[New, innovative prognosis calculator for patients with metastatic spinal tumors]. / Új, innovatív prognóziskalkulátor áttétes gerinctumoros betegek számára.

Background and purpose: The aim of our research was to create a scoring system that predicts prognosis and recommends therapeutic options for patients with metastatic spine tumor. Increasing oncological treatment opportunities and prolonged survival have led to a growing need to address clinical symptoms caused by meta-stases of the primary tumor. Spinal metastases can cause a significant reduction in quality of life due to the caused neurological deficits. A scoring system that predicts prognosis with sufficient accuracy could help us to achieve personalised treatment options. Methods: Methods - We performed a retrospective clinical research of data from patients over 18 years of age who underwent surgery due to symptomatic spinal metastasis at the National Institute of Mental Disorders, Neurology and Neurosurgery between 2008 and 2018. Data from 454 patients were analysed. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier, log-rank, Cox model) was performed, network science-based correlation analysis was used to select the proper prognostic factors of our scoring system, such that its C value (predictive ability index) was maximized. Results: Multivariate Cox analysis resulted in the identification of 5 independent prognostic factors (primary tumour type, age, ambulatory status, internal organ metastases, serum protein level). Our system predicted with an average accuracy of 70.6% over the 10-year study period. Conclusion: Our large case series of surgical dataset of patients with symptomatic spinal metastasis was used to create a risk calculator system that can help in the choice of therapy. Our risk calculator is also available online at https://emk.semmelweis.hu/gerincmet.

Sterile, abscess-like cerebral lesion during trastuzumab therapy after HER2 status switch in a triple negative breast cancer patient: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a global health problem - it is the most common malignancy among women. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) account for 10-20% of female breast cancer. Most TNBC cases confer poor prognosis. Brain metastasis appears in more than 15% in the triple negative breast cancer population, which causes serious decrease in survival. Changes of immunophenotype are not uncommon in breast cancer, offering new therapeutic options in cases where targetable proteins or pathways are being identified. CASE PRESENTATION: After five lines of chemotherapy and 82 months following the first diagnosis, our patient with brain metastatic triple negative breast cancer had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genetic heterogeneity in the metastatic tissue sample interpreted as HER2 status conversion. After the removal of the metastasis, we started first line therapy for metastatic HER2 positive cancer with trastuzumab and paclitaxel. After the first cycle of trastuzumab, on day 8, she had a seizure, and neurosurgical examination showed an abscess-like lesion. The punctate proved to be sterile by microbiological and pathological examination, so we continued cytostatic therapy without the anti-HER2 antibody. 3 months later, we could not identify the previous abscess-like lesion in the control computer tomography (CT) scan, and our patient had no neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the importance of regular tissue confirmation of predictive markers in progressive tumorous disease even if our presented case is not unequivocally a "conversion case". Tumor subtype is determined according to algorithms and definitions published in guidelines, nevertheless, use of different guidelines may lead to controversial interpretation in cases where HER2 genetic heterogeneity is present. Furthermore, we suggest that seronegative, aseptic intracranial fluid effusion after the removal of a brain metastasis may possibly be a side effect of trastuzumab.

Research on the predicting power of the revised Tokuhashi system: how much time can surgery give to patients with short life expectancy?

OBJECT: The primary treatment option for symptomatic metastatic spinal tumors is surgery. Prognostic systems are designed to assist in the establishment of the indication and the choice of surgical methodology. The best-known prognostic system is the revised Tokuhashi system, which has a predictive ability of about 60%. In our study, we are attempting to find the reason for its poor predictive ability, despite its proper separation ability. METHODS: We have designed a one-center-based retrospective clinical trial, by which we would like to test the feasibility and the inaccuracy of the revised Tokuhashi system. In our database, there are 329 patients who underwent surgery. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A significant increase in survival time was observed in the 'conservative' category. Earlier studies reported OS 0.15 at the 180-day control time, in contrast with our 0.38 OS value. The literature suggested supportive care for this category, but in our population, every patient underwent surgery. Our population passes the 0.15 OS value on day 475. We propose an adjustment of the Tokuhashi category scores. We observed significant success in resolving pain. Motor functions were improved or stabilized compared to changes in vegetative dysfunction. CONCLUSION: According to our results, the Tokuhashi scoring system makes very conservative predictions and prefers non-surgical palliative or supportive care. Surgical treatment increases the life expectancy of patients in poor condition. We propose modifying the therapeutic options of the revised Tokuhashi system, taking into consideration modern spine surgery techniques.

[Prognostic factors of surgically treated spinal meningeomas and long-term surgical outcomes]. / Spinalis meningeomák mutéti kezelését befolyásoló tényezok és a sebészi kezelés hosszú távú eredményei.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The spinal meningeomas are one of the most common types of spinal tumors. In the treatment of spinal meningeomas, the surgical removal is the gold standard method. There are many factors that have impacts on surgical outcomes such as age, preoperative neurological condition, the extent of resection and histological grade. The aim of our article is to analyze surgical experiences, prognostic features and long-term surgical outcomes of spinal meningeomas. METHODS: Retrospective database of surgically treated patients with spinal meningeomas between 2008 and 2016 was made in the National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Budapest, Hungary. Demographic data, preoperative neurological symptoms, radiological discrepancies, pathological results (histology, grade), types of treatments and postoperative results were examined. All of our patients were followed clinically and radiologically in the postoperative courses. RESULTS: All of the 153 patients were surgically treated. We have examined 112 women and 41 men. The average age of the patients was 65.5 years. In 98.7% of the cases, the postoperative control examinations (postoperative 6th week) showed a significant improvement in sensorial and motorial functions. The neurological improvements were evident right after the surgeries. In 2 cases (1.30%), no changes were observed in the preoperative symptoms. Recurrence was noticed in 4 cases (2.61%). CONCLUSION: According to our results, the spinal meningeomas can be sufficiently treated with early diagnosis and total surgical removal. Most of the patients become asymptomatic and the rate of recurrence is quite low.

[The effect of bevacizumab monotherapy on progression free survival in recurrent glioblastoma]. / A bevacizumab-monoterápia hatása a progressziómentes túlélésre rekurrens glioblastomában szenvedo betegek esetében.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Glioblastoma, WHO grade IV is the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor in adults. There are few articles and result about the efficacy of bevacizumab monotherapy. The aim of our paper is to examine the effect of bevacizumab therapy on progression free and overall survival in an extended database of recurrent glioblastoma patients. METHODS: In our retrospective study, patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with bevacizumab had been collected. All of our patients received first line chemo-irradiation according the Stupp protocol treatment. The histological diagnosis was primary or secondary glioblastoma in every patient. The prognostic features of primary and secondary glioblastomas were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were selected into the retrospective analysis. The histological diagnosis was primary glioblastoma in 65 patients (75.6%) and secondary glioblastoma in 21 patients (24.4%). The mean follow up period was 36.5 months. The mean second progression free survival beside bevacizumab therapy was 6.59 months and the mean overall survival was 24.55 months. In secunder glioblastoma cases, the mean second progression free survival was 6.16 months and the mean overall survival was 91.94 months. CONCLUSION: The bevacizumab therapy is a safe option in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Bevacizumab therapy has a positive effect both on progression free and overall survival and our results confirm the findings in the literature. There is no statistically significant difference in the second progression free survival between glioblastoma subtypes.

Minimally invasive spine surgery: systematic review.

Minimally invasive procedures in spine surgery have undergone significant development in recent times. These procedures have the common aim of avoiding biomechanical complications associated with some traditional destructive methods and improving efficacy. These new techniques prevent damage to crucial posterior stabilizers and preserve the structural integrity and stability of the spine. The wide variety of reported minimally invasive methods for different pathologies necessitates a systematic classification. In the present review, authors first provide a classification system of minimally invasive techniques based on the location of the pathologic lesion to be treated, to help the surgeon in selecting the appropriate procedure. Minimally invasive techniques are then described in detail, including technical features, advantages, complications, and clinical outcomes, based on available literature.

[The interactive neuroanatomical simulation and practical application of frontotemporal transsylvian exposure in neurosurgery]. / A frontotemporalis transsylvian feltárás szimulációja és alkalmazásának ismertetése.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is an increased need for new digital education tools in neurosurgical training. Illustrated textbooks offer anatomic and technical reference but do not substitute hands-on experience provided by surgery or cadaver dissection. Due to limited availability of cadaver dissections the need for development of simulation tools has been augmented. We explored simulation technology for producing virtual reality-like reconstructions of simulated surgical approaches on cadaver. Practical application of the simulation tool has been presented through frontotemporal transsylvian exposure. METHODS: The dissections were performed on two cadaveric heads. Arteries and veins were prepared and injected with colorful silicon rubber. The heads were rigidly fixed in Mayfield headholder. A robotic microscope with two digital cameras in inverted cone method of image acquisition was used to capture images around a pivot point in several phases of dissections. Multilayered, high-resolution images have been built into interactive 4D environment by custom developed software. RESULTS: We have developed the simulation module of the frontotemporal transsylvian approach. The virtual specimens can be rotated or tilted to any selected angles and examined from different surgical perspectives at any stage of dissections. Important surgical issues such as appropriate head positioning or surgical maneuvers to expose deep situated neuroanatomic structures can be simulated and studied by using the module. CONCLUSION: The simulation module of the frontotemporal transsylvian exposure helps to examine effect of head positioning on the visibility of deep situated neuroanatomic structures and study surgical maneuvers required to achieve optimal exposure of deep situated anatomic structures. The simulation program is a powerful tool to study issues of preoperative planning and well suited for neurosurgical training.

Biportal endoscopic technique in the treatment of spinal stenosis: early clinical experiences and results.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive procedures in spine surgery have undergone significant development in recent times. A demand emerged from both surgeons and patients to develop and perform these types of surgeries in order to prevent biomechanical and surgical complications. Our study aimed to present early clinical results of a biportal endoscopy technique in the treatment of degenerative spinal stenosis. METHOD: We created a retrospective database of patients who underwent biportal spinal endoscopic decompression at the National Institute of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, in 2019. The surgical steps of technique is discussed in details. RESULTS: Retrospectively, we identified and collected 21 patients in our retrospective analysis. The early results after endoscopic decompression were excellent, 17 patients (81%) mentioned good general comfort which coincided with small incisions and the preservation of posterior spinal muscles. Three patients (14%) mentioned good condition and minor postoperative pain which could be controlled with analgesics. One patients (5%) mentioned postoperative discomfort. The patients were controlled at 3, 6 and 9 months. The mean follow-up time was 7 months. DISCUSSION: Biportal endoscopic technique was developed to fulfil the requirements of minimally invasive techniques. Our results indicate this method may be highly effective for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis and an alternative to conventional microsurgical decompression; however, our study limited by its retrospective manner and small population size.

Miyazaki syndrome: Cervical myelo/radiculopathy caused by overshunting. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Miyazaki syndrome is a cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy caused by cervical epidural venous congestion, due to cerebrospinal fluid over-drainage by an implanted ventricular shunt. The complex pathophysiology includes CSF pressure-changes consistent with the Monro-Kellie doctrine and a non-functional Starling resistor, leading to spinal epidural venous plexus enlargement and dilation. This venous congestion may be significant enough to exert compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots. The typical clinical and imaging findings together with a history of ventricular CSF shunting may establish the diagnosis, proven by a successful treatment. The aim of treatment is the abrogation of CSF over-drainage. The eligible interventions may be the followings: the increase of the opening-pressure of the valve system by the insertion of a new programmable valve if necessary, closing or removing the shunt. AIM: We want to call attention to this rare iatrogenic condition with potentially severe consequences. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We perform a systematic literature-review and present our five cases. RESULTS: Once recognized in time, Miyazaki syndrome can be well taken care of. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic ventricular shunt need monitoring for CSF over-drainage to recognise potential complications such as cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy.

Prognostic Factors of Surgical Complications and Overall Survival of Patients with Metastatic Spinal Tumor.

OBJECTIVE: Oncologic treatments increase the incidence of spinal metastases. Surgical treatment of spinal metastases results in a high complication rate, which must set against the expected benefits. The aim of this article was to study the effect of several prognostic factors on surgical complications and survival time using an extended database of patients with spinal metastases. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 337 patients with spinal metastases who were surgically treated between 2008 and 2015. Demographic and clinical features, oncologic histories, surgical interventions, and end results were collected. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze the cohort of patients. Kaplan-Meier formula and log-rank test were used to examine overall survival times. RESULTS: Median overall survival time was 222 days (range, 175-274 days). Age, preoperative motor disorders, preoperative Frankel grade categories, Karnofsky performance scale, type of primary tumor, and presence of internal metastasis had a significant negative effect on overall survival. Complications such as bleeding or need for intensive care could be predicted preoperatively based on preoperative performance status, type of primary tumor, affected vertebral levels, and type of surgical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal metastatic disease is a challenging surgical problem. If the exact prognostic factors are known preoperatively, surgical outcome and overall survival can be predicted more precisely. Our results could provide a basis for a future multicenter prospective study to determine the best treatment protocol for patients with spinal metastases.

Analysis of Four Scoring Systems for the Prognosis of Patients with Metastasis of the Vertebral Column.

OBJECTIVE: Metastatic spinal diseases are common health problems and there is no consensus on the appropriate treatment of metastases in several conditions. Using clinical measures (e.g., survival time and functional status), prognosis prediction systems advise on the appropriate interventions. The aim of this article is to assess and compare 4 widely used scoring systems (revised Tokuhashi, Tomita, van der Linden, and modified Bauer scores) on a single-center cohort. METHODS: A retrospective study was designed of 329 patients who were subjected to surgery because of metastatic spinal diseases. Subpopulations according to the classifications of the 4 scoring systems were identified. The overall survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier formula. The difference between the survival curves of subpopulations was analyzed with log-rank tests. The consistency rates for the 4 scoring systems are calculated as well. RESULTS: The follow-up period was 8 years. The median survival time was 222 days. The overall survival of prognostic categories in 3 scoring systems was significantly different from each other, but we found no differences between the categories of the van der Linden system. In this cohort, the revised Tokuhashi system gave the best approximation for survival, with a mean predictive capability 60.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of 4 standard scoring systems showed that 3 were self-consistent, although none of systems was able to predict the survival in our cohort. Based on the predictive capability, the revised Tokuhashi system may provide the best predictions with careful examination of individual cases.

Incidence, Morbidity, and Surgical Outcomes of Complex Spinal Inflammatory Syndromes in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Spondylodiscitis is a rare inflammatory syndrome affecting intervertebral discs and adjacent vertebral bodies. Without appropriate therapy, serious complications, such as secondary spinal epidural abscess (SEA), may prolong recovery time. In this study, we compared the main characteristics of our cohort of patients with spondylodiscitis with those of patients reported in the international literature and analyzed the impact of complications associated with spondylodiscitis on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study based on the database of the National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Hungary, between 2008 and 2015. We collected 78 patients suffering from primary spondylodiscitis or primary spinal epidural abscess. Based on the main clinical characteristics of our population (demographic features, initial symptoms, concurrent diseases, laboratory findings, microbiological diagnosis, therapy and clinical outcome) we constructed a database. Odds ratio (OR) counting was used to define the correlation between etiology and stage of recovery. RESULTS: We found a mild increase in the incidence of spondylodiscitis compared with international standards, and main demographic and clinical characteristics in concordance with international trends. Primary, noncomplicated spondylodiscitis had the best outcome results (OR, 1.25), and complicated spondylodiscitis had the worst, as well as the lowest OR for total recovery (0.6). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical characteristics of our study cohort did not differ from the international trends. Primary, noncomplicated spondylodiscitis has the highest odds for absolute recovery. Secondary spinal epidural abscess exacerbates ongoing spondylodiscitis, and thus should be considered a poor prognostic factor for spondylodiscitis. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent serious complications and provide better outcomes.

Management Strategy of Osteoblastomas Localized in the Occipitocervical Junction.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to analyze extracted patient data from the literature and highlight the best treatment options and survival outcomes for osteoblastomas in the occipitocervical region. METHODS: A systematic literature search method was used to select articles containing information about the demographic features, tumor location, treatment characteristics, adjuvant therapies, and follow-up time. RESULTS: From 25 articles, 31 cases of osteoblastoma in the occipitocervical junction were selected for analysis. Average patient age was 17 years (range, 5-57 years); there were 21 male (67%) and 10 female (33%) patients. All patients had cervical pain as the presenting symptom. Other symptoms included torticollis (0.13%) and sensory or motor neurologic deficits (0.16%). The average follow-up time was 41 months, and the local recurrence rate was 0.125%. Recommendations of each article are categorized and discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoblastoma is a rare entity in the occipitocervical region, so treatment experiences are limited and mostly based on case reports. To determine the best treatment for these lesions, osteoblastomas should be staged using the Enneking staging system; different methods may be recommended for different stages, and the feasibility of fusion depends on the remaining amount of bony structures and joints. Additional adjuvant therapies may be recommended only in special cases.

Long-Term Outcome of Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach for the Treatment of Pontine Cavernous Malformation: Case Report with 11 Years of Follow-Up.

Ventromedial localized cavernous malformations in the pons pose a difficult problem because of their surgical access and the high risk of deleterious consequences due to damage of the surrounding tissues. We report an endonasal transsphenoidal approach for the treatment of ventromedial pontine cavernomas that also follows principles of optimal access known as the "two-point method" for the resection of cavernous malformations. A 31-year-old woman presented with sudden left hemiparesis, nausea, and headache. Radiologic findings demonstrated a ventral pontine cavernous malformation in the midline slightly extending to the right, together with signs of acute hemorrhage. Surgical intervention was performed, and the cavernoma was completely resected via a transnasal transsphenoidal approach. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea that ensued postoperatively needed an additional reconstructive surgery using the same approach. No further CSF leakage was evident, and an 11-year follow-up examination revealed neither signs of neurologic deficit nor recurrence of the resected pontine cavernoma. The long-term outcome proves the effectiveness and safety of this novel surgical route in the treatment of ventromedial cavernous malformations in the pons.

Long-term effectiveness of an ad hoc tailored titanium implant as a spacer for microvascular decompression in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia caused by megadolichoectatic basilar artery anomaly: 9-year follow-up.

An enlarged, elongated, ectatic, and sclerotic aberration of the vertebrobasilar system is known as a megadolichoectatic basilar artery (BA) anomaly. The anomaly is often involved in the pathological process of trigeminal neuralgia by compressing and distorting the trigeminal nerve. First-line medical treatment includes drug therapy, but a second-line surgical procedure could be effective in medication-resistant cases. The authors report the case of a 65-year-old man with a 12-year history of progressing trigeminal neuralgia who underwent microvascular decompression after the first-line drug treatment had failed. This case is unique because an in situ tailored titanium microplate was used as a spacer to alleviate compression by the BA on the trigeminal nerve. The titanium implant provided durable and sufficient retraction for the sclerotic arterial complex when the trigeminal nerve was placed in the tunnel of the implant. The 9-year follow-up examination proves the safety and long-term efficacy of titanium implants in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia caused by a megadolichoectatic BA anomaly. The method applied in this case was not intended to be and certainly is not an alternative to routine microvascular decompression-this surgical solution may be reserved for some extreme cases.

Multiple abscesses with osteomyelitis and destruction of both the atlas and the axis in a 4-week-old infant.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual case of a 4-week-old infant with multiple abscesses, which propagated to the cervical region and destroyed the C1-C2 vertebrae. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical vertebral osteomyelitis involving the atlas and axis in childhood is distinctly unusual, which may lead to the rapid destruction of the vertebral body. Propagation of a retropharyngeal abscess is the major cause of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis. Only a limited number of infant case reports are published, and no case of osteomyelitis with the destruction of both the atlas and the dens axis has been reported previously. METHODS: A 1-month-old infant with multiple craniospinal and thoracic abscesses was surgically treated. Therapy was completed with antibiotics and immobilization. Follow-up was carried out with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic scans, and functional radiographical diagnostics. RESULTS: The retropharyngeal and thoracic abscesses were surgically removed. The infant was placed in a custom-made fixation device for 8 weeks. Two months later, follow-up functional examination revealed no significant instability of the cervical spine. During a 3-year-long follow-up period, no signs of neurological impairment were observed, neck movements were limited but painless. It is assumed that the remnants of the bony elements of C1-C2 vertebrae and the massive interconnecting postinflammatory scar tissue make some degree of neck movements possible. CONCLUSION: C1-C2 osteomyelitis is a very rare entity even in children. There is limited experience with treatment, but immobilization of the neck, surgical debridement, drainage, and antibiotic treatment can be recommended. Close follow-up is required to check the reconstitution of affected bones and ligaments, any development of instability, and the necessity of surgical stabilization.