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INTRODUCTION: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) can present with hemorrhage, ischemia, or both. We aim to compare the differences in presentation and outcomes between patients with RCVS. METHODS: The hemorrhagic presentation group had 58 patients, and the non-hemorrhagic presentations had 30 patients. Subgroup analysis compared patients with evidence of one or more types of hemorrhage (n = 53), no evidence of hemorrhage or infarction (n = 23), evidence of infarction only (n = 7), and combination of hemorrhage and infarction (n = 5). Clinical and radiographic data were analyzed. RESULTS: Migraine (p = 0.030) and intracranial tumors (p = 0.004) were more frequent in non-hemorrhagic presentation. Seizures on admission (p = 0.047) and higher than average C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.037) were seen at a higher rate in patients with hemorrhagic presentation. RCVS2 scores were not unexpectedly higher in patients with hemorrhage than non-hemorrhagic presentations (p = 0.010). Outcomes between the hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic groups were comparable. Subgroup analysis found a higher subset of patients with opiate use (p = 0.046) in the hemorrhage-only group. Patients with hemorrhage presented with a thunderclap headache (p < 0.001) more often when compared to the other three groups. RCVS2 score was not unexpectedly higher in the hemorrhage-only group compared with the other groups (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: A history of migraines was associated with ischemia, while intracranial tumor was significantly associated with evidence of either an infarct, or no changes on imaging. Exposure to opiates, and seizures or thunderclap headache on presentation were associated with hemorrhage. If our data are reproducible, the RCVS2 score may benefit from inclusion of other, small hemorrhages as criterion for diagnosis for RCVS.
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French-American neurointerventionalist and pioneer, Dr Gerard Debrun, laid the groundwork for treatments which have become irreplaceable in neurointerventional surgery today. This article aims to outline the career of Dr Debrun while highlighting his accomplishments and contributions to the field of neurointerventional surgery. We selected relevant articles from PubMed authored or co-authored by Dr Debrun between 1941 and 2023. All included articles discuss the accomplishments and contributions of Dr Debrun. Dr Debrun began his career in France by investigating neurointerventional techniques, most notably the intravascular Detachable Balloon Catheter (DBC). His work was recognized by renowned neurosurgeon Dr Charles Drake, who recruited him to London, Ontario. Dr Debrun created the foundation for homemade manufacturing of DBCs, building on one of the largest series for use of DBCs in cerebrovascular disease. Dr Debrun spent time as faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Johns Hopkins Hospital, before arriving at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) where he remained until his retirement. Dr Debrun's subsequent contributions included the calibrated-leak balloon catheter, pioneering of glue embolization, setting the foundation for preoperative AVM embolizations, and as an early adopter of the Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC), including mastering the balloon remodeling technique for wide neck aneurysms. Dr Debrun established the first integrated neurointerventional surgery program at UIC, establishing a well sought-after fellowship program. Dr Debrun lectured extensively and was a prolific writer on neurointerventional surgery throughout this career. His contributions established the foundation for several techniques which have since become standard practice in present-day neurointerventional surgery.
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The detachable balloon catheter (DBC) was a revolutionary technique for the treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies. It was used to treat carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs), vertebro-jugular fistulas, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and aneurysms. The DBC became the foundation for neurointerventional techniques, leading to the development of coil embolization and bioactives. Our team selected relevant articles from PubMed published between 1974 and 2023. Articles were excluded if they did not discuss the use or development of the detachable balloon catheter or subsequent technologies. The DBC was used to occlude vessels, either temporarily or permanently. Dr Gerard Debrun implemented findings from Dr Fedor Serbinenko's research to develop an intravascular detachable balloon technique. He developed many variations using type I and type II balloon catheters that differed in size, length, and material, allowing for the personalization of treatment based on the lesion. This revolutionary thinking showed that every pathology has a different shape and anatomy that require a unique approach. The DBC would offer the first alternative to the conventional practice of carotid occlusion in CCF treatment at the time. The DBC would later be used in aneurysm occlusion and the embolization of AVMs, with additional benefit in traumatic vascular sacrifice. Although the DBC has largely been replaced, it is still useful in a small subset of patients, and has financial incentive as it is more affordable than coils. This technique was a monumental stride in the history of neurointervention and helped propel the specialty to the current era of patient-specific interventions.