Noninvasive Assessment of Intracranial Pressure: Deformability Index as an Adjunct to Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter to Increase Diagnostic Ability.

BACKGROUND: Today, invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement remains the standard, but its invasiveness limits availability. Here, we evaluate a novel ultrasound-based optic nerve sheath parameter called the deformability index (DI) and its ability to assess ICP noninvasively. Furthermore, we ask whether combining DI with optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a more established parameter, results in increased diagnostic ability, as compared to using ONSD alone. METHODS: We prospectively included adult patients with traumatic brain injury with invasive ICP monitoring, which served as the reference measurement. Ultrasound images and videos of the optic nerve sheath were acquired. ONSD was measured at the bedside, whereas DI was calculated by semiautomated postprocessing of ultrasound videos. Correlations of ONSD and DI to ICP were explored, and a linear regression model combining ONSD and DI was compared to a linear regression model using ONSD alone. Ability of the noninvasive parameters to distinguish dichotomized ICP was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, and a logistic regression model combining ONSD and DI was compared to a logistic regression model using ONSD alone. RESULTS: Forty-four ultrasound examinations were performed in 26 patients. Both DI (R = - 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] R < - 0.03; p = 0.03) and ONSD (R = 0.45; 95% CI R > 0.23; p < 0.01) correlated with ICP. When including both parameters in a combined model, the estimated correlation coefficient increased (R = 0.51; 95% CI R > 0.30; p < 0.01), compared to using ONSD alone, but the model improvement did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). Both DI (area under the curve [AUC] 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.83) and ONSD (AUC 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.86) displayed ability to distinguish ICP dichotomized at ICP ≥ 15 mm Hg. When using both parameters in a combined model, AUC increased (0.80, 95% CI 0.63-0.90), and the model improvement was statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Combining ONSD with DI holds the potential of increasing the ability of optic nerve sheath parameters in the noninvasive assessment of ICP, compared to using ONSD alone, and further study of DI is warranted.

Decreasing incidence of cervical spine fractures in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a population-based study in Southeast Norway.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Individuals diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) face an increased risk of spine fractures, specifically cervical spine fractures (CS-Fxs). In the past two decades, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have provided considerable relief from pain and an enhanced sense of wellbeing for a large segment of AS patients. Despite these improvements, it remains unclear whether extended use of bDMARDs can indeed reduce the risk of spine fractures. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the evolving patterns and epidemiology of traumatic CS-Fxs in both AS and non-AS populations. We hypothesized that the risk of CS-Fxs among AS patients would show a decreasing trend over time, while the risk among non-AS patients would remain constant. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study based on a prospective database. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 3,598 consecutive patients with CS-Fxs were treated at Oslo University Hospital over an 8-year period. OUTCOME MEASURES: CS-Fxs in AS patients were contrasted with non-AS-related CS-Fxs in terms of temporal trends, age, sex, injury mechanism, associated cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI), need for surgical fixation, and 30-day mortality. METHODS: Data regarding all CS-Fxs diagnosed between 2015 and 2022 were extracted from the Southeast Norway population-based quality control database for traumatic CS-Fxs. Categorical data were summarized using frequencies, and continuous data were summarized using medians. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare continuous variables, and the chi-squared test and Fischer exact test were used to compare categorical variables. To investigate the trend in the incidence of fractures, two different Poisson models were fitted with the number of non-AS and AS fractures as dependent variables and the year as the explanatory variable. RESULTS: Over an eight-year period, we registered 3,622 CS-Fxs in 3598 patients, with AS patients accounting for 125 of these fractures. Relative to their non-AS counterparts, AS patients presented a 9-fold and 8-fold higher risk of initial and subsequent CS-Fxs, respectively. We observed a declining trend in AS-related CS-Fxs with an annual linear decrease of 8.4% (p=.026), whereas non-AS-related CS-Fxs showed an annual linear increase of 3.7% (p<.001). AS patients sustaining CS-Fxs were typically older (median age 70 vs. 63 years), predominantly male (89% vs. 67%), and more frequently experienced injuries due to falls (82% vs. 57%). They also exhibited a higher prevalence of subaxial CS-Fxs (91% vs. 62%), fewer C0-C2 CS-Fxs (14% vs. 44%), a higher rate of associated cSCI (21% vs. 11%), and a greater tendency for surgical fixation (66% vs. 21%). We observed a 30-day mortality rate of 11% in AS patients and 5.4% in non-AS patients (p=.005). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the elevated risk of CS-Fxs among AS patients, although this risk appears to show a decreasing trend. The most plausible explanation for this risk reduction is the widespread application of bDMARDs.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure assessment by optic nerve sheath diameter: Automated measurements as an alternative to clinician-performed measurements.

Introduction: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has shown promise as a noninvasive parameter for estimating intracranial pressure (ICP). In this study, we evaluated a novel automated method of measuring the ONSD in transorbital ultrasound imaging. Methods: From adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with invasive ICP monitoring, bedside manual ONSD measurements and ultrasound videos of the optic nerve sheath complex were simultaneously acquired. Automatic ONSD measurements were obtained by the processing of the ultrasound videos by a novel software based on a machine learning approach for segmentation of the optic nerve sheath. Agreement between manual and automated measurements, as well as their correlation to invasive ICP, was evaluated. Furthermore, the ability to distinguish dichotomized ICP for manual and automatic measurements of ONSD was compared, both for ICP dichotomized at ≥20 mmHg and at the 50th percentile (≥14 mmHg). Finally, we performed an exploratory subgroup analysis based on the software's judgment of optic nerve axis alignment to elucidate the reasons for variation in the agreement between automatic and manual measurements. Results: A total of 43 ultrasound examinations were performed on 25 adult patients with TBI, resulting in 86 image sequences covering the right and left eyes. The median pairwise difference between automatically and manually measured ONSD was 0.06 mm (IQR -0.44 to 0.38 mm; p = 0.80). The manually measured ONSD showed a positive correlation with ICP, while automatically measured ONSD showed a trend toward, but not a statistically significant correlation with ICP. When examining the ability to distinguish dichotomized ICP, manual and automatic measurements performed with similar accuracy both for an ICP cutoff at 20 mmHg (manual: AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.88; automatic: AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.66-0.93) and for an ICP cutoff at 14 mmHg (manual: AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.85; automatic: AUC 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.83). In the exploratory subgroup analysis, we found that the agreement between measurements was higher in the subgroup where the automatic software evaluated the optic nerve axis alignment as good as compared to intermediate/poor. Conclusion: The novel automated method of measuring the ONSD on the ultrasound videos using segmentation of the optic nerve sheath showed a reasonable agreement with manual measurements and performed equally well in distinguishing high and low ICP.

Referrals to Early Specialized Rehabilitation after Traumatic Brain Injury during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify potential changes in direct referral to early specialized rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the injury pattern of patients hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at a level 1 trauma centre. METHODS: In this registry-based study, data were retrieved from the Oslo TBI Registry-Neurosurgery and included adult patients with injury-related intracranial findings admitted to Oslo University Hospital (OUH). The study focused on a period of time when OUH was in any level of preparedness because of the COVID-19 pandemic; March 2020 to August 2021. For comparison, the study used patients hospitalized for TBI in 2018 and 2019. RESULTS: A total of 1,310 hospitalized patients with TBI were divided into 2 groups; pre-pandemic and pandemic. Direct referral to early rehabilitation was maintained. Patient volume remained stable, and there were no differences between the groups regarding patient characteristics and acute management, although there was a significantly higher proportion of TBIs secondary to electric scooter accidents in the pandemic group. Results from univariable and multivariable logistic regression showed a multifaceted reality, but younger age, none or mild preinjury comorbidity and severe disability due to TBI at discharge from acute care remained stable strong predictors of direct referral to rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: For patients with moderate-severe TBI, the direct pathway to early specialized rehabilitation was maintained during 2020-21. However, the pandemic continued and the long-term impact for rehabilitation services is not yet known.

Vasospasm Surveillance by a Simplified Transcranial Doppler Protocol in Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To detect post-traumatic vasospasm in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), we implemented a simplified transcranial Doppler (TCD) surveillance protocol in a neurointensive care setting. In this study, we evaluate the yield of this protocol. METHODS: Adult patients with TBI admitted to the neurointensive care unit were examined with TCD by 2 intensive care nurses trained in TCD examinations. Flow velocities of the middle cerebral arteries were recorded. TCD suspected vasospasm was defined as the mean flow velocity >120 cm/s, and when detected, the protocol recommended a supplementary computed tomography angiography. The rate of detection of TCD suspected vasospasm and the subsequent rate of radiological diagnosis of vasospasm were recorded. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we evaluated age, initial Glasgow Coma Scale, craniotomy, and decompressive craniectomy as potential predictors of developing increased TCD velocity. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients with TBI with a median initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6 were examined by TCD. TCD suspected vasospasm was found in the middle cerebral arteries of 18% of examined patients. Two-thirds of patients with TCD suspected vasospasm were investigated with a subsequent computed tomography angiography, and 80% of these patients received a radiological diagnosis of vasospasm. In logistic regression analysis, decompressive craniectomy was significantly associated with increased risk of developing TCD suspected vasospasm (odds ratio: 11.57, 95% confidence interval: 2.59-51.73, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a simplified TCD surveillance protocol in a neurointensive care setting yielded an 18% detection rate of TCD suspected vasospasm. In our cohort of patients with TBI, decompressive craniectomy was associated with increased risk of developing TCD suspected vasospasm.

Bicycle-related cervical spine injuries.

Background: Bicyclists are vulnerable road users. The aim of this paper was to describe all bicycle-related traumatic cervical spine injuries (CSIs) in the South-East region of Norway (2015-2019), and to investigate whether certain types of CSIs are typical for bicyclists. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected registry data of all CSIs in the South-East region of Norway (3.0 million inhabitants), from 2015 to 2019. Patient characteristics, injury types, and treatment were summarized with descriptive statistics. Bayesian multivariable logistic regression was used to identify potential factors associated with occipital condyle fractures (OC-Fx) or odontoid fractures (OFx). Results: During the five-year study period, 2,162 patients with CSIs were registered, and 261 (12%) were bicycle-related. The incidence of bicycle-related CSIs was 1.7/100,000 person-years. The median age of the patients with bicycle-related CSIs was 55 (IQR: 22) years, 83% were male, 71% used a helmet, 16% were influenced by ethanol, 12% had a concomitant cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), and 64% sustained multiple traumas. The three most common bicycle-related CSIs were C6/C7 fracture (Fx) (28%), occipital condyle Fx (OC-Fx) (23%) and C5/C6 Fx (19%). Patients with bicycle-related CSIs compared to patients with non-bicycle related CSIs were younger, more often male, had fewer comorbidities, more likely multiple traumas, more often had OC-Fx, and less often sustained an odontoid fracture (OFx). Multivariable logistic regression of potential risk factors for OC-Fx demonstrated a significantly increased risk of OC-Fx for bicyclists compared to non-bicyclists (OR=2.8).The primary treatment for bicycle-related CSIs was external immobilization in 187/261 (71.6%) cases, open surgical fixation in 44/261 (16.8%), and no treatment in 30/261 (11.5%). Conclusion: Bicycle crashes are a frequent cause of CSIs in the Norwegian population and should be of concern to the public society. The three most common bicycle-related CSIs were C6/C7 fracture, occipital condyle fracture and C5/C6 fracture.

Epidemiology of traumatic cervical spinal fractures in a general Norwegian population.

BACKGROUND: In Western countries, the typical cervical spine fracture (CS-Fx) patient has historically been a young male injured in a road traffic accident. Recent reports and daily clinical practice clearly indicate a change in the typical patient from a young male to an elderly male or female with comorbidities. This study aimed to establish contemporary population-based epidemiological data of traumatic CS-Fx for use in health-care planning and injury prevention. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective database study (with prospectively collected data) from the Southeast Norway health region with 3.0 million inhabitants. We included all consecutive cases diagnosed with a CS-Fx between 2015 and 2019. Information regarding demographics, preinjury comorbidities, trauma mechanisms, injury description, treatment, and level of hospital admittance is presented. RESULTS: We registered 2153 consecutive cases with CS-Fx during a 5-year period, with an overall crude incidence of CS-Fx of 14.9/100,000 person-years. Age-adjusted incidences using the standard population for Europe and the World was 15.6/100,000 person-years and 10.4/100,000 person-years, respectively. The median patient age was 62 years, 68% were males, 37% had a preinjury severe systemic disease, 16% were under the influence of ethanol, 53% had multiple trauma, and 12% had concomitant cervical spinal cord injury (incomplete in 85% and complete in 15%). The most common trauma mechanisms were falls (57%), followed by bicycle injuries (12%), and four-wheel motorized vehicle accidents (10%). The most common upper CS-Fx was C2 odontoid Fx, while the most common subaxial Fx was facet joint Fx involving cervical level C6/C7. Treatment was external immobilization with a stiff neck collar alone in 65%, open surgical fixation in 26% (giving a 3.7/100,000 person-years surgery rate), and no stabilization in 9%. The overall 90-day mortality was 153/2153 (7.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an overview of the extent of the issue and patient complexity necessary for planning the health-care management and injury prevention of CS-Fx. The typical CS-Fx patient was an elderly male or female with significant comorbidities injured in a low-energy trauma. The overall crude incidences of CS-Fx and surgical fixation of CS-Fx in Southeast Norway were 14.9/100,000 person-years and 3.7/100,000 person-years, respectively.

Incidence of emergency neurosurgical TBI procedures: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The rates of emergency neurosurgery in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients vary between populations and trauma centers. In planning acute TBI treatment, knowledge about rates and incidence of emergency neurosurgery at the population level is of importance for organization and planning of specialized health care services. This study aimed to present incidence rates and patient characteristics for the most common TBI-related emergency neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: Oslo University Hospital is the only trauma center with neurosurgical services in Southeast Norway, which has a population of 3 million. We extracted prospectively collected registry data from the Oslo TBI Registry - Neurosurgery over a five-year period (2015-2019). Incidence was calculated in person-pears (crude) and age-adjusted for standard population. We conducted multivariate multivariable logistic regression models to assess variables associated with emergency neurosurgical procedures. RESULTS: A total of 2151 patients with pathological head CT scans were included. One or more emergency neurosurgical procedure was performed in 27% of patients. The crude incidence was 3.9/100,000 person-years. The age-adjusted incidences in the standard population for Europe and the world were 4.0/100,000 and 3.3/100,000, respectively. The most frequent emergency neurosurgical procedure was the insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor, followed by evacuation of the mass lesion. Male sex, road traffic accidents, severe injury (low Glasgow coma score) and CT characteristics such as midline shift and compressed/absent basal cisterns were significantly associated with an increased probability of emergency neurosurgery, while older age was associated with a decreased probability. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of emergency neurosurgery in the general population is low and reflects neurosurgery procedures performed in patients with severe injuries. Hence, emergency neurosurgery for TBIs should be centralized to major trauma centers.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in traumatic brain injury: A systematic review of its complications, effect on mortality, diagnostic and therapeutic management, and follow-up.

Objective: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is increasingly being recognized in the setting of traumatic brain injury (TBI), but its effect on TBI patients and its management remains uncertain. Here, we systematically review the currently available evidence on the complications, effect on mortality and the diagnostic and therapeutic management and follow-up of CVST in the setting of TBI. Methods: Key clinical questions were posed and used to define the scope of the review within the following topics of complications; effect on mortality; diagnostics; therapeutics; recanalization and follow-up of CVST in TBI. We searched relevant databases using a structured search strategy. We screened identified records according to eligibility criteria and for information regarding the posed key clinical questions within the defined topics of the review. Results: From 679 identified records, 21 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included, all of which were observational in nature. Data was deemed insufficiently homogenous to perform meta-analysis and was narratively synthesized. Reported rates of venous infarctions ranged between 7 and 38%. One large registry study reported increased in-hospital mortality in CVSP and TBI compared to a control group with TBI alone in adjusted analyses. Another two studies found midline CVST to be associated with increased risk of mortality in adjusted analyses. Direct data to inform the optimum diagnostic and therapeutic management of the condition was limited, but some data on the safety, and effect of anticoagulation treatment of CVST in TBI was identified. Systematic data on recanalization rates to guide follow-up was also limited, and reported complete recanalization rates ranged between 41 and 86%. In the context of the identified data, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic management and follow-up of the condition. Conclusion: Currently, the available evidence is insufficient for evidence-based treatment of CVST in the setting of TBI. However, there are clear indications in the presently available literature that CVST in TBI is associated with complications and increased mortality, and this indicates that management options for the condition must be considered. Further studies are needed to confirm the effects of CVST on TBI patients and to provide evidence to support management decisions. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: PROSPERO [CRD42021247833].

Neurosarcoidosis resembling multiple meningiomas: A misleading presentation of the disease and diagnostic challenge.

Sarcoidosis is characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomatous inflammation in the affected organs. Neurosarcoidosis denotes the involvement of the nervous system and can be either isolated or coexisting with extraneural systemic inflammation. The diagnosis of isolated neurosarcoidosis may be challenging due to unspecific symptoms and similar appearances with other disease processes. This report presents an uncommon case of intracranial sarcoidosis mimicking multiple meningiomas. Familiarity with the spectrum of magnetic resonance imaging findings in neurosarcoidosis is crucial to prevent interpretive errors which may in turn lead to an inappropriate diagnosis and treatment.

In the Aftermath of Acute Hospitalization for Traumatic Brain Injury: Factors Associated with the Direct Pathway into Specialized Rehabilitation.

Previous research has demonstrated that early initiation of rehabilitation and direct care pathways improve outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this knowledge, there is a concern that a number of patients are still not included in the direct care pathway. The study aim was to provide an updated overview of discharge to rehabilitation following acute care and identify factors associated with the direct pathway. We analyzed data from the Oslo TBI Registry-Neurosurgery over a five-year period (2015-2019) and included 1724 adults with intracranial injuries. We described the patient population and applied multivariable logistic regression to investigate factors associated with the probability of entering the direct pathway. In total, 289 patients followed the direct pathway. For patients with moderate-severe TBI, the proportion increased from 22% to 35% during the study period. Significant predictors were younger age, low preinjury comorbidities, moderate-severe TBI and disability due to TBI at the time of discharge. In patients aged 18-29 years, 53% followed the direct pathway, in contrast to 10% of patients aged 65-79 years (moderate-severe TBI). This study highlights the need for further emphasis on entering the direct pathway to rehabilitation, particularly for patients aged >64 years.

Impact of Preinjury Antithrombotic Therapy on 30-Day Mortality in Older Patients Hospitalized With Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Objective: Elderly patients are frequently in need of antithrombotic therapy for reducing thrombotic events. The association between antithrombotic drugs and survival after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, nevertheless, unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included patients ≥65 years admitted to a Norwegian Level 1 trauma center with TBI identified on cerebral computed tomography (cerebral-CT) during 2014-2019. Preinjury use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants was compared to the prescription rate in the general Norwegian population. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses estimated the association between the use of antithrombotic drugs and mortality. Results: The study includes 832 consecutive TBI patients ≥65 years. The median age was 76 years, 58% were males, 51% had moderate or severe TBI, and 39% had multiple traumas. Preinjury use of antithrombotics was registered in 471/832 (55.6%) patients; antiplatelet therapy alone in 268, anticoagulant therapy alone in 172, and combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in 31. Antiplatelet use did not differ between the study cohort and the general Norwegian population ≥65 years (31 vs. 31%, p = 0.87). Anticoagulant therapy was used more commonly in the study cohort than in the general Norwegian population (24 vs. 19%, p = 0.04). Combined use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy was significantly associated with 30-day mortality, while preinjury antiplatelet or anticoagulation treatment alone was not. No difference in 30-day mortality between patients using VKA, DOACs, or LMWH was encountered. Conclusions: In this cohort, neither antiplatelet nor anticoagulant therapy alone was associated with increased 30-day mortality. Anticoagulant use was more prevalent among TBI patients than the general population, suggesting that anticoagulation might contribute to the initiation of intracranial bleeding after blunt head trauma. Combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy posed increased risk of 30-day mortality.

Favorable prognosis with nonsurgical management of type III acute odontoid fractures: a consecutive series of 212 patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The recommended primary treatment for type III odontoid fractures (OFx) is external immobilization, except for patients having major displacement of the odontoid fragment. The bony fusion rate of type III OFx has been reported to be >85%. High compliance to treatment recommendations is favorable only if the treatment leads to a good outcome. PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome after conservative and surgical treatment of type III OFx and to reaffirm that primary external immobilization is the best treatment for most type III fractures. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective study based on a prospective database. PATIENT SAMPLE: Two hundred twelve consecutive patients with type III OFx treated at Oslo University Hospital over an 8-year period (2009-2017). OUTCOME MEASURES: Long-term rates of bony fusion, crossover from primary conservative treatment to surgical fixation, new onset spinal cord injury (SCI), severe persistent neck pain (visual analogue scale - VAS), and persistent disability measured with Neck Disability index (NDI). METHODS: The present study was based on data extracted from our quality control database for acute cervical spine fractures from a general population. During the years 2018 to 2019 long-term follow-up of alive patients was performed (median follow-up time was 38.0 months; range 3.0-108.0 months). The follow-up included neurological examination, radiological examination and scoring of bony fusion status, crossover from primary conservative treatment to surgical fixation, new onset SCI, neck pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI score). RESULTS: In this consecutive series of 212 patients with type III acute OFx, median patient age was 72 years, 56% had severe preinjury comorbidities (ASA score ≥3) and 22% lived dependently. Severe comorbidities and dependent living were significantly associated with increasing age (p<.001). The trauma mechanism was fall injury in 82%. The median age of patients injured by falls was significantly higher than in patients with a nonfall injury (p<.001). At the time of diagnosis, 4% had an OFx related SCI. Primary treatment was external immobilization alone in 95.3% and open surgical fixation in 4.7%. Patients treated with primary external immobilization alone presented with significantly less translation of the odontoid fragment (p<.001) and less angulation of the odontoid fragment (p=.025) than patients treated with primary surgery. Subsequent crossover to surgical fixation was performed in 5.4%. At long-term follow-up, 95.7% of patients had bony fusion of the OFx, 80.5% had minimal/no neck pain, and none developed new onset SCI. There was no significant difference in long-term follow-up VAS (p=.444) or NDI (p=.562) between the primary external immobilization group and the primary surgical group. CONCLUSION: This study reaffirms that nonsurgical treatment remains the preferable option in the majority of patients with type III OFx.

Traumatic brain injury-the effects of patient age on treatment intensity and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Ageing is associated with worse treatment outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This association may lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy that affects treatment efficacy. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of treatment bias in patient outcomes by studying the intensity of diagnostic procedures, treatment, and overall 30-day mortality in different age groups of patients with TBI. METHODS: Included in this study was consecutively admitted patients with TBI, aged ≥ 15 years, with a cerebral CT showing intracranial signs of trauma, during the time-period between 2015-2018. Data were extracted from our prospective quality control registry for admitted TBI patients. As a measure of management intensity in different age groups, we made a composite score, where placement of intracranial pressure monitor, ventilator treatment, and evacuation of intracranial mass lesion each gave one point. Uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed using logistic multinomial regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,571 patients with TBI fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The median age was 58 years (range 15-98), 70% were men, and 39% were ≥ 65 years. Head injury severity was mild in 706 patients (45%), moderate in 437 (28%), and severe in 428 (27%). Increasing age was associated with less management intensity, as measured using the composite score, irrespective of head injury severity. Multivariate analyses showed that the following parameters had a significant association with an increased risk of death within 30 days of trauma: increasing age, severe comorbidities, severe TBI, Rotterdam CT-score ≥ 3, and low management intensity. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that the management intensity of hospitalised patients with TBI decreased with advanced age and that low management intensity was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality. This suggests that the high mortality among elderly TBI patients may have an element of treatment bias and could in the future be limited with a more aggressive management regime.

Odontoid fractures: impact of age and comorbidities on surgical decision making.

BACKGROUND: Surgical fixation is recommended for type II and III odontoid fractures (OFx) with major translation of the odontoid fragment, regardless of the patient's age, and for all type II OFx in patients aged ≥50 years. The level of compliance with this recommendation is unknown, and our hypothesis is that open surgical fixation is less frequently performed than recommended. We suspect that this discrepancy might be due to the older age and comorbidities among patients with OFx. METHODS: We present a prospective observational cohort study of all patients in the southeastern Norwegian population (3.0 million) diagnosed with a traumatic OFx in the period from 2015 to 2018. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-six patients with an OFx were diagnosed, resulting in an overall incidence of 2.8/100000 persons/year. The median age of the patients was 80 years, and 45% were females. According to the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification, the OFx were type II in 199 patients (59%) and type III in 137 patients (41%). The primary fracture treatment was rigid collar alone in 79% of patients and open surgical fixation in 21%. In the multivariate analysis, the following parameters were significantly associated with surgery as the primary treatment: independent living, less serious comorbidities prior to the injury, type II OFx and major sagittal translation of the odontoid fragment. Conversion from external immobilization alone to subsequent open surgical fixation was performed in 10% of patients. Significant differences the in conversion rate were not observed between patients with type II and III fractures. The level of compliance with the treatment recommendations for OFx was low. The main deviation was the underuse of primary surgical fixation for type II OFx. The most common reasons listed for choosing primary external immobilization instead of primary surgical fixation were an older age and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Major comorbidities and an older age appear to be significant factors contributing to physicians' decision to refrain from the surgical fixation of OFx. Hence, comorbidities and age should be considered for inclusion in the decision tree for the choice of treatment for OFx in future guidelines.

Characteristics of traumatic brain injury patients with abnormal neuroimaging in Southeast Norway.

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of hospital admitted patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) will have intracranial injury identified by neuroimaging, requiring qualified staff and hospital beds. Moreover, increased pressure in health care services is expected because of an aging population. Thus, a regular evaluation of characteristics of hospital admitted patients with TBI is needed. Oslo TBI Registry - Neurosurgery prospectively register all patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging admitted to a trauma center for southeast part of Norway. The purpose of this study is to describe this patient population with respect to case load, time of admission, age, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival. METHODS: Data for 5 years was extracted from Oslo TBI Registry - Neurosurgery. Case load, time of admission, age, sex, comorbidity, injury mechanism, injury characteristics, length of stay, and 30-days survival was compiled and compared. RESULTS: From January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019, 2153 consecutive patients with TBI identified by neuroimaging were registered. The admission rate of TBI of all severities has been stable year-round since 2015. Mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 25, range 0-99), and 68% were males. Comorbidities were common; 28% with pre-injury ASA score of ≥3 and 25% used antithrombotic medication. The dominating cause of injury in all ages was falls (55%) but increased with age. Upon admission, the head injury was classified as mild TBI in 46%, moderate in 28%, and severe (Glasgow coma score ≤ 8) in 26%. Case load was stable without seasonal variation. Majority of patients (68%) were admitted during evening, night or weekend. 68% was admitted to intensive care unit. Length of hospital stay was 4 days (median, interquartile range 3-9). 30-day survival for mild, moderate and severe TBI was 98, 94 and 69%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The typical TBI patients admitted to hospital with abnormal neuroimaging were aged 50-79 years, often with significant comorbidity, and admitted outside ordinary working hours. This suggests the necessity for all-hour presence of competent health care professionals.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in traumatic brain injury: a cause of secondary insults and added mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is increasingly recognized in traumatic brain injury (TBI), but its complications and effect on outcome remain undetermined. In this study, the authors characterize the complications and outcome effect of CVT in TBI patients. METHODS: In a retrospective, case-control study of patients included in the Oslo University Hospital trauma registry and radiology registry from 2008 to 2014, the authors identified TBI patients with CVT (cases) and without CVT (controls). The groups were matched regarding Abbreviated Injury Scale 1990, update 1998 (AIS'98) head region severity score 3-6. Cases were identified by AIS'98 or ICD-10 code for CVT and CT or MR venography findings confirmed to be positive for CVT, whereas controls had no AIS'98 or ICD-10 code for CVT and CT venography or MR venography findings confirmed to be negative for CVT. All images were reviewed by a neuroradiologist. Rates of complications due to CVT were recorded, and mortality was assessed both unadjusted and in a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, Rotterdam CT score, and Injury Severity Score. Complications and mortality were also assessed in prespecified subgroup analysis according to CVT location and degree of occlusion from CVT. Lastly, mortality was assessed in an exploratory subgroup analysis according to the presence of complications from CVT. RESULTS: The CVT group (73 patients) and control group (120 patients) were well matched regarding baseline characteristics. In the CVT group, 18% developed venous infarction, 11% developed intracerebral hemorrhage, and 19% developed edema, all representing complications secondary to CVT. Unadjusted 30-day mortality was 16% in the CVT group and 4% in the no-CVT group (p = 0.004); however, the difference was no longer significant in the adjusted analysis (OR 2.24, 95% CI 0.63-8.03; p = 0.215). Subgroup analysis by CVT location showed an association between CVT location and rate of complications and an unadjusted 30-day mortality of 50% for midline or bilateral CVT and 8% for unilateral CVT compared with 4% for no CVT (p < 0.001). The adjusted analysis showed a significantly higher mortality in the midline/bilateral CVT group than in the no-CVT group (OR 8.41, 95% CI 1.56-45.25; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant rate of complications from CVT in TBI patients, leading to secondary brain insults. The rate of complications is dependent on the anatomical location of the CVT, and midline and bilateral CVT is associated with an increased 30-day mortality in TBI patients.

Best practice guidelines for blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI).

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a non-penetrating injury to the carotid and/or vertebral artery that may cause stroke in trauma patients. Historically BCVI has been considered rare but more recent publications indicate an overall incidence of 1-2% in the in-hospital trauma population and as high as 9% in patients with severe head injury. The indications for screening, treatment and follow-up of these patients have been controversial for years with few clear recommendations. In an attempt to provide a clinically oriented guideline for the handling of BCVI patients a working committee was created. The current guideline is the end result of this committees work. It is based on a systematic literature search and critical review of all available publications in addition to a standardized consensus process. We recommend using the expanded Denver screening criteria and CT angiography (CTA) for the detection of BCVI. Early antithrombotic treatment should be commenced as soon as considered safe and continued for at least 3 months. A CTA at 7 days to confirm or discard the diagnosis as well as a final imaging control at 3 months should be performed.

Screening for viral nucleic acids in vestibular schwannoma.

To investigate if viruses are involved in the pathogenesis of vestibular schwannomas (VS), we have screened biopsies from VS patients using different molecular techniques. Screening for the presence of known viruses using a pan-viral microarray assay (ViroChip) indicated the presence of several viruses including human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) and human herpes virus 2 (HHV2). But with the exception of HERV-K, none of the findings could be verified by other methods. Whole transcriptome sequencing showed only the presence of HERV-K transcripts and whole genome sequencing showed only the presence of Epstein-Barr virus, most likely originating from infiltration of lymphocytes. We therefore conclude that it is less likely that viruses are involved in the pathogenesis of vestibular schwannomas.

Genetic landscape of sporadic vestibular schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor with associated morbidities and reduced quality of life. Except for mutations in NF2, the genetic landscape of VS remains to be elucidated. Little is known about the effect of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on the VS genome. The aim of this study was to characterize mutations occurring in this tumor to identify new genes and signaling pathways important for the development of VS. In addition, the authors sought to evaluate whether GKRS resulted in an increase in the number of mutations. METHODS Forty-six sporadic VSs, including 8 GKRS-treated tumors and corresponding blood samples, were subjected to whole-exome sequencing and tumor-specific DNA variants were called. Pathway analysis was performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. In addition, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to characterize copy number variations in the NF2 gene, and microsatellite instability testing was done to investigate for DNA replication error. RESULTS With the exception of a single sample with an aggressive phenotype that harbored a large number of mutations, most samples showed a relatively low number of mutations. A median of 14 tumor-specific mutations in each sample were identified. The GKRS-treated tumors harbored no more mutations than the rest of the group. A clustering of mutations in the cancer-related axonal guidance pathway was identified (25 patients), as well as mutations in the CDC27 (5 patients) and USP8 (3 patients) genes. Thirty-five tumors harbored mutations in NF2 and 16 tumors had 2 mutational hits. The samples without detectable NF2 mutations harbored mutations in genes that could be linked to NF2 or to NF2-related functions. None of the tumors showed microsatellite instability. CONCLUSIONS The genetic landscape of VS seems to be quite heterogeneous; however, most samples had mutations in NF2 or in genes that could be linked to NF2. The results of this study do not link GKRS to an increased number of mutations.