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.

What should otolaryngologists know about dural venous sinus stenting?

Dural venous sinus stenting is an emerging and exciting area in otolaryngology in collaboration with neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists. The first cases were reported 20 years ago. It is now considered part of the routine treatment of increased intracranial pressure due to transverse sinus stenosis. ENT doctors are the first to see these patients in their clinics, as sinus headaches, pulsating tinnitus, and dizziness are the most common symptoms. Previously, with limited success, high-dose diuretics and intracranial shunts had been the only options for treating these patients. Other methods, such as covering the sigmoid sinuses with graft material, appear to cause a sudden increase in intracranial pressure that can lead to blindness and even death. This overview summarizes the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients who will benefit from endovascular sinus stenting for elevated intracranial pressure.

The Impact of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Duration on Unruptured Aneurysm Occlusion After Flow Diversion: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: Endoluminal flow diversion reduces blood flow into intracranial aneurysms, promoting thrombosis. Postprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is necessary for the prevention of thromboembolic complications. The purpose of this study is to therefore assess the impact that the type and duration of DAPT has on aneurysm occlusion rates and iatrogenic complications after flow diversion. METHODS: A retrospective review of a multicenter aneurysm database was performed from 2012 to 2020 to identify unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with single device flow diversion and ≥12-month follow-up. Clinical and radiologic data were analyzed with aneurysm occlusion as a function of DAPT duration serving as a primary outcome measure. RESULTS: Two hundred five patients underwent flow diversion with a single pipeline embolization device with 12.7% of treated aneurysms remaining nonoccluded during the study period. There were no significant differences in aneurysm morphology or type of DAPT used between occluded and nonoccluded groups. Nonoccluded aneurysms received a longer mean duration of DAPT (9.4 vs 7.1 months, P = 0.016) with a significant effect of DAPT duration on the observed aneurysm occlusion rate (F(2, 202) = 4.2, P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in the rate of complications, including delayed ischemic strokes, observed between patients receiving short (≤6 months) and prolonged duration (>6 months) DAPT (7.9% vs 9.3%, P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: After flow diversion, an abbreviated duration of DAPT lasting 6 months may be most appropriate before transitioning to low-dose aspirin monotherapy to promote timely aneurysm occlusion while minimizing thromboembolic complications.

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.

Association of Elevated Body Mass Index with Functional Outcome and Mortality following Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Obesity Paradox Revisited.

BACKGROUND: Previous literature has identified a survival advantage in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with elevated body mass indices (BMIs), a phenomenon termed the "obesity paradox." OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent association between obesity and clinical outcomes following AIS. METHODS: Weighted discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were queried to identify AIS patients from 2015 to 2018. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modeling were performed to evaluate associations between obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and clinical endpoints following adjustment for acute stroke severity and comorbidity burden. RESULTS: Among 1,687,805 AIS patients, 216,775 (12.8%) were obese. Compared to nonobese individuals, these patients were younger (64 vs. 72 mean years), had lower baseline NIHSS scores (6.9 vs. 7.9 mean score), and a higher comorbidity burden. Multivariable analysis demonstrated independent associations between obesity and lower likelihood of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71, 0.82, p < 0.001; hazard ratio 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.97, p = 0.015), intracranial hemorrhage (aOR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82, 0.93, p < 0.001), and routine discharge to home (aOR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99; p = 0.015). Mortality rates between obese and nonobese patients were significantly lower across stroke severity thresholds, but this difference was attenuated among high severity (NIHSS > 20) strokes (21.6% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.358). Further stratification of the cohort into BMI categories demonstrated a "U-shaped" association with mortality (underweight aOR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.79; p < 0.001, overweight aOR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.99; p = 0.046, obese aOR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.83; p < 0.001, severely obese aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.87; p = 0.485). Sub-cohort assessment of thrombectomy-treated patients demonstrated an independent association of obesity (BMI 30-40) with lower mortality (aOR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.96; p = 0.015), but not with routine discharge. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional analysis demonstrates a lower likelihood of discharge to home as well as in-hospital mortality in obese patients following AIS, suggestive of a protective effect of obesity against mortality but not against all poststroke neurological deficits in the short term which would necessitate placement in acute rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.

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.

Radiation-induced spinal cord glioblastoma subsequent to treatment of medulloblastoma: case report.

Medulloblastomas are one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors. Therapy has evolved into multimodality treatments consisting of surgery, radiation, and adjuvant chemotherapy. While craniospinal radiation remains standard for patients older than 3 years of age, it is not free of side effects and long-term complications. The development of malignant gliomas following therapy is a well-documented phenomenon. However, the majority of these radiation-induced glioblastomas (RIG) are intracranial, and intraspinal lesions are rare. The patient is a 22-year-old female with a history of a posterior fossa medulloblastoma diagnosed 8 years prior for which she underwent surgical resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and craniospinal radiation. Surveillance imaging showed no evidence of recurrence or new lesions for the following 5 years. She presented with nausea and vomiting and imaging revealing a new intramedullary cervical spinal cord lesion. She then developed acute quadriplegia several days after presentation. She underwent a cervical laminectomy and resection of this lesion, which was initially diagnosed as recurrent medulloblastoma before genomic analysis ultimately revealed it to be a RIG. Spinal RIGs that occur secondary to treatment for an intracranial neoplasm are exceedingly rare. The majority of spinal cord RIGs have been reported secondary to treatment for tumors outside of the neuroaxis, while the majority of RIGs secondary to treatment for intracranial tumors remain intracranial. Nevertheless, RIGs are associated with a short clinical history, aggressive progression, and poor outcome.

Incidence of Neo-Intimal Hyperplasia in Anterior Circulation Aneurysms Following Pipeline Flow Diversion.

INTRODUCTION: Flow diversion of the distal anterior circulation cerebral vasculature may be used for management of wide necked aneurysms not amenable to other endovascular approaches. Follow-up angiography sometimes demonstrates neo-intimal hyperplasia within or adjacent to the stent, however there is limited evidence in the literature examining the incidence in MCA and ACA aneurysms. We present our experience with flow diversion of the distal vasculature and evaluate the incidence of neo-intimal hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients who underwent Pipeline embolization device (PED) treatment for ruptured and unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. RESULTS: A total of 251 anterior circulation aneurysms were treated by pipeline flow diversion, of which 175 were ICA aneurysms, 14 were ACA aneurysms and 18 were MCA aneurysms. 6-month follow-up angiography was available in 207 patients. The incidence of neo-intimal hyperplasia was 15.9%, 21.4%, and 61.1% in ICA, ACA, and MCA aneurysms, respectively. MCA-territory aneurysms developed neo-intimal hyperplasia at a significantly higher rate than aneurysms in other vessel territories. Rates of aneurysmal occlusion did not significantly differ from those patients who did not exhibit intimal hyperplasia on follow-up angiography. CONCLUSION: In our experience, flow diversion of distal wide-necked MCA and ACA aneurysms is a safe and effective treatment strategy. The presence of neo-intimal hyperplasia at 6-month angiography is typically clinically asymptomatic. Given the statistically higher rate of neo-intimal hyperplasia in MCA aneurysms at 6-month angiography, we propose delaying initial follow-up angiography to 12-months and maintaining dual antiplatelet therapy during that time.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in COVID-19 Infection: A Case Series and Review of The Literature.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, has recently been associated with a myriad of hematologic derangements; in particular, an unusually high incidence of venous thromboembolism has been reported in patients with COVID-19 infection. It is postulated that either the cytokine storm induced by the viral infection or endothelial damage caused by viral binding to the ACE-2 receptor may activate a cascade leading to a hypercoaguable state. Although pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis have been well described in patients with COVID-19 infection, there is a paucity of literature on cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (cVST) associated with COVID-19 infection. cVST is an uncommon etiology of stroke and has a higher occurrence in women and young people. We report a series of three patients at our institution with confirmed COVID-19 infection and venous sinus thrombosis, two of whom were male and one female. These cases fall outside the typical demographic of patients with cVST, potentially attributable to COVID-19 induced hypercoaguability. This illustrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for cVST in patients with COVID-19 infection, particularly those with unexplained cerebral hemorrhage, or infarcts with an atypical pattern for arterial occlusive disease.

Acute Cerebrovascular Disorders and Vasculopathies Associated with Significant Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Admitted to The Intensive Care Unit in The New York Epicenter.

The current Coronavirus pandemic due to the novel SARS-Cov-2 virus has proven to have systemic and multi-organ involvement with high acuity neurological conditions including acute ischemic strokes. We present a case series of consecutive COVID-19 patients with cerebrovascular disease treated at our institution including 3 cases of cerebral artery dissection including subarachnoid hemorrhage. Knowledge of the varied presentations including dissections will help treating clinicians at the bedside monitor and manage these complications preemptively.

Decompressive craniectomy with scalp expansion graft using a temporary synthetic skin substitute in the pediatric population: case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The use of decompressive craniectomy in children is controversial and often reserved for patients with refractory intracranial hypertension. Following decompression, skin closure in select cases can be challenging due to brain herniation and swelling through the craniectomy defect. In these cases, partial cortical debridement is sometimes performed. METHODS: We describe two cases in which a synthetic skin substitute was used to facilitate a tension-free closure, rather than performing a partial lobectomy. RESULTS: At 6-month follow-up, both patients are at preoperative cognitive baseline, with some residual hemiparesis. DISCUSSION: We believe that use of a synthetic skin substitute for skin closure after decompression is a suitable option for closure of traumatic scalp wounds and may contribute to improved functional outcome in patients with severe intraoperative brain swelling.

The role of 5-aminolevulinic acid in spinal tumor surgery: a review.

PURPOSE: Primary intradural spinal neoplasms account for a small proportion of central nervous system tumors. The primary treatment for these tumors consists of maximal safe resection and preservation of neurologic function. Gross total resection, which is associated with the lowest rate of tumor recurrence and longer progression-free survival for most histologies, can be difficult to achieve. Currently, the use of 5-aminolevulinc acid (5-ALA) which takes advantage of Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence, is a well-established technique for improving resection of malignant cerebral gliomas. This technique is being increasingly applied to other cerebral neoplasms, and multiple studies have attempted to evaluate the utility of 5-ALA-aided resection of spinal neoplasms. METHODS: The authors reviewed the existing literature on the use of 5-ALA and PpIX fluorescence as an aid to resection of primary and secondary spinal neoplasms by searching the PUBMED and EMBASE database for records up to March 2018. Data was abstracted from all studies describing spinal neurosurgical uses in the English language. RESULTS: In the reviewed studies, the most useful fluorescence was observed in meningiomas, ependymomas, drop metastases from cerebral gliomas, and hemangiopericytomas of the spine, which is consistent with applications in cerebral neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: The available literature is significantly limited by a lack of standardized methods for measurement and quantification of 5-ALA fluorescence. The results of the reviewed studies should guide future development of rational trial protocols for the use of 5-ALA guided resection in spinal neoplasms.

Respirable silica dust suppression during artificial stone countertop cutting.

PURPOSE: To assess the relative efficacy of three types of controls in reducing respirable silica exposure during artificial stone countertop cutting with a handheld circular saw. APPROACH: A handheld worm drive circular saw equipped with a diamond segmented blade was fitted with water supply to wet the blade as is typical. The normal wetted-blade condition was compared to (i) wetted-blade plus 'water curtain' spray and (ii) wetted-blade plus local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Four replicate 30-min trials of 6-mm deep, 3-mm wide cuts in artificial quartz countertop stone were conducted at each condition in a 24-m(3) unventilated tent. One dry cutting trial was also conducted for comparison. Respirable cyclone breathing zone samples were collected on the saw operator and analyzed gravimetrically for respirable mass and by X-ray diffraction for respirable quartz mass. RESULTS: Mean quartz content of the respirable dust was 58.5%. The ranges of 30-min mass and quartz task concentrations in mg m(-3) were as follows-wet blade alone: 3.54-7.51 and 1.87-4.85; wet blade + curtain: 1.81-5.97 and 0.92-3.41; and wet blade + LEV: 0.20-0.69 and <0.12-0.20. Dry cutting task concentrations were 69.6 mg m(-3) mass and 44.6 mg m(-3) quartz. There was a statistically significant difference (α = 0.05) between the wet blade + LEV and wet blade only conditions, but not between the wet blade + curtain and wet blade only conditions, for both respirable dust and respirable silica. CONCLUSIONS: Sawing with a wetted blade plus LEV reduced mean respirable dust and quartz task exposures by a factor of 10 compared to the wet blade only condition. We were unable to show a statistically significant benefit of a water curtain in the ejection path, but the data suggested some respirable dust suppression.

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.

Endovascular therapy for anterior circulation emergent large vessel occlusion stroke in patients with large ischemic cores: a report of the SNIS Standards and Guidelines Committee.

BACKGROUND: Early clinical trials validating endovascular therapy (EVT) for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation initially focused on patients with small or absent completed infarctions (ischemic cores) to maximize the probability of detecting a clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefit of EVT. Subsequently, real-world experience suggested that patients with large core ischemic strokes (LCS) at presentation may also benefit from EVT. Several large, retrospective, and prospective randomized clinical trials have recently been published that further validate this approach. These guidelines aim to provide an update for endovascular treatment of LCS. METHODS: A structured literature review of LCS studies available since 2019 and grading the strength and quality of the evidence was performed. Recommendations were made based on these new data by consensus of the authors, with additional input from the full SNIS Standards and Guidelines Committee and the SNIS Board of Directors. RESULTS: The management of ELVO strokes with large ischemic cores continues to evolve. The expert panel agreed on several recommendations: Recommendation 1: In patients with anterior circulation ELVO who present within 24 hours of last known normal with large infarct core (70-149 mL or ASPECTS 3-5) and meet other criteria of RESCUE-Japan LIMIT, SELECT2, ANGEL-ASPECT, TESLA, TENSION, or LASTE trials, thrombectomy is indicated (Class I, Level A). Recommendations 2-7 flow directly from recommendation 1. Recommendation 2: EVT in patients with LCS aged 18-85 years is beneficial (Class I, Level A). Recommendation 3: EVT in patients with LCS >85 years of age may be beneficial (Class I, Level B-R). Recommendation 4: Patients with LCS and NIHSS score 6-30 benefit from EVT in LCS (Class I, Level A). Recommendation 5: Patients with LCS and NIHSS score <6 and >30 may benefit from EVT in LCS (Class IIa, Level A). Recommendation 6: Patients with LCS and low baseline mRS (0-1) benefit from EVT (Class I, Level A). Recommendation 7: Patients with LCS and time of last known well 0-24 hours benefit from EVT (Class I, Level A). Recommendation 8: It is recommended that patients with ELVO LCS who also meet the criteria for on-label or guideline-directed use of IV thrombolysis receive IV thrombolysis, irrespective of whether endovascular treatments are being considered (Class I, Level B-NR). CONCLUSIONS: The indications for endovascular treatment of ELVO strokes continue to expand and now include patients with large ischemic cores on presentation. Further prospective randomized studies, including follow-up to assess the population-based efficacy of treating patients with LCS, are warranted.

The Impact of Preprocedural Platelet Function Testing on Periprocedural Complication Rates Associated With Pipeline Flow Diversion: An International Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is necessary to minimize the risk of periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with aneurysm embolization using pipeline embolization device (PED). We aimed to assess the impact of platelet function testing (PFT) on reducing periprocedural thromboembolic complications associated with PED flow diversion in patients receiving aspirin and clopidogrel. METHODS: Patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms requiring PED flow diversion were identified from 13 centers for retrospective evaluation. Clinical variables including the results of PFT before treatment, periprocedural DAPT regimen, and intracranial complications occurring within 72 h of embolization were identified. Complication rates were compared between PFT and non-PFT groups. Differences between groups were tested for statistical significance using the Wilcoxon rank sum, Fisher exact, or χ 2 tests. A P -value <.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: 580 patients underwent PED embolization with 262 patients dichotomized to the PFT group and 318 patients to the non-PFT group. 13.7% of PFT group patients were clopidogrel nonresponders requiring changes in their pre-embolization DAPT regimen. Five percentage of PFT group [2.8%, 8.5%] patients experienced thromboembolic complications vs 1.6% of patients in the non-PFT group [0.6%, 3.8%] ( P = .019). Two (15.4%) PFT group patients with thromboembolic complications experienced permanent neurological disability vs 4 (80%) non-PFT group patients. 3.7% of PFT group patients [1.5%, 8.2%] and 3.5% [1.8%, 6.3%] of non-PFT group patients experienced hemorrhagic intracranial complications ( P > .9). CONCLUSION: Preprocedural PFT before PED treatment of intracranial aneurysms in patients premedicated with an aspirin and clopidogrel DAPT regimen may not be necessary to significantly reduce the risk of procedure-related intracranial complications.

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.

Nutritional interventions in adult fibrostenotic Crohn's disease: A systematic review.

Background: Management of Crohn's disease (CD) using dietary interventions has become an area of increased research interest. There is a lack of specific research exploring if diet and nutrition interventions are beneficial in patients with strictures, as current dietary recommendations in fibrostenotic CD are often based on clinical judgment. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of dietary interventions in fibrostenotic CD on medical and surgical outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid) was conducted. Studies reporting dietary interventions or nutritional factors in fibrostenotic CD were included. Outcomes for studies assessing dietary interventions such as enteral nutrition were evaluated as changes in (1) CD symptoms (CD Activity Index), (2) stricture parameters on diagnostic imaging, and (3) rates of surgical or medical intervention following dietary interventions. Results: Five studies were included in this review. Three studies assessed exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), one evaluated total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and one studied a liquid diet. All included studies evaluated symptoms as an outcome, while diagnostic imaging parameters and surgical outcomes in the studies were either absent or too heterogeneous to appraise improvement post dietary intervention. Included EEN studies displayed similar efficacy, with approximately 60% of patients having symptom improvement. The included TPN study also reported 75% of patients with symptom improvement, while the liquid diet did not. Conclusion: Exclusive enteral nutrition and total parental nutrition may provide benefit for use as a dietary intervention for fibrostenotic CD. There remains a need for high-quality controlled trials which utilize standardized definitions of strictures.