Cotinine levels influence the risk of rupture of brain aneurysms.

Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, is currently regarded as the best biomarker of tobacco smoke exposure. We aim to assess whether cotinine levels are associated with (1) intracranial aneurysm and (2) intracranial aneurysm rupture. METHODS: We performed a single-center case-control study. Cases were consecutive patients admitted with diagnosis of brain aneurysm (ruptured or unruptured). We randomly selected controls without intracranial aneurysm from the same source population that produced the cases. Smoking data were collected by questionnaire, and serum levels of cotinine were used as an objective measure of nicotine exposure. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between cotinine levels and aneurysm rupture. RESULTS: We included 86 patients with intracranial aneurysm and 96 controls. Smoking status (p < .001), cotinine levels (p = .009), and female sex (p = .006) were associated with diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm. In the multivariate analysis, controlling for sex, smoker status and age, levels of cotinine were independently associated with aneurysm rupture (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10-2.13, p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that high cotinine levels in smokers with brain aneurysm are significantly associated with high rupture risk, independently of smoker status, age, and sex.

Surgical Treatment of Single Pontomedullary Junction Metastasis from Lung Cancer.

Background: When lung cancer develops a solitary metastasis at the pontomedullary junction, due to surgical risk, the current oncologic treatment is radiosurgery and chemotherapy. Case Description. We describe a patient with a single intrinsic metastasis at the pons and medulla. Removal was successful, without complication. Conclusion: Surgery can provide excellent results, and in selected patients, it should be considered a first-line treatment in experienced hands.

Third Cranial Nerve Palsy after Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for Lung Cancer: A Case Report.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promise in treating cancer patients, and pembrolizumab is a monoclonal IgG4 antibody that targets a human cell surface protein (receptor) called PD-1. Among the side effects, a rare cranial nerve palsy unrelated to the surgical treatment may occur. We report a case of a woman, which after neurosurgical treatment for cerebellar metastasis presented painless third cranial nerve palsy. The benefits of ICIs have been ascertained, but side effects also take place. Neurological symptoms should be recognized early to avoid substantial morbidity, and if necessary, the oncologic treatment should be changed.

Intracranial meningioma and concomitant cavernous malformation: A series description and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Intracranial meningioma with concomitant cavernous malformation has been rarely described in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the correct neurosurgical conduct. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrieved clinical and radiological data for 39 outpatients or patients that underwent surgery (mean age: 60 years; n = 25 females) for a single or multiple meningiomas and concomitant single or multiple cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformations were classified according to Zabramski's type scale. Our results were compared to results published in the literature. RESULTS: All patients had at least one meningioma and at least one concomitant cavernous malformation. Most meningiomas and cavernous malformations were located in the supratentorial region. Nine patients (23 %) had multiple meningiomas and nine had concomitant multiple cavernous malformations. Cavernous malformations were classified as type I (n = 0), type II (n = 9), type III (n = 11), or type IV (n = 19). The surgical priority was meningioma removal. A single patient underwent simultaneous removal of a meningioma and a contiguous cavernous malformation. In the postoperative period and long term follow-up, no complications occurred related to cavernous malformations, intra- or extra-lesional bleeding, or morphology/size changes. Years after surgical treatment, a new type IV cavernous malformation occurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings corroborate that meningioma removal should take priority in patients with intracranial meningioma and concomitant cavernous malformation. Concomitant cavernous malformations showed no change in morphology or size; therefore, they should merely be observed during follow-up. In patients that harbor a single meningioma, a type IV cavernous malformation should preferably be considered a concomitant cerebral microbleed.

Correlation Between Timing of Surgery and Outcome in ThoracoLumbar Fractures: Does Early Surgery Influence Neurological Recovery and Functional Restoration? A Multivariate Analysis of Results in Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for spinal trauma is affected by both nonmodifiable and modifiable variables. The aim of this study was to compare early surgery with intermediate and late surgery to determine the benefits of spinal reconstruction in neurological recovery and functional restoration in patients with thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: In order to identify correlations between treatment timing, fracture site, neurological recovery, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score restoration, and rehabilitation prognosis in patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures, we conducted a multivariate analysis of the results of surgery, at our institution, in 166 consecutive patients with unstable thoracolumbar fractures with or without neurological impairment. We conducted a literature review (1988-2012) and compared our results with those already published. RESULTS: Regardless of the location and type of fracture, early surgery resulted in a reduction of median hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, as well as a reduction of nosocomial complications. Regardless of the type of fracture and preoperative ASIA score, thoracic fractures had the worst outcome. Early treatment seemed to have better results, depending on the preoperative ASIA score. CONCLUSION: Early surgery in patients with thoracolumbar fractures with incomplete neurological damage could positively affect neurological recovery, functional restoration, length of hospital and ICU stay, and associated comorbidity. Thoracic fractures had the worst outcome. Early surgery seemed to have better results if the initial ASIA score was good. The better the ASIA score on admission, the better was the outcome. Surgical timing did not affect the outcome when the ASIA score was A or E.