Perception and Representation of LGBTQ+ Individuals in U.S. Neurosurgical Training.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to gauge the current social climate in neurosurgical residency training and attitudes regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study through a 35-question questionnaire distributed to roughly 1700 residents at all U.S. neurosurgical residency programs. RESULTS: A total of 107 responses were obtained. Seventeen residents (16%) identified as being an LGBTQ+ individual. The majority (76%) of LGBTQ+ residents were concerned about how their sexual orientation would be perceived while applying to programs, and 47% endorsed purposefully concealing sexual orientation at work for fear of rejection or reprisal. More than half (56%) of those surveyed have witnessed homophobic/transphobic remarks by patients. While at work, 29% of LGBTQ+ individuals stated they are uncomfortable being open with their sexual orientation, and 3 LGBTQ+ individuals admitted being the target of direct homophobic/transphobic comments. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to our knowledge that has been conducted assessing the presence, perception, and treatment of LGBTQ+ trainees in neurosurgical residency. Our study outlines the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face when applying to neurosurgical programs, which involves the perception of their sexual orientation, their witnessed instances of homophobic and transphobic comments by coworkers and patients, and their hesitation with discussing their social lives compared with their non-LGBTQ+ peers at work for fear of judgment or reprisal. Ongoing research is needed to address these issues to obtain workplace respect and fairness in this population and thus create an accepting atmosphere and achieve social justice in neurosurgery training.

Spontaneous regression of a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation in a pediatric patient: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) are rare congenital intracranial vascular lesions that represent 30% of all pediatric vascular anomalies. These lesions are associated with severe manifestations, including congestive heart failure, hydrocephalus, and spontaneous hemorrhage. The mainstay of management is medical stabilization followed by endovascular embolization of the lesion. Although VGAM was first reported in 1937, there are few published cases demonstrating spontaneous regression of the lesion. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report the case of a 31-month-old female who presented with an incidentally found VGAM. After initial evaluation, including magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, the patient was lost to follow-up. Upon her return to the clinic at age 12 years, the previously identified VGAM was absent, indicative of involution of the lesion. The patient remained asymptomatic and met appropriate developmental milestones during this interval. LESSONS: This report adds a rare case of the spontaneous resolution of VGAM to the literature. This case may suggest the presence of VGAMs that are asymptomatic, undetected, and regress within the pediatric population. Future studies may benefit from identifying imaging and angiographic findings predictive of spontaneous regression. There may be a role for conservative management in particular cases of asymptomatic and medically stable children with VGAMs.

Atrioesophageal Fistula: Considerations for the neurological clinician.

Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare complication of cardiac ablation for atrial fibrillation. It can present in many ways, but neurological signs and symptoms are common initial signs sometimes resulting in neurosurgeons and neurologists first evaluating patients with the condition. We present a case report of at 68-year-old female who presented with acute stroke symptoms and multifocal hemorrhages on MRI who was worked up through our neurosurgery department and diagnosed with AEF. This case highlights three clues to alert neurological clinicians to AEF as a possible diagnosis; clinical worsening of neurological symptoms in correlation to episodes of emesis, septic emboli on CT/MRI, and bacteremia caused by a gram positive oral or GI flora. If neurological clinicians encounter these red flags, an immediate CT of the chest and abdomen and consultation with cardiothoracic surgery may be life-saving.