Feasibility and safety of stereoelectroencephalography in young children.

PURPOSE: Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is a diagnostic surgery that implants electrodes to identify areas of epileptic onset in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). SEEG is effective in identifying the epileptic zone; however, placement of electrodes in very young children has been considered contraindicated due to skull thinness. The goal of this study was to evaluate if SEEG is safe and accurate in young children with thin skulls. METHODS: Four children under the age of two years old with DRE underwent SEEG to locate the region of seizure onset. Presurgical planning and placement of electrodes were performed using ROSA One Brain. Preoperative electrode plans were merged with postoperative CT scans to determine accuracy. Euclidean distance between the planned and actual trajectories was calculated using a 3D coordinate system at both the entry and target points for each electrode. RESULTS: Sixty-three electrodes were placed among four patients. Mean skull thickness at electrode entry sites was 2.34 mm. The mean difference between the planned and actual entry points was 1.12 mm, and the mean difference between the planned and actual target points was 1.73 mm. No significant correlation was observed between planned and actual target points and skull thickness (Pearson R = - 0.170). No perioperative or postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that SEEG can be safe and accurate in children under two years of age despite thin skulls. SEEG should be considered for young children with DRE, and age and skull thickness are not definite contraindications to the surgery.

Pediatric neuromodulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: Survey of current practices, techniques, and outcomes across US epilepsy centers.

Neuromodulation via Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment strategy for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Knowledge gaps exist in patient selection, surgical technique, and perioperative care. Here, we use an expert survey to clarify practices. Thirty-two members of the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium were surveyed using REDCap. Respondents were from 17 pediatric epilepsy centers (missing data in one): Four centers implant RNS only while 13 implant both RNS and DBS. Thirteen RNS programs commenced in or before 2020, and 10 of 12 DBS programs began thereafter. The busiest six centers implant 6-10 new RNS devices per year; all DBS programs implant <5 annually. The youngest RNS patient was 3 years old. Most centers (11/12) utilize MP2RAGE and/or FGATIR sequences for planning. Centromedian thalamic nuclei were the unanimous target for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Surgeon exposure to neuromodulation occurred mostly in clinical practice (14/17). Clinically significant hemorrhage (n = 2) or infection (n = 3) were rare. Meaningful seizure reduction (>50%) was reported by 81% (13/16) of centers. RNS and DBS are rapidly evolving treatment modalities for safe and effective treatment of pediatric DRE. There is increasing interest in multicenter collaboration to gain knowledge and facilitate dialogue. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We surveyed 32 pediatric epilepsy centers in USA to highlight current practices of intracranial neuromodulation. Of the 17 that replied, we found that most centers are implanting thalamic targets in pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy using the RNS device. DBS device is starting to be used in pediatric epilepsy, especially after 2020. Different strategies for target identification are enumerated. This study serves as a starting point for future collaborative research.

Guidelines for Specialized Epilepsy Centers: Executive Summary of the Report of the National Association of Epilepsy Centers Guideline Panel.

The National Association of Epilepsy Centers first published the guidelines for epilepsy centers in 1990, which were last updated in 2010. Since that update, epilepsy care and the science of guideline development have advanced significantly, including the importance of incorporating a diversity of stakeholder perspectives such as those of patients and their caregivers. Currently, despite extensive published data examining the efficacy of treatments and diagnostic testing for epilepsy, there remain significant gaps in data identifying the essential services needed for a comprehensive epilepsy center and the optimal manner for their delivery. The trustworthy consensus-based statements (TCBS) process produces unbiased, scientifically valid guidelines through a transparent process that incorporates available evidence and expert opinion. A systematic literature search returned 5937 relevant studies from which 197 articles were retained for data extraction. A panel of 41 stakeholders with diverse expertise evaluated this evidence and drafted recommendations following the TCBS process. The panel reached consensus on 52 recommendations covering services provided by specialized epilepsy centers in both the inpatient and outpatient settings in major topic areas including epilepsy monitoring unit care, surgery, neuroimaging, neuropsychology, genetics, and outpatient care. Recommendations were informed by the evidence review and reflect the consensus of a broad panel of expert opinions.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in Pediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has been increasingly applied in adult populations for the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). There is a paucity of literature on the indications, safety, and outcomes of MMA embolization in the pediatric population. SUMMARY: A systematic literature review on pediatric patients undergoing MMA embolization was performed. We also report the case of successful bilateral MMA embolization for persistent subdural hematomas following resection of a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. Persistent bilateral subdural hematomas following resection of a large brain tumor resolved following MMA embolization in a 13-year-old male. Indications for MMA embolization in the pediatric literature included cSDH (6/13, 46.2%), treatment or preoperative embolization of arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous malformation (3/13, 23.1%), preoperative embolization for tumor resection (1/13, 7.7%), or treatment of acute epidural hematoma (1/13, 7.7%). Embolic agents included microspheres or microparticles (2/13, 15.4%), Onyx (3/13, 23.1%), NBCA (3/13, 23.1%), or coils (4/13, 30.8%). KEY MESSAGES: Whereas MMA embolization has primarily been applied in the adult population for subdural hematoma in the setting of cardiac disease and anticoagulant use, we present a novel application of MMA embolization in the management of persistent subdural hematoma following resection of a large space-occupying lesion. A systematic review of MMA embolization in pediatric patients currently shows efficacy; a multi-institutional study is warranted to further refine indications, timing, and safety of the procedure.

Myasthenia gravis in a pediatric patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome following responsive neurostimulation device implantation: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder in which the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor of the neuromuscular junction is destroyed by autoantibodies. The authors report a case of MG in a pediatric patient who also suffered from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and is one of a limited number of pediatric patients who have undergone placement of a responsive neurostimulation (RNS) device (NeuroPace). OBSERVATIONS: A 17-year-old female underwent placement of an RNS device for drug-resistant epilepsy in the setting of LGS. Five months after device placement, the patient began experiencing intermittent slurred speech, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Initially, the symptoms were attributed to increased seizure activity and/or medication side effects. However, despite changing medications and RNS settings, no improvements occurred. Her antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies measured 62.50 nmol/L, consistent with a diagnosis of MG. The patient was then prescribed pyridostigmine and underwent a thymectomy, which alleviated most of her symptoms. LESSONS: The authors share the cautionary tale of a case of MG in a pediatric patient who was treated with RNS for intractable epilepsy associated with LGS. Although slurred speech, fatigue, muscle weakness, and other symptoms might stem from increased seizure activity and/or medication side effects, they could also be due to MG development.

Ruptured arteriovenous malformation mortality: Incidence, risk factors, and inpatient outcome score.

BACKGROUND: Limited literature exists on the morbidity and mortality of AVM associated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) compared with non-AVM ICH. OBJECTIVE: We examine morbidity and mortality in cAVM in a large nationwide inpatient sample to create a prognostic inpatient ruptured AVM mortality score. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2014 compares outcomes in cAVM related hemorrhages and ICH utilizing the National Inpatient Sample database. Diagnostic codes for ICH and AVM underlying ICH were identified. We compared case fatality according to medical complications. Multivariate analysis was used to derive hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals to assess odds of mortality. RESULTS: We identified 6496 patients with ruptured AVMs comparing them to 627,185 admitted with ICH. Mortality was lower for ruptured AVMs (11%) compared to ICH (22%) [p < 0.01]. Mortality associated factors were liver disease (OR 2.64, CI 1.81-3.85, p < .001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.42, CI 1.38-4.22, p = 0.002), alcohol abuse (OR 1.81, CI 1.31-2.49, p = 0.001), hydrocephalus (OR 3.35 CI 2.81-4.00, p < 0.001), cerebral edema (OR 1.5, 1.25-1.85, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (OR 15, CI 7.9-30, p < 0.001), and pneumonia (OR 1.93, CI 1.51-2.47, p < 0.001). A 0-5 ruptured AVM mortality score was developed: Cardiac arrest (=3), age >60 (=1), Black race (=1), chronic liver failure (=1) diabetes mellitus (=1), pneumonia (=1), alcohol abuse (=1) and cerebral edema (=1). Mortality increased with score. No patient with 5 or more points survived. CONCLUSION: The Ruptured AVM Mortality Score allows for risk stratification on patients with ICH due to ruptured AVM. This scale could prove useful in prognostication and patient education.

Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Surgical Treatment of Acute Presentation of Chiari I Malformation: A Case Report.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been used in neurosurgical procedures to assess patient safety and minimize risk of neurological deficit. However, its use in decompressive surgeries of Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) remains a topic of debate. Here we present the case of a 5-year-old girl who presented with acute right lower extremity monoplegia after accidental self-induced hyperflexion of the neck while playing. Imaging revealed 15 mm of tonsillar ectopia with cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord edema. She was taken to surgery for a suboccipital decompression with expansile duraplasty. IONM demonstrated improvement in motor evoked potentials during the decompression. Postoperatively, she had full recovery of strength and mobility. This is a case of acute weakness after mild trauma in the setting of previously asymptomatic CM-I that showed close correlation with IONM, clinical findings, and imaging. IONM during decompressive surgery for CM-I may be useful in patients who present acutely with cervical cord edema.

Use of Neuronavigation in Suturectomy for Craniosynostosis.

Smaller operative exposures associated with suturectomy for craniosynostosis may result in difficulties visualizing the prematurely fused suture during surgery. The authors report cases of suturectomy for lambdoid and metopic craniosynostosis in which neuronavigation or frameless stereotaxy was used to assist with incision planning and intraoperative localization of the fused suture. In both cases, neuronavigation integrated easily and safely into established workflows and was associated with complete suture release. To our knowledge, this is the first report of applying this noninvasive technology, which does not require cranial pinning or rigid fixation, to suturectomy, and the authors demonstrate its use as an adjunct, especially for surgeons beginning in practice. Larger studies are needed to determine if neuronavigation in suturectomy is associated with a clinically significant reduction in blood loss or operative time or an increase in the rate of complete suturectomy.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic laser ablation therapy for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy: a retrospective multiinstitutional study.

OBJECTIVE: The authors of this study evaluated the safety and efficacy of stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children. METHODS: Seventeen North American centers were enrolled in the study. Data for pediatric patients with DRE who had been treated with SLA between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients, mean age 12.8 ± 5.8 years, were identified. Target-of-interest (TOI) locations included extratemporal (44.4%), temporal neocortical (8.4%), mesiotemporal (23.1%), hypothalamic (14.2%), and callosal (9.8%). Visualase and NeuroBlate SLA systems were used in 199 and 26 cases, respectively. Procedure goals included ablation (149 cases), disconnection (63), or both (13). The mean follow-up was 27 ± 20.4 months. Improvement in targeted seizure type (TST) was seen in 179 (84.0%) patients. Engel classification was reported for 167 (74.2%) patients; excluding the palliative cases, 74 (49.7%), 35 (23.5%), 10 (6.7%), and 30 (20.1%) patients had Engel class I, II, III, and IV outcomes, respectively. For patients with a follow-up ≥ 12 months, 25 (51.0%), 18 (36.7%), 3 (6.1%), and 3 (6.1%) had Engel class I, II, III, and IV outcomes, respectively. Patients with a history of pre-SLA surgery related to the TOI, a pathology of malformation of cortical development, and 2+ trajectories per TOI were more likely to experience no improvement in seizure frequency and/or to have an unfavorable outcome. A greater number of smaller thermal lesions was associated with greater improvement in TST. Thirty (13.3%) patients experienced 51 short-term complications including malpositioned catheter (3 cases), intracranial hemorrhage (2), transient neurological deficit (19), permanent neurological deficit (3), symptomatic perilesional edema (6), hydrocephalus (1), CSF leakage (1), wound infection (2), unplanned ICU stay (5), and unplanned 30-day readmission (9). The relative incidence of complications was higher in the hypothalamic target location. Target volume, number of laser trajectories, number or size of thermal lesions, or use of perioperative steroids did not have a significant effect on short-term complications. CONCLUSIONS: SLA appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for children with DRE. Large-volume prospective studies are needed to better understand the indications for treatment and demonstrate the long-term efficacy of SLA in this population.

Safety of vagus nerve stimulation and responsive neurostimulation used in combination for multifocal and generalized onset epilepsy in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of combined active responsive neurostimulation (RNS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapies in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients implanted with the RNS System with a concomitant active VNS System (VNS+RNS) between 2015 and 2021. Patients with at least 1 month of overlapping concomitant VNS and RNS treatment were included. Patients who had an RNS device implanted after 21 years of age, those who had responsive neurostimulators implanted after their VNS was inactivated, or those in whom the VNS battery died and was not replaced before RNS System implantation were excluded. RESULTS: Seven pediatric VNS+RNS patients were identified, and their courses of treatment were evaluated. All patients tolerated concurrent VNS and RNS treatment well, no device-device interactions were identified, and no major treatment-related adverse effects were noted. The median follow-up after RNS System implantation was 1.2 years. By electroclinical criteria, all 7 patients achieved 75%-99% reductions in the frequency of disabling seizures after RNS System implantation. By patient and caregiver report, 2 patients (28.6%) had 75%-99% reductions in the frequency of their disabling seizures, 2 patients (28.6%) achieved 50%-74% reductions, 2 patients achieved 1%-24% reduction in frequency of disabling seizures, and 1 patient (14.3%) experienced a 1%-24% increase in seizure frequency. The available VNS magnet swipe data identified 2 patients with 75%-99% reductions in seizure frequency as measured by magnet swipes, one with 25%-49% reductions and the other with 1%-24% increases in seizure frequency as measured by magnet swipes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that RNS and VNS therapies can safely be used simultaneously in pediatric patients. RNS may potentially augment the therapeutic effects of VNS treatment. Patients in whom a response to VNS has been suboptimal should still be considered for RNS therapy.

Significant Mortality Associated With COVID-19 and Comorbid Cerebrovascular Disease: A Quantitative Systematic Review.

We report the first quantitative systematic review of cerebrovascular disease in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to provide occurrence rates and associated mortality. Through a comprehensive search of PubMed we identified 8 cohort studies, 5 case series, and 2 case reports of acute cerebrovascular disease in patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Our first meta-analysis utilizing the identified publications focused on comorbid cerebrovascular disease in recovered and deceased patients with COVID-19. We performed 3 additional meta-analyses of proportions to produce point estimates of the mortality and incidence of acute cerebrovascular disease in COVID-19 patients. Patient's with COVID-19 who died were 12.6 times more likely to have a history of cerebrovascular disease. We estimated an occurrence rate of 2.6% (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.4%) for acute cerebrovascular disease among consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19. While for those with severe COVID-19' we estimated an occurrence rate of 6.5% (95% confidence interval, 4.4-9.6%). Our analysis estimated a rate of 35.5% for in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients with concomitant acute cerebrovascular disease. This was consistent with a mortality rate of 34.0% which we obtained through an individual patient analysis of 47 patients derived from all available case reports and case series. COVID-19 patients with either acute or chronic cerebrovascular disease have a high mortality rate with higher occurrence of cerebrovascular disease in patients with severe COVID-19.

Acute ischemic strokes in patients with developmental disabilities: A cross-sectional analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with developmental disabilities (DD) are frequently excluded from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) randomized control trials. We sought to evaluate the impact of having DD on this patient cohort. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was analyzed to explore the impact of AIS and treatment on discharge dispositions in patients with DD. Clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were compared to fully-abled patients with AIS. RESULTS: 1,605,723 patients with AIS were identified from 2010-2019, of whom 4094 (0.30%) had a DD. AIS patients with DD were younger (60.31 vs 70.93 years, p < 0.01), less likely to be Caucasian (66.37%vs 68.09%, p = 0.01), and had higher AIS severity (0.63 vs 0.58, p < 0.01). Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered in 99,739 (6.2%) fully-abled patients and 196 (4.79%) of patients with DD (p < 0.01). Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was performed in 21,066 (1.31%) of fully-abled patients and 35 (0.85%) of patients with DD (p < 0.01). The presence of developmental disabilities were predictive of lower rates of tPA (OR:0.71,CI:0.56-0.87,p < 0.01) and EVT (OR:0.24,CI:0.16-0.36,p < 0.01). In a propensity score-matched cohort of all AIS patients who underwent EVT, there was no difference in functional outcome (p = 0.41), in-hospital mortality (0.10), and LOS (p = 0.79). CONCLUSION: AIS patients with DD were less likely to receive tPA and EVT compared to fully-abled patients. Individuals with DD had higher mortality and worse discharge disposition. There was no significant difference in post-EVT outcomes between fully-abled patients and patients with developmental disabilities. In the absence of prospective clinical trials, population based cross-sectional analyses such as the present study provide valuable clinical insight.

An institutional report of heparin induced thrombocytopenia type II in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

BACKGROUND: Heparin induced thrombocytopenia Type II (HIT-II) is a dangerous thromboembolic complication of heparin therapy. The current literature on incidence and outcomes of HIT-II in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: We report our institution's incidence and outcomes of HIT-II in aSAH patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study at an academic medical center between June 2014 and July 2018. All patients had aSAH confirmed by digital subtraction angiography. Diagnosis of HIT-II was determined by positive results on both heparin PF4-platelet antibody ELISA (anti-PF4) and serotonin release assay (SRA). RESULTS: 204 patients met inclusion criteria. Seven patients (7/204, 3.5%) underwent laboratory testing, three of whom met clinical criteria. HIT-II incidence was confirmed in two of these seven patients (2/204, 0.98%), who had high BMI and T4 scores. CONCLUSION: Our institution's report of HIT-II incidence in aSAH patients is lower than previously reported in this population and more closely parallels HIT-II incidence in the general and surgical ICU setting. Widely-accepted American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) clinical diagnostic criteria in conjunction with anti-PF4 and SRA testing is the gold standard of clinical diagnosis of HIT-II in aSAH patients.

Tranexamic Acid Dosing in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

This study aimed to compare operative time, blood loss, and transfusion requirement in patients receiving a high tranexamic acid (TXA) dose of greater than 10 mg/kg versus those receiving a low dose of 10 mg/kg or less. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Embase were queried to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis. Studies reporting outcomes of TXA use in craniosynostosis surgery were included. TXA dosing, operative time, blood loss, and transfusion requirement were the primary outcomes studied. Other variables studied included age and types of craniosynostosis. Results: In total, 398 individuals in the included articles received TXA for craniosynostosis surgery. TXA loading doses ranged from 10 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg. Overall, administration of TXA was not associated with changes in operative time, but was associated with decreased blood loss and transfusion requirement on meta-analysis. Comparison of high dose TXA (>10 mg/kg) versus low dose (10 mg/kg or less) showed no statistical differences in changes in operative time, blood loss, or transfusion requirement. Conclusions: Overall, TXA reduced blood loss and transfusion requirement in patients undergoing surgery for craniosynostosis. There was no difference in outcomes between high dose and low dose regimens amongst those receiving TXA. Low dose TXA appears adequate to achieve clinical efficacy with a low adverse event rate.

Socioeconomic characteristics of pediatric traumatic brain injury patients.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) play a significant role in pediatric mortality and morbidity. Environment may play a role in the type, severity, and outcome of pediatric TBI (pTBI). Our objective was to characterize the impact of poor socioeconomic status (PSES) on the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of pTBI patients. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was queried from 2016 to 2019 for with TBI using International Classification of Disease, 10th revision (ICD 10) codes. Data defining demographics, complications, procedures, and outcomes was extracted. PSES was defined as Medicaid insurance and Q1 median income category. RESULTS: 26,417 patients had pTBI. 11,040 (41.8 %) of pTBI patients were on Medicaid insurance. 13,119 and 8165 (30.9 %) were in Q1 median income category. Land transport caused the majority of pTBI (41 %). Patients on Medicaid or Q1 median income were more likely to experience assault (OR 2.927, CI 95 % 2.455-3.491, p < 0.001 OR 2.033, CI 95 % 1.722-2.4000 p < 0.001 respectively). On propensity matched analysis, PSES was associated with increased mortality (OR 1.667, 95 % CI 1.322-2.100, p < 0.01), length of stay (LOS) (OR 1.369, 95 % CI 1.201-1.559, p < 0.01), and major complicated trauma (OR 1.354 95 % CI 1.090-1.682 p = 0.007). Total hospital charges were higher in pTBI patients on Medicaid ($112,101.52, +/- $203,716.35) versus non-Medicaid ($109,064.37 +/- $212,057.98) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PSES is correlated with increased mortality, complications, and longer LOS. Healthcare coverage and clinical training should take these disparities into account to provide improved care and optimize healthcare resource utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective Database.

Low serum albumin as a risk factor for delayed cerebral ischemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: eICU collaborative research database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) represents a devastating complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and is a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have implicated inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of DCI. METHODS: aSAH patient data were retrospectively obtained from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU CRD). Multivariable logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were employed to assess the association between low serum albumin (< 3.4 g/dL) and clinical endpoints: DCI and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Among 276 aSAH patients included in the analysis, 35.5% (n=98) presented with low serum albumin levels and demonstrated a higher incidence of DCI (18.4% vs. 8.4%, OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.17, 5.10; p=0.017) and in-hospital mortality (27.6% vs. 16.3%, OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.08, 3.54; p=0.027) compared to patients with normal admission albumin values. In a multivariable model controlling for age and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, low serum albumin remained significantly associated with DCI (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.18, 5.36; p=0.017), but not with in-hospital mortality. A combined model for prediction of DCI, encompassing known risk factors in addition to low serum albumin, achieved an area under the curve of 0.65 (sensitivity=0.55, specificity=0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin, a routine and inexpensive laboratory measurement, can may potentially aid in the identification of patients with aSAH at risk for the development of DCI.

Responsive Neurostimulation Targeting the Anterior, Centromedian and Pulvinar Thalamic Nuclei and the Detection of Electrographic Seizures in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients.

Background: Responsive neurostimulation (RNS System) has been utilized as a treatment for intractable epilepsy. The RNS System delivers stimulation in response to detected abnormal activity, via leads covering the seizure foci, in response to detections of predefined epileptiform activity with the goal of decreasing seizure frequency and severity. While thalamic leads are often implanted in combination with cortical strip leads, implantation and stimulation with bilateral thalamic leads alone is less common, and the ability to detect electrographic seizures using RNS System thalamic leads is uncertain. Objective: The present study retrospectively evaluated fourteen patients with RNS System depth leads implanted in the thalamus, with or without concomitant implantation of cortical strip leads, to determine the ability to detect electrographic seizures in the thalamus. Detailed patient presentations and lead trajectories were reviewed alongside electroencephalographic (ECoG) analyses. Results: Anterior nucleus thalamic (ANT) leads, whether bilateral or unilateral and combined with a cortical strip lead, successfully detected and terminated epileptiform activity, as demonstrated by Cases 2 and 3. Similarly, bilateral centromedian thalamic (CMT) leads or a combination of one centromedian thalamic alongside a cortical strip lead also demonstrated the ability to detect electrographic seizures as seen in Cases 6 and 9. Bilateral pulvinar leads likewise produced reliable seizure detection in Patient 14. Detections of electrographic seizures in thalamic nuclei did not appear to be affected by whether the patient was pediatric or adult at the time of RNS System implantation. Sole thalamic leads paralleled the combination of thalamic and cortical strip leads in terms of preventing the propagation of electrographic seizures. Conclusion: Thalamic nuclei present a promising target for detection and stimulation via the RNS System for seizures with multifocal or generalized onsets. These areas provide a modifiable, reversible therapeutic option for patients who are not candidates for surgical resection or ablation.

Endovascular Thrombectomy for Pediatric Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the utilization and outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for pediatric ischemic stroke is limited, and justification for its use is largely based on extrapolation from clinical benefits observed in adults. METHODS: Weighted discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were queried to identify pediatric patients with ischemic stroke (<18 years old) during the period of 2010 to 2019. Complex samples statistical methods were used to characterize the profiles and clinical outcomes of EVT-treated patients. Propensity adjustment was performed to address confounding by indication for EVT based on disparities in baseline characteristics between EVT-treated patients and those medically managed. RESULTS: Among 7365 pediatric patients with ischemic stroke identified, 190 (2.6%) were treated with EVT. Utilization significantly increased in the post-EVT clinical trial era (2016-2019; 1.7% versus 4.0%; P<0.001), while the use of decompressive hemicraniectomy decreased (2.8% versus 0.7%; P<0.001). On unadjusted analysis, 105 (55.3%) EVT-treated patients achieved favorable functional outcomes at discharge (home or to acute rehabilitation), while no periprocedural iatrogenic complications or instances of contrast-induced kidney injury were reported. Following propensity adjustment, EVT-treated patients demonstrated higher absolute but nonsignificant rates of favorable functional outcomes in comparison with medically managed patients (55.3% versus 52.8%; P=0.830; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.51-2.03]; P=0.972 for unfavorable outcome). Among patients with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score >11 (75th percentile of scores in cohort), EVT-treated patients trended toward higher rates of favorable functional outcomes compared with those treated medically only (71.4% versus 55.6%; P=0.146). In a subcohort assessment of EVT-treated patients, those administered preceding thrombolytic therapy (n=79, 41.6%) trended toward higher rates of favorable functional outcomes (63.3% versus 49.5%; P=0.060). CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional evaluation of the clinical course and short-term outcomes of pediatric patients with ischemic stroke treated with EVT demonstrates that EVT is likely a safe modality which confers high rates of favorable functional outcomes.

Non-Operative Management of a Pediatric Patient With Bilateral Subdural Hematomas in the Setting of Ruptured Arachnoid Cyst.

Pediatric subdural hematomas (SDH) are associated with arachnoid cysts (AC), particularly in the middle cranial fossa (MCF). Operative management of these hemorrhages is a mainstay of treatment. Conservative management may be an option if there is minimal mass effect and the patient is mildly symptomatic. A 14-year-old male presented with right frontal headaches that worsened with activity. He was found to have a large right MCF AC. Scheduled routine outpatient follow-up CT of the head demonstrated bilateral SDH. There was no history of significant head trauma. He was admitted for close observation and his inpatient scans remained stable. Outpatient follow-up imaging over the course of three and a half years demonstrated resolution of SDH and decreased AC size. He denied headaches and continued doing well in school. ACs are a risk factor for the development of SDH in young male patients after minor trauma. Development of intracranial hypotension secondary to AC rupture may have contributed to the development of bilateral SDH in our patient. We demonstrate here that close clinical follow up with serial imaging may be considered a management strategy in these patients.

Ventriculomegaly and postoperative lateral/third ventricular blood as predictors of cerebrospinal fluid diversion following posterior fossa tumor resection.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative hydrocephalus occurs in one-third of children after posterior fossa tumor resection. Although models to predict the need for CSF diversion after resection exist for preoperative variables, it is unknown which postoperative variables predict the need for CSF diversion. In this study, the authors sought to determine the clinical and radiographic predictors for CSF diversion in children following posterior fossa tumor resection. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients ≤ 18 years of age who underwent resection of a primary posterior fossa tumor between 2000 and 2018. The primary outcome was the need for CSF diversion 6 months after surgery. Candidate predictors for CSF diversion including age, race, sex, frontal occipital horn ratio (FOHR), tumor type, tumor volume and location, transependymal edema, papilledema, presence of postoperative intraventricular blood, and residual tumor were evaluated using a best subset selection method with logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 63 included patients, 26 (41.3%) had CSF diversion at 6 months. Patients who required CSF diversion had a higher median FOHR (0.5 vs 0.4) and a higher percentage of postoperative intraventricular blood (30.8% vs 2.7%) compared with those who did not. A 0.1-unit increase in FOHR or intraventricular blood was associated with increased odds of CSF diversion (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.3-7.8], p = 0.02 and OR 20.2 [95% CI 2.9-423.1], p = 0.01, respectively) with an overfitting-corrected concordance index of 0.68 (95% CI 0.56-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative FOHR and postoperative intraventricular blood were significant predictors of the need for permanent CSF diversion within 6 months after posterior fossa tumor resection in children.