Outcomes of outflow graft stenting in HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: LVAD outflow graft stenosis continues to remain prevalent with a high complication rate. We sought to pool the existing evidence on indications, utilization patterns, and outcomes of transcatheter interventions for outflow graft stenosis in the HeartMate 3 LVAD. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all studies in the English literature reporting on HeartMate 3 LVAD outflow graft stenting. Patient-level data were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen published reports and one unpublished case comprising a total of 28 patients were included. Median patient age was 68.5 years [Interquartile range: 58, 71] and 25.9% (7/27) were female. Dyspnea [60.7% (17/28)] was the most common presenting symptom. Low flow alarms were present in 60% (15/25) of patients. Findings included external compression [35.7% (10/28)], graft twist [21.4% (6/28)], graft twist and external compression [14.3% (4.28)], intraluminal thrombus [10.7% (3/28)], graft twist and intraluminal thrombus [3.6% (1/28)], and pseudoaneurysm of outflow graft [3.6% (1/28)]. Median time from LVAD implantation to stenting was 2.1 years [1.4, 3]. Immediate flow normalization after stenting was observed in 85.7% (24/28). The 30-day mortality was 12% (3/25). Overall mortality was 12% (3/25) at a median follow-up of 3.9 months [1, 17]. CONCLUSION: Outflow graft stenting in the HeartMate 3 LVAD appears to be a reasonable treatment option for outflow graft stenosis, with low overall rates of complications and mortality. Further refinement of indications and approaches may improve outcomes.

Prognostic Indicators for Intracranial Metastases from Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history, treatment options, and clinical outcomes of pancreatic metastases to the brain remain largely unknown. Here, we seek to investigate characteristics that influence OS in pancreatic metastases to the brain. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective study of OS in 508 patients with pancreatic metastases to the brain using the SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized, and a predictive nomogram was developed. RESULTS: There were 508 patients identified for this study, with a median OS of 2 months. In the univariate analysis, patients older than 65 years had significantly reduced OS (P < 0.001). Patients with liver metastases (P < 0.001) and liver and lung metastases (P < 0.001) exhibited significantly reduced OS. Treatment of the primary tumor with chemotherapy only (P < 0.001), radiation only (P = 0.01), radiation and chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and surgery only (P = 0.01) were associated with increased OS. Resection of a distant metastasis site (P = 0.009) and of a brain metastasis (P = 0.03) were associated with increased OS. In the multivariable analysis, factors that remained significant included patient age (P = 0.01), liver metastases (P < 0.001), liver and lung metastases (P < 0.001), treatment with chemotherapy (P < 0.001), treatment with radiation and chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and treatment with surgery and chemotherapy (P < 0.001). The nomogram had a C-index of 0.766, suggesting congruence between the findings on the nomogram and the results in the internal verification. CONCLUSIONS: Median OS is influenced by age, multiorgan metastases, and treatment of the primary tumor. These data highlight the marginal benefit of treatment, yet improved quality of life (QOL) remains to be elucidated.

Summary of a consensus conference on heart-liver transplantation.

Patients with severe heart disease may have coexisting liver disease from various causes. The incidence of combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) is increasing as more patients with congenital heart disease survive to adulthood and develop advanced heart failure with associated liver disease from chronic right-sided heart or Fontan failure. However, the criteria for CHLT have not been established. To address this unmet need, a virtual consensus conference was organized on June 10, 2022, endorsed by the American Society of Transplantation. The conference represented a collaborative effort by experts in cardiothoracic and liver transplantation from across the United States to assess interdisciplinary criteria for liver transplantation in the CHLT candidate, surgical considerations of CHLT, current allocation system that generally results in the liver following the heart for CHLT, and optimal post-CHLT management. The conference served as a forum to unify criteria between the different specialties and to forge a pathway for patients who may need dual organ transplantation. Due to the continuing shortage of available donor organs, ethical issues related to multiorgan transplantation were also debated. The findings and consensus statements are presented.

Prognostic factors of survival for grade III solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma: a population-based retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Grade 3 solitary fibrous tumor, previously known as anaplastic hemangiopericytoma, is a rare and highly malignant intracranial tumor with a limited understanding of its natural history and treatment outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning 2000-2019 to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities that influence overall survival in this tumor entity. A cohort of 249 patients with intracranial grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors was identified. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Kaplan-Meier models were used to visualize survival curves, and a nomogram was constructed to predict survival probabilities at 6- and 12-months following diagnosis. RESULTS: Our findings indicated that patient age (<65 years), localized or regional disease burden, surgical resection, and radiation therapy were significant predictors of better overall survival. Combination therapies showed improved survival, with surgery and radiation therapy having the most significant impact. However, chemotherapy alone or in combination did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit, likely due to limited sample size. The nomogram provided personalized prognosis predictions based on significant clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: These data emphasize the importance of surgical resection and radiation therapy in the management of grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors, supporting the use of combination therapies to improve overall survival in this rare and aggressive intracranial neoplasm.

Predicted heart mass based on ideal body weight for donor-to-recipient size matching.

BACKGROUND: Predicted heart mass (PHM) is a commonly used tool for donor-to-recipient size matching. However, incorporating body weight as part of PHM can be considered problematic given its high variability, and low metabolic nature of fat. We sought to assess whether substituting the actual donor and recipient weight with the ideal body weight (IBW) would affect the association of donor-to-recipient PHM ratio with 1-year and overall survival after heart transplantation. METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for adult patients who received a primary heart transplant between January 2000 and September 2021. RESULTS: Both PHM and ideal PHM (IPHM) ratios were associated with one-year (PHM: p = .003; IPHM: p = .0007) and overall (PHM: p = .02; IPHM: p = .02) survival. In the continuous analysis with restricted cubic splines, both PHM (p = .0003) and IPHM (p = .00001) were associated with relative hazards of death. CONCLUSION: IPHM is significantly associated with post-transplant survival and may be a useful compliment to PHM.

Utilization and outcomes of V-AV ECMO: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Veno-arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-AV ECMO) is a less commonly used configuration of ECMO. We sought to understand the indications, utilization patterns, and outcomes of V-AV ECMO by quantitatively pooling the existing evidence from the literature. METHODS: Electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies reporting V-AV ECMO usage. Five studies comprising 77 patients were selected and cohort-level data were extracted for further analysis. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 61 (95% CI: 55.2, 66.5) years and 30% (23/77) were female. The majority of cases [91% (70/77)] were transitioned to V-AV ECMO from another pre-existing ECMO configuration: V-A ECMO in 55% (42/77) vs. V-V ECMO in 36% (28/77), p = 0.04. Only 9% (7/77) of cases were directly placed on V-AV ECMO. The mean duration of hospital stay was 42.3 (95% CI: 10.5, 74.2) days, while ICU mortality was 46% (29, 64). Transition to durable left ventricular assist device was performed in 3% (2/64) of patients, while 3% (2/64) underwent heart transplantation. V-AV ECMO was successfully weaned to explantation in 33% (21/64) of patients. CONCLUSION: V-AV ECMO is a viable option for optimizing cardiopulmonary support in selected patients. Survival to weaning or bridging therapy appears comparable to more common ECMO configurations.

The balloon occlusion sheath for stroke (BOSS) balloon guide catheter for stroke intervention: Safety and technical success.

BACKGROUND: We describe the first-in-human experience using the Balloon Occlusion Stroke Sheath (BOSSTM) balloon-guide catheter to perform stroke thrombectomy in 50 consecutive patients enrolled in the Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheters trial. This aspiration system includes a novel 9.4F balloon-guide catheter conduit for the insertion and guidance of catheters with a balloon providing temporary flow arrest. METHODS: The Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheter trial is a single-arm, prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, observational registry evaluating the use of the market-released BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter in adult patients diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke attributable to large vessel occlusion. The purpose of the current trial was to assess the safety and technical success associated with the use of the BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter. RESULTS: Fifty patients met inclusion criteria with a mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 16. Treatment devices, including aspiration and stent retriever devices, were used in a total of 88 passes. The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter was compatible with all stroke thrombectomy treatment devices used in 98% (49/50) of procedures. Balloon inflation and flow arrest were achieved in 100% (50/50) and 98% (49/50) of cases, respectively. Balloon deflation and retraction were observed in 100% (50/50) of cases. Successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score > 2b) was achieved in 100% of cases with single-pass reperfusion achieved in 62% (31/50) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter is a safe and technically effective adjunctive device for mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Prognostic Indicators for H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse midline glioma with histone H3K27M mutation (H3K27M DMG) is a recently recognized World Health Organization grade IV glioma with a dismal prognosis. Despite maximal treatment, this high-grade glioma exhibits an estimated median survival of 9-12 months. However, little is known with regards to prognostic risk factors for overall survival (OS) for patients with this malignant tumor. The aim of the present study is to characterize risk factors influencing survival in H3K27M DMG. METHODS: This is a population-based retrospective study of survival in patients with H3K27M DMG. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was examined from the years 2018 to 2019 and data from 137 patients were collected. Basic demographics, tumor site, and treatments regimens were retrieved. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess for factors associated with OS. Nomograms were built based on the results of the multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Median OS of the entire cohort was 13 months. Patients with infratentorial H3K27M DMG exhibited worse OS compared to their supratentorial counterparts. Any form of radiation treatment resulted in a significantly improved OS. Most combination treatments significantly improved OS with the exception of the surgery plus chemotherapy group. The combination of surgery and radiation had the greatest impact on OS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the infratentorial location of H3K27M DMG portends a worse prognosis compared to their supratentorial counterparts. The combination of surgery and radiation had the greatest impact on OS. These data highlight the survival benefit in utilizing a multimodal treatment approach for H3K27M DMG.

Clot composition and recanalization outcomes in mechanical thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become standard for large vessel occlusions, but rates of complete recanalization are suboptimal. Previous reports correlated radiographic signs with clot composition and a better response to specific techniques. Therefore, understanding clot composition may allow improved outcomes. METHODS: Clinical, imaging, and clot data from patients enrolled in the STRIP Registry from September 2016 to September 2020 were analyzed. Samples were fixed in 10% phosphate-buffered formalin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Martius Scarlett Blue. Percent composition, richness, and gross appearance were evaluated. Outcome measures included the rate of first-pass effect (FPE, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c/3) and the number of passes. RESULTS: A total of 1430 patients of mean±SD age 68.4±13.5 years (median (IQR) baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 17.2 (10.5-23), IV-tPA use 36%, stent-retrievers (SR) 27%, contact aspiration (CA) 27%, combined SR+CA 43%) were included. The median (IQR) number of passes was 1 (1-2). FPE was achieved in 39.3% of the cases. There was no association between percent histological composition or clot richness and FPE in the overall population. However, the combined technique resulted in lower FPE rates for red blood cell (RBC)-rich (P<0.0001), platelet-rich (P=0.003), and mixed (P<0.0001) clots. Fibrin-rich and platelet-rich clots required a higher number of passes than RBC-rich and mixed clots (median 2 and 1.5 vs 1, respectively; P=0.02). CA showed a trend towards a higher number of passes with fibrin-rich clots (2 vs 1; P=0.12). By gross appearance, mixed/heterogeneous clots had lower FPE rates than red and white clots. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of correlation between clot histology and FPE, our study adds to the growing evidence supporting the notion that clot composition influences recanalization treatment strategy outcomes.

Ultrasonic scalpel versus electrocautery for internal mammary artery harvesting: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Although an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel (HS) has been used to harvest the internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary artery bypass grafting, the benefits and risks compared to conventional electrocautery (EC) are not clear. We aimed to compare the outcomes of HS versus EC for IMA harvesting. METHODS: An electronic search was performed to identify all relevant studies. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, and clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 12 studies. Pooled analyses demonstrated that both groups had comparable preoperative baseline characteristics including age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction. HS included more diabetic patients [33% (95% CI 30, 35) vs. 27% (23, 31), p = 0.01]. Harvest time for unilateral IMA was significantly longer with HS than EC [39 (31, 47) minutes vs. 25 (17, 33) minutes, p < 0.01]. However, the rate of pedicled unilateral IMA was significantly higher for EC compared with HS [20% (17, 24) vs. 8% (7, 9), p < 0.01]. The rate of intact endothelium was significantly higher with HS than EC [95% (88, 98) vs. 81% (68, 89), p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes including bleeding [3% (2, 4)], sternal infection [3% (2, 4)], and operative/30-day mortality [3% (2, 4)]. CONCLUSIONS: HS required longer IMA harvest times which could be partially attributed to a higher skeletonization rate in this category. HS may cause less endothelial injury than EC; however, no significant differences in postoperative outcomes were seen between the groups.

Association of Heart Transplant Volume with Presence of Lung Transplant Programs and Heart Transplant's SRTR One-year Survival Rating.

BACKGROUND: Several factors affect heart transplant (HTx) and lung transplant (LTx) program outcomes. Variabilities in institutional and community characteristics have been shown to influence survival. At present, half of HTx centers in the United States do not possess a concomitant LTx program. This study sought to better understand the characteristics of HTx with and without LTx programs. METHODS: Nationwide transplant data were collected from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) in August 2020. SRTR star rating ranges from tier 1 (lowest) to tier 5 (highest). HTx volumes and SRTR star ratings for survival were compared between the centers with heart-only (H0) programs and the centers with heart-lung (HL) programs. RESULTS: SRTR star ratings were available for 117 transplant centers with one or more HTx reported. The median number of HTx performed over 1 year was 16 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-29). The number of HL centers (n = 67, 57.3%) were comparable to H0 centers (n = 50, 42.7%; p = 0.14). The HTx volume at the HL centers (28 [IQR: 17-41]) exceeded the HTx volume at the H0 centers (13 [IQR: 9-23]; p < 0.01), but were comparable to the LTx volume at the HL centers (31 [IQR: 16-46]; p = 0.25). The median HTx one-year survival rating was 3 (IQR: 2-4) at both the H0 and HL centers (p = 0.85). The HTx and LTx volumes were positively associated with the respective 1-year survivals (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: While the presence of an LTx program is not directly associated with HTx survival, it has a positive association with the HTx volume. The HTx and LTx volumes are positively associated with the 1-year survival.

Co-occurrence of dural arteriovenous fistula and meningioma: A rare case and systematic review.

Background: The coexistence of meningioma and dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is a rare, but highly complex condition. Various pathophysiological mechanisms underlie intracranial meningiomas with continuous or distant dAVFs. We describe a case of coexisting meningioma and dAVF with a systematic review of the literature. Result: Including the present case, there are 21 reported cases of coexisting intracranial dAVF and meningioma. The patients' ages ranged from 23 to 76 years, with a mean age of 61 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache. The dAVFs were commonly located at the transverse-sigmoid sinus (43%) and superior sagittal sinus (24%). The most common meningioma locations were the tentorium and parietal convexity. In 76% of the cases, the meningioma occluded the sinus. The most common dAVF treatment was transcatheter arterial embolization, followed by tumor resection (52%). Among the 20 cases with available outcome data, 90% reported favorable outcomes. Conclusion: This report highlights some of the features of coexisting dAVF and meningioma and presents a systematic review of other reports on this phenomenon. Through an in-depth analysis of the literature, we highlight some of the leading theories regarding the causes of concomitant dAVF and meningiomas. Our report supports one of the leading theories that impaired venous return, whether through the occlusion of sinuses or sinus manipulation during surgery, plays a role in the development of dAVF. Further understanding may help guide future clinical decision-making and surgical planning.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured pure arterial malformation and associated dysplastic middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Pure arterial malformations are characterized as unique cerebrovascular lesions with a dilated, coil-like appearance and tortuous arteries without early venous drainage. Historically, these lesions have been described as incidental findings with a benign natural history. However, pure arterial malformations can rarely demonstrate radiographic progression and develop associated focal aneurysms with an unclear risk of rupture. Whether radiographic progression of these lesions or the presence of an associated aneurysm warrants treatment remains controversial. OBSERVATIONS: A 58-year-old male presented with sudden-onset left hemiparesis. Computed tomography revealed a large, acute, right frontotemporoparietal intraparenchymal hemorrhage with underlying irregular curvilinear calcifications. Diagnostic cerebral angiography revealed a dysplastic right middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm along the M2 segment associated with a pure arterial malformation, which was treated with endovascular flow diversion in a delayed fashion. LESSONS: Pure arterial malformations with associated focal aneurysms may not exhibit a benign natural history as once thought. Intervention should be considered for ruptured pure arterial malformations to mitigate the risk of rerupture. Asymptomatic patients with a pure arterial malformation with an associated aneurysm should at least be followed closely with interval radiographic imaging to evaluate for malformation progression or changes in aneurysmal morphology.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts Acute Symptomatic Hydrocephalus After Spontaneous Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to investigate the association between white blood cell counts and acute hydrocephalus in spontaneous nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (nSAH). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 105 consecutive patients with spontaneous nSAH. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with hydrocephalus. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the optimal cutoff to differentiate between patients with and without hydrocephalus. The admission characteristics of hydrocephalic patients with aneurysmal and nSAH were compared. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 21 (30%) presented with hydrocephalus. In univariate logistic regression, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index ([neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes]/1000) were associated with hydrocephalus. After adjustments, the SII index independently predicted acute hydrocephalus with the highest odds among laboratory values (odds ratio 2.184, P = 0.006). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the SII index differentiated between patients with and without hydrocephalus (area under the curve = 0.799, 95% CI: 0.688-0.909, P < 0.001) with an optimal cutoff of 1.385 103/µL. SII indices did not differ between aneurysmal and nSAH patients with hydrocephalus (3.5 vs. 3.6 103/µL, P = 0.795). CONCLUSIONS: A SII index ≥1.385 103/µL on admission predicts acute hydrocephalus in spontaneous nSAH. Hydrocephalic patients with aneurysmal and nSAH exhibit similar SII indices, and thus, an exaggerated inflammatory and thrombotic response follows spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage irrespective of hemorrhage etiology.

Utility of Recipient Cardiothoracic Ratio in Predicting Delayed Chest Closure after Heart Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Predicted cardiac mass (PCM) has been well validated for size matching donor hearts to heart transplantation recipients. We hypothesized that cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) could be reflective of recipient-specific limits of oversizing, and sought to determine the utility of donor to recipient PCM ratio (PCMR) and CTR in predicting delayed chest closure after heart transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 38 consecutive heart transplantations performed at our institution from 2017 to 2020 was performed. Donor and recipient PCM were estimated using Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis predictive models. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the discriminatory power of the ratio of PCMR to CTR in predicting delayed sternal closure. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients, 71.1% (27/38) were male and the median age at transplantation was 58 (interquartile range [IQR]: 47-62) years. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was present in 31.6% of recipients (12/38). Median recipient CTR was 0.63 [IQR: 0.59-0.66]. Median donor to recipient PCMR was 1.07 [IQR: 0.96-1.19], which indicated 7% oversizing. Thirteen out of 38 (34.2%) underwent delayed sternal closure. Primary graft dysfunction occurred in 15.8% (6/38). PCMR/CTR showed good discriminatory power in predicting delayed sternal closure [area under the curve: 80.4% (65.3-95.6%)]. PCMR/CTR cut-off of 1.7 offered the best trade-off between the sensitivity (69.6%) and specificity (91.7%). CONCLUSION: CTR could be helpful in guiding the recipient-specific extent of oversizing donor hearts. Maintaining the ratio of PCMR to CTR below 1.7 could avoid excessive oversizing of the donor heart.

Microaxial circulatory support for percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microaxial circulatory support devices have been used to support patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to pool and analyze the existing evidence on the baseline characteristics, periprocedural data, and outcomes of microaxial support before and after PCI in AMICS. METHODS: An electronic database search was performed to identify all cohort studies on Impella and PCI for cardiogenic shock in the English language. A total of five articles comprising 543 patients were included. These patients received microaxial support either before (pre-PCI) or after (post-PCI) undergoing PCI. Comparative analyses were done between both groups. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66 years [95% Confidence Interval (58-74)], and 22% (89/396) of patients were female. ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (MI) comprised 64% (44-80) of MIs and 50% (44-56) of MIs involved the left anterior descending artery. The mean number of diseased vessels was 2.21 (1.62-2.80). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31% (23.4-38.6). The mean arterial pressure was 66.3 mm Hg (54.1-78.5). Mean serum lactate [6.1 mmol/L (3.3-8.9)] and serum creatinine [1.4 mg/dl (1.0-1.7)] were similar between groups. 30-day mortality was lower in the pre-PCI group [41% (34%-49%)] compared to the post-PCI group [61% (42%-77%), p < 0.01]. Pooled Kaplan-Meier analysis showed better early survival in the pre-PCI group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with AMICS were similar at baseline in both pre-PCI and post-PCI groups. Nevertheless, pre-PCI group showed better early survival compared to post-PCI group.

Spinal Intradural Arachnoid Cysts in Adults: An Institutional Experience and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Adult spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare pathologic entities with an unclear etiopathogenesis. These lesions can be dichotomized into primary (idiopathic) or secondary (related to inflammation, intradural surgery, or trauma) etiologies. Limited series have depicted optimal management strategies and clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate our experience with spinal intradural arachnoid cysts and to present a literature review of surgically treated cysts to elucidate the clinical and anatomic differences between etiologies. METHODS: Institutional review revealed 29 patients. Various data were extracted from the medical record. Initial and follow-up symptomatologies of the surgical cohort were compared. The literature review included case series describing cysts managed surgically. RESULTS: From patients treated surgically at our institution (22), there was a significant reduction in thoracic back pain postoperatively ( P = .034). A literature review yielded 271 additional cases. Overall, primary and secondary lesions accounted for 254 and 39 cases, respectively. Cysts of secondary origin were more likely localized ventral to the spinal cord ( P = .013). The rate of symptomatic improvement after surgical intervention for primary cysts was more than double than that of secondary cysts ( P < .001). Compared with primary etiologies, the rates of radiographic progression ( P = .032) and repeat surgery ( P = .041) were each more than double for secondary cysts. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for spinal intradural arachnoid cysts improves thoracic back pain. The literature supports surgical intervention for symptomatic primary spinal intradural arachnoid cysts with improved clinical outcomes. Surgery should be cautiously considered for secondary cysts given worse outcomes.

Depressed skull fracture compressing eloquent cortex causing focal neurologic deficits.

BACKGROUND: Depressed skull fractures are typically the consequence of high-impact injuries with inward buckling of the cranium. The majority of depressed skull fractures are managed conservatively in the absence of dural violation, sinus involvement, significant underlying hematoma, depressed fragment greater than 1 cm, wound infection, or gross wound contamination. Even in the presence of any of the aforementioned criteria, cranioplasty is typically considered an urgent procedure rather than a neurosurgical emergency. Rarely, a depressed fracture fragment can cause focal neurologic deficit(s) due to direct compression of the underlying eloquent cortex. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 40-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a mechanical fall with a left central facial nerve palsy, left hemiplegia, left hemianesthesia, and fixed right gaze deviation. The neurologic deficits observed were attributed to a combination of blunt force trauma to the head (i.e., coup-contrecoup injury) and the depressed fracture fragment compressing the underlying eloquent cortex. He underwent emergent cranioplasty with fragment elevation within 2 hours of the traumatic injury. At 6-month follow-up, he regained full neurologic function without any residual deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience highlights a rare indication for emergent cranioplasty with an excellent functional outcome attributable to immediate fracture elevation and decompression of eloquent cortex.