Development and Validation of a Supplementary Grading Scale for Outcomes of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical risk assessment is intriguing for clinical decision-making of brainstem cavernous malformation (BSCM) treatment. While the BSCM grading scale, encompassing size, developmental venous anomaly, crossing axial midpoint, age, and timing of intervention, is increasingly utilized, the clinical relevance of neurological fluctuation and recurrent hemorrhage has not been incorporated. This study aimed to propose a supplementary grading scale with enhanced predictive efficacy. METHODS: Using a retrospective nationwide registry of consecutive patients with BSCMs undergoing surgery in China from March 2011 to May 2023, a new supplementary BSCM grading scale was developed from a derivative cohort of 260 patients and validated in an independent concurrent cohort of 67 patients. The primary outcome was unfavorable neurological function (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at the latest follow-up. The performance of the supplementary grading system was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility and further compared with its original counterpart. RESULTS: Over a follow-up of at least 6 months after surgery, the unfavorable outcomes were 31% in the overall cohort (101/327 patients). A preoperative motor deficit (odds ratio, 3.13; P=0.001), recurrent hemorrhage (odds ratio, 3.05; P<0.001), timing of intervention (odds ratio, 7.08; P<0.001), and crossing the axial midpoint (odds ratio, 2.57; P=0.006) were associated with the unfavorable outcomes and composed the initial Huashan grading variables. A supplementary BSCM grading system was subsequently developed by incorporating the Huashan grading variables into the original BSCM grading scale. The predictive capability of the supplementary scale was consistently superior to the original counterpart in either the derivative cohort (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.68-0.80] for the supplementary versus 0.68 [95% CI, 0.61-0.74] for the original) or the validation cohort (0.75 [95% CI, 0.62-0.87] versus 0.64 [95% CI, 0.48-0.81]). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the neurological relevance of BSCM hemorrhage in surgical risk assessment. Via compositing preoperative motor function and recurrent hemorrhages, a supplementary grading scale may improve a dynamic risk assessment for clinical decisions in the management of BSCMs.

Stratified assessment of treatment approach for craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas: a multicenter cohort study and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas (CCJ-AVFs) are complex vascular shunts that present a challenge for treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of microsurgery and endovascular embolization for CCJ-AVFs and to determine whether the treatment approach affected the obliteration rate and neurological improvement. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 64 patients who had undergone microsurgery or endovascular embolization for CCJ-AVF at one of two neurosurgical centers from January 2014 to February 2022. Additionally, a pooled analysis of 68 patients from 38 studies was performed. Baseline characteristics, angioarchitectural features, and clinical outcomes were compared between two treatment groups. A subgroup analysis of CCJ-AVFs with carotid artery (CA) feeders was also performed. RESULTS: In the multicenter cohort, the complete obliteration rate was 95.1% with microsurgery, 81.8% with embolization via the CA, and 50.0% with embolization via the vertebral artery (VA). After adjusting for baseline and confounding features, the occlusion rate was significantly lower in the VA embolization group (adjusted OR 41.06, 95% CI 2.37-711.9, p = 0.01). No new-onset infarctions occurred in the microsurgical group, whereas 1 patient each in the CA and VA embolization groups experienced posttreatment infarction. Microsurgery demonstrated a neurological improvement rate similar to that in the CA embolization group (65.9% vs 63.6%, respectively). In the subgroup analysis of CCJ-AVF with CA feeders in the multicenter cohort, the occlusion rate and neurological improvement in the CA embolization group were comparable to those in the microsurgery group. The subgroup analysis in the pooled analysis revealed complete obliteration rates of 100.0% in the microsurgical group, 88.9% in the CA embolization group, and 66.7% in the VA embolization group. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports microsurgery as the best treatment modality for CCJ-AVFs, exhibiting the highest rates of complete obliteration. Conversely, embolization via the VA can result in a lower occlusion rate and less neurological improvement. In CCJ-AVFs with CA feeders, embolization via the CA can be a safe and effective alternative to microsurgery.

Critical roles and clinical perspectives of RNA methylation in cancer.

RNA modification, especially RNA methylation, is a critical posttranscriptional process influencing cellular functions and disease progression, accounting for over 60% of all RNA modifications. It plays a significant role in RNA metabolism, affecting RNA processing, stability, and translation, thereby modulating gene expression and cell functions essential for proliferation, survival, and metastasis. Increasing studies have revealed the disruption in RNA metabolism mediated by RNA methylation has been implicated in various aspects of cancer progression, particularly in metabolic reprogramming and immunity. This disruption of RNA methylation has profound implications for tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy response. Herein, we elucidate the fundamental characteristics of RNA methylation and their impact on RNA metabolism and gene expression. We highlight the intricate relationship between RNA methylation, cancer metabolic reprogramming, and immunity, using the well-characterized phenomenon of cancer metabolic reprogramming as a framework to discuss RNA methylation's specific roles and mechanisms in cancer progression. Furthermore, we explore the potential of targeting RNA methylation regulators as a novel approach for cancer therapy. By underscoring the complex mechanisms by which RNA methylation contributes to cancer progression, this review provides a foundation for developing new prognostic markers and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating RNA methylation in cancer treatment.

Association of hemorrhage-to-treatment time with outcomes in patients with brainstem cavernous malformations: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) often present with haemorrhage, but the optimal timing for microsurgical intervention remains unclear. This study aims to explore how intervention timing relates to neurological outcomes in haemorrhagic BSCM patients undergoing microsurgery, offering insights for clinical decisions. METHODS: A total of 293 consecutive patients diagnosed with BSCMs, who underwent microsurgery were identified between March 2011 and January 2023 at two comprehensive centres in China, with a postoperative follow-up duration exceeding 6 months. Utilizing logistic regression models with restricted cubic splines, distinct time groups were identified. Subsequently, matching weight analysis compared these groups in terms of outcomes, new haemorrhage rates, cranial nerve deficits, and perioperative complications. The primary outcome was an unfavourable outcome, which was defined as a mRS score greater than 2 at the latest follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 293 patients, 48.5% were female, median age was (39.9±14.3) years, and median haemorrhage-to-treatment time was 42 days. Patients were categorized into acute (≤21 days), subacute (22-42 days), and delay (>42 days) intervention groups. After matching, 186 patients were analyzed. Adjusted analysis showed lower unfavourable outcome rates for acute [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.73; 95% CI, 0.65-0.82; P<0.001] and subacute (adjusted OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.95; P=0.007) groups compared to the delay group. Subacute intervention led to fewer cranial nerve deficits (adjusted OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88, P<0.001). New haemorrhage incidence didn't significantly differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: For haemorrhagic BSCMs patients, delayed microsurgical intervention that exceeded 42 days after a prior haemorrhage were associated with an increased risk of unfavourable neurological outcomes.

Trans-radial artery microcatheter angiography-assisted juvenile ruptured brainstem arteriovenous malformation resection.

BACKGROUND: Due to their crucial functional location, surgical treatment of brainstem arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has always been challenging. For unruptured AVMs, we can determine whether radiological therapy, interventional treatment, or surgical resection is feasible based on the AVM structure. However, for ruptured AVMs, microsurgical resection and interventional embolization are effective methods to prevent further rupture. In the microsurgical resection of AVMs, we usually use a hybrid operation to confirm the AVM structure and determine if the AVM is completely resected during the surgery. METHOD: We report a case of juvenile ruptured brainstem AVM resection. The right lateral position and left suboccipital retrosigmoid approach were used. We established an interventional approach via left radial artery and set a microcatheter in the feeding artery. Methylene blue injection via a microcatheter showed the AVM structure, and we totally resected the brainstem AVM under electrophysiological monitoring and navigation. Intraoperative angiography was performed to ensure complete resection without residual nidus. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that the trans-radial approach is convenient and safe for special positions in hybrid operations. Methylene blue injection via a microcatheter in the feeding artery provides clearer visualization of the AVM structure under the microscope.

Aneurysmoraphy or bypass? Surgical strategy for large M1 bifurcation aneurysm involving two branches based on vessel wall high-resolution MRI and intraoperative angiography.

BACKGROUND: Middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 bifurcation aneurysms are common because of hemodynamic. For regular-shaped and small aneurysms, direct clipping is optimal. Aneurysmoraphy or bypass blood flow reconstruction are most commonly used in large aneurysm clipping. Based on preoperative vessel wall high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (VW-HRMRI) and intraoperative angiography, an appropriate surgery strategy could be decided. METHOD: We report a case of large MCA M1 bifurcation aneurysm aneurysmoraphy according to preoperative VW-HRMRI. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed an aneurysm neck remnant, and we adjusted clips according to intraoperative DSA. This patient recovered well with a modified Rankin scale of 0 at discharge. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates that preoperative VWHRMRI could supply more aneurysm characteristics for direct aneurysmoraphy. Intraoperative DSA effectively reduces the possibility of aneurysm remnant.

One-step solution for angioplasty, low-profile stent delivery, and intrastent dilation using a dual-lumen angioplasty balloon microcatheter: technical advances, limitations, outcomes, and literature review.

Dual-lumen angioplasty balloon microcatheters make it possible to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), low-profile stent delivery, and intrastent dilation without the microcatheter exchange technique. This technique has shown many advantages in recent years. We reviewed the techniques and applications in different intracranial vascular diseases and summarized the outcomes and indications. Gateway dual-lumen angioplasty balloon was used for PTA and kept in situ. Stent was delivered and deployed via Gateway microcatheter. Intrastent balloon dilation was performed after stent deployment. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, surgical procedures, technique application, and follow-up outcomes of six patients treated from 2020 to 2023. Neurological function was assessed by the modified Rankin scale (mRS). A literature review was performed using PubMed. All seven patients (4 males, 3 females; mean age, 62.6 ± 6.9 years) underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent deployment using a balloon microcatheter. There was one middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with parent artery stenosis, two MCA dissections, and four intracranial atherosclerotic stenoses (ICASs). The mRS score was 0 in five patients and 1 in two patients. Cerebral dissection with stenosis is the best indication, and its application in stent-assisted aneurysm coiling is inappropriate. This technique is controversial in ICAS treatment.

Catalytic ozonation of multi-VOCs mixtures over Cr-based bimetallic oxides catalysts from simulated flue gas: Effects of NO/SO2/H2O.

Different Cr-based bimetallic oxides were prepared, and their catalytic performance was evaluated on the simultaneous removal of multi-VOCs mixtures (acetone, benzene, toluene, and o-xylene) by ozonation. Among them, Co-Cr catalyst stood out in catalytic ozonation of aromatic VOCs, and its activity on acetone conversion was promoted by raising the temperature and ozone concentrations, owing to lower crystallization, larger surface area, excellent redox and VOCs/CO2 desorption ability. Above 95% conversion of all multi-VOCs was achieved over the Co-Cr catalyst when the temperature was 100 °C and an excess ozone ratio λ (the ratio of actual moles of ozone to theoretical moles of ozone needed) was equal to 3. A competitive relationship was noticed during the removal process of four multiple VOCs, with significant inhibition of acetone conversion in the presence of aromatic VOCs, conceivably due to adsorption competition and byproducts accumulation. Effects of NO/SO2/H2O and respective reversibility were also investigated. The inhibition effects of NO/SO2/H2O on aromatic VOCs were far less than those on acetone. Further, the retarding effect of NO was reversible, attributing to physical adsorption competition, but the inhibition effect of SO2/H2O was irreversible, due to the blockage of active sites for VOCs removal. With the combination of scrubbing, multi-VOCs and NO/SO2 could be removed by catalytic ozonation simultaneously and efficiently. In-situ DRIFTS measurement was also conducted to investigate the adsorption and catalytic ozonation process of multi-VOCs mixtures, as well as under the presence of SO2/H2O, discovering the major intermediates, surface carboxylates and carboxylic acids.

Angioarchitectural features of arteriovenous fistulas at craniocervical junction predicting clinical presentation and unfavorable neurological function: insight from a multicenter cohort and pooled analysis.

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are uncommon conditions with complex angioarchitecture. The objective of this study was to identify the angioarchitectural features of CCJ-AVF that were predictive of clinical presentation and neurological function. The study encompassed a total of 68 consecutive patients with CCJ-AVF at two neurosurgical centers between 2014 and 2022. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted, including 68 cases with detailed clinical data obtained via PubMed database spanning 1990 to 2022. Clinical and imaging data were collected and pooled together to analyze factors associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), myelopathy, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at presentation. The mean age of the patients was 54.5 ± 13.1 years, with 76.5% of them being male. The most common feeding arteries were V3-medial branches (33.1%), and drainage was frequently through the anterior or posterior spinal vein/perimedullary vein (72.8%). SAH was the most common presentation (49.3%), and an associated aneurysm was identified as a risk factor for SAH (adjusted OR, 7.44; 95%CI, 2.89-19.15). Anterior or posterior spinal vein/perimedullary vein (adjusted OR, 2.78; 95%CI, 1.00-7.72) and male gender (adjusted OR, 3.76; 95%CI, 1.23-11.53) were associated with higher risk for myelopathy. Myelopathy at presentation was an independent risk factor for unfavorable neurological status (adjusted OR per score, 4.73; 95%CI, 1.31-17.12) in untreated CCJ-AVF. The present study identifies risk factors associated with SAH, myelopathy, and unfavorable neurological status at presentation in patients with CCJ-AVF. These findings may help treatment decisions for these complex vascular malformations.

Initial experience of visualized biliary cannulation during ERCP.

BACKGROUND : Selective biliary cannulation is the most challenging step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) because only indirect radiographic images can be obtained. Therefore, we developed a novel endoscopic retrograde direct cholangioscopy (ERDC) technology to facilitate visible biliary cannulation. METHODS : In this case series, we used ERDC to treat 21 patients with common bile duct stones who were enrolled consecutively between July 2022 and December 2022. The procedure details and complications were recorded, and all patients were followed up for 3 months after the procedure. The learning curve effect was analyzed by comparing the early and later cases. RESULTS : Biliary cannulation was successful in all patients, and the stones were removed completely. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time for cholangioscopy-guided biliary cannulation was 240.0 (10.0-430.0) seconds, and the median (IQR) number of cannulation procedures was 2 (1-5). Despite there being one episode of post-ERCP pancreatitis, one of cholangitis, and three patients developing asymptomatic hyperamylasemia, all of the patients recovered after symptomatic treatment, being discharged and with no serious adverse events occurring during the 3-month follow-up period. Compared with the early cases, the number of intubations and the use of guidewire guidance decreased in later cases. CONCLUSION : Our research confirms that ERDC is a feasible technology for biliary cannulation under direct vision.

The application of high-resolution vessel wall imaging in the in situ bypass surgeries for complex anterior cerebral artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Complex anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms are still technically challenging to treat. Bypass surgery is needed to achieve aneurysm obliteration and ACA territory revascularization. Severe atherosclerosis of aneurysm walls can cause clip slippage, intraoperative rupture, postoperative ischemic events. How to assess the atherosclerotic changes in vascular walls by high-resolution vessel wall magnitude resonance imaging (VWI) is the key question in complex ACA aneurysm surgical management. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included eight patients diagnosed with complex anterior cerebral arteries admitted to our hospital for bypass surgery from January 2019 to April 2022. We discussed the application of VWI in aneurysms treated with in situ bypass and reviewed previous experience of revascularization strategies for complex ACA aneurysms. RESULTS: In this study, we treated 8 cases of complex ACA aneurysms (3 communicating aneurysms/5 postcommunicating aneurysms) over the prior one year. In situ side-to-side anastomosis (1 A2-to-A2/6 A3-to-A3) was performed in seven cases, and trapping combined with excision was performed in another case. Following bypass, complete trapping was performed in 4 cases, and proximal clipping was performed in 3 cases. No surgery-related neurological dysfunctions were observed. The final modified Rankin scale was 0 in seven of the eight cases and 2 in one case. CONCLUSION: High-resolution VWI, as a favorable preoperative assessment tool, provides insight into patient-specific anatomy and microsurgical options before operations, which can help neurosurgeons develop individualized and valuable surgical plans.

Artificial intelligence empowers the second-observer strategy for colonoscopy: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: In colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer, human vision limitations may lead to higher miss rate of lesions; artificial intelligence (AI) assistance has been demonstrated to improve polyp detection. However, there still lacks direct evidence to demonstrate whether AI is superior to trainees or experienced nurses as a second observer to increase adenoma detection during colonoscopy. In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of assistance from AI and human observer during colonoscopy. Methods: A prospective multicenter randomized study was conducted from 2 September 2019 to 29 May 2020 at four endoscopy centers in China. Eligible patients were randomized to either computer-aided detection (CADe)-assisted group or observer-assisted group. The primary outcome was adenoma per colonoscopy (APC). Secondary outcomes included polyp per colonoscopy (PPC), adenoma detection rate (ADR), and polyp detection rate (PDR). We compared continuous variables and categorical variables by using R studio (version 3.4.4). Results: A total of 1,261 (636 in the CADe-assisted group and 625 in the observer-assisted group) eligible patients were analysed. APC (0.42 vs 0.35, P = 0.034), PPC (1.13 vs 0.81, P < 0.001), PDR (47.5% vs 37.4%, P < 0.001), ADR (25.8% vs 24.0%, P = 0.464), the number of detected sessile polyps (683 vs 464, P < 0.001), and sessile adenomas (244 vs 182, P = 0.005) were significantly higher in the CADe-assisted group than in the observer-assisted group. False detections of the CADe system were lower than those of the human observer (122 vs 191, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared with the human observer, the CADe system may improve the clinical outcome of colonoscopy and reduce disturbance to routine practice (Chictr.org.cn No.: ChiCTR1900025235).

Association of Preoperative Vascular Wall Imaging Patterns and Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Unruptured Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: MR vascular wall imaging (VWI) may have prognostic value in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of VWI as a predictor of surgical outcome in patients with UIAs. METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated surgical outcomes in consecutive patients with UIAs who underwent surgical clipping at a single center. All participants underwent high-resolution VWI and were followed for at least 6 months. The primary clinical outcome was modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The number of patients in the no wall enhancement, uniform wall enhancement (UWE), and focal wall enhancement (FWE) groups was 37, 145, and 154, respectively. Incidence of postoperative complications was 15.5% in the FWE group, 12.4% in the UWE group, and 5.4% in the no wall enhancement group. The proportion of patients with mRS score >2 at the 6-month follow-up was significantly higher in the FWE group than in the UWE group (14.3% vs 6.9%; P = .0389). In the multivariate analysis, FWE (odds ratio, 2.573; 95% CI 1.001-6.612) and positive proximal artery remodeling (odds ratio, 10.56; 95% CI 2.237-49.83) were independent predictors of mRS score >2 at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Preoperative VWI can improve the surgeon's understanding of aneurysm pathological structure. Type of aneurysmal wall enhancement on VWI is associated with clinical outcome and incidence of salvage anastomosis and surgical complications.

Reconstruction of both M2 blood flow with a "Y" fashion anastomosis after excision of a large M1 bifurcation aneurysm: advantages and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 aneurysms with M2 branches originating from the aneurysm neck are difficult to treat because of blood flow reconstruction method selection, graft blood volume matching and various anastomoses. METHOD: We report a case of MCA M1 bifurcation aneurysm resection and reconstruction of the bifurcation using "Y" fashion anastomosis. Intraoperative DSA showed anastomotic stoma patency. This patient suffered transient left temporal ischemia and recovered well with a modified Rankin scale of 0 at discharge. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the application of "Y" fashion anastomosis after the excision of a large M1 bifurcation aneurysm. This bifurcation reconstruction method showed advantages and challenges in specific situations.

Interposition Intracranial-Intracranial Bypass Based on Anterior Cerebral Artery A1 Donor Anastomosis: Technical Advances, Outcomes, and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The bypass technique is important for treating complex intracranial aneurysms and is infrequently performed. Intracranial-intracranial (IC-IC) bypass has shown many advantages in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To review the techniques and outcomes of bypass based on anterior cerebral artery (ACA) A1 donor anastomosis in patients with intracranial aneurysm. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, surgical strategy, and follow-up outcomes of 7 patients treated from 2019 to 2022. Neurological function was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A literature review was performed using PubMed. RESULTS: All 7 patients (3 male patients and 4 female patients; mean age, 50.4 ± 15.5 years) underwent aneurysm trapping or clipping using interposition IC-IC bypass based on ACA-A1 donor anastomosis. There were 6 middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and 1 posterior cerebral aneurysm in the series. One IC-IC bypass failed and was changed to extracranial-intracranial bypass. Three patients with MCA M1 aneurysm showed perforator-related infarction after the operation. The modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in 4 patients, 2 in 2 patients, and 1 in 1 patient. The long-term graft patency rate was 100%. CONCLUSION: Interposition IC-IC bypass based on ACA-A1 donor anastomosis provides an effective way to achieve blood flow reconstruction in the treatment of complex aneurysms. This technique provides better caliber and volume compatibility and diminishes neck incision. Perforator-related infarction was the main complication because of involvement of the MCA M1 aneurysm location. Proximal clipping is preferred to avoid perforator-related infarction.

Treatment of high-grade brain arteriovenous malformations using a hybrid operating room: A prospective single-arm study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal treatment of patients with high Spetzler-Martin (S-M) grade brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) remains controversial. Few studies have investigated outcomes in such patients treated in a hybrid operating room (hOR). OBJECTIVE: To examine outcomes of one-stop hybrid BAVM treatment in patients with high-grade lesions. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients with high-grade BAVMs (S-M grade ≥3) aged 18-65 years who underwent one-stop hybrid BAVM treatment at our hospital between October 2016 and March 2021. High-grade BAVM patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2016 served as historical controls. RESULTS: Forty-one high-grade BAVM patients underwent one-stop hybrid treatment in a hOR. Sixty-one propensity score-matched patients comprised the historical control group. The groups did not significantly differ in patient and BAVM characteristics. Intraoperative angiography in four patients of the hOR group demonstrated residual nidus that required further immediate resection. Main procedural complications included hemorrhage, neurologic deficit, and seizure. In the historical control group, diffuse angioarchitecture and arteriovenous fistula were independent risk factors for incomplete resection. CONCLUSIONS: One-stop hybrid BAVM treatment is safe and effective for removal of high-grade BAVMs, especially those with diffuse or complex angioarchitecture. Preoperative embolization can effectively reduce blood flow while preserving motor and language function. The combined application of functional magnetic resonance imaging, electrophysiological monitoring, and awake craniotomy can successfully avoid causing neurological injury.

Rehemorrhage of brainstem cavernous malformations: a benchmark approach to individualized risk and severity assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) represent a unique subgroup of cavernous malformations with more hemorrhagic presentation and technical challenges. This study aimed to provide individualized assessment of the rehemorrhage clustering risk of BSCMs after the first symptomatic hemorrhage and to identify patients at higher risk of neurological deterioration after new hemorrhage, which would help in clinical decision-making. METHODS: A total of 123 consecutive BSCM patients with symptomatic hemorrhage were identified between 2015 and 2022, with untreated follow-up > 12 months or subsequent hemorrhage during the untreated follow-up. Nomograms were proposed to individualize the assessment of subsequent hemorrhage risk and neurological status (determined by the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score) after future hemorrhage. The least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) regression was used for feature screening. The calibration curve and concordance index (C-index) were used to assess the internal calibration and discrimination performance of the nomograms. Cross-validation was further performed to validate the accuracy of the nomograms. RESULTS: Prior hemorrhage times (adjusted OR [aOR] 6.78 per ictus increase) and Zabramski type I or V (OR 11.04) were associated with rehemorrhage within 1 year. A lower mRS score after previous hemorrhage (aOR 0.38 for a shift to a higher mRS score), Zabramski type I or V (OR 3.41), medulla or midbrain location (aOR 2.77), and multiple cerebral cavernous malformations (aOR 11.76) were associated with worsened neurological status at subsequent hemorrhage. The nomograms showed good accuracy and discrimination, with a C-index of 0.80 for predicting subsequent hemorrhage within 1 year and 0.71 for predicting neurological status after subsequent hemorrhage, which were maintained in cross-validation. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized approach to risk and severity assessment of BSCM rehemorrhage was feasible with clinical and imaging features.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Colonoscopy Surveillance After Polyp Removal: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at improving polyp detection have been shown to increase the adenoma detection rate during colonoscopy. However, it is unknown how increased polyp detection rates by AI affect the burden of patient surveillance after polyp removal. METHODS: We conducted a pooled analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (5 in China, 2 in Italy, 1 in Japan, and 1 in the United States) comparing colonoscopy with or without AI detection aids. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients recommended to undergo intensive surveillance (ie, 3-year interval). We analyzed intervals for AI and non-AI colonoscopies for the U.S. and European recommendations separately. We estimated proportions by calculating relative risks using the Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: A total of 5796 patients (51% male, mean 53 years of age) were included; 2894 underwent AI-assisted colonoscopy and 2902 non-AI colonoscopy. When following U.S. guidelines, the proportion of patients recommended intensive surveillance increased from 8.4% (95% CI, 7.4%-9.5%) in the non-AI group to 11.3% (95% CI, 10.2%-12.6%) in the AI group (absolute difference, 2.9% [95% CI, 1.4%-4.4%]; risk ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.57]). When following European guidelines, it increased from 6.1% (95% CI, 5.3%-7.0%) to 7.4% (95% CI, 6.5%-8.4%) (absolute difference, 1.3% [95% CI, 0.01%-2.6%]; risk ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.01-1.47]). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AI during colonoscopy increased the proportion of patients requiring intensive colonoscopy surveillance by approximately 35% in the United States and 20% in Europe (absolute increases of 2.9% and 1.3%, respectively). While this may contribute to improved cancer prevention, it significantly adds patient burden and healthcare costs.

Clinical characteristics, endovascular choices, and surgical outcomes of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms: a consecutive series of 196 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to evaluate the clinical features, endovascular strategy selection, and outcomes of vertebral artery (VA) dissecting aneurysms (VADAs) near the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). METHODS: Clinical data were obtained from 196 patients with 202 VADAs who had been surgically treated at the authors' hospital between 2005 and 2021. The patients' medical records, imaging data, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All 196 patients (148 male, 48 female; mean age 53 years) underwent endovascular therapy for VADA. The most common chief complaints were headache (56.6%), dizziness (40.8%), and other occasional symptoms (18.4%). Twenty-six patients experienced posterior circulation ischemia, and 25 patients experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). On DSA images, 37 aneurysms were found in the dominant VA, and 165 aneurysms were found on the nondominant side. Eighty-eight VADAs had stenosis. Regarding the VADA location, there were 59 distal, 51 proximal, 23 ventral, 64 PICA, and 5 obliteration types. Single-stent implantation (10.9%), overlapping stent implantation (23.8%), flow diverter (FD) implantation (11.9%), single stent-assisted coil (SAC) embolization (31.7%), overlapping SAC embolization (12.9%), parent artery occlusion (PAO) (8.4%), and FD-assisted coil embolization (0.5%) were chosen. The follow-up rate was 82.7%. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0.5 ± 1.1. Ninety-six patients underwent DSA. The complete occlusion rates were 100%, 81.4%, 56.7%, and 76.5% in the PAO group, SAC reconstruction group, stent implantation group, and FD implantation group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients showed a higher probability of SAH, and elderly patients showed a higher probability of posterior circulation infarction. The surgical plan selection should be based on the SAH history, VA dominant side, and PICA origin location.

A falcotentorial dural arteriovenous fistula presented as carotid cavernous fistula clinically treated by transarterial embolization: case report.

BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) represent almost 10-15% of intracranial malformations that cause intracranial hemorrhage and focal neurological deficits. Seldom tentorial DAVF cases present with ocular manifestations initially, which occur frequently in carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) and cavernous sinus DAVF (CS DAVF). CASE PRESENTATION: We report an unusual falcotentorial DAVF case draining via the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins that caused left-side increased intraocular pressure. The patient's chief complaint was swelling on the left side, pain and conjunctival congestion. He received endovascular embolization via a transarterial approach, and postoperative angiography demonstrated that the falcotentorial DAVF was occluded completely. CONCLUSION: Except for CCF and CS DAVF, some specific subtypes of DAVF should be considered if the patient initially presents with ocular symptoms. Differential diagnosis and definitive treatment are mandatory to avoid a delayed diagnosis and irreversible symptoms.