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Infection is a serious complication in neurosurgical patients who undergo external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in patients who underwent EVD insertion to evaluate the impact of a multi-modal strategy to reduce the incidence of external ventricular drain associated infections (EVDAIs). The study was divided into 2 periods; (1) the pre-intervention period when techniques for EVD insertion and maintenance were up to the discretion of the neurosurgeons and (2) the post-intervention after implementation of a multi-modal strategy (cefazolin antibiotic prophylaxis, preoperative chlorhexidine showers, application of postoperative chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing, limited manipulation of the EVD, and meticulous EVD management). The primary outcome was the incidence rate of EVDAIs; secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality rate, the hospital length of stay. RESULTS: In total, 135 patients were included. The incidence rate of EVDAIs was significantly reduced in the post-intervention period (5.6 cases/1,000 EVD-days) compared with the pre-intervention period (18.2 cases/1,000 EVD-days; P=0.026). There were no differences in all secondary outcomes analyzed. This multi-modal strategy was associated with high satisfaction among health care personnel. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multi-modal strategy was associated with a reduction in the incidence of EVDAIs. This was in line with our goal of promoting a new culture of safety despite being in a resource-limited setting.

Evaluation of flow diverter use in acutely ruptured vertebral artery dissecting Aneurysms: A focus on safety and efficacy for rapid Aneurysm obliteration.

OBJECTIVE: Flow diverter device (FDD) has emerged as the reconstruction technique for treating ruptured dissecting vertebral artery Aneurysms (VADA), but data on feasibility regarding re-rupture risk and timing of Aneurysm obliteration following FDD treatment is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FDD in the treatment of VADAs presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with ruptured VADA presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent FDD placement at our institution between 2015 and 2023. Patient demographic data, Aneurysm configuration, and occlusion status were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with SAH from VADA rupture underwent FDD implantation. The average size of the largest diameter of the Aneurysm was 11.2 mm (range 6.5-21 mm). Eight of 13 (61.5 %) patients had their Aneurysms completely obliterated within 2 weeks after the procedure. The small dissecting Aneurysm (d = 0.636, p = 0.002) and degree of intra-Aneurysmal contrast stasis (d = 0.524, p = 0.026) were associated with rapid Aneurysm occlusion, according to the Somer's d coefficient. There were no ischemic or hemorrhagic complications at the average clinical follow-up of 28.4 months (range 5-67 months) and average angiographic follow-up of 20.1 months (range 3-60 months). A favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) was achieved in 12 patients (92.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: FDD is safe and effective for the reconstruction of acutely ruptured VADAs. In addition, our study emphasizes that small dissecting Aneurysms tend to be rapidly obliterated after flow diversion, which eliminates the risk of re-rupture during the acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Carotid-carotid artery crossover bypass using the Saphenous Vein Graft for symptomatic common carotid artery occlusion: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) is rare, where a revascularization procedure might be needed in symptomatic or recurrent ischemic events. In this study, we describe the carotid-carotid artery crossover bypass technique for Riles type 1 A CCAO. METHODS: The procedure was conducted via bilateral neck incisions utilizing the saphenous vein graft. The graft was patent after surgery, along with substantial improvement in cerebral perfusion, resulting in a stroke-free postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The carotid-carotid crossover bypass is effective for CCAO patients requiring revascularization. However, individual bypass options and vascular grafts should be carefully considered.

Direct superior sagittal sinus puncture via a surgical burr hole for curative embolization of the complex transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: How I do it.

BACKGROUND: Transvenous embolization of high-grade dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) is challenging particularly when the direct sinus access is favorable due to the complex venous anatomy which prohibits endovascular access via the transfemoral approach. METHOD: The procedure was conducted in the hybrid operating suite, where a burr hole was performed, followed by direct catheterization of the superior sagittal sinus. Coil embolization was then executed to achieve complete obliteration of the fistula. CONCLUSION: The direct puncture of the superior sagittal sinus is a safe and effective method for treating complex dAVFs. This approach grants access to the fistula channel which facilitates curative embolization.

Efficacy and predicting factors of multimodal treatment for ruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of our multimodal strategies and propose a treatment algorithm for ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs). This study included 41 patients treated at a single institution between 2015 and 2022. The treatment modalities were justified based on the collateral circulation and aneurysm location related to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Treatment outcomes and complications of each treatment group were analyzed. The association between the collateral blood flow and the postoperative vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI) was also investigated. There were 17 post-PICA, 10 PICA-involved, 7 pre-PICA, and 7 non-PICA types. Reconstruction techniques included flow diversion devices (n = 11) and stent-assisted coiling (n = 3). Deconstruction techniques included coil trapping (n=17) and microsurgical parent artery occlusion with (n = 8) or without PICA revascularization (n = 2). Five (18.5%) of the deconstruction group had postoperative VBI. Overall favorable outcomes in both groups were observed in 70.7% of patients with a mean follow-up time of 21.5 months. Poor World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (IV-V) was identified as a predictor of unfavorable outcomes (p = 0.003). In addition, the VA4/BA4 ratio > 0.22, the presence of collateral blood flow from the posterior communicating artery (PcomA), and a contralateral VA diameter > 2.5 mm were associated with a lower risk of postoperative VBI. In summary, the proposed strategic treatment in this study is pragmatic, yielding satisfactory results where a deconstructive technique should be used with caution, particularly when there is a flow mismatch or the absence of collateral PcomA in the vertebrobasilar circulation.

The M2-M1 middle cerebral artery reimplantation bypass with protective superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass for giant partially thrombosed middle cerebral artery aneurysm in the hybrid operating suite.

BACKGROUND: Giant middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are complex and challenging. Revascularization is frequently required in addition to trapping or clip reconstruction, and the MCA reimplantation bypass is ultimately needed when aneurysm excision is planned. METHOD: The operation was conducted in the hybrid operating suite, where an intraoperative cerebral angiography revealed a compromised MCA after multiple attempts of clip reconstruction. Therefore, we decided to perform an M2-M1 reimplantation bypass in conjunction with trapping and aneurysmectomy. CONCLUSION: Reimplantation bypass can be a rescue procedure for revascularization in complex aneurysms. The angioarchitecture varies among individuals; therefore, the optimal bypass technique should be tailored.

Bleeding pediatric AVM with negative pre-operative angiography: the first case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric arteriovenous malformation (pAVM) is one of the most common vascular entities in non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in children. To diagnose arteriovenous malformation (AVM), digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard investigation because it can provide sufficient dynamic information about the AVM. In extremely rare occasions, angiography is unable to detect an AVM because the AVM is spontaneously occluded. All reported cases found by authors in the literature had already been diagnosed with AVM by angiography or other vascular studies before the AVM occlusion. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 4-year-old girl who presented with left occipital ICH with atypical calcification. Based on history and investigation, pAVM was the most likely diagnosis. However, preoperative angiography was negative for pAVM and for shunting. Bleeding tumor was then suspected instead. After resection, pathological diagnosis confirmed pAVM. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrates that DSA, despite being considered the gold standard, cannot always diagnose pAVM. The mechanism of spontaneous AVM occlusion remains unknown.

Traumatic Supraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm associated with Carotid-Cavernous Fistula and Contralateral Anterior Cerebral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Treated by Surgical Trapping with High-Flow Bypass and A3-A3 Bypass: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) are uncommon, particularly associated with carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCF) or multiple traumatic aneurysms. This report describes a patient with a ruptured left ICA dissecting pseudoaneurysm that caused a direct CCF and a right anterior cerebral artery (ACA) pseudoaneurysm. To eliminate the aneurysm and fistula, we followed the universal bypass strategy by performing an ICA trapping with high-flow bypass, followed by an ACA trapping with A3-A3 side-to-side bypass. Herein, we report the first successful surgical trapping and revascularization of supraclinoid ICA pseudoaneurysm associated with a direct carotid-cavernous fistula.

A rare case of ruptured anterior cerebral artery infected aneurysm with angioinvasion secondary to disseminated Nocardia otitidiscaviarum: A case report and literature review.

Background: The cases of ruptured infected aneurysms secondary to disseminated nocardiosis are exceptionally rare. Therefore, there is no guideline for investigation or optimal treatment. Case Description: A 51-year-old man with immunocompromised status was first presented with pneumonia and cerebral infarction, where the infected aneurysm was ruptured thereafter. Intraoperative findings revealed left anterior cerebral artery thrombosis and occlusion with evidence of angioinvasion along with pus discharge which was later identified with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. Our case was the first to report on the angioinvasive nature of cerebral nocardiosis, which occurs concurrently with a ruptured infected aneurysm and an unusual presentation that made the diagnosis and treatment challenging. Conclusion: Cerebral nocardiosis may cause ruptured infected aneurysms in patients with risk factors, especially for immunocompromised hosts. Furthermore, Nocardia can present with severe cerebral manifestation due to angioinvasion causing cerebral infarction accompanied by a ruptured infected aneurysm.

Operative Cannulation of the Superior Ophthalmic Vein for Embolization of Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy is the first-line treatment for the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas, particularly transvenous embolization. This study aimed to assess the trans-superior ophthalmic vein approach to embolization for its safety, efficacy, and viability as a first-line treatment in selected patients, with a description of the microsurgical and endovascular techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas treated using the direct superior ophthalmic vein approach with n-butyl cyanoacrylate and coils as the main embolic materials from 2015 to 2021. The safety and efficacy of the treatment were evaluated based on ocular and neurological improvement, angiographic obliteration, and recurrence. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, all cases were diagnosed with cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas. The n-butyl cyanoacrylate was used as the sole embolic material in 12 cases, and coils were used in 4 cases. A direct superior ophthalmic vein approach was selected as the first option in 11 patients. All the patients achieved complete fistula obliteration and good recovery from ocular symptoms, accompanied by excellent cosmetic results. No recurrence was observed at a mean follow-up period of 26 months. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical dissection for exposure and direct cannulation of the superior ophthalmic vein as a route for fistula obliteration delivers excellent clinical outcomes, with a low rate of complications. Not only is it safe and effective as an alternative approach but it can also serve as first-line treatment in selected patients.

Clinical Outcome in Cerebral Vasospasm Patients Treated with and without Intra-Arterial Nimodipine Infusion.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm (CV) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still a problem. Hypertension, hypervolemia, and hemodilution (triple-H) therapy and oral nimodipine only a modest effect on patients. Intra-arterial treatment, including nimodipine, has been studied, but only as retrospective and single-arm prospective studies. We compared the outcomes between CV patients who received an adjunct intra-arterial nimodipine infusion (IANI) and those who received the standard medical treatment alone in a prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: In this study, patients between the age of 18 and 80 years, who underwent angiography within 14 days after aneurysm obliteration, were recruited and randomized to receive adjunct IANI or not, if they were identified with angiographic vasospasm. All the angiographic and neurologic data were recorded and analyzed during their admission, at the discharge date, and during the 6-month follow-up period. RESULTS: From June 2016 to December 2018, we enrolled 68 patients who were randomized into two groups, 36 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The patients' characteristics, aneurysm data, and modalities of treatment were similar between the two groups. Within 24 hours after IANI, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and motor strength revealed a significant improvement of 33.33 and 38.89%, respectively, in the intervention group versus 12.5 and 9.38%, respectively, in the control group. At discharge, the intervention group still had significant motor improvement (58.33 vs. 21.88%; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: IANI could be considered an effective treatment for CV without significant complications. This is the first RCT demonstrating statistically significant motor strength improvement within 24 hours and at discharge.

Ruptured aneurysm arising at anterior spinal artery as the collateral circulation with bulbar artery supply to posterior inferior cerebellar artery treated by proximal occlusion and occipital artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass: a case report and literature review.

The cases of aneurysms arising from collateral vessels that supply the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are so exceptionally rare that there is no consensus on the optimal treatment. In this report, a patient was presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a fusiform aneurysm on the right anterior spinal artery, which formed an anastomosis network with bulbar artery and the vessels supplying to the right PICA. We chose to perform proximal occlusion on the anterior spinal and bulbar arteries, using occipital artery-PICA bypass. Our case was the first where proximal occlusion was used concurrently with vascular reconstruction to treat a ruptured aneurysm of collateral vessels supplying to PICA.

Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Pterional Craniotomies for Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive craniotomy (MIC) for ruptured aneurysm remains a debatable issue because of unclear information regarding its safety and efficacy compared with standard approaches. Here, we compared the outcomes between MIC and pterional craniotomy (PTC) for the treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. METHODS: A database of patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm who were treated with surgical clipping was reviewed. With the use of propensity score matching to balance the baseline characteristics of MIC and PTC groups, outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Clinical predictors of favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) were evaluated by using uni- and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 102 matched pairs were identified. MIC resulted in a significantly shorter operative time (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 0.7 hours; P = 0.004) and hospital stay (14.2 ± 5.9 vs. 19.2 ± 9.1 days; P < 0.001), respectively. Both MIC and PTC had similar mortality and complication rates except for the incidences of intracranial hemorrhage (2% vs. 9.8%; P = 0.039) and brain injury (9.8% vs. 27.5%; P = 0.036), respectively. Use of MIC instead of standard surgery and lower World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and absence of hydrocephalus were significant predictors of favorable outcome at 1 month, whereas higher WFNS grade and higher Fisher grade were significantly associated with a poor outcome at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms, MIC was comparable with PTC and presented additional advantage in terms of earlier recovery. Therefore, MIC can be considered an alternative surgical treatment in this setting.

How Relevant Is Occlusion of Associated Developmental Venous Anomaly in Cerebral Cavernoma Surgery? A Clinical and Radiographic Comparison Study.

BACKGROUND: A developmental venous anomaly (DVA) associated with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is the most common combined vascular malformation. Microsurgical resection of the CCM and avoidance of damage to the adjacent DVA is an overall accepted treatment regimen. Several publications have demonstrated serious consequences that possibly occur after damage of the associated DVA. Conversely, some authors have reported cases of injured DVAs without any relevant postoperative complications. This study compared the clinical and radiologic outcome in patients with and without occlusion of an associated DVA, following microsurgical removal of intracerebral cavernomas. METHODS: In this single-center evaluation, all consecutive CCM surgical patients from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2011, were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study. Follow-up was from 12 months to 7 years. The patients were divided into three groups: group I, CCM without associated DVA; group II, damage and occlusion of the associated DVA during CCM removal; and group III, preservation of the associated DVA following CCM removal. Preservation and damage, respectively, of the DVA were defined by evaluation of the corresponding pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) image sequences. The clinical and radiographic findings in all three groups were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients underwent microsurgical resection of a CCM. Overall, 24 patients (63%) had no associated DVA (group I), in 10 patients (26%) the associated DVA was impaired and occluded (group II), and in 4 patients (11%) the associated DVA was surgically not impaired and confirmed as preserved (group III). The rate of postoperative neurologic deficits was 37.5% in group I, 10% in group II, and 75% in group III (p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis in patients with preserved DVA (group III) showed a higher incidence of new postoperative neurologic deficits than in patients with impaired DVA (group II) (p = 0.041). However, no significant difference was seen in patients with no associated DVA (group I) and patients with impaired DVA (group II) (p =0.215). The average postoperative Karnofsky score was 88.33 ± 9.17 in group I, 92.0 ± 6.32 in group II,; and 90.0 ± 8.16 in group III (p =0.51). The peri-resectional edema volume in group I was 8.90 ± 9.75 cm(3); in group II, 8.16 ± 3.78 cm(3); and in group III, 2.48 ± 1.48 cm(3) (p = 0.35). The location (eloquent or noneloquent region) of the CCM and the DVA, respectively, was the only significant factor for any additional neurologic deficit (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated similar postoperative clinical outcomes and radiographic findings between patients with impaired and unimpaired DVA after resection of CCMs. Postoperative MR images showed less peri-resectional edema in patients with preserved and unimpaired DVA. However, these results will not convert the paradigm in cavernoma surgery to preserve the associated DVA. The overall goal is still preservation of unimpaired venous drainage, but our results show that the occlusion of a DVA adjacent to a CCM can be tolerated because of a low risk of complications.

Surgical Treatment of Inadvertent Internal Carotid Artery Lesion by Extraintracranial High-flow Bypass. A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury following transsphenoidal surgery is a rare but potentially fatal complication. Usually, endovascular occlusion of the ICA or stent graft placement is the treatment of these vascular complications described in literature. We present a case of ICA perforation during transsphenoidal surgery in a patient with limited collateral cerebral blood flow and with ectasia of the ICA that rule out an endovascular treatment. We report the surgical revascularization via high-flow extra-intracranial radial artery bypass and consicutive artery ligation.

Symptomatic leptomeningeal and entirely intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from supratentorial glioblastoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Leptomeningeal with intramedullary spinal cord metastasis rarely occur. Most patients have dramatically poor prognosis. The causes of metastasis remain unclear and there is still no principle management for this aggressive tumor. CASE REPORT: The presentation report demonstrates the clinical features, the radiographic study and the histological characteristics in a 46-year-old woman who underwent surgical removal of a supratentorial glioblastoma and developed symptomatic spinal metastasis. The pathological report confirmed the diagnosis by laminectomy and intramedullary tumor biopsy. The analysis of the possible factors of metastasis and the management of this circumstance are discussed. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord metastasis of Glioblastoma is one of the most poor prognostic factors. The most important precipitating factor is the location of the tumor which is located near the cerebrospinal fluid cistern. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine should be considered in this group of patients.