Defining activities in neurovascular microsurgery training: entrustable professional activities for vascular neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) represent an assessment framework with an increased focus on competency-based assessment. Originally developed and adopted for undergraduate medical education, concerns over resident ability to practice effectively after graduation have led to its implementation in residency training but yet not in vascular neurosurgery. Subjective assessment of resident or fellow performance can be problematic, and thus, we aim to define core EPAs for neurosurgical vascular training. METHODS: We used a nominal group technique in a multistep interaction between a team of experienced neurovascular specialists and a medical educator to identify relevant EPAs. Panel members provided feedback on the EPAs until they reached consent. RESULTS: The process produced seven core procedural EPAs for vascular residency and fellowship training, non-complex aneurysm surgery, complex aneurysm surgery, bypass surgery, arteriovenous malformation resection, spinal dural fistula surgery, perioperative management, and clinical decision-making. CONCLUSION: These seven EPAs for vascular neurosurgical training may support and guide the neurosurgical society in the development and implementation of EPAs as an evaluation tool and incorporate entrustment decisions in their training programs.

Cotinine levels influence the risk of rupture of brain aneurysms.

Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, is currently regarded as the best biomarker of tobacco smoke exposure. We aim to assess whether cotinine levels are associated with (1) intracranial aneurysm and (2) intracranial aneurysm rupture. METHODS: We performed a single-center case-control study. Cases were consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of brain aneurysm (ruptured or unruptured). We randomly selected controls without intracranial aneurysm from the same source population that produced the cases. Smoking data were collected by questionnaire, and serum levels of cotinine were used as an objective measure of nicotine exposure. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between cotinine levels and aneurysm rupture. RESULTS: We included 86 patients with intracranial aneurysm and 96 controls. Smoking status (p < .001), cotinine levels (p = .009), and female sex (p = .006) were associated with diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm. In the multivariate analysis, controlling for sex, smoker status and age, levels of cotinine were independently associated with aneurysm rupture (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10-2.13, p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that high cotinine levels in smokers with brain aneurysm are significantly associated with high rupture risk, independently of smoker status, age, and sex.

Preoperative brain shift is a prognostic factor for survival in certain neurosurgical diseases other than severe head injury: a case series and literature review.

Preoperative brain shift after severe brain injury is a prognostic factor for survival. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative brain shift in conditions other than severe head injury has significant prognostic value. We analyzed a radiological database of 800 consecutive patients, who underwent neurosurgical treatment. Brain shift was measured at two anatomical landmarks: Monro's foramina (MF) and the corpus callosum (CC). Four hundred seventy-three patients were included. The disease exerting the highest mean brain shift was acute subdural hematoma (MF 11.6 mm, CC 12.4 mm), followed by intraparenchymal hematoma (MF 10.2 mm, CC 10.3 mm) and malignant ischemia (MF 10.4 mm, CC 10.5 mm). On univariate analysis, brain shift was a significant negative factor for survival in all diseases (p < 0.001). Analyzed individually by group, brain shift at both anatomical landmarks had a statistically significant effect on survival in malignant ischemia and at one anatomical landmark in chronic subdural and intraparenchymal hematomas. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the only independent factor negatively impacting survival was brain shift at MF (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.95) and CC (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85-0.96). Brain shift is a prognostic factor for survival in patients with expansive intracranial lesions in certain neurosurgical diseases. MF and CC are reliable anatomical landmarks and should be quoted routinely in radiological reports as well as in neurosurgical practice.

Recurrent high-grade glioma surgery: a multimodal intraoperative protocol to safely increase extent of tumor resection and analysis of its impact on patient outcome.

OBJECTIVE: No consensus exists on the best treatment for recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG), particularly in terms of surgical indications, and scant data are available on the integrated use of multiple technologies to overcome intraoperative limits and pitfalls related to artifacts secondary to previous surgery and radiotherapy. Here, the authors report on their experience with the integration of multiple intraoperative tools in recurrent HGG surgery, analyzing their pros and cons as well as their effectiveness in increasing the extent of tumor resection. In addition, they present a review of the relevant literature on this topic. METHODS: The authors reviewed all cases in which recurrent HGG had been histologically diagnosed after a first surgery and the patient had undergone a second surgery involving neuronavigation with MRI, intraoperative CT (iCT), 11C-methionine-positron emission tomography (11C-MET-PET), 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), and intraoperative navigated ultrasound (iUS). All cases were classified according to tumor functional grade (1, noneloquent area; 2, near an eloquent area; 3, eloquent area). RESULTS: Twenty patients with recurrent HGG were operated on using a multimodal protocol. The recurrent tumor functional grade was 1 in 4 patients, 2 in 8 patients, and 3 in the remaining 8 patients. In all patients but 2, 100% EOTR was obtained. Intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence and navigated iUS showed low specificity and sensitivity. iCT detected tumor remnants in 3 cases. Postoperatively, 6 patients (30%) had worsening neurological conditions: 4 recovered within 90 days, 1 partially recovered, and 1 experienced a permanent deficit. The median Karnofsky Performance Status remained substantially unchanged over the follow-up period. The mean progression-free survival after the second surgery was 7.7 months (range 2-11 months). The mean overall survival was 25.4 months (range 10-52 months), excluding 2 long survivors. Two patients died within 60 days after surgery, and 3 patients were still under follow-up at the end of this study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study reporting the integration of neuronavigation, 5-ALA fluorescence, iUS, iCT, 11C-MET-PET, and IOM during microsurgical resection of recurrent glioma. The authors believe that the proposed multimodal protocol is useful to increase the safety, effectiveness, and EOTR in patients with recurrent HGG and brain alterations secondary to radio- and chemotherapy.

IER-SICH Nomogram to Predict Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage After Thrombectomy for Stroke.

Background and Purpose- As a reliable scoring system to detect the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombectomy for ischemic stroke is not yet available, we developed a nomogram for predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation who received bridging of thrombectomy with intravenous thrombolysis (training set), and to validate the model by using a cohort of patients treated with direct thrombectomy (test set). Methods- We conducted a cohort study on prospectively collected data from 3714 patients enrolled in the IER (Italian Registry of Endovascular Stroke Treatment in Acute Stroke). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was defined as any type of intracerebral hemorrhage with increase of ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score points from baseline ≤24 hours or death. Based on multivariate logistic models, the nomogram was generated. We assessed the discriminative performance by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, onset-to-end procedure time, age, unsuccessful recanalization, and Careggi collateral score composed the IER-SICH nomogram. After removing Careggi collateral score from the first model, a second model including Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was developed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the IER-SICH nomogram was 0.778 in the training set (n=492) and 0.709 in the test set (n=399). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the second model was 0.733 in the training set (n=988) and 0.685 in the test set (n=779). Conclusions- The IER-SICH nomogram is the first model developed and validated for predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after thrombectomy. It may provide indications on early identification of patients for more or less postprocedural intensive management.

Massive intracranial bleeding due to the rupture of a rare spontaneous pseudoaneurysm of the middle cerebral artery in a pediatric patient: case report with clinical, radiological, and pathologic findings.

Intracranial pseudoaneurysm (IPA) is a rare but likely underdiagnosed cause of intracranial hemorrhage, which accounts for just 1-6% of all intracranial aneurysms. Spontaneous IPAs are exceptionally rare, and their etiology and features are not well defined. Herein, we report a case of a pediatric patient who died from massive intracranial bleeding due to the rupture of a spontaneous IPA after undergoing multiple radiological studies and neurosurgical operations. At the postmortem examination of the brain, a giant size pseudoaneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery was observed. Microscopic examination demonstrated variable wall thickness and dense fibrosis focally in the vessel wall with disruption of the media structure together with a loss and fragmentation of the elastic laminae, loss of organization of smooth muscle cells in the media, and multifocal areas of hemorrhage throughout the vessel wall, as well as direct evidence of wall dissection. Since IPAs without any traumatic or infective history are extremely uncommon, further pathologic studies should be performed to clarify spontaneous pseudoaneurysm etiology.

Stent-assisted coiling in ruptured cerebral aneurysms: multi-center experience in acute phase.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to report on a multi-center experience of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated in acute phase with stent-assisted coil embolization, including primary success rates and midterm follow-up results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on a sample of 40 patients (14 men, 26 women, mean age 59.7 years) affected by ruptured saccular aneurysms and treated by stent-assisted coiling in acute phase; double antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel bisulphate and acetylsalicylic acid was started after the procedure. Angiographic follow-up at 1 year was recorded. RESULTS: 20 % of the aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, and 85 % presented a wide neck. Mean size of the sac was 7 mm (range 3-22 mm). Complete sac exclusion was obtained in 92.5 % and neck remnant in 7.5 %. The overall complications rate was 15 %. In 7.5 %, stent occlusion occurred intra-procedurally. In 12.5 %, re-bleeding was detected within 3 weeks after the procedure. Ischemic area related to the procedure was observed at follow-up in 7.5 %. Hydrocephalus developed in 15 %. 7.5 % presented with sac re-bleeding between 1 and 5 months after the procedure. In 15 %, the 3-6 months of follow-up revealed aneurysm refilling. 25 % of the patients presented vessel stenosis at the 1-year DSA of control. 33 % of the patients reported sensory-motor deficits. 82.5 % had a favorable outcome (GOS: IV-V), while 17.5 % presented a poor score (GOS: I-III). CONCLUSIONS: Stent-assisted coil embolization is a feasible endovascular treatment option for ruptured intracranial aneurysms, which is difficult to approach with simple coiling; however, neurointerventionalists need to consider a mild increase of post-procedural complications rate.

Real-Time Distal, Multifocal, Repeated Lenticulostriate Bleeding Points during Thrombectomy in a Patient with Acute Variable M1 Occlusion: A Case Report and a Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage can be classified as either primary or secondary to various conditions such as vascular anomalies or stroke. We present a case of real-time incident detected on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) during thrombectomy in a patient with acute variable M1 occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted: this is the first real-time visualization using DSA of a basal ganglia hematoma formation secondary to distal multifocal bleeding points just before a thrombectomy in a patient with acute variable M1 occlusion. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the positions of the clot before and during the procedure be compared always.

Clipping in Awake Surgery as End-Stage in a Complex Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm After Failure of Multimodal Endovascular and Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial carotid artery aneurysm can be treated via microsurgical or endovascular techniques. The optimal planning is the result of the careful patient selection through clinical, anatomic, and angiographic analysis. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm that became a complex aneurysm after failure of multi-endovascular and surgery treatment. We describe complete trapping in awake craniotomy after failure of coiling, stenting, and bypassing. CONCLUSIONS: ICA aneurysms could become complex aneurysms following multi-treatment failure. Endovascular approaches to treat ICA aneurysms include coiling, stenting, flow diverter stenting, and stenting-assisted coiling technique. The role of surgery remains relevant. To avoid severe neurologic deficits, recurrence, and the need of retreatment, a multidisciplinary discussion with experienced endovascular and vascular neurosurgeons is mandatory in such complex cases.

Effective ADAPT Thrombectomy in a Patient with Acute Stroke due to Cardiac Papillary Elastofibroma: Histological Thrombus Confirmation.

A 75-year-old man with hypertension and atrial fibrillation was admitted to our emergency room with right-sided hemiplegia and complete aphasia (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score = 18). A noncontrast computed tomography scan showed a slight hypodensity in the left insular region and a bright hyperdense sign in the M1 tract of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Angio-CT confirmed an occlusion of the M1 tract of the MCA. Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging/perfusion-weighted imaging was obtained and revealed a mismatch in the left parietal cortical region. Complete revascularization was achieved by thromboaspiration with the A Direct ASPIRATION first PASS TECHNIQUE (ADAPT) technique. Histological examination of the embolic material revealed its nonthrombotic nature: cardiac embolic papillary elastofibroma (PEF). At discharge, good recovery of right-side hemiplegia was observed. This case report is the second in literature in which a histological confirmed cardiac embolic PEF is reported as a cause of embolic stroke. PEF is a rare but potentially treatable cause of embolic stroke. Understanding the nature of the embolic material would help in choosing the best revascularization approach.

Blister-like aneurysms of middle cerebral artery: a multicenter retrospective review of diagnosis and treatment in three patients.

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBA) were described for the first time in the 1990s, as small hemispherical bulges arising from a very fragile arterial wall. Until 2008, it was thought that this type of aneurysm almost exclusively affected the internal carotid artery, in particular, its dorsal portion. Subsequently, it was discovered that a BBA may also be present on the anterior communicating artery and on the vessels of the posterior cranial fossa. However, we found no reports in English-language literature of BBA arising from the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In this article, we present three cases of MCA BBA and discuss the unique diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this vascular lesion. In our retrospective, multicenter review of 1330 patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted to our services from 2000 to 2013, we found three cases (all in men) of MCA BBA. The patients' outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale. All three patients underwent angio-computed tomography, which did not reveal any aneurysms. Digital subtraction angiography performed within 24-48 h after admission, in all cases, demonstrated a very small aneurysm (<2 mm), with a triangular shape and abroad base, at non-branching sites of MCA. All the aneurysms were treated: one by wrapping + clipping, one by wrapping + flow-diverter stent, and one with coils. At the time of surgery, the aneurysms appeared on the surface of the parent artery without any involvement of the branches. All presented as blister-like aneurysms that were thin-walled and lacked a surgical neck. At the time of discharge, the outcome was good in one patient and poor in the other two. Our cases demonstrate that BBA can also arise from the MCA, despite the lack of previous reports of this occurrence; a BBA should be suspected, particularly in cases of non-perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage in which the presence of a MCA aneurysm is suspected but not revealed by digital subtraction angiography or angio-computed tomography.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to spontaneous, progressive, and retrograde jugular vein thrombosis causing sudden death in a young woman.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cerebrovascular condition that affects approximately 5 per 1 million people annually, and develops in 0.5% of all stroke patients. Herein we report a case involving a 31-year-old woman with CVST. She initially presented with a 2-month history of intermittent headaches at the nape of her neck with cervical pain. Other than these symptoms, she was in apparently good health and was a nonsmoker. She had no children and did not take contraceptives. She became comatose with unequal pupil size and CVST was diagnosed. An autopsy revealed CVST that extended from the confluence of the sinuses to the transverse sinuses and tip of the superior sagittal sinus, as well as a thrombus that obstructed the right internal jugular vein. A correct and early diagnosis of CVST combined with heparin-based therapy and/or interventional endovascular strategies may be of benefit by preventing intracerebral extension of jugular venous thrombosis and subsequent serious or even fatal neurological sequelae.

Brain AVMs: an endovascular, surgical, and radiosurgical update.

Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are complex vascular lesions. Despite multiple studies, several classifications, and a great interest of the scientific community, case selection in AVM patients remains challenging. During the last few years, tremendous advancements widened therapeutic options and improved outcomes spreading indications for patients harboring lesions deemed inoperable in the past. Anatomical and biological case specific features, and natural history with a focus on presenting symptoms should be evaluated case by case and always kept in mind while planning a therapeutic management for a bAVMs. A multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended when dealing with bAVMs and should involve physicians expertise in this kind of challenging lesions. The goal of this paper is to provide a focused review of the most recent acquisitions and therapeutic strategies regarding surgical, endovascular, and radiosurgical treatment.

Endovascular neurosurgery in Europe: an International Survey and future perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in neurosurgery have transformed patient care through minimally invasive procedures and led to a notable surge in endovascular treatments. However, the regulatory landscape governing these procedures across European countries varies, impacting treatment access and collaboration. This paper discusses the results of a survey on European legislation regarding endovascular neurosurgery, exploring current practices and speculating on the field's future. METHODS: An e-mail survey was distributed to 41 European countries, targeting European member societies within the EANS. Thirty-seven completed questionnaires were returned, providing insights into neuroendovascular treatment legislation and restrictions. RESULTS: Legislation and certification varied across the surveyed countries, with only two countries prohibiting endovascular neurosurgery. Eight countries required specific fellowship programs. Resistance from radiologists was noted in many countries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing support for neurosurgeons performing endovascular treatments in Europe, challenges persist. Specialized care, improved access, and a broadening spectrum of treatable conditions contribute to the argument for involvement of neurosurgeons.

Frequency of brain ventricular enlargement among patients with diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of dilated ventricles and concomitant high blood glucose measures. METHODS: We retrieved blood glucose measures from the emergency department database and selected a subgroup of individuals having both the radiological marker Evans' index (EI) values and blood glucose measures. RESULTS: Out of 1221 consecutive patients submitted to axial Computed Tomography scans, a blood glucose measure was detected in 841 individuals. 176 scans (21 %) showed an EI > 0.30. According to the blood glucose categorization, diabetic patients were 104 (12 %), 25 of them (24 %) were dilated (mean EI 0.33). The age difference between dilated and not-dilated ventricles is about ten years in not-diabetic participants, whereas it is five years in diabetic participants. The age difference between dilated and not-dilated ventricles is about 10 years in diabetic men, whereas it zero in diabetic women. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological ventricular enlargement is more frequent in men and in the elderly. In diabetic patients (especially women), the cerebral ventricles enlarge faster than in non-diabetic individuals. Age, sex, and diabetes may interact in determining how cerebral ventricle size changes over time, especially in diabetic women, making routine brain imaging advisable in these patients after the age of 70 years.

Revitalizing neurosurgical frontiers: The EANS frontiers in neurosurgery committee's strategic framework.

Introduction: The field of neurosurgery faces challenges with the increasing involvement of other medical specialties in areas traditionally led by neurosurgeons. This paper examines the implications of this development for neurosurgical practice and patient care, with a focus on specialized areas like pain management, peripheral nerve surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Research question: To assess the implications of the expanded scope of other specialties for neurosurgical practice and to consider the response of the EANS Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee to these challenges. Materials and methods: Analysis of recent trends in neurosurgery, including the shift in various procedures to other specialties, demographic challenges, and the emergence of minimally invasive techniques. This analysis draws on relevant literature and the initiatives of the Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee. Results: We explore a possible decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain areas, which may have implications for patient care and access to specialized neurosurgical interventions. The Frontiers in Neurosurgery Committee's role in addressing these concerns is highlighted, particularly in terms of training, education, research, and networking for neurosurgeons, especially those early in their careers. Discussion and conclusion: The potential decrease in neurosurgical involvement in certain specialties warrants attention. This paper emphasizes the importance of carefully considered responses by neurosurgical societies, such as the EANS, to ensure neurosurgeons continue to play a vital role in managing neurological diseases. Emphasis on ongoing education, integration of minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for maintaining the field's competence and quality in patient care.

Antithrombotic regimen in emergent carotid stenting for acute ischemic stroke due to tandem occlusion: a meta-analysis of aggregate data.

BACKGROUND: The periprocedural antithrombotic regimen might affect the risk-benefit profile of emergent carotid artery stenting (eCAS) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to tandem lesions, especially after intravenous thrombolysis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of antithrombotics following eCAS. METHODS: We followed PRISMA guidelines and searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from January 1, 2004 to November 30, 2022 for studies evaluating eCAS in tandem occlusion. The primary endpoint was 90-day good functional outcome. Secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, in-stent thrombosis, delayed stent thrombosis, and successful recanalization. Meta-analysis of proportions and meta-analysis of odds ratios were implemented. RESULTS: 34 studies with 1658 patients were included. We found that the use of no antiplatelets (noAPT), single antiplatelet (SAPT), dual antiplatelets (DAPT), or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) yielded similar rates of good functional outcomes, with a marginal benefit of GPI over SAPT (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.35, Pheterogeneity=0.31). Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression excluded a significant impact of intravenous thrombolysis and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). We observed no increase in symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) with DAPT or GPI compared with noAPT or SAPT. We also found similar rates of delayed stent thrombosis across groups, with acute in-stent thrombosis showing marginal, non-significant benefits from GPI and DAPT over SAPT and noAPT. CONCLUSIONS: In AIS due to tandem occlusion, the periprocedural antithrombotic regimen of eCAS seems to have a marginal effect on good functional outcome. Overall, high intensity antithrombotic therapy may provide a marginal benefit on good functional outcome and carotid stent patency without a significant increase in risk of sICH.

The Central Cord Syndrome in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Tumors: A 19th-Century Vignette from (Karl) Julius Vogel (1814-1880).

Between 1830 and 1850, (Karl) Julius Vogel was one of the most important German pathologists. He received his doctorate in medicine in 1838 from the University of Munich and habilitation in pathology in 1840. In 1846, he moved to the University of Giessen as a full professor of pathology. From 1855, he taught special pathology and therapy at the University of Halle and became director of the internal clinic. Vogel and Heinrich Adolph Karl Dittmar were the first clinicians to describe the symptoms and pathologic findings of the central cord syndrome in a cervical spine tumor.