Feasibility and safety of stereoelectroencephalography in young children.

PURPOSE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a diagnostic surgery that implants electrodes to identify areas of epileptic onset in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). SEEG is effective in identifying the epileptic zone; however, placement of electrodes in very young children has been considered contraindicated due to skull thinness. The goal of this study was to evaluate if SEEG is safe and accurate in young children with thin skulls. METHODS: Four children under the age of two years old with DRE underwent SEEG to locate the region of seizure onset. Presurgical planning and placement of electrodes were performed using ROSA One Brain. Preoperative electrode plans were merged with postoperative CT scans to determine accuracy. Euclidean distance between the planned and actual trajectories was calculated using a 3D coordinate system at both the entry and target points for each electrode. RESULTS: Sixty-three electrodes were placed among four patients. Mean skull thickness at electrode entry sites was 2.34 mm. The mean difference between the planned and actual entry points was 1.12 mm, and the mean difference between the planned and actual target points was 1.73 mm. No significant correlation was observed between planned and actual target points and skull thickness (Pearson R = - 0.170). No perioperative or postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that SEEG can be safe and accurate in children under two years of age despite thin skulls. SEEG should be considered for young children with DRE, and age and skull thickness are not definite contraindications to the surgery.

Application of Brain Injury Guidelines at a Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center predicts reliability, safety, and improved resource utilization.

PURPOSE: Brain Injury Guidelines (BIG) have been established to guide management related to TBI in adults. Here, BIG criteria were applied to pediatric TBI patients to evaluate reliability, safety, and resource utilization. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on all pediatric TBI patients aged 18 years or younger from January 2012 to July 2023 at a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center. The severity of TBI (BIG 1/2/3) was rated by review of initial cranial imaging by two independent observers. Inter-observer reliability was assessed. Predictions based on BIG criteria regarding repeat cranial imaging, ICU admission, and neurosurgical consultation were compared with observations from the cohort. Outcome data was collected, including neurosurgical intervention and mortality rate. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-nine patients were included with mean age of 5.3 years. Injury severity included 44 BIG 1 (12.2%), 170 BIG 2 (47.4%), and 145 BIG 3 injuries (40.4%). Inter-rater reliability was 96.4%. Neurosurgical consultation was obtained in all patients, though only predicted by guidelines in 40.4%. Repeat imaging was obtained in 166 BIG 1/2 patients, with an average of 1.3 CT scans and 0.8 MRIs/rapid MRIs per patient. ICU was utilized in 104 (77.6%) patients not recommended per BIG criteria. Ultimately, 37 patients, all BIG 3, required neurosurgical intervention; no neurosurgical interventions were required in those classified as BIG 1/2. CONCLUSIONS: BIG criteria can be applied to pediatric TBI with high inter-observer reliability and without formal neurosurgical training. Retrospective application of BIG predicted fewer imaging studies, ICU admissions, and neurosurgical consults without overlooking patients requiring neurosurgical intervention.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been increasingly applied in adult populations for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). There is a paucity of literature on the indications, safety, and outcomes of MMA embolization in the pediatric population. SUMMARY: A systematic literature review on pediatric patients undergoing MMA embolization was performed. We also report the case of successful bilateral MMA embolization for persistent subdural hematomas following resection of a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. Persistent bilateral subdural hematomas following resection of a large brain tumor resolved following MMA embolization in a 13-year-old male. Indications for MMA embolization in the pediatric literature included cSDH (6/13, 46.2%), treatment or preoperative embolization of arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation (3/13, 23.1%), preoperative embolization for tumor resection (1/13, 7.7%), or treatment of acute epidural hematoma (1/13, 7.7%). Embolic agents included microspheres or microparticles (2/13, 15.4%), Onyx (3/13, 23.1%), NBCA (3/13, 23.1%), or coils (4/13, 30.8%). KEY MESSAGES: Whereas MMA embolization has primarily been applied in the adult population for subdural hematoma in the setting of cardiac disease and anticoagulant use, we present a novel application of MMA embolization in the management of persistent subdural hematoma following resection of a large space-occupying lesion. A systematic review of MMA embolization in pediatric patients currently shows efficacy; a multi-institutional study is warranted to further refine indications, timing, and safety of the procedure.

Use of Neuronavigation in Suturectomy for Craniosynostosis.

Smaller operative exposures associated with suturectomy for craniosynostosis may result in difficulties visualizing the prematurely fused suture during surgery. The authors report cases of suturectomy for lambdoid and metopic craniosynostosis in which neuronavigation or frameless stereotaxy was used to assist with incision planning and intraoperative localization of the fused suture. In both cases, neuronavigation integrated easily and safely into established workflows and was associated with complete suture release. To our knowledge, this is the first report of applying this noninvasive technology, which does not require cranial pinning or rigid fixation, to suturectomy, and the authors demonstrate its use as an adjunct, especially for surgeons beginning in practice. Larger studies are needed to determine if neuronavigation in suturectomy is associated with a clinically significant reduction in blood loss or operative time or an increase in the rate of complete suturectomy.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Pediatric Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the utilization and outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for pediatric ischemic stroke is limited, and justification for its use is largely based on extrapolation from clinical benefits observed in adults. METHODS: Weighted discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were queried to identify pediatric patients with ischemic stroke (<18 years old) during the period of 2010 to 2019. Complex samples statistical methods were used to characterize the profiles and clinical outcomes of EVT-treated patients. Propensity adjustment was performed to address confounding by indication for EVT based on disparities in baseline characteristics between EVT-treated patients and those medically managed. RESULTS: Among 7365 pediatric patients with ischemic stroke identified, 190 (2.6%) were treated with EVT. Utilization significantly increased in the post-EVT clinical trial era (2016-2019; 1.7% versus 4.0%; P<0.001), while the use of decompressive hemicraniectomy decreased (2.8% versus 0.7%; P<0.001). On unadjusted analysis, 105 (55.3%) EVT-treated patients achieved favorable functional outcomes at discharge (home or to acute rehabilitation), while no periprocedural iatrogenic complications or instances of contrast-induced kidney injury were reported. Following propensity adjustment, EVT-treated patients demonstrated higher absolute but nonsignificant rates of favorable functional outcomes in comparison with medically managed patients (55.3% versus 52.8%; P=0.830; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.51-2.03]; P=0.972 for unfavorable outcome). Among patients with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >11 (75th percentile of scores in cohort), EVT-treated patients trended toward higher rates of favorable functional outcomes compared with those treated medically only (71.4% versus 55.6%; P=0.146). In a subcohort assessment of EVT-treated patients, those administered preceding thrombolytic therapy (n=79, 41.6%) trended toward higher rates of favorable functional outcomes (63.3% versus 49.5%; P=0.060). CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional evaluation of the clinical course and short-term outcomes of pediatric patients with ischemic stroke treated with EVT demonstrates that EVT is likely a safe modality which confers high rates of favorable functional outcomes.

Development of cerebral vasospasm following traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Limited evidence exists characterizing the incidence, risk factors, and clinical associations of cerebral vasospasm following traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) on a large scale. Therefore, the authors sought to use data from a national inpatient registry to investigate these aspects of posttraumatic vasospasm (PTV) to further elucidate potential causes of neurological morbidity and mortality subsequent to the initial insult. METHODS: Weighted discharge data from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2018 were queried to identify patients with tICH who underwent diagnostic angiography in the same admission and, subsequently, those who developed angiographically confirmed cerebral vasospasm. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant associations between clinical covariates and the development of vasospasm, and a tICH vasospasm predictive model (tICH-VPM) was generated based on the effect sizes of these parameters. RESULTS: Among 5880 identified patients with tICH, 375 developed PTV corresponding to an incidence of 6.4%. Multivariable adjusted modeling determined that the following clinical covariates were independently associated with the development of PTV, among others: age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99; p < 0.001), admission Glasgow Coma Scale score < 9 (aOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.12-2.90; p = 0.015), intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR 6.27, 95% CI 3.49-11.26; p < 0.001), tobacco smoking (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.80; p = 0.035), cocaine use (aOR 3.62, 95% CI 1.97-6.63; p < 0.001), fever (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34-3.27; p = 0.001), and hypokalemia (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.26-2.08; p < 0.001). The tICH-VPM achieved moderately high discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.75 (sensitivity = 0.61 and specificity = 0.81). Development of vasospasm was independently associated with a lower likelihood of routine discharge (aOR 0.60, 95% CI 0.45-0.78; p < 0.001) and an extended hospital length of stay (aOR 3.53, 95% CI 2.78-4.48; p < 0.001), but not with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based analysis of vasospasm in tICH has identified common clinical risk factors for its development, and has established an independent association between the development of vasospasm and poorer neurological outcomes.

Cardiac arrest in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and associated outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to analyze a large, publicly available, nationwide hospital database to further elucidate the impact of cardiopulmonary arrest (CA) in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on short-term outcomes of mortality and discharge disposition. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted by analyzing de-identified data from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS). The publicly available NIS database represents a 20% stratified sample of all discharges and is powered to estimate 95% of all inpatient care delivered across hospitals in the US. A total of 170,869 patients were identified as having been hospitalized due to nontraumatic SAH from 2008 to 2014. RESULTS: A total of 5415 patients (3.2%) were hospitalized with an admission diagnosis of CA in association with SAH. Independent risk factors for CA included a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, hospitalization in a small or nonteaching hospital, and a Medicaid or self-pay payor status. Compared with patients with SAH and not CA, patients with CA-SAH had a higher mean NIS Subarachnoid Severity Score (SSS) ± SD (1.67 ± 0.03 vs 1.13 ± 0.01, p < 0.0001) and a vastly higher mortality rate (82.1% vs 18.4%, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable model, age, NIS-SSS, and CA all remained significant independent predictors of mortality. Approximately 18% of patients with CA-SAH survived and were discharged to a rehabilitation facility or home with health services, outcomes that were most predicted by chronic disease processes and large teaching hospital status. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest study of its kind, CA at onset was found to complicate roughly 3% of spontaneous SAH cases and was associated with extremely high mortality. Despite this, survival can still be expected in approximately 18% of patients.

Cerebral vasospasm following arteriovenous malformation rupture: a population-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Studies examining the risk factors and clinical outcomes of arterial vasospasm secondary to cerebral arteriovenous malformation (cAVM) rupture are scarce in the literature. The authors used a population-based national registry to investigate this largely unexamined clinical entity. METHODS: Admissions for adult patients with cAVM ruptures were identified in the National Inpatient Sample during the period from 2015 to 2019. Complex samples multivariable logistic regression and chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree analyses were performed to identify significant associations between clinical covariates and the development of vasospasm, and a cAVM-vasospasm predictive model (cAVM-VPM) was generated based on the effect sizes of these parameters. RESULTS: Among 7215 cAVM patients identified, 935 developed vasospasm, corresponding to an incidence rate of 13.0%; 110 of these patients (11.8%) subsequently progressed to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Multivariable adjusted modeling identified the following baseline clinical covariates: decreasing age by decade (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.92; p < 0.001), female sex (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.45-1.95; p < 0.001), admission Glasgow Coma Scale score < 9 (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.79; p = 0.045), intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.17-2.98; p = 0.009), hypertension (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.50-2.08; p < 0.001), obesity (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.84; p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.01-1.78; p = 0.043), tobacco smoking (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.23-1.78; p < 0.019), and hospitalization events (leukocytosis [aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.32-2.04; p < 0.001], hyponatremia [aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.39-1.98; p < 0.001], and acute hypotension [aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.31-2.11; p < 0.001]) independently associated with the development of vasospasm. Intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage were not associated with the development of vasospasm following multivariable adjustment. Among significant associations, a CHAID decision tree algorithm identified age 50-59 years (parent node), hyponatremia, and leukocytosis as important determinants of vasospasm development. The cAVM-VPM achieved an area under the curve of 0.65 (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.53). Progression to DCI, but not vasospasm alone, was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.29-4.31; p = 0.016) and lower likelihood of routine discharge (aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.96; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale assessment of vasospasm in cAVM identifies common clinical risk factors and establishes progression to DCI as a predictor of poor neurological outcomes.

Fetal ventriculomegaly: Diagnosis, treatment, and future directions.

Fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) refers to the enlargement of the cerebral ventricles in utero. It is associated with the postnatal diagnosis of hydrocephalus. VM is clinically diagnosed on ultrasound and is defined as an atrial diameter greater than 10 mm. Because of the anatomic detailed seen with advanced imaging, VM is often further characterized by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fetal VM is a heterogeneous condition with various etiologies and a wide range of neurodevelopmental outcomes. These outcomes are heavily dependent on the presence or absence of associated anomalies and the direct cause of the ventriculomegaly rather than on the absolute degree of VM. In this review article, we discuss diagnosis, work-up, counseling, and management strategies as they relate to fetal VM. We then describe imaging-based research efforts aimed at using prenatal data to predict postnatal outcome. Finally, we review the early experience with fetal therapy such as in utero shunting, as well as the advances in prenatal diagnosis and fetal surgery that may begin to address the limitations of previous therapeutic efforts.

External validity of the chiari severity index and outcomes among pediatric chiari I patients treated with intra- or extra-Dural decompression.

INTRODUCTION: Chiari malformation type-1 (CM-1) may be treated by intradural (ID) or extradural (ED) posterior fossa decompression, although the optimal approach is debated. The Chiari Severity Index (CSI) is a pre-operative metric to predict patient-defined improvement after CM-1 surgery. In this study, we evaluate the results of ID versus ED decompression and assess the external validity of the CSI. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric CM-1 patients undergoing decompression at a single academic children's hospital. Characteristics of headache, syrinx, and myelopathy were collected to derive CSI grade. The primary outcome measure was pre-operative symptom resolution. The proportion of patients with favorable outcome was tabulated for each of the three CSI grades and compared to previously published results. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2014, 189 patients underwent ID (48%) or ED (52%) decompression at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 75 months. Rates of symptom resolution (58-64%) and reoperation (8%) were similar regardless of surgical approach. Although proportions of favorable outcomes differed between the CHOP and Washington University (WU) cohorts, the difference was not related to CSI grade (p = 0.63). Furthermore, there was no difference in the proportion of favorable outcomes between the two cohorts regardless of ID (p = 0.26) or ED approach (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Equivalent rates of symptom resolution and reoperation following ID and ED decompression support the ED approach as a first-line surgical option for pediatric CM-1 patients. In addition, our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the generalizability of the CSI and its use in future comparative trials.

Myofascial Closure of Intradural Inclusion Cysts following in utero Myelomeningocele Repair.

Myelomeningocele is one of the most common congenital malformations. A randomized controlled trial, known as the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), demonstrated that closure during the fetal period can be performed relatively safely and be of significant benefit to patients. However, postnatally, patients can develop resultant symptoms from a tethered cord and inclusion cysts; this often requires surgical treatment. Repeat surgery in this population can be challenging due to the age of the patients, the extent of surgical exposure needed and the need for resection of dermal and epidermal tissues in the midline. We describe our approach for closure of these complex defects using lateral fasciocutaneous flaps with relaxing incisions made in the posterior axillary line, in order to minimize tension and maximize soft tissue coverage of the midline.

Neurological improvement following revision of vascular graft remnants in the upper extremity.

Remnant vascular grafts may result in significant neurological deficits owing to compression of adjacent neural structures. We report this finding in two cases after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation decannulation and removal of an arteriovenous fistula in the upper extremity. In both cases, removal of the graft, patch arteriotomy, and external neurolysis resulted in significant recovery of neurological function. We review the preoperative workup, diagnostic studies, and technical approach to treatment in an effort to increase recognition among vascular and cardiovascular surgeons and to demonstrate a safe and effective management option through a multidisciplinary approach.

Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Cervical Paraspinal Interfascial Plane Block for Postoperative Pain after Pediatric Chiari Decompression.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for lesions of the posterior fossa is associated with significant postoperative pain in pediatric patients related to extensive manipulation of the suboccipital musculature and bone. In this study, we assess the preliminary safety, effect on neuromonitoring, and analgesic efficacy of applying a cervical paraspinal interfascial plane block in pediatric patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery. METHODS: In this prospective case series, we enrolled five patients aged 2-18 years undergoing surgery for symptomatic Chiari type I malformation. An ultrasound-guided cervical cervicis plane (CCeP) block was performed prior to the incision. A local anesthetic agent (bupivacaine) and a steroid adjuvant (dexamethasone) were injected into the fascial planes between the cervical semispinalis capitis and cervical semispinalis cervicis muscles at the level of the planned suboccipital decompression and C1 laminectomy. Motor-evoked and somatosensory-evoked potentials were monitored before and after the block. Patients were assessed for complications from the local injection in the intraoperative period and for pain in the postoperative period. RESULTS: No adverse events were noted intraoperatively, and there were no changes in neuromonitoring signals. Pain scores were low in the immediate postoperative period, and rescue medications were minimal. No complaints of incisional pain or need for narcotics were noted at the time of the 3-month postsurgical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrate the preliminary safety and analgesic efficacy of a novel application of a CCeP block to pediatric patients undergoing suboccipital surgery. Larger studies are needed to further validate the use of this block in children.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Transfer Patterns: An Analysis of Area Deprivation Index and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant health burden, particularly among pediatric populations, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and psychosocial impairments. Timely transfer to specialized trauma centers is crucial for optimal management, yet the influence of socioeconomic factors, such as the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), on transfer patterns remains understudied. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on pediatric TBI patients presenting to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center between January 2012 and July 2023. Transfer status, distance, mode of transport, and clinical outcomes were analyzed in relation to ADI. Statistical analyses were performed using Student t-test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Of 359 patients, 53.5% were transferred from outside hospitals, with higher ADI scores observed in transfer patients (P<0.01). Air transport was associated with greater distances traveled and higher ADI compared to ground ambulance (P<0.01). Despite similarities in injury severity, intensive care unit admission rates differed between transfer modes, with no significant impact on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High ADI patients were more likely to be transferred, suggesting disparities in access to specialized care. Differences in transfer modes highlight the influence of socioeconomic factors on logistical aspects. While transfer did not independently impact outcomes, disparities in intensive care unit admission rates were observed, possibly influenced by injury severity. Integrating socioeconomic data into clinical decision-making processes can inform targeted interventions to optimize care delivery and improve outcomes for all pediatric TBI patients. Prospective, multicenter studies are warranted to further elucidate these relationships.

Treatment trends and clinical outcomes of endovascular embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the relative rarity of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in the pediatric population, evidence regarding treatment modalities and clinical outcomes remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the use and clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) and microsurgical clipping (MSC) for pediatric UIAs over a two-decade interval using a large national registry. METHODS: Pediatric (<18 years of age) UIA hospitalizations were identified in the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2019. Temporal use and clinical outcomes were compared for treatment with EVT and MSC. RESULTS: Among 734 UIAs identified, 64.9% (n=476) were treated with EVT. Use of EVT significantly increased during the study period from 54.3% (2002-2004) to 78.6% (2017-2019) (P=0.002 by Cochrane-Armitage test). In comparison with those treated with MSC, pediatric patients treated with EVT demonstrated higher rates of favorable outcomes (discharge to home without services) (96.0% vs 91.1%, P=0.006), shorter durations of hospital stay (4.6 vs 10.0 days, P<0.001), and lower rates of ischemic or hemorrhagic procedural-related complications (1% vs 4%, P=0.010). Conservative management also increased significantly over the study period (P<0.001 by Cochrane-Armitage test). CONCLUSION: A retrospective evaluation of nearly 20 years of population-level data from the United States demonstrates increasing use of EVT for the treatment of pediatric UIAs, with high rates of favorable outcomes and shorter hospital stays in comparison with those treated with microsurgery.

Response of brain oxygen to therapy correlates with long-term outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Brain oxygen (PbtO2) monitoring can help guide care of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. The relationship between PbtO2-directed therapy and long-term outcome is unclear. We hypothesized that responsiveness to PbtO2-directed interventions is associated with outcome. METHODS: Seventy-six aSAH patients who underwent PbtO2 monitoring were included. Long-term outcome [Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended (GOS-E) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS)] was ascertained using the social security death database and structured telephone interviews. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify variables that correlated with outcome. RESULTS: Data from 64 patients were analyzed (12 were lost to follow-up). There were 530 episodes of compromised PbtO2 (<20 mmHg) during a total of 7,174 h of monitor time treated with 1,052 interventions. Forty-two patients (66 %) survived to discharge. Median follow-up was 8.5 months (range 0.1-87). At most recent follow-up 35 (55 %) patients were alive, and 28 (44 %) had a favorable outcome (mRS ≤3). In multivariate ordinal regression analysis, only age and response to PbtO2-directed intervention correlated significantly with outcome. Increased age was associated with worse outcome (coeff. 0.8, 95 % CI 0.3-1.3, p = 0.003), and response to PbtO2-directed intervention was associated with improved outcome (coeff. -2.12, 95 % CI -4.0 to -0.26, p = 0.03). Patients with favorable outcomes had a 70 % mean rate of response to PbtO2-directed interventions whereas patients with poor outcomes had a 45 % response rate (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Response to PbtO2-directed intervention is associated with improved long-term functional outcome in aSAH patients.

Rare median and musculocutaneous nerve fusion with intraoperative electrical confirmation: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Nerve transfer is a surgical technique in which a redundant or expendable fascicle is transferred or coapted to an injured nerve distal to the site of injury for the purpose of reinnervation. Successful nerve transfer is dependent on correct intraoperative identification of donor and recipient nerves. OBSERVATIONS: An 8-year-old male was recommended for ulnar nerve fascicle to biceps branch of musculocutaneous nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion weakness after a demyelinating spinal cord injury. The biceps branch was identified approximately midway along the upper arm. Proximal musculocutaneous nerve stimulation induced hand movement and electromyography activity in the median nerve muscles. Neurolysis of the thickened proximal structure revealed fusion of the musculocutaneous and median nerves. Because of the proximity of the median and musculocutaneous nerves, median rather than ulnar nerve fascicles were used as donors for transfer. LESSONS: The authors provide the first reported intraoperative finding of an anatomical variant in which the musculocutaneous nerve and median nerve were fused in the upper arm, confirmed through intraoperative electrical stimulation. Surgeons should be aware of this rare anatomical variant to ensure correct nerve identification when performing nerve transfers in the proximal upper extremity.

Risk factors for posttraumatic hydrocephalus after decompressive hemicraniectomy in pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) play a significant role in pediatric mortality and morbidity. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a treatment option for severe pediatric TBI (pTBI) not amenable to medical management of intracranial pressure. Posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a known sequela of DHC that may lead to further injury and decreased capacity for recovery if not identified and treated. The goal of this study was to characterize risk factors for PTH after DHC in patients with pTBI by using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). METHODS: The records collected in the KID from 2016 to 2019 were queried for patients with TBI using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes. Data defining demographics, complications, procedures, and outcomes were extracted. Multivariate regression was used to identify risk factors associated with PTH. The authors also investigated length of stay and hospital charges. RESULTS: Of 68,793 patients with pTBI, 848 (1.2%) patients underwent DHC. Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) was required in 475 (56.0%) patients with pTBI undergoing DHC. Three hundred (35.4%) patients received an external ventricular drain (EVD) prior to DHC. PTH was seen in 105 (12.4%), and 50 (5.9%) received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. DHC before hospital day 2 was negatively associated with PTH (OR 0.464, 95% CI 0.267-0.804; p = 0.006), whereas PMV (OR 2.204, 95% CI 1.344-3.615; p = 0.002) and EVD placement prior to DHC (OR 6.362, 95% CI 3.667-11.037; p < 0.001) were positively associated with PTH. PMV (OR 7.919, 95% CI 2.793-22.454; p < 0.001), TBI with subdural hematoma (OR 2.606, 95% CI 1.119-6.072; p = 0.026), and EVD placement prior to DHC (OR 4.575, 95% CI 2.253-9.291; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion. The mean length of stay and total hospital charges were significantly increased in patients with PMV and in those with PTH. CONCLUSIONS: PMV, presence of subdural hematoma, and EVD placement prior to DHC are risk factors for PTH in patients with pTBI who underwent DHC. Higher healthcare resource utilization was seen in patients with PTH. Identifying risk factors for PTH may improve early diagnosis and efficient resource utilization.

Intraoperative Nerve Stimulation as an Approach for the Surgical Treatment of Genitofemoral Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND Genitofemoral neuralgia is a pain syndrome that involves injury to the genitofemoral nerve and is frequently iatrogenic. We report intraoperative nerve localization using ultrasound, nerve stimulation, and the cremasteric reflex in the surgical treatment of genitofemoral neuralgia. CASE REPORT A 49-year-old man with a history of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with cannulation sites in bilateral inguinal regions presented with right groin numbness and pain following decannulation. His symptoms corresponded to the distribution of the genitofemoral nerve. He had a Tinel's sign over the midpoint of his inguinal incision. A nerve block resulted in temporary resolution of his symptoms. Due to the presence of a pacemaker, peripheral nerve neuromodulation was contraindicated. He underwent external neurolysis and neurectomy of the right genitofemoral nerve. Following direct stimulation and ultrasound for localization, the nerve was further localized intraoperatively using nerve stimulation with monitoring for the presence of the cremasteric reflex. At his 1-month postoperative visit, his right medial thigh pain had resolved and his right testicular pain 50% improved; his residual pain continued to improve at last evaluation 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS We report the successful use of nerve stimulation and the cremasteric reflex to aid in identification of the genitofemoral nerve intraoperatively for the treatment of genitofemoral neuralgia.

Tumors of the brachial plexus region: A 15-year experience with emphasis on motor and pain outcomes and literature review.

Background: Brachial plexus region tumors are rare. In this study, we reviewed our experience with resection of tumors involving or adjacent to the brachial plexus to identify patterns in presentation and outcome. Methods: We report a retrospective case series of brachial plexus tumors operated on by a single surgeon at a single institution over 15 years. Outcome data were recorded from the most recent follow-up office visit. Findings were compared to a prior internal series and comparable series in the literature. Results: From 2001 to 2016, 103 consecutive brachial plexus tumors in 98 patients met inclusion criteria. Ninety percent of patients presented with a palpable mass, and 81% had deficits in sensation, motor function, or both. Mean follow-up time was 10 months. Serious complications were infrequent. For patients with a preoperative motor deficit, the rate of postoperative motor decline was 10%. For patients without a preoperative motor deficit, the rate of postoperative motor decline was 35%, which decreased to 27% at 6 months. There were no differences in motor outcome based on extent of resection, tumor pathology, or age. Conclusion: We present one of the largest recent series of tumors of the brachial plexus region. Although the rate of worsened postoperative motor function was higher in those without preoperative weakness, the motor deficit improves over time and is no worse than antigravity strength in the majority of cases. Our findings help guide patient counseling in regard to postoperative motor function.