Suprasellar Meningioma Classification: Endoscopic Transnasal Perspective.

Objectives Midline suprasellar meningiomas include planum sphenoidale, tuberculum sellae, and diaphragma sellae meningiomas. Multiple classifications have been previously documented; however, they come with controversies and limitations, including those with surgical implications. The aim of this study was to classify suprasellar meningiomas based on their behavior toward the underlying bone and neurovascular structures. Methods Patients with newly diagnosed suprasellar meningiomas that underwent extended endoscopic transnasal approach between 2015 and 2021 were included in this study. The following parameters were evaluated: chiasmatic sulcus length, location of the optic chiasm and nerves, optic canal involvement, and vascular displacement. Results We identified 40 cases of midline suprasellar meningiomas, 1 diaphragma sellae meningioma (type A), 10 tuberculum sellae meningiomas (type B), 9 chiasmatic sulcus meningiomas (type C), and 10 planum sphenoidale meningiomas (type D). Asymmetrical visual complaints were most common in chiasmatic sulcus meningiomas, followed by tuberculum sellae meningiomas (66 and 50%, respectively). Chiasmatic sulcus meningiomas showed increased separation between the optic chiasm and the A1/A2 complex (8.9 mm) compared with tuberculum sellae (2.7 mm) and planum sphenoidale (1.9 mm) meningiomas. Compared with other types, increased chiasmatic sulcus length was observed in chiasmatic sulcus meningiomas. Conclusion Preoperative evaluation of bone involvement and tumor relation to neurovascular structures can be used to classify suprasellar meningiomas. Chiasmatic sulcus meningioma is a distinct subtype of suprasellar meningiomas. Its unique behavior toward nearby neurovascular structures could be of surgical value during tumor resection.

"Brain Biopsy Revolution: Unveiling the Core Syringe Technique with Clinical Insights".

OBJECTIVES: Obtaining a definitive pathological diagnosis from brain tissue sampling was challenging due to the small, non-representative sample. This study introduced a novel syringe technique for brain biopsy aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy by obtaining core tissue samples that better represent the targeted tissue. METHODS: The ten patients with atypical brain lesions underwent the syringe biopsy. After meticulous preoperative planning with neuronavigation, a minimally invasive approach was used: a 3 cm skin incision and a 14 mm burr hole were created. A modified 3-cc syringe was used to create negative pressure and cannulate the brain tissue. The desired sample size (24 cm³) was obtained by controlling the syringe depth and withdrawal. Medical records were reviewed to assess sample analysis results and any complications RESULTS: The syringe technique successfully yielded adequate tissue samples in 9 out of 10 patients. In one case, the desired tissue could not be retrieved and required a microsurgical approach for removal. In all ten cases, a correct diagnosis was made without significant complications. CONCLUSION: The preliminary findings suggest that the syringe technique is both safe and effective for obtaining substantial volumes of brain tissue, facilitating accurate pathological evaluation in cases of complex neurological disorders.

Common ground, different path: Ulnar artery access for interventional neurovascular procedures.

BACKGROUND: Recently, radial artery access has gained popularity for interventional neurovascular procedures due to patient comfort and fewer complications. However, there are instances where the radial artery approach is not feasible. In such cases, trans-ulnar artery access (TUA) can offer an alternate route. There is limited data regarding neuro-interventional procedures performed via this approach. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of trans-ulnar approach for a wide range of interventional neurovascular procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for all patients who underwent ulnar artery access for diagnostic or interventional neuroradiology procedures was retrospectively collected between September 2020 and March 2021. Patient demographics, procedural details, procedure success, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 23 patients underwent 24 trans-ulnar approach procedures. The mean age of patients was 50.1 ± 14.2 years. Fourteen diagnostic cerebral angiograms and ten interventional procedures were performed. All procedures were successfully completed via trans-ulnar approach without a switch to alternate access. No major access site complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Ulnar artery access is a safe and feasible option for neurovascular procedures. It can be effectively utilized for diagnostic cerebral angiography and a wide range of interventional procedures.

The efficacy of wrapping the neurorrhaphy site utilizing dura substitute: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Different procedures have been developed to improve the surgical outcome of peripheral nerve injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of wrapping the neurorrhaphy site utilizing dura substitute graft as an alternative conduit in the management of peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: This retrospective clinical case series included 42 patients with a single peripheral nerve injury. The mean age was 26.8 ± 11 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 3 ± 1.8 months. The visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and the Medical Research Council's (MRC) grading for motor power were used to evaluate the functional outcome among our patients. All patients were operated on for primary microscopic end-to-end repair, followed by wrapping the neurorrhaphy site with dura substitute graft as a conduit. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic with regular visits for average of 6 months. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (83%), showed functional improvement in all aspects, the VAS for pain and the MRC for motor power, as well as the functional state. One patient (2.3%) developed a postoperative hematoma collection, which needed immediate evacuation. Superficial wound infection, reported in two patients (4.7%), was treated conservatively. No postoperative neuroma was observed among our patients during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Wrapping the neurorrhaphy site utilizing dura substitute as conduit appears to be safe and might prove effective in managing peripheral nerve injury.

Salvage flow diverter stent across the posterior communicating artery for persistent retrograde filling of a giant internal carotid artery aneurysm after parent vessel occlusion.

Giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms are complex vascular lesions which are difficult to treat with open as well as endovascular surgery. Parent vessel occlusion is a well-established treatment option for such aneurysms. However, there have been a few reported cases of ruptured aneurysms related to the persistent retrograde filling after parent vessel occlusion. We report a case which highlights the usage of the flow diverter stent as a potential treatment strategy for the management of retrograde filling of aneurysms. A 54-year-old female was found to have a giant left ICA aneurysm on a brain magnetic resonance imaging during workup for headaches. She underwent occlusion of the left ICA proximal to the aneurysm using multiple coils. However, follow up angiograms after 6 months and 2 years demonstrated persistent retrograde filling of the left ICA aneurysm through the posterior communicating (PCOM) artery. Eventually, she was successfully treated with a flow diverter stent across the PCOM artery into the distal ICA. Follow up angiogram after 6 months showed patent flow in the PCOM artery and the distal ICA. with complete occlusion of the aneurysm. Using a flow diverter stent after insufficient parent vessel occlusion for giant intracranial aneurysms may be a feasible treatment option and an addition to the neurovascular treatment armamentarium.

Classification of internal carotid artery injuries during endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base.

BACKGROUND: Internal carotid artery (ICA) injuries are a major complication of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs), which can be difficult to manage. Adding to the management difficulty is the lack of literature describing the surgical anatomical classification of these types of injuries. This article proposing a novel classification of ICA injuries during EEAs. METHODS: The classification of ICA injuries during EEAs was generated from the review of the literature and analysis of the main author observation of ICA injuries in general. All published cases of ICA injuries during EEAs in the literature between January 1990 and January 2020 were carefully reviewed. We reviewed all patients' demographic features, preoperative diagnoses, modes of injury, cerebral angiography results, surgical and medical management techniques, and reported functional outcomes. RESULTS: There were 31 papers that reported ICA injuries during EEAs in the past three decades, most studies did not document the type of injury, and few described major laceration type of it. From that review of the literature, we classified ICA injuries into three main categories (Types I-III) and six sub-types. Type I is ICA branch injury, Type II is a penetrating injury to the ICA, and Type III is a laceration of the ICA wall. The functional neurological outcome was found to be worse with Type III and better with Type I. CONCLUSION: This is a novel classification system for ICA injuries during EEAs; it defines the patterns of injury. It could potentially lead to advancements in the management of ICA injuries in EEAs and facilitate communication to develop guidelines.

Incidental intraoperative finding of meningioma in spontaneous acute subdural hematoma: A case report from Saudi Arabia and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: An association of meningioma with spontaneous acute subdural hematoma has been rarely reported in the literature. Up to date, 38 cases have been reported. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 74-year-old Saudi female known case of hypertension presented suddenly with dizziness, headache, and left lower limb weakness for 6 h. No history of trauma or anticoagulant medication. Computed tomography scan showed acute subdural hematoma. Pre-operative images were negative for any vascular pathology or lesional tissue. The patient underwent surgery for evacuation of the subdural collection. The presence of abnormal soft tissues within the hematoma was discovered during the surgery and sent for analysis. Histopathological results showed meningothelial subtype grade I meningioma. The patient recovered well, with no obvious neurological deficit or immediate complication. DISCUSSION: Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma without a predisposing factor is a rare occurrence; consequently, a thorough investigation is mandatory in such case to reach the hidden aetiology. CONCLUSION: In this report a rare association of meningioma with an acute subdural hematoma described. Our case was the first one reported where meningioma incidentally discovered during procedure without preoperative suspicion. A small size intracranial lesion may not be detected by preoperative radiological assessment in the presence of a hematoma. Systematic inspection of the operative field is an important surgical step despite negative preoperative radiological images. Our case supports the mechanism of rupture of abnormal vascular structure. More cases needed to understand the mechanism of such a rare association.

Meningococcal Vaccine for Hajj Pilgrims: Compliance, Predictors, and Barriers.

BACKGROUND: Major intercontinental outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease associated with the Hajj occurred in 1987, 2000, and 2001. Mandatory meningococcal vaccination for all pilgrims against serogroups A and C and, subsequently, A, C, W, and Y controlled the epidemics. Overseas pilgrims show excellent adherence to the policy; however, vaccine uptake among domestic pilgrims is suboptimal. This survey aimed to evaluate meningococcal vaccine uptake among Hajj pilgrims and to identify key factors affecting this. METHODS: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among pilgrims in Greater Makkah during the Hajj in 2017-2018. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, cost of vaccination, and reasons behind non-receipt of the vaccine were collected. RESULTS: A total of 509 respondents aged 13 to 82 (median 33.8) years participated in the survey: 86% male, 85% domestic pilgrims. Only 389/476 (81.7%) confirmed their meningococcal vaccination status; 64 individuals (13.4%), all domestic pilgrims, did not receive the vaccine, and 23 (4.8%) were unsure. Among overseas pilgrims, 93.5% certainly received the vaccine (6.5% were unsure) compared to 80.9% of domestic pilgrims (p < 0.01). Being employed and having a tertiary qualification were significant predictors of vaccination adherence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.3-3.8, p < 0.01; and OR = 1.7, CI = 1-2.5, p < 0.05, respectively). Those who obtained pre-Hajj health advice were more than three times as likely to be vaccinated than those who did not (OR = 3.3, CI = 1.9-5.9, p < 0.001). Lack of awareness (63.2%, 36/57) and lack of time (15.8%, 9/57) were the most common reasons reported for non-receipt of vaccine. CONCLUSION: Many domestic pilgrims missed the compulsory meningococcal vaccine; in this regard, lack of awareness is a key barrier. Being an overseas pilgrim (or living at a distance from Makkah), receipt of pre-Hajj health advice, and employment were predictors of greater compliance with the vaccination policy. Opportunities remain to reduce the policy-practice gap among domestic pilgrims.