Comparison of a new MR rapid wash-out map with MR perfusion in brain tumors.

BACKGROUND: MR perfusion is a standard marker to distinguish progression and therapy-associated changes after surgery and radiochemotherapy for glioblastoma. TRAMs (Treatment Response Assessment Maps) were introduced, which are intended to facilitate the differentiation of vital tumor cells and radiation necrosis by means of late (20-90 min) contrast clearance and enhancement. The differences of MR perfusion and late-enhancement are not fully understood yet. METHODS: We have implemented and established a fully automated creation of rapid wash-out (15-20 min interval) maps in our clinic. We included patients with glioblastoma, CNS lymphoma or brain metastases who underwent our MR protocol with MR perfusion and rapid wash-out between 01/01/2024 and 30/06/2024. Since both wash-out and hyperperfusion are intended to depict the active tumor area, this study involves a quantitative and qualitative comparison of both methods. For this purpose, we volumetrically measured rCBV (relative cerebral blood volume) maps and rapid wash-out maps separately (two raters). Additionally, we rated the agreement between both maps on a Likert scale (0-10). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included in the study: 15 with glioblastoma, 7 with CNS lymphomas and 10 with brain metastasis. We calculated 36 rapid wash-out maps (9 initial diagnosis, 27 follow-up). Visual agreement of MR perfusion with rapid wash-out by rating were found in 44 ± 40% for initial diagnosis, and 75 ± 31% for follow-up. We found a strong correlation (Pearson coefficient 0.92, p < 0.001) between the measured volumes of MR perfusion and rapid wash-out. The measured volumes of MR perfusion and rapid wash-out did not differ significantly. Small lesions were often not detected by MR perfusion. Nevertheless, the measured volumes showed no significant differences in this small cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid wash-out calculation is a simple tool that provides new information and, when used in conjunction with MR perfusion, may increase diagnostic accuracy. The method shows promising results, particularly in the evaluation of small lesions.

Pterional vs. lateral supraorbital approach in the management of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: insights from a phantom model study.

The pterional approach has traditionally been employed for managing middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. With potential benefits like reduced surgical morbidity and improved postoperative recovery, the lateral supraorbital approach (LSO) should be considered individually based on aneurysm morphology, location and patient-specific variations of the MCA anatomy, which requires considerable technical expertise traditionally acquired through years of experience. The goal of this study was the development and evaluation of a novel phantom simulator in the context of clinical decision-making in the managmement of MCA aneurysms. For this purpose, high-fidelity simulators inclusive of MCA models with identical M1- and bifurcation aneurysms were manufactured employing 3D reconstruction techniques, additive manufacturing and rheological testings. Medical students, neurosurgical residents, and seasoned neurosurgeons (n = 22) tested and evaluated both approaches. Participants' performances and progress over time were assessed based on objective metrics. The simulator received positive ratings in face and content validity, with mean scores of 4.9 out of 5, respectively. Objective evaluation demonstrated the model's efficacy as a practical training tool, particularly among inexperienced participants. While requiring more technical expertise, results of the comparative analysis suggest that the LSO approach can improve clipping precision and outcome particularly in patients with shorter than average M1-segments. In conclusion, the employed methodology allowed a direct comparison of the pterional and LSO approaches, revealing comparable success rates via the LSO approach while reducing operation time and complication rate. Future research should aim to establish simulators in the context of clinical decision making.

Unveiling rupture risk and clinical outcomes in midline aneurysms: A matched cohort analysis investigating the impact of localization within the anterior or posterior circulation.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) located in the anterior and posterior circulations of the Circle of Willis present differential rupture risks. This study aimed to compare the rupture risk and clinical outcomes of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcomA) and basilar tip aneurysms (BAs); two IA types located along the midline within the Circle of Willis. We retrospectively collected data from 1026 patients presenting with saccular IAs. Only AcomA and BAs with a 3D angiography were included. Out of 186 included IAs, a cohort of 32 BAs was matched with AcomA based on the patients' pre-existing conditions and morphological parameters of IAs. Clinical outcomes, including rupture risk, hydrocephalus development, vasospasm incidence, and patients' outcome, were compared. The analysis revealed no significant difference in rupture risk, development of hydrocephalus, need for ventricular drainage, or vasospasm incidence between the matched AcomA and BA cohorts. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes post-rupture did not significantly differ between the two groups, except for a higher Fisher Grade associated with BAs. Once accounting for morphological and patient factors, the rupture risk between AcomA and BAs is comparable. These findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for specific IA types and suggest that further investigations should focus on the role of individual patient and aneurysm characteristics in IA rupture risk and clinical outcomes.

Anterior interhemispheric vs. pterional approach in the microsurgical management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms: a comparative analysis employing a novel multidimensional matching-tool.

The surgical management of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcomA) is challenging due to their deep midline position and proximity to complex skull base anatomy. This study compares the pterional craniotomy with the interhemispheric approach based on the specific aneurysm angulation. A total of 129 AcomA cases were analyzed, with 50 undergoing microsurgical clipping via either the pterional or interhemispheric approach. All selected cases had computed tomography-angiography with sagittal imaging slices and 2D-angiography. Using an interactive tool, 14 cases treated via the interhemispheric approach were matched with 14 cases approached pterionally based on clinical and morphological parameters, emphasizing intracranial aneurysm (IA) dome angulation relative to the frontal skull base. Outcomes included IA occlusion, temporary clipping incidence, intraoperative rupture, postoperative strokes, hemorrhages, hydrocephalus, vasospasm, and patient functionality. Matched cohorts had consistent demographics. Both approaches resulted in similar IA occlusion rates, but the interhemispheric approach led to improved clinical outcomes, measured by the modified Rankin Scale. It also had a lower incidence of hydrocephalus and reduced need for permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Vasospasms and postoperative infarction rates were comparable between the groups. Our findings suggest potential advantages of the interhemispheric approach in managing AcomA, depending on aneurysm angulation. Despite a small sample size, the results highlight the importance of customized surgical decision-making based on the unique traits of each aneurysm and the surgeon's expertise.

Theranostic applications of optical coherence tomography in neurosurgery?

In light of our own experiences, we value the existing literature to critically point out possible "near" future applications of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an intraoperative neurosurgical guidance tool. "Pub Med", "Cochrane Library", "Crossref Metadata Search", and "IEEE Xplore" databases as well as the search engine "Google Scholar" were screened for "optical coherence tomography + neurosurgery", "optical coherence tomography + intraoperative imaging + neurosurgery", and "microscope integrated optical coherence tomography + neurosurgery". n = 51 articles related to the use of OCT as an imaging technique in the field of neurosurgery or neurosurgical research. n = 7 articles documented the intraoperative use of OCT in patients. n = 4 articles documented the use of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography as a neurosurgical guidance tool. The Results demonstrate that OCT is the first imaging technique to study microanatomy in vivo. Postoperative analysis of intraoperative scans holds promise to enrich our physiological and pathophysiological understanding of the human brain. No data exists to prove that OCT-guided surgery minimizes perioperative morbidity or extends tumor resection. But results suggest that regular use of microscope-integrated OCT could increase security during certain critical microsurgical steps like, e.g., dural dissection at cavernous sinus, transtentorial approaches, or aneurysm clip placement. Endoscopy integration could aid surgery in regions which are not yet accessible to real-time imaging modalities like the ventricles or hypophysis. Theranostic instruments which combine OCT with laser ablation might gain importance in the emerging field of minimal invasive tumor surgery. OCT depicts vessel wall layers and its pathologies uniquely. Doppler OCT could further visualize blood flow in parallel. These abilities shed light on promising future applications in the field of vascular neurosurgery.

PLOD2 Is a Prognostic Marker in Glioblastoma That Modulates the Immune Microenvironment and Tumor Progression.

This study aimed to investigate the role of Procollagen-Lysine, 2-Oxoglutarate 5-Dioxygenase 2 (PLOD2) in glioblastoma (GBM) pathophysiology. To this end, PLOD2 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in two independent cohorts of patients with primary GBM (n1 = 204 and n2 = 203, respectively). Association with the outcome was tested by Kaplan−Meier, log-rank and multivariate Cox regression analysis in patients with confirmed IDH wild-type status. The biological effects and downstream mechanisms of PLOD2 were assessed in stable PLOD2 knock-down GBM cell lines. High levels of PLOD2 significantly associated with (p1 = 0.020; p2< 0.001; log-rank) and predicted (cohort 1: HR = 1.401, CI [95%] = 1.009−1.946, p1 = 0.044; cohort 2: HR = 1.493; CI [95%] = 1.042−2.140, p2 = 0.029; Cox regression) the poor overall survival of GBM patients. PLOD2 knock-down inhibited tumor proliferation, invasion and anchorage-independent growth. MT1-MMP, CD44, CD99, Catenin D1 and MMP2 were downstream of PLOD2 in GBM cells. GBM cells produced soluble factors via PLOD2, which subsequently induced neutrophils to acquire a pro-tumor phenotype characterized by prolonged survival and the release of MMP9. Importantly, GBM patients with synchronous high levels of PLOD2 and neutrophil infiltration had significantly worse overall survival (p < 0.001; log-rank) compared to the other groups of GBM patients. These findings indicate that PLOD2 promotes GBM progression and might be a useful therapeutic target in this type of cancer.

Spinal Meningioma Surgery through the Ages-Single-Center Experience over Three Decades.

Background and Objectives: Spinal meningiomas, which are well characterized and are most frequently intradural extramedullary tumors, represent 25% of all intradural spinal tumors. The goal of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgically treated patients with spinal meningiomas in two time intervals with special emphasis on postoperative functional outcomes. Methods: Patients with spinal meningiomas admitted to our department between 1990 and 2020 were enrolled and divided into a historic cohort (HC; treated 1990−2007) and a current cohort (CC; treated 2008−2020). Patients' clinical data and surgical and radiological reports were retrospectively analyzed up to 5 years. Preoperative and postoperative neurological function were assessed using the modified McCormick Scale (mMCS). The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to evaluate the effect of comorbidities on the preoperative status and postoperative outcome. Results: We included 300 patients. Participants in the CC (n = 144) were significantly younger compared to those in the HC (n = 156), with twice as many patients <50 years of age (p < 0.001). The most common tumor location was the thoracic spine (n = 204). The median follow-up was 38.1 months (±30.3 standard deviation). A symptom duration until surgery <12 months was significantly associated with an earlier improvement in the mMCS (p = 0.045). In the CC, this duration was shorter and patients' neurological function at the first and last follow-ups was significantly better than for those in the HC (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Our study results suggested that the impact of surgical management and postoperative rehabilitation on spinal meningioma patients' long-term neurological outcome has reached important milestones over the last decades. An earlier diagnosis led to earlier surgical treatment and improved patients' postoperative neurological recovery. Our results exposed that surgical therapy for spinal meningioma should be performed within 12 months after appearance of symptoms to achieve a better recovery.

Aneurysm Architecture: First in vivo Imaging of Human Cerebral Aneurysms with Extravascular Optical Coherence Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to explore the value of 3-dimensional microscope integrated extravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) as the first suitable intraoperative imaging modality of cerebral aneurysm (CA) and parent vessel wall morphology. METHODS: Incidental CAs (n = 16) of the anterior circulation with indication for microsurgical clipping were scanned. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that intraoperative OCT achieved to delineate the microstructural composition of the parent vessel in all cases and the CA wall in 68.8%. Clinical relevant characteristics such as thickness, calcification, residual tunica media, and atherosclerotic plaque of CA wall could be demonstrated with high image quality approaching the spatial resolution of histopathology. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that intraoperative OCT may hold promise as an additional imaging tool during neurovascular procedures.

CCM1/KRIT1 mutation in monozygotic twins of a polyzygotic triplet birth: genetic, clinical and radiological characteristics.

Cerebral cavernous malformations are focal vascular lesions of the brain, occurring sporadically or as an autosomal dominant familial form. The genetic background influences not only the clinical course but also patients' consultation and the indication to treat. We here present the rare case of monozygotic male twins of a polyzygotic triplet birth, carrying a CCM1 mutation, inherited from the mother. Both twins showed an identical site and size of a large frontobasal lesion. The genetic segregation and the clinical course in affected family members are presented and discussed.

Study of angiogenic signaling pathways in hemangioblastoma.

Hemangioblastoma (HB) is mainly located in the brain and the spinal cord. The tumor is composed of two major components, namely neoplastic stromal cells and abundant microvessels. Thus, hyper-vascularization is the hallmark of this tumor. Despite the identification of germline and/or epigenetic mutations of Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene as an important pathogenic mechanism of HB, little is known about the molecular signaling involved in this highly vascularized tumor. The present study investigated the key players of multiple angiogenic signaling pathways including VEGF/VEGFR2, EphB4/EphrinB2, SDF1α/CXCR4 and Notch/Dll4 pathways in surgical specimens of 22 HB. The expression of key angiogenic factors was detected by RT2 -PCR and Western blot. Immunofluorescent staining revealed the cellular localization of these proteins. We demonstrated a massive upregulation of mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR2, CXCR4 and SDF1α, EphB4 and EphrinB2, as well as the main components of Dll4-Notch signaling in HB. An increase in the protein expression of VEGF, CXCR4 and the core-components of Dll4-Notch signaling was associated with an activation of Akt and Erk1/2 and accompanied by an elevated expression of PCNA. Immuofluorescent staining revealed the expression of VEGF and CXCR4 in endothelial cells as well as in tumor cells. Dll4 protein was predominantly found in tumor cells, whereas EphB4 immunoreactivity was exclusively detected in endothelial cells. We conclude that multiple key angiogenic pathways were activated in HB, which may synergistically contribute to the abundant vascularization in this tumor. Identification of these aberrant pathways provides potential targets for a possible future application of anti-angiogenic therapy for this tumor, particularly when a total surgical resection becomes difficult due to the localization or multiplicity of the tumor.

Brain arteriovenous malformations: implications of CEACAM1-positive inflammatory cells and sex on hemorrhage.

Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are severe conditions which, upon rupture, cause debilitating neurological deficits and even death. The exact cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with bAVM rupture are currently unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the potential role of CEA-related cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM1) in bAVM pathophysiology. Expression and localization of CEACAM1 were assessed immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays from bAVM patients (n = 60). The association of CEACAM1 with clinical parameters was analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and chi-square test. The predictive value of CEACAM1 was tested using logistic regression analysis. CEACAM1 was highly expressed in tissue-infiltrating neutrophil granulocytes. High levels of CEACAM1-positive cells were associated with bAVM rupture (hemorrhage), but not with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) size, preoperative embolization, or seizure. This association was significant (p = 0.029, chi-square) in male but not in female patients, and high CEACAM1-positive immune infiltration showed predictive significance for hemorrhage in male bAVM patients only (OR = 6.50, 95 % CI 1.09-38.63, p = 0.040). Within the ruptured bAVM group, patients with a short hemorrhage to surgery (HTS) time interval had higher levels of CEACAM1 immune infiltration than patients with long HTS. This decrease in the levels of CEACAM1 immune infiltration between the HTS short and HTS long groups was, however, significant only in female patients (p = 0.022, chi-square). Our findings substantiate the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of bAVM and suggest the presence of sexual dimorphism in this disease.

[Cerebral Emergency - Important Anesthesiological Aspects]. / Der zerebrale Notfall ­ wichtige anästhesiologische Aspekte.

The anesthesiological management of cerebral emergency represents a great challenge for action under pressure and under time pressure and requires smooth interprofessional cooperation. The exact knowledge of the pathophysiological and pharmacological relationships is the basis for rapid identification of therapeutic influences and possible disturbing factors. In the acute situation, paCO2 and MAP are the central determinants for the anesthetist to ensure cerebral perfusion and the resulting cerebral oxygenation. Especially in patients with SHT, a difficult airway must always be expected. Knowledge of the appropriate steps and the necessary equipment must be available. In patients under anticoagulant therapy, written instructions for suspending this therapy are extremely helpful. Interventional thrombectomy is a new emergency situation for the anesthetist. The door-to-needle time has to be kept as short as possible by defined treatment paths and rapid goal-oriented work. Every emergency also creates a stressful reaction in those treating the patient - in a sense, the cerebral emergency "in us". This has a decisive influence on the perception and action of the individual and the entire team.

Associated Aneurysms in Infratentorial Arteriovenous Malformations: Role of Aneurysm Size and Comparison with Supratentorial Lesions.

BACKGROUND: The natural history and treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is the object of ongoing debates and discussions. To capture the entirety of these complex lesions, associated vascular pathologies, such as associated aneurysms (AAs), have to be implemented in future risk stratification models, as they are believed to represent additional risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. The present study aims to determine AA characteristics in posterior fossa AVMs and to compare with AAs accompanying supratentorial AVMs, with special focus on aneurysm size. METHODS: Patients with cerebral AVMs, treated in our department between 1990 and 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Only patients with flow-related AAs of the feeding arteries were evaluated. Thus, patients harboring intranidal, venous or remote aneurysms were excluded. RESULTS: Of 485 patients with cerebral AVM, 76 patients harbored an AVM of the posterior fossa. Among those, 22 individuals exhibited a total of 35 AAs (n = 8 patients with multiple AAs). Most common location of AAs was the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (n = 20, 57%) and mean AA diameter was 7.9 mm (SD 5.5). In the subgroup of patients with a single AA, mean aneurysm size in posterior fossa AVMs was with 7.8 mm (SD 6.0; range 2-25 mm) significantly larger than the mean size of AAs with supratentorial AVMs (4.8 mm, SD 3.0; range 2-20 mm; p = 0.048). Intracranial hemorrhage was found in 18 of 22 patients (82%) with infratentorial AVMs, and of these, 11 patients suffered from aneurysm rupture. In 14 patients bearing a single AA, 8 (57%) had sustained hemorrhage from aneurysm rupture. The mean diameter of AAs was as supposed in the ruptured group with 9.8 mm (SD 6.9; range 4-25 mm) significantly larger than in the unruptured AA group exhibiting a mean of 5.0 mm (SD 3.3; range 2-10 mm; p = 0.038). Patients with posterior fossa AVMs and AAs were significantly older as compared to those patients with supratentorial lesions (57.1, SD 12.6 vs. 45.8 years, SD 15.9 years; p = 0.004), which was also evident in the subgroup of patients with single AAs (55.2, SD 11.7 vs. 45.8 years, SD 14.9 years; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: AAs of posterior fossa AVMs are larger in diameter than aneurysms accompanying supratentorial AVMs. AA size influences risk for hemorrhage, which, together with the high number of hemorrhagic events in posterior fossa AVMs, justifies treating these pathologies. The higher age of patients with AVMs of the posterior fossa might be one reason for larger AAs in this cohort, when compared to patients with supratentorial AVMs and AAs.

A retrospective and consecutive analysis of the epidemiology and management of spinal cavernomas over the last 20 years in a single center.

Spinal cavernous malformations (SCM) are rare lesions often presenting with acute onset of symptoms and progressive neurological deterioration due to hemorrhage into the spinal cord. With the aid of modern techniques, their surgical removal became much safer. The present study was undertaken to analyze the outcome of our series of surgically and conservatively treated patients with SCM. Over a period of 20 years, 20 surgically treated and 5 conservatively managed patients with spinal cavernous malformations were identified and enrolled into this analysis. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, localization and extension of the cavernoma, as well as pre- and postoperative neurological status were obtained. The clinical status was assessed using the Frankel score. Patients were followed up clinically and by MRI. Before surgery, 90% (18/20) of our surgical patients were classified as Frankel D (93.8%), whereas two patients (10%) were graded C. None of the patients had a worse Frankel score at the time of discharge. Eighty percent of them (16 cases) remained unchanged, and 20% (4 patients) improved during the first follow-up (mean 6.3 months, range 2-17 months). All improved patients had a superficially located SCM and were operated early (≤3 months). No worsening was observed during extended follow-up (range 9-134 months, mean 44.7 months). Five nonsurgically treated patients showed no significant clinical deterioration over a period of 6.7 years (mean, range 2.9-8 years). SCM localization and number of involved segments had no influence on outcome. Our data show that SCM can be resected with favorable neurological outcome by using intraoperative neuromonitoring. Within the follow-up period, patients treated conservatively remained in a stable neurological condition.

Multiple cerebral arterio-venous malformations: impact of multiplicity and hemodynamics on treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: Multiple AVMs are exceptionally rare lesions and only a few larger series have been published, including other vascular pathologies, such as arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) or patients with hereditary syndromes. Our study presents clinical, angiographic, and therapeutic characteristics of patients harboring sporadic multiple AVMs. METHODS: Basic demographic data, vascular architecture, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and treatment outcome were analyzed retrospectively from patients with cerebral AVMs treated in our department between 1990 and 2015. RESULTS: Six out of 539 patients (1.1 %) harbored 15 multiple and distinct cerebral lesions. Nidus size was predominantly small, consequently determining a Spetzler-Martin grade °I-°II (three-tier grading system). In three patients, AVMs shared a proximal feeding artery supply, whereas each AVM displayed its own venous drainage. Five of six patients (83 %) presented with hemorrhage. Four patients received therapy of the AVMs with complete elimination in 3/4 patients (75 %) and 8/9 treated AVMs (89 %). All patients with treatment of the AVM showed good-to-excellent recovery (n = 4, mRS ≤ 2). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple cerebral AVMs are complex vascular lesions. The multiplicity of hemodynamic and malformation-related variables influence treatment strategy and sequence. Thus, awareness of these parameters (of various malformations before and during treatment) is important. The high number of hemorrhagic events in the present series might justify a more aggressive treatment of multiple AVMs than previously thought.

Downregulation of programmed cell death 10 is associated with tumor cell proliferation, hyperangiogenesis and peritumoral edema in human glioblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Neovascularization and peritumoral edema are hallmarks of glioblastoma (GBM). Programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) plays a pivotal role in regulating apoptosis, neoangiogenesis and vessel permeability and is implicated in certain tumor signaling pathways. However, little is known about PDCD10 in GBM. We aimed to investigate the expression pattern of PDCD10 and to identify the association of its expression with some molecular and clinical parameters in human GBM. METHODS: mRNA and protein expression of PDCD10 were examined respectively by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting in GBM (n = 27), astrocytoma grade II (n = 13) and control (n = 11). The protein level of p-Akt and GFAP was detected by Western blot. Double-imunofluorecent staining was performed to reveal the cellular expression profile of PDCD10. Brain edema and microvascular density (MVD) were respectively analyzed based on pre-operative MRI and after laminin immnostaining. MGMT promoter methylation was detected by methylation specific PCR. RESULTS: mRNA and protein levels of PDCD10 were significantly downregulated in GBM, concomitantly accompanied by the activation of Akt. PDCD10 immunoreactivity was absent in proliferating tumor cells, endothelial cells and GFAP-positive cells, but exclusively present in the hypoxic pseudopalisading cells which underwent apoptosis. Moreover, loss of PDCD10 was associated with a higher MVD and a more severe peritumoral edema but not with MGMT promoter methylation in GBM. CONCLUSION: We report for the first time that PDCD10 expression is downregulated in GBM, which is associated with the activation of Akt signaling protein. PDCD10 is potentially implicated in tumor proliferation and apoptosis, hyperangiogenesis and peritumoral edema in GBM.

Associated aneurysms in supratentorial arteriovenous malformations: impact of aneurysm size on haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Associated aneurysms (AAs) are presumed to represent an additional risk factor for intracranial haemorrhage from cerebral arterio-venous malformations (AVMs). To date, efforts to capture their natural history, as well as to identify aneurysms with the potential capability of regression after AVM treatment remain incomprehensive. As the aneurysm size represents an important aspect for the treatment indication of incidental saccular aneurysms, this factor has rarely been encountered for the treatment of AAs so far. The present study aims to determine the angiographic and clinical characteristics of AAs with special focus on aneurysm size and their consequences for treatment. METHODS: Patients with cerebral AVMs, treated in our department between 1990 and 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Only patients with supratentorial AVMs and flow-related AAs of the feeding arteries were evaluated. Thus, patients harboring AVMs of the cerebellum and the brain stem and patients with intranidal, venous or remote aneurysms were excluded. Treatment strategies were assessed with special attention on bleeding source and on AA size. RESULTS: In 59 of 409 patients (14%) with supratentorial AVMs, a total of 85 AAs of the feeding arteries were identified. 14 of 59 individuals (24%) presented with multiple AAs. Of 85 AA, 58 aneurysms (68%) were classified as proximal and 27 aneurysms (32%) as distal. The most common location of AAs was the middle cerebral artery (MCA, 39%), followed by the internal carotid artery (ICA, 27%) and the anterior cerebral artery (ACA, 21%). The mean AA size was 4.4 mm ± 3.4 mm. Intracranial haemorrhage was found in 21 of 59 patients (36%) with coexisting AAs. Among these, 10 individuals (17%) suffered from rupture of an AA, accounting for nearly half of all bleedings in this subgroup. Among those patients bearing a single AA, the size of ruptured aneurysms differed significantly from those unruptured (6.6 mm vs. 4.4 mm, p = 0.0046). Nineteen patients (32%) received treatment of 22 AAs, whereas sole AVM treatment was adopted in 26 patients (44%) and conservative management in 14 patients (24%). The main reasons to leave AAs untreated were the small AA size (<5 mm), poor clinical state or treatment denial by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The aneurysm size of AAs in AVM influences the risk of haemorrhage. Therefore, the treatment of larger (diameter ≥5 mm) AAs should be considered, even if a treatment indication of the associated AVM is not given.

Management of traumatic spinal injuries in children and young adults.

PURPOSE: Spinal injuries are rarely seen in pediatric patients and therapeutic options are still poorly defined. The present study is aimed to present our experience with a rather large series of children and young adults suffering from traumatic spinal injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2010, 75 consecutive pediatric patients with spinal injuries were treated in our institution. Mean age was 15 years, ranging from 3 months to 21 years. Radiological findings, treatment strategies, and clinical outcome were evaluated retrospectively and compared with literature. Forty (53.3%) patients were treated conservatively and 35 patients (47%) surgically using anterior or posterior approaches. Subgroup analysis was performed depending on age groups, severity of neurological symptoms, and localization. RESULTS: Main trauma mechanisms were fall in 24 patients (38%) and motor vehicle accidents in 21 patients (28%). Complete neurological deficits were present in 17 individuals (23%) and incomplete in 36 patients (48%). Fractures were most frequently localized at the cervical region (56%) with predilection of the C 5/6 segment. Odontoid fractures were seen in 10 (13%) patients. Fractures of the lumbar and thoracic region were rare. Level of injury or clinical course did not differ between the subgroups (≤15 years versus >15 years). CONCLUSION: Nearly three fourths of all radiologically detected spinal injuries are located at the cervical spine. Complete neurological deficits after trauma was associated with a poor outcome, in particular for patients with injuries of the upper cervical spine. The use of autologous bone graft was associated with favorable long-term results and should be considered as the material of first choice for vertebral body and disc replacement.

Single center experience with treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare pathologies with a yearly incidence of 5-10 new cases/million, constituting 60-80 % of spinal arteriovenous malformations. Clinical symptoms include progressive paraparesis, paresthesias, bladder, and bowel disturbances. The pathophysiology of SDAVFs is not well elucidated. Microneurosurgery and endovascular techniques are established treatment modalities for permanent fistula occlusion, which are oftentimes accompanied by an amelioration of neurological deficits in the long run. Here, we report our interdisciplinary neurosurgical/neuroradiological management strategy of SDAVFs in 32 patients who were evaluated retrospectively. We focused on clinical presentation, microneurosurgical and interventional technique, early, and late neurological results. Quality of life (QoL) was additionally assessed in 12 patients at last follow-up. We discuss the results against the background of the current literature. Our series and the literature indicate that clinical outcome after treatment of SDAVF is favorable in general. Both neurosurgical and neurointerventional therapies appear to be safe and effective, but short-term neurological deterioration after the intervention constitutes an as-of-yet unsolved problem. Beyond age and preoperative neurological state, presence of comorbidities had a significant influence on neurological outcome in our study sample. Self-assessed physical and mental QoL at long-term follow-up was reduced in quite a number of patients and was associated with a poorer neurological result as well as presence of comorbidities. The patients' perspective in terms of QoL was first investigated in this study, but further research on QoL and psychosocial impairment of SDAVF patients is needed to enable individualized counseling and rehabilitation strategies.

Posterior fossa arterio-venous malformations: current multimodal treatment strategies and results.

The present study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, the multimodal interdisciplinary treatment strategies and outcome of posterior fossa arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) in our neurovascular centre. Fifty-three patients with a posterior fossa AVM were seen between 1998 and 2012 and analysed retrospectively. Patients were either managed conservatively or treated with endovascular, microsurgical or radiosurgical procedures or in combination. Thirty-nine patients (74 %) presented with intracranial haemorrhage and 14 patients (26 %) with unspecific symptoms. In 22 cases with haemorrhage (56 %), an intracerebellar haematoma was found, whereas 17 patients (44 %) suffered from subarachnoid haemorrhage. AVMs were located in the cerebellum in 44 patients (83 %), in the brainstem in four patients (7.5 %) and the cerebello-pontine angle in another four individuals (7.5 %). Forty-two patients (79 %) were treated either by emboliziation (n = 12, 29 %), surgical resection (n = 16, 38 %), surgical resection with preoperative embolization (n = 12, 29 %) or radiotherapy alone (n = 2, 4 %). A total of eleven patients did not receive any treatment (21 %). Both, morbidity and mortality related to treatment were 12 %, whereas overall morbidity and mortality was 26 and 15 %, respectively. Complete AVM elimination was achieved in 81 % of the treated lesions. A multimodal treatment sequence nowadays represents the gold standard for posterior fossa AVMs. Patients are at high risk for morbidity and mortality, due to the impact of haemorrhage and treatment. Therefore, treatment has to be thoroughly indicated, especially for those patients without bleeding. The initial neurological condition seems to be crucial in terms of clinical outcome.