Multiple sclerosis patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists: a single-institution retrospective cohort study of tolerability and weight loss.

Obesity is a risk factor for developing and worsening multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often comorbid with MS, exacerbating disability. We retrospectively studied MS patients starting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists at the [redacted for review] U.S.A. (January 2005-June 2024). Patients (n = 49) were mostly female (73%), average age 54 years old, with relapsing disease (78%) and an average starting body mass index (BMI) of 39.7 kg/m2 (range 25.9, 58.9 kg/m2; n = 43 clinically obese or BMI > 30 kg/m2) and weight of 110.6 kg (245.6 lbs.; range 68-155.8 kg, 150-343.4 lbs.). The most commonly taken disease modifying therapy (DMT) was ocrelizumab (39%) while 24% of patients were not taking any DMT. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (59%), hyperlipidemia (55%), and diabetes mellitus (41%). Patients took GLP-1 agonists for an average of 24.2 months (median 21.4; range 3.2, 88.5 months). Patients lost on average 0.47 kg/month (1.03 lbs./month; range of total weight change: 27.7 kg (61.1 lbs.) lost, 7.7 kg (17.0 lbs.) gained). Among overweight and obese patients with MS, those with a higher starting BMI tended to lose more weight. 29% experienced side effects of the GLP-1 drugs with 3 discontinuations due to tolerability. Four patients accrued new demyelinating lesions on MRI (one on no DMT, two started on a high-efficacy DMT for the first time in the past 6 months, and one on a high-efficacy DMT) and one patient experienced a new MS attack (treated with interferon beta-1a). Our early experience suggests GLP-1 agonists are safe in MS patients, who have a similar tolerability to the general population on this medication class and measurable and sustained but somewhat less than anticipated weight loss.

Nicolau syndrome following glatiramer acetate for multiple sclerosis: Case and review of reports.

Nicolau syndrome is a rare, iatrogenic skin reaction after parental drug administration, characterized by severe pain at an injection site, followed by hemorrhage, ulceration, and often necrosis. We present a case of a patient on glatiramer acetate for many years (initially Copaxone then Glatopa) who developed Nicolau syndrome, the second reported case after generic glatiramer acetate. All reported cases of Nicolau syndrome after glatiramer acetate are reviewed. The case highlights the importance of prompt recognition of this skin reaction by neurologists and raises awareness of the risks of skin reactions even in low-risk injectable DMTs.

Relationship Between Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Volume with Clinical Symptoms: Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is an osseous defect of the arcuate eminence of the petrosal temporal bone. Patients typically present with auditory and vestibular symptoms, such as hearing loss and disequilibrium. Using advanced imaging segmentation techniques, we evaluated whether the volume of SSCD correlated with preoperative symptoms and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Our laboratory previously described a novel method of quantifying the size of an SSCD via manual segmentation. High-resolution computed tomography images of the temporal bones were imported into a specialized segmentation software. The volume of the dehiscence was outlined on consecutive slices of the coronal and axial planes via a single-pixel-thick paintbrush tool and was then calculated according to the number of nonzero image voxels. RESULTS: This study included 111 patients (70 women and 41 men; mean age, 55.1 years; age range, 24-87 years) with a total of 164 SSCDs. Mean postoperative follow-up time was 5.2 months (range, 0.03-59.5 months). The most common preoperative and postoperative symptoms were tinnitus (n = 85) and dizziness (n = 45), respectively. Surgery resulted in improvement of symptoms in most patients. The average volume of 164 SSCDs was 1.3 mm3. SSCD volume was not significantly associated with either preoperative symptoms or postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in imaging techniques have allowed increased visualization of SSCD. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the potential correlation of volume of the dehiscence with clinical variables.

Analysis of academic publishing output among 1634 successful applicants in the 2011-2018 neurosurgery residency match.

BACKGROUND: Research productivity is a key criterion for applicant selection reported by residency program directors. Research volume reported on neurosurgery residency applications has risen steadily over the past decade. OBJECTIVE: Perform retrospective bibliographic searches of successful applicants who matched into U.S. neurosurgery residency programs from 2011 to 2018, and assess the relationship between academic publishing and residency placement. METHODS: Gender, MD/PhD status, U.S. News research ranking of medical school, and international medical graduate status (IMG) were determined for 1634 successful applicants from 2011 to 2018. Indexed publications before and after the start of residency were tabulated by Scopus®. Publication counts were stratified by first author, basic/clinical science, case reports, reviews, or other research. We then compared publishing trends across demographic variables and match cohorts. RESULTS: Average pre-residency publications increased from 2.6 [1.7, 3.4] in 2011 to 6.5 [5.1, 7.9] in 2018. Men, PhD-holders, Top 20 and Top 40 U.S. medical school graduates, and IMGs had higher pre-residency publication counts overall. After stratifying by match cohort, however, there was no significant effect of gender on pre-residency publications. Applicants matching into residency programs with highly ranked affiliated hospitals had significantly higher pre-residency publications. CONCLUSION: Publishing volume of successful neurosurgery applicants in the U.S. has risen recently and is associated with the stature of matched residency programs. Given the gap between verifiable and claimed research on residency applications, attention is needed to objectively evaluate research credentials in the selection process. The impending phase out of USMLE step 1 scores may increase emphasis on academic productivity.

A systematic analysis of stereotactic radiosurgery surveys for residents in neurosurgery training programs.

OBJECT: The use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has increased. SRS training has not risen congruently. Neurosurgeons have conducted surveys and advocated implementation of widespread, standardized radiosurgery training. Here we analyze the SRS surveys conducted throughout the past decade. METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review. A broad search of the literature was conducted in October 2018 through the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. This study included surveys evaluating SRS training in neurosurgery and excluded those regarding other specialties. RESULTS: An overview of surveys showed that neurosurgery residents possess gaps in SRS knowledge and procedural competency that have persisted through the past decade. There is an overwhelming sentiment that current radiosurgery training is not adequate to prepare residents for future practice. Our recommendation is for residency programs to integrate formal SRS training electives, with a movement towards creating more options for extended SRS fellowships post-residency. CONCLUSIONS: We present data from SRS competency and current training surveys. Although resident SRS training still lags behind other subspecialties, we see indications for growth. To keep up with the role of SRS in neurosurgery, residencies need more formalized SRS rotations.

United States Medical Licensing Examination step 2 scores do not predict American Board of Neurological Surgery scores: A single-institution experience.

OBJECTIVES: The neurosurgery residency match is becoming increasingly competitive, with numerous factors being considered as part of the application. We aim to determine whether USMLE Step 2 scores were a significant predictor of neurosurgery board performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Residents who entered a neurological surgery residency program at a single academic institution during 2000-2017 provided scores for all ABNS attempts, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores. Data were deidentified and analyzed for correlation and regression. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined. RESULTS: USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and maximum ABNS scores were all normally distributed. Step 1 and Step 2 scores were less variable than ABNS scores. USMLE Step 2 and residents' best ABNS written examination scores were not correlated (Pearson Correlation of 0.228 with a 2-tailed significance of 0.272). No outliers were present. When comparing USMLE Step 2 scores with year in residency at which residents scored over 300 on the ABNS written examination, Pearson correlation was -0.500 (p = .015). A simple linear regression was calculated using Step 2 scores to predict the passing year of ABNS written examination (F(1,14) = 6.984, p = .015, R2 = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Although other studies have found correlations between USMLE Step 2 scores and performance before graduating medical school and during residency for other specialties, this is the first study comparing USMLE Step 2 scores with the ABNS written examination scores of neurosurgical residents. Our data showed that USMLE Step 2 was not a reliable predictor of ABNS written examination scores.

Meta-analysis of tumor control rates in patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery for cystic vestibular schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE: The use of SRS for treatment of cystic vestibular schwannoma is a topic of mild controversy. This review serves to introduce a renewed understanding of the efficacy of SRS as a viable treatment modality for cystic VS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A broad search of the literature was conducted in October 2018 through the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Meta-analysis was conducted on tumor control rates and heterogeneity between articles was assessed using τ2, Cochran's Q, and I2 statistics. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients underwent SRS for cystic VS, with reported mean or median follow-up ranging from 49.7 to 150 months, and an overall range of 6-201 months. Following SRS treatment for cystic VS across all studies, 92% of patients had tumor control at follow up, (95%-CI: 88-95%). Tumor control rate specifically for patients who underwent GammaKnife was 93% (95-CI: 88%-95%). CONCLUSION: Despite the paucity of pertinent data, the results of our meta-analysis suggest that SRS exhibits effective tumor control rates in patients with cystic VS. Therefore, SRS can be considered a viable treatment modality when choosing amongst interventions for cystic VS.

Systemic Antimicrobial Prophylaxis and Antimicrobial-Coated External Ventricular Drain Catheters for Preventing Ventriculostomy-Related Infections: A Meta-Analysis of 5242 Cases.

BACKGROUND: External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is essential for the management of many neurocritical care patients. However, ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) is a serious complication, and there remains no well-established protocol guiding use of perioperative or extended antibiotic prophylaxis to minimize risk of VRI. OBJECTIVE: To analyze published evidence on the efficacy of extended prophylactic antimicrobial therapy and antibiotic-coated external ventricular drains (ac-EVDs) in reducing VRI incidence. METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies related to VRIs and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Eligible articles reported VRI incidence in control and treatment cohorts evaluating prophylaxis with either extended systemic antibiotics (> 24 hr) or ac-EVD. Risk ratios and VRI incidence were aggregated by prophylactic strategy, and pooled estimates were determined via random or mixed effects models. Study heterogeneity was quantified using I2 and Cochran's Q statistics. Rigorous assessment of study bias was performed, and PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout. RESULTS: Across 604 articles, 19 studies (3%) met eligibility criteria, reporting 5242 ventriculostomy outcomes. Extended IV and ac-EVD prophylaxis were associated with risk ratios of 0.36 [0.14, 0.93] and 0.39 [0.21, 0.73], respectively. Mixed effects analysis yielded expected VRI incidence of 13% to 38% with no prophylaxis, 7% to 18% with perioperative IV prophylaxis, 3% to 9% with either extended IV or ac-EVD prophylaxis as monotherapies, and as low as 0.8% to 2% with extended IV and ac-EVD dual prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Management with both extended systemic antibiotics and ac-EVDs could lower VRI risk in ventriculostomy patients, but the impact on associated morbidity and mortality, healthcare costs, and length of stay remain unclear.

Patient Satisfaction Ratings of Male and Female Residents Across Subspecialties.

BACKGROUND: Females currently comprise approximately 50% of incoming medical students yet continue to be underrepresented in certain medical subspecialties. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether gender plays a role in patients' perception of physician competency among different specialties. METHODS: We administered surveys at 2 academic medical centers to patients who were stable, cognitively aware, and indicated English as their primary language. Survey questions evaluated communication, medical expertise, and quality of care. RESULTS: A total of 4222 surveys were collected. Females comprised around half (n = 2133, 50.7%) of evaluated residents. First-year (n = 1647, 39%) and second-year (n = 1416, 33.5%) residents were assessed most frequently. Internal medicine conducted the most surveys (n = 1111, 23.6%), whereas head and neck surgery conducted the least (n = 137, 3.24%). There was no statistically significant difference between patients' perception of male and female residents of the same year in overall communication skills, medical expertise, and quality of medical care. Female residents outperformed their male counterparts on specific questions evaluating the communication of treatment plans, patient education, and patient satisfaction (P < .001, P = .03, P = .04, respectively). Unsurprisingly, patients' perceptions of residents' overall communication skills, medical expertise, and quality of medical care significantly improved when comparing more experienced residents to newer residents. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between overall communication, medical expertise, and quality of care between sexes, and across subspecialties. Though gender inequalities currently exist most starkly in practitioners in surgical subspecialties, women in surgical residencies were much better communicators than their male counterparts, but still perceived to have similar levels of medical expertise and quality of care.

Postoperative Hearing Preservation in Patients Undergoing Retrosigmoid Craniotomy for Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Systematic Review of 2034 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors derived from Schwann cells ensheathing the vestibulocochlear nerve. The retrosigmoid (RS) surgical approach is useful to resect tumors of multiple sizes while affording the possibility of preserving postoperative hearing. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of published literature investigating hearing preservation rates in patients who underwent the RS approach for VS treatment. METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were surveyed for studies that reported preoperative and postoperative hearing grades on VS patients who underwent RS treatment. Hearing preservation rates were calculated, and additional patient demographic data were extracted. Tumor size data were stratified to compare hearing preservation rates after surgery for intracanalicular, small (0-20 mm), and large (>20 mm) tumors. RESULTS: Of 383 deduplicated articles, 26 studies (6.8%) met eligibility criteria for a total of 2034 patients with serviceable preoperative hearing, for whom postoperative hearing status was evaluated. Aggregate hearing preservation was 31% and 35% under a fixed and random effects model, respectively. A mixed effects model was used to determine hearing preservation rates depending on tumor size, which were determined to be 57%, 37%, and 12% for intracanalicular, small, and large tumors, respectively. Significant cross-study heterogeneity was found (I2 = 93%, τ2 = .964, P < .01; Q = 287.80, P = < .001), with rates of hearing preservation ranging from 0% to 100%. CONCLUSION: Tumor size may have an effect on hearing preservation rates, but multiple factors should be considered. Discussion of a patient's expectations for hearing preservation is critical when deciding on VS treatment plans.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence postoperative outcomes: A case series of 156 repairs.

Previous studies have looked at differences in predisposing factors, symptomology, treatment options, and outcomes in patients with SSCD experiencing audiologic and vestibular symptoms, however this study utilizes data from the largest series of SSCD patients by a single pair of neurosurgeon and head and neck surgeon to date. The objective was to determine what pre-operative factors, if any, contribute to post-operative outcomes in SSCD patients. A retrospective chart review collected patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, and postoperative symptoms. Nonparametric tests were run using IBM® SPSS® Statistics. Fisher's Exact Tests, Spearman's rho, and McNemar's test for paired comparison of binary measures were performed, with a significance level of P < 0.05. A total of 156 SSCD surgeries were performed within a cohort of 119 patients. The majority of patients were female (n = 75, 63.0%). The median age was 55 years (±12.7 years) and median follow-up length was 0.46 months (range: 0.03-59.5 months). Increased postoperative dizziness and hearing loss was significantly correlated with females (P = .048, P = .041). Additionally, males reported significantly improved postoperative hearing (P = .044) with confirmatory audiometry. Serum ionized calcium levels inversely correlated with age using spearman's coefficient (rs = -.260 P = .037). Postsurgical autophony was significantly associated with bilateral SSCD (P = .01). In conclusion, differences in outcomes between patients may have to do with bilateralism of SSCD or gender effects. Proposed theories concerning a "two hit" hypothesis and about calcium feedback regulation in SSCD may play a role in these findings. Understanding differences between symptomology will help facilitate discussions with future patients.

Timing of adjuvant radiation therapy and survival outcomes after surgical resection of intracranial non-small cell lung cancer metastases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if delay of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) beyond 6 post-operative weeks affects survival outcomes in patients undergoing craniotomy or craniectomy for resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) intracranial metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 28 patients undergoing resection of intracranial metastases and ART at our institution from 2001 to 2016. We assessed survival outcomes for patients who received delayed versus non-delayed ART, as well as associated risk factors. RESULTS: Among 28 patients, 8 (29%) had delayed ART beyond 6 post-operative weeks. Fifteen received stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), 8 (29%) received whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), and 5 (18%) received combination WBRT + SRT. There were no significant differences in ART modality or dosing, age, sex, number of intracranial metastases, primary metastasis volume, rates of chemotherapy, extracranial metastases, or post-operative functional scores between groups. Expected post-operative survival was shorter with delayed ART (7 months versus 28 months, P = 0.01). The most common reason for delayed ART was complicated post-operative course (n = 3.38%). Significant risk factors for delayed ART included non-routine discharge (P = 0.01) and additional invasive procedures between surgery and ART start date (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest delayed ART in patients undergoing surgical resection of intracranial NSCLC metastases is associated with shorter overall survival. However, risk factors for delayed ART, including non-routine discharge and the need for additional invasive procedures, may have in themselves reflected poorer clinical courses that may have also contributed to the observed survival differences.

Hearing Preservation for Vestibular Schwannomas Treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery or Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign intracranial neoplasms arising from the eighth cranial nerve for which targeted radiation therapy (RT) has proved increasingly successful. However, long-term hearing and related cranial nerve outcomes have been disputed for the 3 current RT modalities. OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in hearing preservation for patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT), or hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (hypoFSRT) for VS. METHODS: A retrospective electronic chart review was conducted for all patients with unilateral VS treated with primary RT at a single academic medical center between 2000 and 2017. The primary outcome measure was preservation of serviceable hearing status in the affected ear at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included tinnitus, vertigo, and imbalance. RESULTS: A total of 33 FSRT cases, 21 SRS cases, and 6 hypoFSRT cases were identified. Postoperative deterioration in serviceable hearing and tinnitus showed significant differences across cohorts. The SRS cohort had a higher baseline incidence of nonserviceable hearing and disequilibrium compared with other cohorts before RT (P = 0.001 and 0.022, respectively); no differences in baseline morbidity were observed for vertigo and tinnitus. The 5-year tumor control rate was 95.2%, 93.9%, and 100% with SRS, FSRT, and hypoFSRT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our series indicated an excellent tumor control rate in all the modalities. Our SRS cohort showed increased incidence and shorter time to hearing deterioration compared with the FSRT and hypoFSRT cohorts. The FSRT and hypoFSRT cohorts have shown comparable overall outcomes. Onset of post-RT tinnitus was observed only with FSRT.

Social Media Use for Professional Purposes in the Neurosurgical Community: A Multi-Institutional Study.

BACKGROUND: Since the debut of Facebook in 2004, social media (SoMe) has garnered increased popularity and usage worldwide. Given its appeal and visibility, many industries have used SoMe to promote products for professional purposes. Specialized sites have subsequently been created to connect users in similar disciplines. Although SoMe sites have amassed over 1-billion followers, SoMe usage in the neurosurgical community has not yet been well described. METHODS: We present an online survey administered to neurosurgery faculty, fellows, and residents in 102 U.S. accredited programs to gauge usage and perception of SoMe for professional purposes. RESULTS: Of all surveys distributed, 241 neurosurgeons responded with an attending, resident, to fellow breakdown of 137, 96, and 8, respectively. A total of 55.97% of respondents were under the age of 34, 2% were over the age of 75, and 81% of respondents identified as men. An overwhelming majority cited conferences (83%) and in-person meetings as their preferred method of networking. However, 70% state they use SoMe for professional purposes with Doximity and LinkdIn listed as the most popular (49% and 48%, respectively) platforms. Lack of time and perceived value, in addition to privacy concerns, were noted to be the main factors for those refraining from SoMe use. CONCLUSIONS: As SoMe becomes increasingly popular and its use expands, the majority of neurosurgeon respondents are also using SoMe for professional purposes. Although lack of time, lack of perceived value, and privacy concerns were hindrances to usage, other factors like age do not seem to correlate with SoMe adoption for professional aims.

Radiosurgery treatment is associated with improved facial nerve preservation versus repeat resection in recurrent vestibular schwannomas.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign neoplasms of the Schwann cells of cranial nerve VIII, and treatment of VS typically involves surgical resection. However, tumor recurrence may necessitate reintervention, and secondary treatment modalities include repeat surgical resection or adjuvant radiosurgery. The purpose of this study is to examine the scientific literature in order to determine whether surgical resection or radiosurgery for recurrent VS results in better tumor control, hearing preservation, and preservation of facial nerve function. METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies reporting on patients undergoing either radiosurgery or repeat surgical resection after primary surgical resection for recurrent VS. Statistical analyses were performed on the compiled data, primarily outcome data involving tumor control, hearing preservation, and preservation of facial nerve function. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 15 individual studies involving 359 total patients, and our results reveal that tumor control rates are comparable between adjuvant radiosurgery (91%, CI: 88-94%) and secondary resection (92%, CI 75-98%). However, adjuvant radiosurgery was shown to preserve good facial nerve function better (94%, CI 84-98%) compared to secondary surgical resection (56%, CI 41-69%). CONCLUSION: With comparable tumor control rates and better preservation of good facial nerve function, this study suggests that secondary radiosurgery for recurrent VS is associated with both optimal tumor control and preservation of good facial nerve function.

Clinical Assessment of Patients with Bilateral Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is caused by a deformity in the arcuate eminence, leading to various vestibular and auditory symptoms that can manifest unilaterally or bilaterally. The aim of the present study was to distinguish the differences in symptoms, treatment options, and outcomes between patients with unilateral and bilateral SSCD. METHODS: A retrospective medical record analysis was conducted to identify patients with SSCD treated at a tertiary care center from March 2011 to May 2017. The patient demographic data, preoperative symptom presentation, and postoperative outcomes were extracted. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Fisher's exact tests were computed to investigate the relationships between binary variables, with a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients with SSCD had been treated at our institution from March 2011 to May 2017. Of these 99 patients, 41 (41.4%) had a diagnosis of bilateral SSCD. Of the 41 patients with bilateral SSCD, 27 (65.9%) were women, and the mean age was 53.6 ± 10.9 years (range, 31.7-73.9). The most common presenting symptom was tinnitus (n = 33; 80.4%) and dizziness (n = 33; 80.4%). Previous trauma to the head correlated with a bilateral SSCD presentation (P = 0.04). Trends were reported between female sex and bilateral SSCD [r(35) = 0.32379; P = 0.0506]. Postoperatively, trends were also found, with greater rates of dizziness in patients with bilateral SSCD compared with those with unilateral SSCD (odds ratio, 3.81; P = 0.0659), and less improvement in dizziness (odds ratio, 0.186; P = 0.0627). No other significant differences were found between the symptoms or clinical outcomes and improvements between the bilateral and unilateral cohorts. CONCLUSION: Bilateral SSCD might result in different clinical symptoms that are more prevalent compared with unilateral SSCD. The findings from the present series of patients with bilateral SSCD suggest that patient symptoms and history are important in the diagnosis of bilateral SSCD and deciding whether 1 or both dehiscences requires surgical intervention.

Age-related differences in social media use in the neurosurgical community: A multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVES: Social media is evolving and growing at an exponential rate today. From a healthcare perspective, these platforms can be used to enhance professional networking, education, organizational promotion, patient care, patient education, and public health programs without the limitations of geographic and time-related access barriers. Given the possible importance of social media in medicine, and the conflicting reports in literature about its use in healthcare, it is important to identify its utility within the neurosurgical community. We set out to measure the use of social media platforms among neurosurgery faculty, fellows, and residents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An online survey using the SurveyMonkey platform was sent to the program directors of 102 accredited neurosurgery programs across the United States. Program directors then distributed these surveys to the residents, fellows, and attendings at their respective institutions once each month between October 2017 and December 2017. Neurosurgeons participated anonymously, voluntarily, and received no compensation for their participation. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: 137 attendings, 96 residents, and 8 fellows responded to the survey (81% male). Most (70%) stated that they used social media for professional purposes. Sixty percent of all respondents believed that social media can be beneficial in terms of professional development. Younger neurosurgeons in training were more likely to read journal articles found via social media and were more likely to believe social media could be beneficial than older neurosurgeons at later stages in their career. CONCLUSIONS: Results point toward differences in social media use based on age or level of training. Further studies should include a larger sample cohort over a longer time period to determine whether these trends will change over time.

Spontaneous Shrinkage of Cystic Acoustic Neuroma.

BACKGROUND: Cystic acoustic neuromas typically present with more rapid growth and shorter symptomatic periods when compared with solid tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 70-year-old man unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, frequent falls, and worsening ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a 33.9-cm3 cystic acoustic neuroma with mass effect on the brainstem and cerebellum. Subsequent MRI scans revealed tumor measurements of 38.2 cm3, 37.6 cm3, 23.8 cm3, and 14.3 cm3 at 3, 6, 9, and 15 months after initial presentation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous tumor regression was accompanied with reduced mass effect on neighboring structures and improved symptoms. Owing to their unpredictable growth patterns, early surgical resection has been recommended for cystic acoustic neuromas. However, this patient experienced spontaneous tumor involution after conservative management. Further research on the growth patterns of cystic schwannomas is imperative for them proper counseling of patients and improvement of treatment strategies.