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3.
Epilepsia Open ; 8(1): 12-31, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36263454

ABSTRACT

Insular epilepsy (IE) is an increasingly recognized cause of drug-resistant epilepsy amenable to surgery. However, concerns of suboptimal seizure control and permanent neurological morbidity hamper widespread adoption of surgery for IE. We performed a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety profile of surgery for IE and identify predictors of outcomes. Of 2483 unique citations, 24 retrospective studies reporting on 312 participants were eligible for inclusion. The median follow-up duration was 2.58 years (range, 0-17 years), and 206 (66.7%) patients were seizure-free at last follow-up. Younger age at surgery (≤18 years; HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.09-2.66, P = .022) and invasive EEG monitoring (HR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04-3.74, P = .039) were significantly associated with shorter time to seizure recurrence. Performing MR-guided laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation instead of open resection (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.08-3.89, P = .028) was independently associated with suboptimal or poor seizure outcome (Engel II-IV) at last follow-up. Postoperative neurological complications occurred in 42.5% of patients, most commonly motor deficits (29.9%). Permanent neurological complications occurred in 7.8% of surgeries, including 5% and 1.4% rate of permanent motor deficits and dysphasia, respectively. Resection of the frontal operculum was independently associated with greater odds of motor deficits (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.46-5.15, P = .002). Dominant-hemisphere resections were independently associated with dysphasia (OR = 13.09, 95% CI = 2.22-77.14, P = .005) albeit none of the observed language deficits were permanent. Surgery for IE is associated with a good efficacy/safety profile. Most patients experience seizure freedom, and neurological deficits are predominantly transient. Pediatric patients and those requiring invasive monitoring or undergoing stereotactic ablation procedures experience lower rates of seizure freedom. Transgression of the frontal operculum should be avoided if it is not deemed part of the epileptogenic zone. Well-selected candidates undergoing dominant-hemisphere resection are more likely to exhibit transient language deficits; however, the risk of permanent deficit is very low.


Subject(s)
Aphasia , Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Epilepsy , Humans , Child , Adolescent , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Follow-Up Studies , Electroencephalography/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/adverse effects , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Seizures , Aphasia/complications , Postoperative Complications
4.
J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg ; 84(6): 600-605, 2023 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35644136

ABSTRACT

Deep-seated micro-arteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) may pose a challenge for complete yet safe resection. We propose the strategic placement of two to three microaneurysm clips throughout the hemorrhage cavity to successfully localize the micro-AVM nidus via digital subtraction angiography (DSA). We successfully demonstrate this novel method in a 15-year-old adolescent boy with cerebellar intraparenchymal hemorrhage who underwent hematoma evacuation and expansile duraplasty. He was found to have a 1-cm nidus of a micro-AVM with early venous drainage located in the right middle cerebellar peduncle. Five days later, we proceeded to resect the micro-AVM; however, a clear nidus or bleeding source was unable to be localized intraoperatively despite the use of stereotactic neuronavigation. In turn, we placed two mini-aneurysm clips superiorly and inferiorly within the hematoma cavity, which led to successful localization via DSA and complete resection. No surgical complications occurred. The patient completely recovered from right-sided weakness and dysarthria 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Our technique allows for the rapid localization and complete resection of micro-AVM nidi when stereotactic neuronavigation is inadequate.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Diseases , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations , Male , Adolescent , Humans , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/surgery , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/complications , Angiography, Digital Subtraction , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Hemorrhage , Hematoma/complications
5.
Magn Reson Imaging ; 94: 174-180, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36241030

ABSTRACT

Although voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes aid in epileptic seizure lateralization, type of T1 pulse sequence, preprocessing steps and tissue segmentation methods lead to variation in tissue classification. Here, we test the prediction accuracy of individual MRI based tissue types and a novel composite ratio parameter [(GM + WM)/CSF], sensitive to parenchymal changes and independent of tissue classification variations. Pediatric patients with partial seizures (both simple and complex), but normal and lesion-free MRI were considered (33 patients; unilateral EEG; 17 female / 16 male; age mean ± SD = 11.5 ± 5 years). MRI based seizure lateralization was performed for each patient and verified with EEG findings alone or in combination with seizure semiology. T1 weighted MRI from patients and normal control subjects was spatially transformed to the Talairach atlas and automatically segmented into GM, WM and CSF tissue types. 41 age matched normal controls (11 female / 30 male; age mean ± SD = 14.6 ± 3 years) served as the null distribution to test tissue type deviations across each epilepsy patient. When verified with the patient EEG prediction, WM, GM and CSF had a hemispheric match of 76%, 70% and 55% respectively, while the composite ratio [(GM + WM)/CSF)] showed the highest accuracy of 85%. When EEG findings and seizure semiology were combined, MRI predictions using the composite ratio improved further to 88%. To further localize the epileptic focus, regional level (frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital) MRI predictions were obtained. The composite ratio performed at 88-91% accuracy, revealing regional MRI changes, not predictable with EEG. The results show inconsistent changes in GM and WM in majority of the pediatric epilepsy patients and demonstrate the applicability of the composite ratio [(GM + WM)/CSF)] as a superior predictor, independent of tissue classification variations. Clinical EEG findings combined with seizure semiology, can overcome scalp EEG's limitations and lean towards the MRI lateralization in specific cases.


Subject(s)
Epilepsy , White Matter , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Gray Matter , Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Seizures
7.
World Neurosurg ; 159: 146-155, 2022 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35033693

ABSTRACT

Corpus callosotomy is among the oldest surgeries performed for drug-resistant epilepsy. Since it was first performed in 1940, numerous studies have assessed its outcomes in various patient populations in addition to describing different extents of sectioning and emerging technologies (i.e., endoscopic, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and radiosurgery). To capture the current state and offer a reappraisal, we comprehensively review the origins of corpus callosotomy, efficacy for various seizure types, technical variations, complications, and indications and compare the procedure with vagus nerve stimulation therapy, which has similar indications. We consider corpus callosotomy to be a safe and efficacious procedure, which should be considered by clinicians when appropriate. Furthermore, it can play an important role in treating patients with drug-resistant epilepsy when appropriate in low-to-middle-income countries where resources are limited.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Psychosurgery , Vagus Nerve Stimulation , Corpus Callosum/surgery , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Humans , Treatment Outcome , Vagus Nerve Stimulation/adverse effects
8.
Acta Neurochir (Wien) ; 164(2): 565-573, 2022 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34773497

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy surgery continues to be profoundly underutilized despite its safety and effectiveness. We sought to investigate factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, with a particular focus on the antecedent underutilization of appropriate preoperative studies. METHODS: We reviewed patient data from a pediatric epilepsy clinic over an 18-month period. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) were categorized according to brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings (lesional, MRI-negative, or multifocal abnormalities) and type of epilepsy diagnosis based on semiology and electroencephalography (EEG) (focal or generalized). We then analyzed the rates of diagnostic test utilization, surgical referral, and subsequent epilepsy surgery as well as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). RESULTS: Of the 249 patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy, 138 (55.4%) were found to have DRE. Excluding the 10 patients with DRE who did not undergo MRI, 76 patients (59.4%) were found to be MRI-negative (non-lesional epilepsy), 37 patients (28.9%) were found to have multifocal abnormalities, and 15 patients (11.7%) were found to have a single epileptogenic lesion on MRI (lesional epilepsy). Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were each completed in nine patients (7.0%) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) in four patients (3.1%). Despite the low utilization rate of adjunctive studies, over half (56.3%) ultimately underwent VNS alone, and 8.6% ultimately underwent definitive intracranial resection or disconnection surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The underutilization of appropriate non-invasive, presurgical testing in patients with focal DRE may in part explain the continued underutilization of definitive, resective/disconnective surgery. For patients without access to a high-volume, multidisciplinary surgical epilepsy center, adjunctive presurgical studies [e.g., PET, SPECT, MEG, electrical source imaging (ESI), EEG-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)], even when available, are rarely ordered, and this may contribute to excessive rates of VNS in lieu of definitive intracranial surgery.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Epilepsy , Vagus Nerve Stimulation , Child , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Electroencephalography/methods , Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Epilepsy/surgery , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon , Treatment Outcome
9.
Epilepsy Behav ; 124: 108319, 2021 Sep 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34563807

ABSTRACT

Patients often recognize unmet needs that can improve patient-provider experiences in disease treatment management. These needs are rarely captured and may be hard to quantify in difficult-to-treat disease states such as drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). To further understand challenges living with and managing DRE, a team of medical anthropologists conducted ethnographic field assessments with patients to qualitatively understand their experience with DRE across the United States. In addition, healthcare provider assessments were conducted in community clinics and Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers to further uncover patient-provider treatment gaps. We identified four distinct stages of the treatment and management journey defined by patients' perceived control over their epilepsy: Gripped in the Panic Zone, Diligently Tracking to Plan, Riding a Rollercoaster in the Dark, and Reframing Priorities to Redefine Treatment Success. We found that patients sought resources to streamline communication with their care team, enhanced education on treatment options beyond medications, and long-term resources to protect against a decline in control over managing their epilepsy once drug-resistant. Likewise, treatment management optimization strategies are provided to improve current DRE standard of care with respect to identified patient-provider gaps. These include the use of digital disease management tools, standardizing neuropsychiatrists into patients' initial care team, and introducing surgical and non-pharmacological treatment options upon epilepsy and DRE diagnoses, respectively. This ethnographic study uncovers numerous patient-provider gaps, thereby presenting a conceptual framework to advance DRE treatment. Further Incentivization from professional societies and healthcare systems to support standardization of the treatment optimization strategies provided herein into clinical practice is needed.

10.
Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) ; 21(6): E552-E553, 2021 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34432880

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder that affects about 1% of the global population.1 When seizure freedom cannot be obtained solely through antiseizure medicines (ASMs), the condition is termed medically refractory epilepsy (MRE).2,3 Though posterior quadrant disconnection (PQD) is underutilized in our experience, it is a highly effective surgical procedure for MRE restricted to the temporal, parietal, and/or occipital lobes.4-12 In this operative video, we demonstrate a right-sided completion PQD following failed temporal lobectomy in an 8-yr-old female with focal MRE. We review technical nuances, including (1) extension/revision of prior scalp incision, (2) placement of subdural strip for the identification of phase reversal and central sulcus, (3) disconnection of parietal and occipital lobes, (4) extension of the corticectomy to the pia overlying the falcotentorial junction and into the prior temporal lobectomy defect, and (5) posterior disconnection of the corpus callosum. Postoperatively, the patient experienced subtle left-arm weakness and central fever, both of which resolved. An external ventricular drain (EVD) was placed in the ventricle/operative cavity and left for 3 to 4 d until the draining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cleared. As of 3-mo follow-up, she has been seizure-free without complications. In summary, PQD is a safe and effective treatment option for MRE that can be utilized not only as an initial operation but also after failed surgery. Appropriate patient consent was obtained to perform this procedure and present this clinical case and surgical video for academic purposes. Image at 4:00 licensed under CC BY-2.5, 2006, modified from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Lateral_head_skull.jpg (flipped and rotated). Image at 4:42, Public Domain: Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918. Bartleby.com, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobes_of_the_brain_NL.svg; flipped, modified. Image at 6:42, Public Domain: House EL, Pansky B. A Functional Approach to Neuroanatomy. 1960. McGraw-Hill Book Company; https://upload.wikimedia.wikipedia.commons/5/52/Lawrence_1960_2.3.png; modified.

11.
Cureus ; 13(5): e14927, 2021 May 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34123626

ABSTRACT

Anterior communicating artery (ACOM) aneurysm clipping with intraoperative measures to ensure total occlusion and avoid ischemic complications is standard in countries such as the United States. However, alternatives need to be considered in resource-limited settings. The clipping of an unruptured, superiorly projecting ACOM aneurysm in a resource-limited setting is presented and special nuances that optimize safety are described. Careful surgical technique, meticulous identification of relevant anatomy, post-ligation inspection of the aneurysm and adjacent vessels, and possibly needle puncture of the aneurysm dome are critical to achieve favorable results.

12.
Seizure ; 91: 66-71, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34102378

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Posterior quadrant disconnection (PQD) is a surgical procedure for medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) involving diffuse regions of the temporo-parieto-occipital lobes. We sought to compare factors and efficacy according to PQD extent. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature reporting the use of PQD since 2004. We analyzed various characteristics of pooled cases, including the role of preoperative studies in patient selection, intraoperative techniques, and outcomes. RESULTS: Our review of 137 patients from nine studies revealed 66% undergoing total PQD and 34% undergoing partial PQD. Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) findings were predominantly characterized as lateralized for total PQD (56%) and localized within the ipsilateral posterior quadrant in patients undergoing partial PQD (53%). Metabolic functional studies [positron emission tomography (PET) or ictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)] played a role in surgical decision-making in 42% of patients who underwent total PQD. Wada and/or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was more often utilized for partial PQD (22%) than total PQD (3%) as was intracranial electroencephalography (icEEG) (30% versus 13%, respectively). Overall, 75% of total PQD patients achieved seizure freedom [defined as Engel I or International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Class 1 outcome] in comparison to 63% of partial PQD patients (p = .078). New visual field deficits were seen in 12% and new or worsened hemiparesis in 6%. For patients in either cohort, concordance of interictal and ictal EEG findings was found to be predictive of seizure freedom (p = .048). CONCLUSION: Both total and partial PQD represent effective alternatives for managing patients with MRE whose seizure onset zone (SOZ) involves a diffuse region within the posterior quadrant. While PET and/or SPECT frequently aided in the decision to proceed with total PQD, patients who underwent a tailored, partial multilobar resection were more likely to undergo Wada and/or fMRI testing as well as stage I icEEG studies.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistant Epilepsy , Epilepsy , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Electroencephalography , Epilepsy/diagnostic imaging , Epilepsy/surgery , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Positron-Emission Tomography , Retrospective Studies , Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon , Treatment Outcome
13.
World Neurosurg ; 147: e491-e515, 2021 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33385604

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide a thorough description of the efforts and outcomes of the Co-Pilot Project in Ukraine, which facilitates neurosurgical collaboration between American and Ukrainian physicians. METHODS: The Co-Pilot Project, which operates under its parent nonprofit organization, Razom, organized multiple trips for American physicians to Ukraine. Activities included consulting in clinic, assisting with neurosurgical operations, and providing didactic lectures. Further efforts have included coordinating training opportunities for Ukrainian surgeons. We retrospectively reviewed all operations performed by Ukrainian partner physicians alongside American co-pilot physicians across Ukraine since August 2016. RESULTS: Teams of Ukrainian and American physicians operated on 78 patients (24 children and 54 adults) for a total of 84 procedures in 5 different cities (Kyiv, Lutsk, Lviv, Odessa, and Stryi) of Ukraine. Operations were classified into the following categories: adult brain tumors (n = 39), adult spine tumors (n = 1), epilepsy (n = 9), pain (n = 2), pediatric brain tumors (n = 11), vascular/endovascular (n = 10), and miscellaneous (n = 12). Four illustrative cases are described in detail. Of the patients with brain tumors, 43.5% (20/46) had giant tumors, and gross total resection or near-total resection was achieved in 78.3% (36/46). CONCLUSIONS: Profound disparities in neurosurgical care exist globally, which has led to the formation of collaborative relationships between physicians from various countries. We hope that the work of the Co-Pilot Project in Ukraine can serve as a template for effective international neurosurgical collaboration in other low-to-middle-income countries.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Neurosurgery/education , Neurosurgical Procedures , Physicians , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Education, Medical , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Retrospective Studies , Ukraine , Young Adult
14.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 37(5): 1753-1758, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32780271

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: A major challenge in the surgical resection of brainstem tumors is distinguishing tumor from normal tissue. One approach for addressing this problem is the use of fluorescent tracers such as sodium fluorescein (NaFl). NaFl disseminates through a disruption in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulates in the extracellular space of brain tumors. Intraoperative fluorescence microscopy can be performed to identify tumor tissue and avoid damage to adjacent, normal tissue. Here, we present the case of a 16-year-old male who underwent a left retrosigmoid craniotomy with splitting of the tentorium to remove a large exophytic brainstem tumor involving the cerebellar peduncle and with superior extension into the midbrain and thalamus. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of sodium fluorescein as an intraoperative technique and evaluate its potential benefit for resection of tumors in eloquent regions in the pediatric population. To do so, we focused on a case study approach; however, we also performed a literature review and evaluated different intraoperative fluorescent techniques and their benefits for tumor resection. METHODS: We performed a literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar by the key words "sodium fluorescein," "brain stem tumor," and "central nervous system neoplasms." Twenty-nine articles including both pediatric and adult populations were selected for analysis and qualitative review. RESULTS: In this case study, sodium fluorescein helped the surgeons to identify and obtain a gross total resection of a large brainstem tumor. The marker was especially helpful for discerning the inferior pole of the tumor buried inconspicuously in cerebellar tissue. We evaluate different fluorescent tracers, 5-ALA and ICG, and discuss their application and benefits in tumor resection surgery. We present different cases that found sodium fluorescein to be helpful in achieving a gross total resection. CONCLUSION: The application of sodium fluorescein proved to be a safe and effective technique for the resection of brain stem tumors as shown in this case study. It helped to expose concealed areas and illuminate the tumor capsule. Further studies should test the clinical use of sodium fluorescein on brain stem tumor resection.


Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Brain Stem Neoplasms , Glioma , Adolescent , Adult , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Brain Stem Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Stem Neoplasms/surgery , Child , Fluorescein , Glioma/surgery , Humans , Male , Microscopy, Fluorescence , Neurosurgical Procedures
15.
Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) ; 20(2): E146-E147, 2021 01 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33313758

ABSTRACT

Brainstem gliomas comprise 10% to 20% of pediatric intracranial tumors.1 Gross total resection is associated with the greatest long-term survival.1 However, due to the eloquence of surrounding brain tissue, an aggressive resection is not always achievable and can be associated with significant risk.2 Sodium fluorescein can be used to help differentiate between tumor and normal tissue.3,4 In this operative video, we demonstrate the step-by-step technique to utilize fluorescence in surgically resecting an exophytic glioma arising from the midbrain in a 16-yr-old male. Technical nuances are highlighted in this operative video, including the use of the YELLOW 560 (Zeiss) filter to differentiate fluorescent tumor from normal tissue as well as strategic splitting of the tentorium to expose the supratentorial component of the tumor. A decrease in motor potentials of the right leg during the case did not translate into neurological worsening postoperatively; at 3-mo follow-up, the patient attests to better strength and coordination on his affected side. In summary, sodium fluorescein can be used as a critical adjunctive tool for successful surgery in the case of a brainstem tumor. Alternatives to this procedure included gross total resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid, subtotal resection with chemotherapy, and active monitoring, but were not chosen due to their limitations in this clinical case.5-7 Appropriate patient consent was obtained to perform this procedure and present this clinical case and surgical video for academic purposes.


Subject(s)
Brain Stem Neoplasms , Glioma , Brain Stem Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Brain Stem Neoplasms/surgery , Child , Fluorescein , Glioma/diagnostic imaging , Glioma/surgery , Humans , Male , Neurosurgical Procedures
16.
Epileptic Disord ; 22(5): 592-609, 2020 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33095169

ABSTRACT

Hemispheric disconnection surgery (HDS) is one of the most effective surgical options for appropriate candidates with medically-refractory epilepsy (MRE) in whom most or all seizures arise from diffuse areas within a single hemisphere. While there are several well-accepted indications for HDS, there are additional patients who may benefit from HDS. However, there are no standardized recommendations for how preoperative studies should be used to identify appropriate candidates for HDS. We aimed to propose an algorithmic approach for presurgical evaluation in order to guide appropriate implementation of HDS for either cure or palliation of severe MRE in infants, children, and adults. We performed a qualitative review of the literature using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to select primary articles addressing imaging modalities used for the presurgical evaluation of patients with MRE being considered for HDS. In total, we identified 126 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We propose a framework to guide candidate selection for HDS that incorporates various elements of the clinical presentation, electroencephalographic analysis, and neuroimaging. While this approach still requires prospective validation, the authors feel it is grounded in a synthesis of the best available evidence in the literature and informed by expert opinion. HDS is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of experienced multi-disciplinary epilepsy centers to treat patients with severe MRE arising from diffuse areas constrained to a single hemisphere. The under-utilization of epilepsy surgery may be, in part, remedied by establishing evidence-based pathways for presurgical analyses to determine surgical candidacy.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/diagnosis , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Hemispherectomy , Patient Selection , Preoperative Care , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Young Adult
17.
Epilepsia ; 61(7): 1352-1364, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32558937

ABSTRACT

Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) rarely achieve seizure freedom with medical therapy alone. Despite being safe and effective for select patients with DRE, epilepsy surgery remains heavily underutilized. Multiple studies have indicated that the overall rates of surgery in patients with DRE have stagnated in recent years and may be decreasing, even when hospitalizations for epilepsy-related problems are on the rise. Ultimately, many patients with DRE who might otherwise benefit from surgery continue to have intractable seizures, lacking access to the full spectrum of available treatment options. In this article, we review the various factors accounting for the persistent underutilization of epilepsy surgery and uncover several key themes, including the persistent knowledge gap among physicians in identifying potential surgical candidates, lack of coordinated patient care, patient misconceptions of surgery, and socioeconomic disparities impeding access to care. Moreover, factors such as the cost and complexity of the preoperative evaluation, a lack of federal resource allocation for the research of surgical therapies for epilepsy, and difficulties recruiting patients to clinical trials all contribute to this multifaceted dilemma.


Subject(s)
Drug Resistant Epilepsy/surgery , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Healthcare Disparities , Preoperative Care/methods , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/economics , Drug Resistant Epilepsy/psychology , Healthcare Disparities/economics , Humans , Preoperative Care/economics , Socioeconomic Factors , Treatment Outcome
18.
Childs Nerv Syst ; 36(12): 3147-3152, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32377828

ABSTRACT

A 16-month-old female was admitted for prolonged fever, gait ataxia, and neurogenic bowel and bladder. Neurological exam was significant for decreased sensory and motor functions in bilateral lower extremities. Initial MRI showed a thoracic spine hematoma and diagnostic angiogram revealed a large AVM and aneurysm. The patient underwent surgical resection of the hematoma and AVM, as well as clipping and later endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. Due to significant hemorrhage perioperatively, she developed spastic paraplegia improved by baclofen and onabotulinumtoxin A injections. The aims of this paper were to conduct a systematic review of the literature on pediatric spinal cord vascular malformations and analyze trends in treatment options and long-term neurological outcomes. PubMed searches were conducted using keywords "pediatric spinal vascular malformation" and "pediatric spinal AVM", yielding 34 results after abstract screening and cross-reference. Endovascular embolization was determined to have better long-term outcomes, with 10/19 (52.6%) patients with postoperative complications associated with open vascular surgeries. Open versus endovascular surgical decisions can be difficult with unique spinal AVM pathologies in pediatric patients. Important considerations such as size, location, neurological deficits, and risk of rupture are important factors to consider in treating these patients. We recommend endovascular treatment as a first-line approach due to lower risk of hemorrhage and postoperative deficits.


Subject(s)
Embolization, Therapeutic , Vascular Malformations , Angiography , Child , Female , Humans , Infant , Spinal Cord/diagnostic imaging , Spine , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Malformations/complications , Vascular Malformations/diagnostic imaging , Vascular Malformations/therapy
19.
J Neurosurg Pediatr ; : 1-5, 2020 Jan 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32005020

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The transradial approach (TRA) has been widely adopted by interventional cardiologists but is only now being accepted by neurointerventionalists. The benefits of the TRA over the traditional transfemoral approach (TFA) include reduced risk of adverse clinical events and faster recovery. The authors assessed the safety and feasibility of the TRA for neurointerventional cases in the pediatric population. METHODS: Pediatric patients undergoing cerebrovascular interventions since implementation of the TRA at the authors' institution were retrospectively reviewed. Pertinent patient information, procedure indications, vessels catheterized, fluoroscopy time, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 4 patients in this case series, and their ages ranged from 13 to 15 years. Each patient tolerated the procedure performed using the TRA without any postprocedural issues, and only 1 patient experienced radial artery spasm, which resolved with the administration of intraarterial verapamil. None of the patients required conversion to the TFA. CONCLUSIONS: The TRA can be considered a safe alternative to the TFA for neurointerventional procedures in the pediatric population and provides potential advantages. However, as pediatric patients require special consideration due to their smaller-caliber arteries, routine use of ultrasound guidance is advised when attempting the TRA.

20.
Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) ; 19(3): E294, 2020 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31930321

ABSTRACT

Dissecting pericallosal aneurysms from the falx cerebri is technically challenging, as one must release the adherent dome but minimize shearing injury, which could result in intraoperative rupture. We discuss a 51-yr-old woman with a history of hypertension and smoking who presented with severe headaches and was found to have a 6-mm unruptured, multilobulated pericallosal aneurysm abutting the falx, with anterior and superior projecting domes on either side. She also had an azygos anterior cerebral artery (ACA), a rare anatomic variant associated with pericallosal aneurysms, where both A1 segments form a single A2. After considering endovascular and open surgical techniques, we proceeded with clip ligation given her younger age, smoking history, daughter aneurysms seen on angiography, and azygos ACA. We positioned her supine with her head turned lateral, left side down to maximize gravitational retraction, mapped a bicoronal incision, and performed a small craniotomy, followed by an interhemispheric approach. Rather than cutting the falx around the dome, a described technique that risks blind vessel injury, we temporarily clipped inflow vessels to reduce the dome's turgor and sharply and bluntly dissected apart its attachments, which freed the aneurysm from beneath the falx and allowed visualization of associated vessels. Using suction to manipulate the dome, we then placed stacked, angled clips, and used a micro-Doppler to confirm brisk inflow and outflow. Postoperatively, she was neurologically intact, and her angiogram showed no residual aneurysm. Our 3-dimensional video demonstrates a safer, alternative approach to treating this rare aneurysm with its associated anatomical variant. Patient consented to her clinical presentation and microscope media being used for academic purposes.


Subject(s)
Aortic Dissection , Intracranial Aneurysm , Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Dissection/surgery , Anterior Cerebral Artery , Dura Mater , Female , Humans , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Intracranial Aneurysm/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures , Surgical Instruments
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