Training Cerebrovascular and Neuroendovascular Surgery Residents: A Systematic Literature Review and Recommendations.

Background: The rapid evolution of neuroendovascular intervention has resulted in the inclusion of endovascular techniques as a core competency in neurosurgical residency training. Methods: We conducted a literature review of studies involving the training of neurosurgical residents in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery. We reviewed the evolution of cerebrovascular neurosurgery and the effects of these changes on residency, and we propose interventions to supplement contemporary training. Results: A total of 48 studies were included for full review. Studies evaluated trainee education and competency (29.2%, 14/48), neuroendovascular training models (20.8%, 10/48), and open cerebrovascular training models (52.1%, 25/48), with some overlap. We used a qualitative analysis of reviewed reports to generate a series of suggested training supplements to optimize cerebrovascular education. Conclusion: Cerebrovascular neurosurgery is at a crossroads where trainees must develop disparate skill sets with inverse trends in volume. Continued longitudinal exposure to both endovascular and open cerebrovascular surgical fields should be mandated in general resident education, and blended learning tactics using adjunct simulation systems and models should be incorporated with didactics to both optimize learning and alleviate restraints placed by decreased volume and autonomy.

The diagnosis of central nervous system infections in resource-limited settings and the use of novel and molecular diagnostic platforms to improve diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system infections (CNSI) disproportionately affect individuals in low-resource settings where diagnosis is challenging; large proportions of patients never receive a confirmed microbiological diagnosis resulting in inadequate management and high mortality. The epidemiology of CNSI varies globally and conventional diagnostics deployed in resource-limited settings have significant limitations, with an urgent need for improved diagnostic strategies. AREAS COVERED: This review describes molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics used in the diagnosis of CNSI that are applicable to resource-limited settings. An extensive literature search of Medline and PubMed was performed. The emphasis is on investigations targeting infections of relevance to resource-limited settings either due to variation in regional CNSI epidemiology or due to increased prevalence in patients with immunosuppression. This includes commercially available multiplex PCR platforms, mycobacterial PCR platforms, and rapid diagnostics tests. To offer a framework for the optimal implementation in clinical settings, existing evidence highlighting the advantages and limitations of available platforms is reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: The implementation of molecular platforms and other novel diagnostics has the potential to transform CNSI diagnosis in resource-limited settings, with several examples of successful rollout of novel diagnostics such as Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and cryptococcal antigen testing.

Tracking cryptococcal meningitis to monitor HIV program success during the Treat-All era: an analysis of national data in Botswana.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcal meningitis causes substantial mortality in high-HIV prevalence African countries despite advances in disease management and increasing antiretroviral therapy coverage. Reliable diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis is cheap and more accessible than other indicators of AHD burden such as CD4 testing or investigation for disseminated tuberculosis; therefore, monitoring cryptococcal meningitis incidence has the potential to serve as a valuable metric of HIV programmatic success. METHODS: Botswana national meningitis surveillance data from 2015 to 2022 were obtained from electronic health records. All electronic laboratory records from cerebrospinal fluid samples analysed within government healthcare facilities in Botswana were extracted from a central online repository. Adjustments for missing data were made through triangulation with prospective cohort study datasets. Cryptococcal meningitis case frequency was enumerated using a case definition and incidence calculated using national census data. RESULTS: A total of 1,744 episodes of cryptococcal meningitis were identified; incidence declined from 15.0 (95% CI 13.4-16.7) cases/100,000 person-years in 2015 to 7.4 (95% CI 6.4-8.6) cases/100,000 person-years in 2022. However, the rate of decline slowed following the introduction of universal treatment in 2016. The highest incidence was observed in men and individuals aged 40-44. The proportion of cases diagnosed through cryptococcal antigen testing increased from 35.5% to 86.3%. CONCLUSION: Cryptococcal meningitis incidence has decreased in Botswana following expansion of ART coverage but persists at a stubbornly high incidence. Most cases are now diagnosed through the cheap and easy-to-use cryptococcal antigen test highlighting the potential of using cryptococcal meningitis as key metric of programme success in the Treat All era.

No Surprises Act: Legal Challenges and Implications for Radiology.

When the word "surprise" is used as a noun, it generally describes an unexpected event. When "surprise" is used in conjunction with "billing", it conjures up images with which even the most hardened backroom medical administrator can empathize. One's first reaction is likely patient based, that a person received medical services from a health care provider or facility that are larger than anticipated in-network charges. As a result, the bill for services incorporates that, no-doubt unpleasant, surprise. The whole truth is understandably more complex. Radiology groups contract with insurance companies who for their own reasons, might have historically preferred progressively narrower networks. Nonetheless, these contracts allow providers the opportunity to negotiate reasonable payments for services rendered. Events have changed the historic dynamic between providers and insurance companies.

Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy for Right Hemispheric Stroke Syndrome Due to Acute Left A1-A2 Junction Thromboembolic Occlusion.

Background: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusions has had a dramatic impact on the management of acute ischemic stroke. Extended use of EVT beyond American Heart Association guidelines has been successful in carefully selected cases. Case Report: A 71-year-old male presented to our comprehensive stroke center upon awakening with mild left hemiparesis. He was found to have a chronic occlusion of the right supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery. Angiography demonstrated large vessel occlusion of the contralateral A1-A2 junction that was successfully recanalized. Imaging at 24 hours displayed no evidence of infarct, the patient rapidly improved during hospitalization, and he was discharged on postoperative day 7 with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of zero. Conclusion: We describe successful EVT of a patient presenting with false-localizing symptoms consistent with a right hemispheric acute ischemic stroke secondary to left A1-A2 junction large vessel occlusion. This case demonstrates the importance of a high index of suspicion when evaluating atypical stroke presentations and the effectiveness of EVT in the treatment of distal small-caliber vessels.

The Influence of Extracurricular Activities on Radiology Resident Selection Decisions.

PURPOSE: Extracurricular activities (EAs) listed on radiology residency applications can signal traits and characteristics desired in holistic reviews. The authors conducted an objective analysis to determine the influence of EAs on resident selection decisions. METHODS: A discrete-choice experiment was designed to model radiology resident selection and determine the relative weights of EAs among academic and demographic application factors. Faculty members involved in resident selection at 30 US radiology programs chose between hypothetical pairs of applicant profiles between October 2021 and February 2022. Each applicant profile included one of 22 EAs chosen for study. A conditional logistic regression model assessed the relative weights of the attributes and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-four participants completed the exercise. Community-service EAs were ranked most highly by participants. LGBTQ Pride Alliance (OR, 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.15; P = .006) and Young Republicans (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82; P = .001) significantly influenced decisions. The highest ranked EAs were significantly preferred over the lowest ranked EAs (OR, 1.916; 95% CI, 1.671-2.197; P < .001). Participants preferred EAs that reflected active over passive engagement (OR, 1.154; 95% CI, 1.022-1.304; P = .021) and progressive over conservative ideology (OR, 1.280; 95% CI, 1.133-1.447; P < .001). Participants who ranked progressive EAs more highly preferred applicants with progressive EAs (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The influence of EAs on resident selection decisions is significant and likely to gain importance in resident selection as medical student performance metrics are further eliminated. Applicants and selection committees should consider this influence and the bias that EAs can bring to resident selection decisions.

Neonatal high-flow anterior circulation dural arteriovenous fistulae successfully treated with subtotal endovascular embolization; A case report.

High-flow grade-III dural arteriovenous fistulae(dAVF) represent rare abnormal vascular connections with a high risk of rupture. Management involves obliteration of both the fistulous connection as well as the draining venous network with preservation of normal vasculature. We describe and multiple neonatal dAVFs inducing cardiomyopathy via high-flow grade III shunting in the anterior circulation successfully treated via transvenous and transarterial embolization.

Human Herpesvirus-6 Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid on the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel in a High Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Prevalence African Setting.

The prevalence and clinical relevance of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in patients with suspected meningoencephalitis in high human immunodeficiency virus-prevalence African settings are not known. We describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 13 patients with HHV-6 CSF PCR positivity in Botswana.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on pancreatic cancer services and treatment pathways: United Kingdom experience.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented healthcare providers with an extreme challenge to provide cancer services. The impact upon the diagnostic and treatment capacity to treat pancreatic cancer is unclear. This study aimed to identify national variation in treatment pathways during the pandemic. METHODS: A survey was distributed to all United Kingdom pancreatic specialist centres, to assess diagnostic, therapeutic and interventional services availability, and alterations in treatment pathways. A repeating methodology enabled assessment over time as the pandemic evolved. RESULTS: Responses were received from all 29 centres. Over the first six weeks of the pandemic, less than a quarter of centres had normal availability of diagnostic pathways and a fifth of centres had no capacity whatsoever to undertake surgery. As the pandemic progressed services have gradually improved though most centres remain constrained to some degree. One third of centres changed their standard resectable pathway from surgery-first to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Elderly patients, and those with COPD were less likely to be offered treatment during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the capacity of the NHS to provide diagnostic and staging investigations for pancreatic cancer. The impact of revised treatment pathways has yet to be realised.

Utilization and Expenditures of Vertebral Augmentation Continue to Decline: An Analysis in Fee-For-Service (FFS) Recipients from 2009 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) associated with refractory pain, deformity, or progressive neurological symptoms, minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, have been declining in their relative utilization, along with expenditures. OBJECTIVES: This investigation was undertaken to assess utilization and expenditures for vertebral augmentation procedures, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare population from 2009 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: The present study was designed to assess utilization and expenditures in all settings, for all providers in the FFS Medicare population from 2009 to 2018 in the United States. In this manuscript:• A patient was described as receiving vertebral augmentation over the course of the year.• An episode was considered as one treatment per region per day utilizing primary codes only. • Services or procedures were considered to be procedures including multiple levels.A standard 5% national sample of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) physician outpatient billing claims data for those enrolled in the FFS Medicare program from 2009 to 2018 was utilized. All the expenditures were presented with allowed costs and adjusted for inflation to 2018 US dollars. RESULTS: In 2009, there were 76,860 episodes of vertebral augmentation with a rate of 168 per 100,000 Medicare population, which declined to 58,760, or 99 per 100,000 population for a total decline of 41%, or an annual rate of decline of 5.7% per 100,000 Medicare population. Vertebroplasty interventions declined more dramatically than kyphoplasty from 2009. Total episodes of vertebroplasty were 27,380 with an annual rate of 60 per 100,000 Medicare population, decreasing to 9,240, or 16 per 100,000 Medicare population, a 66% decline in episodes and a 74% decline in overall rate with an annual decline of 11.4% and 13.9%. In contrast, kyphoplasty interventions were 49,480, for a rate per 100,000 population of 108 in 2009 compared to 49,520 in 2018 with a rate of 83, for a decrease of 23% and 2.9% annual decrease. Evaluation of expenditures showed a net decrease of $30,102,809, or 8%, from $378,758,311 in 2009 to $348,655,502 in 2018. However, inflation-adjusted expenditures decreased overall by 21% and 3% annually from $443,147,324 in 2009 to $345,655,502 in 2018. In addition, inflation-adjusted total expenditures per 100,000 Medicare population decreased from $967,549 to $584,992, for an overall decrease of 40%, or an annual decrease of 5%. Per patient expenditures decreased 2% overall with 0% decrease per year. LIMITATIONS: Vertebral augmentation procedures were assessed only in the FFS Medicare service population. This excluded over 30% of the Medicare population, which is enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant decline in relative utilization patterns of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures, along with reductions in overall expenditures. The inflation-adjusted total expenditures of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty decreased 21% with an annual decline of 3%. The inflation-adjusted expenditures per 100,000 of Medicare population decreased 40% overall and 5% per year. In addition, vertebroplasty has seen substantial declines in utilization and expenditure patterns compared to kyphoplasty procedures, which showed trends of decline.

Factors Influential in the Selection of Radiology Residents in the Post-Step 1 World: A Discrete Choice Experiment.

OBJECTIVES: Reporting of United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 results will transition from a numerical score to a pass or fail result. We sought an objective analysis to determine changes in the relative importance of resident application attributes when numerical Step 1 results are replaced. METHODS: A discrete choice experiment was designed to model radiology resident selection and determine the relative weights of various application factors when paired with a numerical or pass or fail Step 1 result. Faculty involved in resident selection at 14 US radiology programs chose between hypothetical pairs of applicant profiles between August and November 2020. A conditional logistic regression model assessed the relative weights of the attributes, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. RESULTS: There were 212 participants. When a numerical Step 1 score was provided, the most influential attributes were medical school (OR: 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-2.67), Black or Hispanic race or ethnicity (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.79-2.38), and Step 1 score (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.69-1.95). When Step 1 was reported as pass, the applicant's medical school grew in influence (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 2.42-3.18), and there was a significant increase in influence of Step 2 scores (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.23-1.40 versus OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.46-1.69). There was little change in the relative influence of race or ethnicity, gender, class rank, or clerkship honors. DISCUSSION: When Step 1 reporting transitions to pass or fail, medical school prestige gains outsized influence and Step 2 scores partly fill the gap left by Step 1 examination as a single metric of decisive importance in application decisions.