Application of Delta T1 maps for quantitative and objective assessment of extent of resection and survival prediction in glioblastoma.

Background and Objectives: Gross-total resection (GTR) and low residual tumor volume (RTV) have been associated with increased survival in glioblastoma. Largely due to the subjectivity involved, the determination of GTR and RTV remains difficult in the postoperative setting. In response, the objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an easy-to-use MRI metric, called delta T1 (dT1), to quantify extent of resection (EOR) and RTV, in comparison to radiologist impression, to predict overall survival (OS) in glioblastoma patients. Methods: 59 patients who underwent resection of glioblastoma were retrospectively identified. Delta T1 (dT1) images, automatically created from the difference between calibrated post- and pre-contrast T1-weighted images, were used to quantify EOR and RTV. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were determined for EOR categories, an RTV cutoff of 5cm3 and radiologist interpretation of EOR. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to evaluate RTV and EOR along with effects related to sex, KPS, MGMT, and age on OS. Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in median OS for a dT1-determined RTV cutoff of 5 cm3 (P=.0024, HR=2.18 (1.232-3.856)), but not for radiological impression (P=0.666) or dT1-determined EOR (P=0.0803), which was limited to a comparison between partial and subtotal resections. Furthermore, when covariates were accounted for in multivariate Cox regression, significant differences in OS were retained for dT1-determined RTV. Additionally, a significantly strong yet short-term effect of MGMT methylation status on OS was revealed for each RTV and EOR model. Conclusion: The utility of dT1 maps to quantify EOR and RTV in glioblastoma and predict survival, suggests an emerging role for dT1s with relevance for intraoperative MRI, neuro-navigation and postoperative disease surveillance.

Predictors and Complications of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: A Single Institution Retrospective Review.

Background The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a commonly used technique for resection of sellar, suprasellar, and anterior fossa masses. One of the most troublesome complications of this technique is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. In this study, we evaluate the risk factors and consequences of CSF leak on surgical outcomes. Methods The current study is a retrospective single-institution cohort study evaluating patients who underwent EEA for sellar and/or suprasellar masses from July 2017 to March of 2020. Risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative CSF leak were evaluated, including sellar defect size, tumor volume and pathology, age, body mass index, prior endoscopic endonasal surgery, lumbar drain placement, nasoseptal and mucosal graft use, year of surgery, and cavernous sinus invasion. Postoperative infection, perioperative antibiotic use, and length of stay were also evaluated. Results Our study included 175 patients. Sellar defect size ( p = 0.015) and intraoperative CSF leak ( p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative CSF leak. Patients with nasoseptal flaps were more likely to have a postoperative CSF leak than those with free mucosal grafts ( p = 0.025). Intraoperative CSF leak, Cushing's disease, and lumbar drain placement were associated with an increased length of stay. Conclusion Sellar defect size, intraoperative CSF leak, and nasoseptal flap use were associated with an increased risk of postoperative CSF leak. Intraoperative CSF leak, Cushing's disease, and lumbar drain placement are all associated with an increased length of stay.

Consecutive resections of double pituitary adenoma for resolution of Cushing disease: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Double pituitary adenomas are rare presentations of two distinct adenohypophyseal lesions seen in <1% of surgical cases. Increased rates of recurrence or persistence are reported in the resection of Cushing microadenomas and are attributed to the small tumor size and localization difficulties. The authors report a case of surgical treatment failure of Cushing disease because of the presence of a secondary pituitary adenoma. OBSERVATIONS: A 32-year-old woman with a history of prolactin excess and pituitary lesion presented with oligomenorrhea, weight gain, facial fullness, and hirsutism. Urinary and nighttime salivary cortisol elevation were elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 4-mm3 pituitary lesion. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling was diagnostic for Cushing disease. Primary endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection was performed to remove what was determined to be a lactotroph-secreting tumor on immunohistochemistry with persistent hypercortisolism. Repeat resection yielded a corticotroph-secreting tumor and postoperative hypoadrenalism followed by long-term normalization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. LESSONS: This case demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary management and postoperative hormonal follow-up in patients with Cushing disease. Improved strategies for localization of the active tumor in double pituitary adenomas are essential for primary surgical success and resolution of endocrinopathies.

Resection of a large thoracolumbar intradural ependymoma: a 2D operative video.

In this video, the authors present the resection of a large thoracolumbar intradural ependymoma in a 33-year-old female. The patient underwent T9-L3 laminectomies, intradural tumor resection, and posterior instrumented fixation and fusion. The surgical procedure aimed to relieve the mass effect, obtain a diagnosis, prevent further neurological decline, and achieve a potential curative resection. The pathology confirmed a myxopapillary ependymoma, a rare tumor with a preference for the conus medullaris, cauda equina, or filum terminale. The video provides insights into the case, surgical steps, clinical outcomes, and background information on myxopapillary ependymomas and treatment options.

Open surgical ligation of a thoracic spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula causing thoracic myelopathy: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (eAVFs) are rare spinal vascular malformations characterized by an abnormal connection from the paraspinal and paravertebral system to the epidural venous plexus. This contrasts with the more frequently seen spinal dural AVF, where the fistula is entirely intradural. Although endovascular repair is commonly performed for spinal eAVF, few cases require open surgical ligation. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present a case of a 74-year-old male with progressive thoracic myelopathy secondary to a spinal eAVF. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed intramedullary T2 signal hyperintensity from T8 to T12. Spinal angiography revealed a primary arterial supply from the right T11 segmental artery and minor supply from the left T11 branches with drainage into the ventral epidural space. The patient underwent T11-12 laminectomy and complete right T11-12 facetectomy for ligation of the fistula with T11-L1 fusion. A postoperative spinal angiogram showed resolution of the fistula. Postoperatively, the patient's myelopathy improved, and MRI showed a decrease in T2 cord intensity. LESSONS: Spinal eAVFs are rare lesions that differ from the more commonly seen intradural dural AVF in that the abnormal connection is in the epidural space, and they are often associated with a dilated epidural venous pouch. Treatment involves endovascular, open surgical, or combined approaches.

Cervical spine spondylodiscitis: Review of literature on current treatment strategies.

Infections of the spine are an ever-increasing health concern requiring an often complex and prolonged treatment that can lead to significant morbidity. Of particular interest is the cervical spine where there is an increase rate of post-infectious deformity, secondary neurological deficits and substantially higher rates of associated morbidity and mortality than the thoracic or lumbar spine. In this review, we explore the diagnosis and treatment of spondylodiscitis with particular focus on the cervical spine.

Endoscopic endonasal resection of a primary intraosseous clival myxoma: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: An intraosseous myxoma is a rare, benign mesenchymal tumor that penetrates the bone. The occurrence of an intraosseous myxoma in the clivus is a unique presentation of the disease. OBSERVATIONS: The authors discuss the case of a 15-year-old male with a new diagnosis of a primary clival intraosseous myxoma presenting with cranial nerve VI palsy. This is the third documented case of this pathology occurring in the clivus. This patient was successfully treated with endoscopic endonasal resection of the tumor. LESSONS: Primary clival intraosseous myxomas are extremely rare, but nonetheless it is important to add it to the differential diagnosis of clival masses. This mass has a high risk of recurrence, and prior literature suggests gross total resection may improve chances of progression-free survival. However, further larger studies are needed to provide guidelines regarding proper management of this pathology.

A Rare Case of Neck Sarcomatoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Brain Metastases.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most prominent form of skin malignancy. It occurs most frequently in older males with fair skin complexion that have extensive sun exposure most commonly in their childhood. The metastatic presentation of SCC is rare and is most common in the lung. In this paper, we present the unique case of a 73-year-old patient with sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma in their posterior neck that metastasized to the brain.

Temporary standalone percutaneous fixation with pedicle screws for the treatment of subacute tuberculous osteomyelitis with kyphotic deformity in the lumbar spine.

Background: Tuberculous (TB) osteomyelitis is a rare, but challenging infection, that mandates antituberculosis antibiotics, and potentially surgical intervention. Per the Gulhane Askeri Tip Akademisi (GATA) classification system, corrective reconstruction is indicated in severe cases, where the kyphotic deformity is >20° (GATA Class III). Here, we describe a case of BCG vaccine-induced lumbar TB osteomyelitis at the L1-2 level in a patient presenting with mechanical pain and a focal, nonfixed kyphotic deformity of 36.1°. Surgery consisted of percutaneous fixation with pedicle screws without debridement, fusion arthrodesis, or anterior reconstruction. Case Description: A 77-year-old male presented with L1-2 TB osteomyelitis secondary to intravesical BCG application. A 36.1° focal nonfixed kyphotic deformity was evident on standing X-rays that reduced in the supine position. He underwent posterior percutaneous screw fixation with rods extending from the T12 to L3 levels, with resolution of his mechanical pain. Nine months later, the CT demonstrated reconstitution of the vertebral bodies (i.e., volume increase of 6.99 cm3 (21%) and 7.49 cm3 (27%) at L1 and L2, respectively). Standing X-rays after hardware removal demonstrated 32.7° of lumbar lordosis and a reduction of focal kyphosis to 12.9°. Conclusion: Here, we present an exceedingly rare case of BCG vaccine-induced L1-2 spinal tuberculosis with extensive vertebral body destruction and deformity. This was effectively treated with standalone temporary pedicle fixation instead of corpectomy and reconstruction.

Basilar artery incarceration secondary to a longitudinal clivus fracture: A rare and favorable outcome of an often devastating injury.

Background: Clival fractures are a rare traumatic finding and are often the result of high-impact craniofacial trauma. Rarely, longitudinal clival fractures can be associated with incarceration of the basilar artery within the fracture and/or the sphenoid sinus. Of the 12 reported cases of basilar incarceration, 11 of these injuries have proved to be fatal due to pontine infarction. We present a patient with basilar artery incarceration without any neurologic deficits. Case Description: The case reported is a 17-year-old male who presented after a motor vehicle collision with a linear and longitudinal clival fracture with entrapment of the basilar artery within the sphenoid sinus. Diagnostic subtraction angiography showed a small intimal tear with possible intraluminal thrombus. The patient was started on aspirin and at 3-month post injury had no neurologic deficits. Conclusion: Basilar artery incarceration is an injury often associated with pontine infarction secondary to basilar artery dissection and/or thrombus developing at the site of entrapment. Our case illustrates a favorable outcome after this injury. Based on these results, antiplatelet therapy may be a viable option for prevention of brainstem infarcts in patients with this injury; however, further prospective studies must be done to assess the overall efficacy and validity of this treatment. There are no established treatment guidelines for this condition. Further research on this topic should also be tailored toward early identification of this pathology and prevention of thromboembolic sequelae of this injury.

Delayed Postoperative Tension Pneumocephalus Treated With a Subdural Evacuating Port System: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is a rare neurosurgical emergency due to the rise of intracranial pressure from air in the cranial cavity. Tension pneumocephalus' clinical presentation ranges from headache, visual alterations, altered mental status, and death. Given its nonspecific clinical presentation, tension pneumocephalus is usually diagnosed via computed tomography (CT) imaging. Open burr hole craniotomy is the preferred treatment method for tension pneumocephalus. Subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) drains have, however, seen increased utilization in neurosurgery due to decreased possibilities for infections, reduced seizure probability, and better outcomes post-surgery, especially for elderly patients. In this article, we present the case of a 67-year-old female with postoperative tension pneumocephalus after the evacuation of an acute subdural hematoma. The patient became symptomatic from tension pneumocephalus, which was evacuated using a subdural evacuating port system drain. Post-drain placement, the patient had a radiographic and clinical resolution of her tension pneumocephalus. Thesubdural evacuating port system is a useful adjunctive tool for treating tension pneumocephalus.Given the favorable characteristic profile of subdural evacuating port system drains compared to open surgical modalities, further inquiry should be pursued to analyze the feasibility of establishing subdural evacuating port systems as a less invasive treatment alternative.

Lumbar drains: Practical understanding and application for the otolaryngologist.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar drains are frequently used in patients with otolaryngologic concerns. These can be used therapeutically or prophylactically with the primary purpose being to modulate CSF pressure. Within otolaryngology, lumbar drains are most frequently used for cerebrospinal fluid leaks - either due to cerebrospinal fluid fistulas or in skull base surgery as these allow for potential healing of the defect. While not typically placed by otolaryngologists, a basic understanding of lumbar drains is beneficial in the context of patient management. MANAGEMENT: A lumbar drain is inserted into the intrathecal space in a patient's lumbar spine. Though considered to be a benign procedure, complications are relatively frequent, and adjustment or replacement of the drain may be required. Complications include infection, epidural bleeding, retained hardware, sequelae of relative immobility, or may relate to over-drainage, ranging from mild headache to cranial neuropathies, altered mental status, pneumocephalus, intracranial hemorrhage, and death. While in place, neurologic exams should be performed routinely and should include motor and sensory exams of the lower extremities. A patient should be monitored for fevers, nuchal rigidity, and other signs of infection or meningitis. The CSF fluid should be grossly examined to identify changes, but routine laboratory tests are not typically run on the fluid itself. Drainage rates will vary usually between 5 and 20 mL per hour and must be frequently reassessed and adjusted based upon signs of intracranial hypotension. Drains should be removed when appropriate and should not be left in more than 5 days due to the increased infectious risk. CONCLUSION: Lumbar drains are important tools used in patients with otolaryngologic pathologies. Otolaryngologists and otolaryngology residents should be familiar with these catheters to determine if they are working correctly and to identify adverse effects as early as possible.