Pitching for the hitch: Neodural tenting sutures to prevent post-cranioplasty collection in a sunken craniectomy site.

Post-operative epidural collection is a commonly encountered complication following cranioplasty (CP) in a patient with a sunken skin flap. While on most occasions, the collection is small and resolves spontaneously, on occasion, it may be large enough to warrant evacuation. Further, such collections may predispose to infection and bone flap resorption. Dural hitch sutures were once used routinely in all craniotomies by tacking up the dura at the margins of the craniotomy to the surrounding pericranium to prevent post-operative epidural collection but now several surgeons use them only when deemed absolutely necessary. We describe a variation (in cases where CP is performed in patients with a sunken flap) where several sutures are passed from the neodura through the center of the bone flap (as opposed to the peripherally placed conventional hitch sutures) to obviate the dead space and prevent any post-operative collection.

An institutional study on accuracy of freehand cervical C1 C2 screws placement by knock and drill technique in craniovertebral anomalous bony anatomy: An evaluation of more than 600 screws based on SGPGI screw accuracy criteria.

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of freehand cervical C1 C2 screws placement by knock and drill (K and D) technique in craniovertebral anomalous bony anatomy. Materials and Methods: From January 2017 to December 2022, 682 consecutive C1 C2 screws in 215 patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies were enrolled. All patients underwent posterior fixation with K and D technique without any fluoroscopic guidance. The patient's demographic details, clinical details, radiological details, major intraoperative events, and postoperative complications were noted. The screws malposition grades and direction on CT images in the axial and sagittal plane were defined as new per proposed "SGPGI accuracy criteria." All patients had a clinical evaluation at 3-month follow-up. Results: Total 682 C1, C2 screws were placed in 215 patients for CVJ anomalies using K and D technique. The accuracy of screws placement by freehand technique was 84.46% (576/682). So with technique explained the rate of malplacement in simple (16.35%) and complex (15.19%) groups were almost comparable and comparison difference was not significant (P = 0.7005). Conclusion: The freehand technique, as described, is effective in cases of anomalous bony anatomy, and it is mandatory in complex CVJ anomalies. The accuracy of screw placement and VA injury is comparable with major studies. This technique is supposedly cost-effective and less hazardous to both health-care workers and patients.

Stereotactic biopsy for brain lesions: Doing more with less.

Objectives: Stereotactic biopsy (STB) is a potential diagnostic tool considering its minimal invasiveness, high diagnostic yield, and minimal associated complications. Over the years, various frame-based instrument systems and frameless stereotactic biopsy systems have emerged to be employed in clinical use. With this study, we intend to get more by doing less in the form of STB for the patients of doubtful intracranial lesions treated over the past 5 years. We also want to highlight the technique of performing the procedure under scalp block, which can be used as a versatile tool in many clinical scenarios. Stereotactic biopsies may be planned even in rural district-level health facilities. One-time investment to procure instruments and avail existing imaging can lead to establishing definitive diagnoses in many doubtful cases. This will result in lesser cost and early establishment of treatment. Independent risk factors determining the outcome, such as deep-seated lesions, associated edema, and intraoperative hypertension, were studied. Establishing the diagnosis helped in prognosticating the disease, explaining the natural progression of symptoms, and starting adjuvant therapy. This tissue biopsy would also help secure samples for research and molecular analysis. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients underwent STBs at our institution between January 2018 and December 2022. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical procedures, and outcomes, including the diagnostic value and surgery-related complications. These patients were followed up, and their progression-free and overall survival were analyzed. The need for adjuvant treatment was noted and analyzed. All procedures were performed using Cosman Roberts Wells® stereotactic frame. Pre-procedure magnetic resonance scans were performed at the time of admission. Contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan after frame application was performed to identify targets and calculate the coordinates. A post-procedure CT scan was done to confirm the accessibility of the targeted lesion. Results: The most common location of the tumor was a deep-seated thalamic lesion. A definitive diagnosis was established in 19 patients (95%) at the first STB. The diagnoses were glioma in 55% of cases, primary central nervous system lymphoma, tuberculosis, and demyelinating disorders in 10% of each, and a metastatic brain tumor in 1 (5%). The post-operative complications were all transient except in one patient with deterioration of motor weakness. The follow-up was noted, and modes of adjuvant treatment needed in these patients were recorded. Conclusion: Stereotactic biopsy is a useful and effective method for achieving a definitive diagnosis and aiding in treating multifocal or small deep-seated lesions in or around eloquent regions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing baseline D-dimer level in stroke patients with or without cancer: Strength of current evidence.

Objectives: D-dimer levels are increased in stroke and cancer. Cancer patients are at a higher risk of stroke. However, the evidence is unclear if high D-dimer in stroke patients can suggest the diagnosis of concomitant cancer or the development of stroke in a cancer patient. The objective is to assess the evidence available on the baseline D-dimer level in stroke patients with and without cancer. Materials and Methods: We conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. We searched PUBMED, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Scopus for potentially eligible articles published till June 2023. All the review steps were iterative and done independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool was used to assess the quality of included studies for case control and cohort studies and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tool for cross-sectional studies. The qualitative synthesis is presented narratively, and quantitative synthesis is shown in the forest plot using the random effects model. I2 of more than 60% was considered as high heterogeneity. Results: The searches from all the databases yielded 495 articles. After the study selection process, six papers were found eligible for inclusion in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. In the present systematic review, 2651 patients with ischemic infarcts are included of which 404 (13.97%) patients had active cancer while 2247 (86.02%) did not. The studies included were of high quality and low risk of bias. There were significantly higher baseline D-dimer levels in stroke patients with cancer than in non-cancer patients with a mean difference of 4.84 (3.07-6.60) P < 0.00001. Conclusion: D-dimer is a simple and relatively non-expensive biomarker that is increased to significant levels in stroke patients, who have cancer and therefore may be a tool to predict through screening for active or occult cancer in stroke patients.

Emerging Role of Autophagy in Governing Cellular Dormancy, Metabolic Functions, and Therapeutic Responses of Cancer Stem Cells.

Tumors are composed of heterogeneous populations of dysregulated cells that grow in specialized niches that support their growth and maintain their properties. Tumor heterogeneity and metastasis are among the major hindrances that exist while treating cancer patients, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Although the factors that determine tumor complexity remain largely unknown, several genotypic and phenotypic changes, including DNA mutations and metabolic reprograming provide cancer cells with a survival advantage over host cells and resistance to therapeutics. Furthermore, the presence of a specific population of cells within the tumor mass, commonly known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is thought to initiate tumor formation, maintenance, resistance, and recurrence. Therefore, these CSCs have been investigated in detail recently as potential targets to treat cancer and prevent recurrence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in CSC proliferation, self-renewal, and dormancy may provide important clues for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Autophagy, a catabolic process, has long been recognized to regulate various physiological and pathological processes. In addition to regulating cancer cells, recent studies have identified a critical role for autophagy in regulating CSC functions. Autophagy is activated under various adverse conditions and promotes cellular maintenance, survival, and even cell death. Thus, it is intriguing to address whether autophagy promotes or inhibits CSC functions and whether autophagy modulation can be used to regulate CSC functions, either alone or in combination. This review describes the roles of autophagy in the regulation of metabolic functions, proliferation and quiescence of CSCs, and its role during therapeutic stress. The review further highlights the autophagy-associated pathways that could be used to regulate CSCs. Overall, the present review will help to rationalize various translational approaches that involve autophagy-mediated modulation of CSCs in controlling cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence.

"Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Cocaine Consumption: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis".

BACKGROUND: The use of cocaine can lead to a variety of neurologic complications, including cerebral vasoconstriction, ischemia, aneurysm formation, and aneurysm rupture. A previous study has shown that cocaine use is associated with an increased risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the association between cocaine use and the risk of poor neurological outcomes and mortality in patients with SAH. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) declaration for systematic reviews and the Cochrane Manual of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized clinical trials, and prospective and retrospective cohort studies that reported data about adults who suffered Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) after having consumed cocaine recreationally were included. Variables such as mortality, vasospasm, seizures, re-bleeding, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: After a thorough selection process, 14 studies involving 116,141 patients, of which 2227 had a history of cocaine consumption, were included in the analysis. There was a significant increase in overall unfavorable outcomes in aSAH patients with a history of cocaine use (OR 5.51 CI 95% [4.26-7.13] P = <0.0001; I2 = 78%), with higher mortality and poor neurologic outcomes. There were no significant differences in the risk of hydrocephalus, seizures, or re-bleeding. Cocaine use was found to increase the risk of vasospasm and overall complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study insinuates that cocaine use is associated with worse clinical outcomes in aSAH patients. Despite the cocaine users did not exhibit a higher risk of certain complications such as hydrocephalus and seizures, they had an increased risk of vasospasm and overall complications. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the issue of cocaine consumption as a primary preventive measure to decrease the incidence of aSAH and improve patient outcomes.

Sudden death in patients with pineal cyst: Evidence from autopsy studies.

Pineal cysts are usually benign, fluid-filled sacs and most pineal cysts are asymptomatic. Sudden death specifically related to pineal cysts is extremely uncommon. A literature review of the pertinent databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, was carried out to review the existing literature describing sudden death in patients with pineal cysts. In the evaluation of 49 articles, it was found that four reports discussed the unexpected death of patients who had pineal cysts. A total of four cases of sudden death and a pineal cyst were reported. There were 75% females and a mean age of 29 (range: 20-45). Cyst size on average was 1.3 cm (1.2-1.5). In each case, the cause of death and the involvement of important brain structures were confirmed by autopsy results. A pathological analysis of the pineal region and the surrounding brain tissue revealed a variety of lesions. Vascular malformation was found in one case, adding another layer of complexity to the study of sudden death syndrome. In this research, the authors highlight the fact that patients with pineal cysts can experience serious, even fatal, complications. Increased vigilance and early detection through neuroimaging and neurological assessments are required due to the wide variety of clinical manifestations and underlying mechanisms. To explain the mechanism and enhance the management and prevention of sudden deaths associated with pineal cysts, additional research with larger sample sizes is required.

Reconstructive cranial surgery for invasive and non-responsive mucormycosis.

The incidence of mucormycosis showed a sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable populations like people with diabetes. Here, we report a case of mucormycosis of the frontal and ethmoid sinuses in a man in his mid-50s with a background of diabetes mellitus and COVID-19 infection requiring steroids and oxygen support. The infection had remained persistent despite initial debridement by functional endoscopic sinus surgery of the anterior frontal sinus wall and re-exploration, followed by debridement using the brow incision. The patient had received an entire course of systemic antifungal therapy during the postoperative period. A bifrontal craniotomy, excision of the supraorbital ridge and complete removal of bilateral frontal sinuses managed the persistent fungal infection. The defect was reconstructed with a custom-made three-dimensional-printed MRI-compatible titanium cranioplasty mesh. The patient had no signs of infection on the 9-month follow-up.

Clinicoradiologic Risk Stratification and Outcome Assessment in Symptomatic Intracranial Arachnoid Cyst Managed Over Fifteen Years.

BACKGROUND: Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are developmental anomalies formed by splitting the arachnoid membrane's layers. ACs contribute around 2% of all intracranial space-occupying lesions. ACs are more prevalent in children. Because of varied clinical presentation, there has been a constant need for clinicoradiologic risk stratification with a possible role in outcome prediction. The present study describes the management strategies and outcomes in symptomatic intracranial ACs. METHODS: All biopsy-proven symptomatic patients who underwent surgical management over last 15 years were included in this study (January 2008-December 2022), while those with non-conclusive biopsies were excluded. Patients presenting with acute deterioration were managed in the emergency department with or without cerebrospinal fluid diversion and decompression of the AC. The microsurgical or endoscopic approach was the preferred surgical modality. Postoperative clinicoradiologic improvement was evaluated at 3 months follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The median age of the patients was 27.5 years (range, 1 to 76 years). Headache was the most typical clinical presentation. Supratentorial ACs (n = 59, 54.6%) were higher than the infratentorial ACs (n = 49, 45.4%). Forty-seven patients belonged to the pediatric age group (<18 years), and seizure was their presenting complaint. In this observational study, there was no statistical difference in operative duration between microsurgical technique versus endoscopic decompression (P= 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: ACs are uncommon brain lesions having a broad spectrum of symptoms. The location and clinical presentation of ACs decide the preferred surgical approach. Individuals in high-risk groups must be treated on priority to achieve long-term relief of symptoms.

An Analysis of Temporal Trend of Incidence of Post-Resection Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion in Pediatric Posterior Fossa Tumor Patients and the Predictive Factors.

Objective: We aim to find the temporal trend of incidence of post-resection cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion (ventriculoperitoneal [VP] shunt/endoscopic third ventriculostomy [ETV]) in pediatric posterior fossa tumor (pPFT) patients with no pre-resection CSF diversion and the possible clinical predictors. Methods: We reviewed 108 operated children (age ≤16 years) with PFTs, from 2012 to 2020, at a tertiary care center. Patients with preoperative CSF diversion (n = 42), lesions within cerebellopontine cistern (n = 8), and those lost to follow-up (n = 4) were excluded. Life table, Kaplan-Meier curve, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine CSF-diversion-free survival and independent predictive factors, with significance defined as P < 0.05. Results: The median (IQR) age was 9 (7) years (M: F: 2.5:1). Mean (±SD) duration of follow-up was 32.43 ± 21.3 months. 38.9% of patients (n = 42) needed post-resection CSF diversion. Of these, 64.3% (n = 27) were done in early (≤ 30 days), 23.8% (n = 10) in intermediate (>30 days to ≤6 months), and 11.9% (n = 5) in late (≥6 months) postoperative period (P-value < 0.001). Preoperative papilledema (HR: -5.8, 95%CI: 1.7-5.8), periventricular lucency (PVL) (HR: 6.2, 95%CI: 2.3-16.6), and wound complication (HR: 3.8, 95%CI: 1.7-8.3) were found on univariate analysis as significant risk factors for early post-resection CSF diversion. On multivariate analysis, PVL on preoperative imaging (HR: -4.2, 95%CI: 1.2-14.7, P = 0.02) was identified as an independent predictor. Preoperative ventriculomegaly, raised intracranial pressure and intraoperative visualization of CSF egress from the aqueduct were not found to be significant factors. Conclusion: Significantly high incidence of post-resection CSF diversion in pPFTs occurs in early (≤30 days) postoperative period, with preoperative papilledema, PVL, and wound complication being its significant predictive factors. Postoperative inflammation, causing edema and adhesion formation can be one of the important factors for post-resection hydrocephalus in pPFTs.

Seizure Outcome after Lesionectomy With or Without Concomitant Anteromedial Temporal Lobectomy for Low-Grade Gliomas of the Medial Temporal Lobe.

BACKGROUND: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy attributed to low-grade glioma is known for intractable seizures and choice of surgery range from lesionectomy (Lo) to lesionectomy with anteromesial temporal resection (L0 + AMTR) is still debatable. We intend to analyze the seizure outcome after lesionectomy alone or with AMTR. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analyses of patients operated for medial low-grade temporal lobe tumors with seizures were included in the study. Preoperative records include video-electroencephalographic, magnetic resonance imaging (epilepsy protocol), and neuropsychological evaluation for language, memory, and dominance were assessed. Two groups (Lo [Group I] and Lo + AMTR [Group II]) were assessed after surgery by the international league against epilepsy (ILAE) seizure outcome scale. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients underwent Lo (n = 20) and Lo + AMTR (n = 19) with a mean age of 26.92 ± 12.96 months, and mean duration of seizures was 36.87 46.76 months. A total of 23 patients had long-term intractable seizures for >1 year despite >2 drugs(Group I [n = 10], Group II [n = 13]); remaining 16 had frequent seizures of <1-year duration. In the postoperative period, on a mean follow-up of 49.72 ± 34.10 months, the ILAE outcome scale shown a significant difference (P = 0.05) in seizure outcome between two groups. Four (40%) patients out of 10 having refractory seizures in Group I and 8 (80%) from the Group II out of 10 patients could achieved ILAE Class 1 outcome after surgery. Histopathology analysis includes low-grade astrocytoma (n = 29) and in two patients there were associated CA1 neuronal loss in hippocampus, one patient had mesial temporal sclerosis from Group II attributed to its intractability in seizures. CONCLUSION: For the mesial temporal low-grade glioma presenting with seizures, the seizure outcome by lesionectomy with AMTR is superior than lesionectomy only.

Clinicoradiological Features and Treatment Outcome of Supratentorial Intraparenchymal Epidermoid Cyst: A Report of Five Cases and Literature Review.

Objectives Intraparenchymal epidermoid cysts (IECs) are rare lesions. They represent less than 1% of the intracranial epidermoid cysts. The supratentorial IEC is a clinically and prognostically distinct subset. Given the rarity, most of the articles are case reports. We present a series of five cases of supratentorial IEC to characterize their clinical presentation and outcome, with emphasis on the surgical features. Materials and Methods We searched our database for all cases of intracranial epidermoid cysts operated between January 2005 and January 2020. Five patients were identified having IEC from the hospital information system and the neurosurgical operation record book. Standard craniotomy and decompression of the lesion were performed in all these patients. Standard postoperative care includes computed tomography scan of head on the day of surgery and magnetic resonance imaging of brain after 6 weeks to look for the residual lesion, if any. Subsequent follow-up visits in outpatient department to look for resolution of the presurgical symptoms. Results The mean age of the patients in our series was 28.8 years (range: 28-40 years.). All the five patients were male. Four patients had IEC involving frontal lobe and one in parietal lobe with a small occipital lobe extension. Seizure was the most common presenting complaint followed by headache. Complete excision was achieved in all the cases. All the three patients with seizure attained seizure freedom postlesionectomy. Focal neurological deficits resolved gradually in postoperative period. There was no recurrence of lesion during follow-up. Conclusion Supratentorial IEC most commonly affects young males, involve frontal lobe and present clinically with seizure. Complete surgical excision offers best outcome in the form of remission of seizure disorder.

Calvarial Lesions: A Tertiary Centre's Experience Over Fifteen Years.

BACKGROUND: The human calvaria harbors a variety of pathology and majority of them are incidentally noticed as painless swelling. The aim of the present study is to describe the histopathological subtypes of calvarial lesions, their management and factors affecting their surgical outcome at a tertiary care referral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who underwent excision of the calvarial lesions over the last 15 years (from January 2005 to July 2019) were included in this study. Patients having calvarial pathology of infective origin and recurrent lesions were excluded. Any patient with multiple calvarial lesions who have been operated more than one time for same histopathological diagnosis was counted as one patient. We studied Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores and radiological changes at 3-month follow up. RESULTS: Total 65 patients were recruited in this retrospective observational study. The median age of patients in the study was 29 years (range: 8 years to 68 years). Fibrous dysplasia 20 (30.7%) was the commonest lesion while metastatic thyroid carcinoma 3 (4.6%) was the most common malignant pathology. Complete excision was performed in 51 (78.5%) of patients while in 14 (21.5%) cases, subtotal or near total decompression were achieved. After three months of surgery, there was significant improvement in the KPS score (P < 0.00001). Duration of follow up ranges from 6 months to 5 years with 4 mortality in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the calvarial tumors were benign and surgically addressable. The malignant lesions were scattered with diverse underlying pathology and required individualized holistic approach.

Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Initial Steps into a Bigger Epilepsy Surgery Program.

Background Among the patients of drug-resistant epilepsy, a subset which has focal impaired seizures localizes to the temporal lobe region (TLE). A majority of these cases are surgically amenable with anterior-medial temporal lobe resection or "lesionectomy." Objective In India, there is scarcity of "specialized centers" providing "comprehensive epilepsy care" and this dearth is further worse in populous states. In this article, we share our single center, observational, and retrospective experience of TLE in background of limited resources and utmost requirement. Methodology Our study is a retrospective analysis medically refractory epilepsy patients (2016-2019). Patients with medically refractory epilepsy were selected based upon our noninvasive protocol (clinical semiology, interictal scalp electroencephalography (EEG), long-term video EEG monitoring data, and magnetic resonance injury [MRI]). The follow-up was noted from the last out-patient visit record or through telephonic conversation (International League Against Epilepsy score). Results Of 23 cases of TLE ( n = 7, mesial temporal sclerosis; n = 16 temporal lobe like cavernomas, tumors, or arterio-venous malformations). Single photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography (SPECT/PET) was performed in five cases (three cases of ictal/interictal SPECT and two cases of PET scan) where there was discordance between EEG/clinical and MRI. The median follow-up was of 19 months with 18 cases being seizure free. Five cases were fully off the antiepileptic drug (AEDs) while in 15 cases, the AEDs dosages or the number were reduced. Average number of AEDs reduced from 2.9 in preoperative period to 1.2 postoperatively. Two cases had quadrantanopia and one case of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Conclusion A multidisciplinary and holistic approach is required for best patient care. The results of our initial surgical experience are encouraging.

A Single-Center Surgical Experience of Interhemispheric Epidermoids and Proposal of a New Radiological Classification.

BACKGROUND: Epidermoids account for <1.5% of all intracranial tumors. Overall, the cerebellopontine angle has been the most commonly reported location. In the supratentorial compartment, epidermoids will usually be found in the suprasellar area, sylvian fissure, and intraventricular area. The interhemispheric fissure represents an extremely rare location for supratentorial epidermoids, with limited cases reported previously. Surgery of an interhemispheric epidermoid can be challenging because of its adherence to the anterior cerebral artery branches or the brain parenchyma itself. In the present study, we have reported the largest Series of interhemispheric epidermoid tumors to better understand the clinical behavior, radiological features, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the data from 22 consecutive patients with interhemispheric epidermoids treated surgically during the past 10 years (2009-2019) at our center. During the same study period, we had treated 2355 patients with brain tumors (both primary and secondary), including 262 patients with intracranial epidermoids. Therefore, interhemispheric epidermoids comprised 0.009% of all brain tumors and 8.4% of all intracranial epidermoids in our experience. These patients all had newly diagnosed tumors and had undergone surgery for the first time at our center. All surgical specimens had been confirmed histopathologically. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31 years (range, 17-61 years), with a male predilection. Seizures and headache were the most common mode of presentation. The average tumor size was 5.2 cm (range, 3.5-10 cm). Of the 22 tumors, 21 were in the anterior two thirds of the fissure. Anatomical distortion of the corpus callosum was seen in 13 patients (59%). The extent of excision was total in 17 (77.3%), near total in 3 (13.6%), and subtotal in 2 (9%) patients. The near or subtotal excisions had been necessary because of either tumor adherence to the pericallosal artery (n = 3) or a missed tumor lobule (n = 2). The mean follow-up time was 32 months, with no tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: Interhemispheric epidermoids can often reach a large size with substantial lateral extension found at diagnosis. The position of the anterior cerebral Artery branches can help to differentiate interhemispheric epidermoids from radiologically similar corpus callosum, velum interpositum, and cavum septum pellucidum epidermoids. Complete surgical excision with minimal complications is feasible, with good long-term outcomes.

Tethered Cord Syndrome-A Study of the Short-Term Effects of Surgical Detethering on Markers of Neuronal Injury and Electrophysiologic Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have assessed clinical and radiologic outcomes after detethering of the cord for tethered cord syndrome (TCS). However, no data regarding the impact of detethering on the metabolism or electrophysiologic functioning of the cord are available. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of markers of neuronal injury and alterations in the electrophysiologic functioning of the spinal cord after detethering. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with congenital TCS. Patients underwent clinical assessment, magnetic resonance imaging, somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) study, and CSF biochemical analysis (to estimate lactate, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and S100B levels), before and 3 months after surgery. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were assessed. We studied changes in biochemical and electrophysiologic parameters before and after detethering as surrogate markers for the effects of this intervention. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were recruited over 2 years. Detethering led to clinical improvement in 75% of patients with motor deficits, 60% of patients with bladder symptoms, and 50% of patients with gait problems. At 3 months follow-up, 43% (median) of the preoperative vertical tethering was found to be corrected. There was significant reduction in CSF lactate, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and S100B levels as well as a significant decrease in the latencies of the SSEP waves 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical detethering led to a reduction in the CSF levels of the markers of anaerobic metabolism and neuronal injury. There was also a reduction in the latencies of the SSEP waves, indicating better electrophysiologic functioning of the cord.

An evaluation of the finger flexion, Hoffman's and plantar reflexes as markers of cervical spinal cord compression - A comparative clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at determining the frequency of abnormal finger flexion, Hoffman's and extensor plantar (Babinski) response in healthy adults and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these tests as markers of spinal cord compression in symptomatic patients. METHODS: Patients attending the neurosurgery clinic with neck related complaints formed the case group. The control group consisted of consenting patient attenders and volunteers drawn from the students and faculty of our institute. All subjects underwent examination of the finger flexion, Hoffman's and plantar reflexes and an MRI as per standard protocol. The frequency of the reflexes in the control group, sensitivity and specificity of the reflexes to detect cord compression in the case group were computed. RESULTS: The frequency of the reflexes in healthy controls were finger flexion - 1%, Hoffman's - 0.3% and Babinski sign - 0%. None of the controls with positive reflexes had any abnormality on MR imaging. A combination of the three reflexes had a sensitivity of 91.7%, specificity of 87.5%, PPV of 95.7% and NPV of 77.8% in detecting spinal cord compression. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of finger flexion, Hoffman's and plantar reflexes could be used effectively as a marker of spinal cord compression in symptomatic individuals. They cannot, however, be depended on as screening tests in asymptomatic individuals.