Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing blunt cerebrovascular injury in trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Previous literature showed that the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is not equally comparable with that of the rarely used golden standard of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for detecting blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) in trauma patients. However, advances in CTA technology may prove CTA to become equally accurate. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of CTA in detecting BCVI in comparison with DSA in trauma patients. METHODS: An electronic database search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood, diagnostic odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals were determined using a bivariate random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 3293 studies identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity was 64% (95% CI, 53-74%) and specificity 95% (95% CI, 87-99%) The estimated positive likelihood ratio was 11.8 (95%, 5.6-24.9), with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.38 (95%, 0.30-0.49) and a diagnostic odds ratio of 31 (95%, 17-56). CONCLUSION: CTA has reasonable specificity but low sensitivity when compared to DSA in diagnosing any BCVI. An increase in channels to 64 slices did not yield better sensitivity. There is a risk for underdiagnosis of BCVI when only using DSA to confirm CTA-positive cases, especially in those patients with low-grade injuries. KEY POINTS: • Low sensitivity and high specificity were seen in identifying BCVI with CTA as compared to DSA. • Increased CTA detector channels (≤ 64) did not lead to higher sensitivity when detecting BCVI. • The use of CTA instead of DSA may lead to underdiagnosis and, consequently, undertreatment of BCVI.

Clinical and pathological outcomes after resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a single-institution case series.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify clinically relevant predictors of progression-free survival and functional outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for intramedullary spinal cord tumors (ISCTs). METHODS An institutional spinal tumor registry and billing records were reviewed to identify adult patients who underwent resection of ISCTs between 1993 and 2014. Extensive data were collected from patient charts and operative notes, including demographic information, extent of resection, tumor pathology, and functional and oncological outcomes. Survival analysis was used to determine important predictors of progression-free survival. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between an "optimal" functional outcome on the Frankel or McCormick scale at 1-year follow-up and various clinical and surgical characteristics. RESULTS The consecutive case series consisted of 63 patients (50.79% female) who underwent resection of ISCTs. The mean age of patients was 41.92 ± 14.36 years (range 17.60-75.40 years). Complete microsurgical resection, defined as no evidence of tumor on initial postoperative imaging, was achieved in 34 cases (54.84%) of the 62 patients for whom this information was available. On univariate analysis, the most significant predictor of progression-free survival was tumor histology (p = 0.0027). Patients with Grade I/II astrocytomas were more likely to have tumor progression than patients with WHO Grade II ependymomas (HR 8.03, 95% CI 2.07-31.11, p = 0.0026) and myxopapillary ependymomas (HR 8.01, 95% CI 1.44-44.34, p = 0.017). Furthermore, patients who underwent radical or subtotal resection were more likely to have tumor progression than those who underwent complete resection (HR 3.46, 95% CI 1.23-9.73, p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor pathology was the only significant predictor of tumor progression. On univariate analysis, the most significant predictors of an "optimal" outcome on the Frankel scale were age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.98, p = 0.0062), preoperative Frankel grade (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.33-17.63, p = 0.017), McCormick score (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.084-0.57, p = 0.0018), and region of spinal cord (cervical vs conus: OR 0.067, 95% CI 0.012-0.38, p = 0.0023; and thoracic vs conus: OR 0.015: 95% CI 0.001-0.20, p = 0.0013). Age, tumor pathology, and region were also important predictors of 1-year McCormick scores. CONCLUSIONS Extent of tumor resection and histopathology are significant predictors of progression-free survival following resection of ISCTs. Important predictors of functional outcomes include tumor histology, region of spinal cord in which the tumor is present, age, and preoperative functional status.

Different Approaches to Ultrasound-guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block: An Illustrated Review.

Given the fast development and increasing clinical relevance of ultrasound guidance for thoracic paravertebral blockade, this review article strives (1) to provide comprehensive information on thoracic paravertebral space anatomy, tailored to the needs of a regional anesthesia practitioner, (2) to interpret ultrasound images of the thoracic paravertebral space using cross-sectional anatomical images that are matched in location and plane, and (3) to briefly describe and discuss different ultrasound-guided approaches to thoracic paravertebral blockade. To illustrate the pertinent anatomy, high-resolution photographs of anatomical cross-sections are used. By using voxel anatomy, it is possible to visualize the needle pathway of different approaches in the same human specimen. This offers a unique presentation of this complex anatomical region and is inherently more realistic than anatomical drawings.

Histological and magnetic resonance imaging assessment of Liqoseal in a spinal in vivo pig model.

BACKGROUND: Liqoseal (Polyganics, B.V.) is a dural sealant patch for preventing postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. It has been extensively tested preclinically and CE (Conformité Européenne) approved for human use after a first cranial in-human study. However, the safety of Liqoseal for spinal application is still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of spinal Liqoseal application compared with cranial application using histology and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics. METHODS: Eight female Dutch Landrace pigs underwent laminectomy, durotomy with standard suturing and Liqoseal application. Three control animals underwent the same procedure without sealant application. The histological characteristics and imaging characteristics of animals with similar survival times were compared to data from a previous cranial porcine model. RESULTS: Similar foreign body reactions were observed in spinal and cranial dura. The foreign body reaction consisted of neutrophils and reactive fibroblasts in the first 3 days, changing to a chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction with an increasing number of macrophages and lymphocytes and the formation of a fibroblast layer on the dura by day 7. Mean Liqoseal plus dura thickness reached a maximum of 1.2 mm (range 0.7-2.0 mm) at day 7. CONCLUSION: The spinal dural histological reaction to Liqoseal during the first 7 days was similar to the cranial dural reaction. Liqoseal did not swell significantly in both application areas over time. Given the current lack of a safe and effective dural sealant for spinal application, we propose that an in-human safety study of Liqoseal is the logical next step.

Revision surgery following minimally invasive decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis with and without stable degenerative spondylolisthesis: a 5- to 15-year reoperation survival analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive decompression (MID) is an effective procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Long-term follow-up data on reoperation rates are lacking. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate reoperation rates in patients with LSS who underwent MID, stratified for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS), with a follow-up between 5 and 15 years. METHODS: All consecutive patients with LSS who underwent MID between 2002 and 2011 were included. All patients had neurogenic claudication from central and/or lateral recess stenosis, without or with up to 25% of slippage (grade I spondylolisthesis), and no obvious dynamic instability on imaging (increase in spondylolisthesis by ≥ 5 mm demonstrated on supine-to-standing or flexion-extension imaging). Reoperation rates defined as any operation on the same or adjacent level were assessed. Revision decompression alone was considered if the aforementioned clinical and radiographic criteria were met; otherwise, patients underwent a minimally invasive posterior fusion. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients (mean age 66 years) were included. Preoperative spondylolisthesis was present in 56.9%. The mean follow-up period was 8.2 years (range 5.0-14.9 years). The reoperation rates in patients with and without spondylolisthesis were 15.7% and 15.1%, respectively; fusion was required in 7.1% and 7.5%, with no significant difference (redecompression only, p = 0.954; fusion, p = 0.546). For decompression only, the mean times to reoperation were 3.9 years (95% CI 1.8-6.0 years) for patients with DLS and 2.8 years (95% CI 1.3-4.2 years) for patients without DLS; for fusion, the mean times to reoperation were 3.1 years (95% CI 1.0-5.3 years) and 3.1 years (95% CI 1.1-5.1 years), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In highly selected patients with stable DLS and leg-dominant pain from central or lateral recess stenosis, the long-term reoperation rate is similar between DLS and non-DLS patients undergoing MIS decompression.

Spinal fixation after laminectomy in pigs prevents postoperative spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: A safe, effective, and ethically sound animal model is essential for preclinical research to investigate spinal medical devices. We report the initial failure of a porcine spinal survival model and a potential solution by fixating the spine. METHODS: Eleven female Dutch Landrace pigs underwent a spinal lumbar interlaminar decompression with durotomy and were randomized for implantation of a medical device or control group. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before termination. RESULTS: Neurological deficits were observed in 6 out of the first 8 animals. Three of these animals were terminated prematurely because they reached the predefined humane endpoint. Spinal cord compression and myelopathy was observed on postoperative MRI imaging. We hypothesized postoperative spinal instability with epidural hematoma, inherent to the biology of the model, and subsequent spinal cord injury as a potential cause. In the subsequent 3 animals, we fixated the spine with Lubra plates. All these animals recovered without neurological deficits. The extent of spinal cord compression on MRI was variable across animals and did not seem to correspond well with neurological outcome. CONCLUSION: This study shows that in a porcine in vivo model of interlaminar decompression and durotomy, fixation of the spine after lumbar interlaminar decompression is feasible and may improve neurological outcomes. Additional research is necessary to evaluate this hypothesis.

Blunt cerebrovascular injury: incidence and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI), which can result in ischemic stroke, are identified in 1-2% of all blunt trauma patients. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scanning has improved and is the diagnostic modality of choice in BCVI suspected patients. Data about long-term functional outcomes and the incidence of ischemic stroke after BCVI are limited. The aim of this study was to determine BCVI incidence in relation to imaging modality improvements and to determine long-term functional outcomes. METHODS: All consecutive trauma patients from 2007 to 2016 with BCVI were identified from the level 1 trauma center prospective trauma database. Three periods were identified where CTA diagnostic modalities for trauma patients were improved. Long-term functional outcomes using the EuroQol six-dimensional (EQ-6D™) were determined. RESULTS: Seventy-one BCVI patients were identified among the 12.122 (0.59%) blunt trauma patients. In the first period BCVI incidence among the overall study cohort, polytrauma, basilar skull fracture and cervical trauma subgroups was found to be 0.3%, 0.9%, 1.2%, 4.6%, respectively, which more than doubled towards the third period (0.8, 2.4, 1.9 and 8.5% respectively). Ischemic stroke as a result of BCVI was found in 20 patients (28%). In-hospital stroke rate was lower in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy (p < 0.01). Six in-hospital deaths were BCVI related. Long-term follow-up (follow-up rate of 83%) demonstrated lower functional outcomes compared to Dutch reference populations (p < 0.01). Ischemic stroke was identified as a major cause of functional impairment at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Improved CTA diagnostic modalities have increased BCVI incidence. Furthermore, BCVI patients reported significant functional impairment at long-term follow-up. Antiplatelet therapy showed a significant effect on in-hospital stroke rate reduction.

Differences in quantitative architecture of sciatic nerve may explain differences in potential vulnerability to nerve injury, onset time, and minimum effective anesthetic volume.

BACKGROUND: In sciatic nerve (SN) blocks, differences are seen in risk of nerve damage, minimum effective anesthetic volume, and onset time. This might be related to differences in the ratio neural:nonneural tissue within the nerve. For the brachial plexus, a higher proximal ratio may explain the higher risk for neural injury in proximal nerve blocks. A similar trend in risk is reported for SN; however, equivalent quantitative data are lacking. The authors aimed to determine the ratio neural:nonneural tissue within SN in situ in the upper leg. METHODS: From five consecutive cadavers, the region between the sacrum and distal femur condyle was harvested and frozen. Using a cryomicrotome, consecutive transversal sections (interval, 78 mum) were obtained and photographed. Reconstructions of SN were made strictly perpendicular to its long axis in the midgluteal, subgluteal, midfemoral, and popliteal regions. The epineurial area and all neural fascicles were delineated and measured. The nonneural tissue compartment inside and outside SN was also delineated and measured. RESULTS: The amount of neural tissue inside the epineurium decreased significantly toward distal (midfemoral/popliteal region) (P < 0.001). The relative percentage of neural tissue decreased from midgluteal (67 +/- 7%), to subgluteal (57 +/- 9%), to midfemoral (46 +/- 10%), to popliteal (46 +/- 11%). Outside the SN, the adipose compartment increased significantly toward distal (P < 0.007). CONCLUSION: In SN, the ratio neural:nonneural tissue changes significantly from 2:1 (midgluteal and subgluteal) to 1:1 (midfemoral and popliteal). This suggests a higher vulnerability for neurologic sequelae in proximal SN, and may explain differences observed in minimum effective anesthetic volume and onset time between proximal and distal SN blocks.

Extraneural versus intraneural stimulation thresholds during ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block.

BACKGROUND: A stimulation current of no more than 0.5 mA is regarded as safe in avoiding nerve injury and delivering adequate stimulus to provoke a motor response. However, there is no consistent level of stimulating threshold that reliably indicates intraneural placement of the needle. The authors determined the minimally required stimulation threshold to elicit a motor response outside and inside the most superficial part of the brachial plexus during high-resolution, ultrasound-guided, supraclavicular block. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, ultrasound-guided, supraclavicular block was performed on 55 patients. Patients with neurologic dysfunction were excluded. Criteria for extraneural and intraneural stimulation were defined and assessed by independent experts. To determine success rate and any residual neurologic deficit, qualitative sensory and motor examinations were performed before and after block placement. At 6 month follow-up, the patients were examined for any neurologic deficit. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients met all set stimulation criteria. Median +/- SD (interquartile range) minimum stimulation threshold outside was 0.60 +/- 0.37 mA (0.40, 1.0) and inside 0.30 +/- 0.19 mA (0.20, 0.40). The difference of 0.30 mA was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Stimulation currents of 0.2 mA or less were not observed outside the trunk in any patient. Significantly higher thresholds were observed in diabetic patients. Success rate was 100% after 20 min. Thirty-four patients had normal sensory and motor examination at 6 months. Five patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study and the use of ultrasound, a stimulation current of 0.2 mA or less is reliable to detect intraneural placement of the needle. Furthermore, stimulation currents of more than 0.2 and no more than 0.5 mA could not rule out intraneural position.

Effectiveness of Sealants in Prevention of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage after Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Sealants are often used in spine surgery to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of sealants in preventing postoperative CSF leakage in spine surgery. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles reporting the outcome of patients treated with a sealant for spinal dural repair. The number of patients, indication of surgery, surgical site, applied technique, type of sealant used, and outcome in terms of postoperative CSF leakage were noted for each study. The primary outcome was CSF leakage in general and secondary outcome infection. RESULTS: Forty-one articles were selected with a total of 2542 cases; there were 4 comparative studies with 540 sealed cases and 343 cases with primary suture closure only. The quantity of CSF leakage did not differ between the sealant group (50 of 540, 9.1%) and the group treated with sutures only (48 of 343, 13.8%) (risk ratio [RR], 0.58 [confidence interval [CI], 0.18-1.82]). The infection rate did also not differ between the sealant and primary suture groups (RR, 0.94 [CI, 0.55-1.61]). This result was found in both the intended and the unintended durotomy subgroups. Secondary analysis of all cases showed that endoscopic or minimally invasive surgery had lower CSF leakage rates compared with open surgery regardless of sealant use (RR, 0.18 [CI, 0.05-0.75]). CONCLUSIONS: Currently available sealants seem not to reduce the rate of CSF leakage in spine surgery. In endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, the CSF leakage rate is less frequent compared with open, conventional surgery regardless of sealant use.

Quantitative architecture of the brachial plexus and surrounding compartments, and their possible significance for plexus blocks.

BACKGROUND: Nerve injury after regional anesthesia of the brachial plexus (BP) is a relatively rare and feared complication that is partly attributed to intraneural injection. However, recent studies have shown that intraneural injection does not invariably cause neural injury, which may be related to the architecture within the epineurium. A quantitative study of the neural components and the compartment outside BP was made. METHODS: From four frozen shoulders, high-resolution images of sagittal cross-sections with an interval of 0.078 mm were obtained using a cryomicrotome to maintain a relatively undisturbed anatomy. From this data set, cross-sections perpendicular to the axis of the BP were reconstructed in the interscalene, supraclavicular, midinfraclavicular, and subcoracoid regions. Surface areas of both intraepineurial and connective tissue compartments outside the BP were delineated and measured. RESULTS: The nonneural tissue (stroma and connective tissue) inside and outside the BP increased from proximal to distal, being significant between interscalene/supraclavicular and midinfraclavicular/subcoracoid regions (P < 0.001 for tissue inside BP, P < 0.02 for tissue outside BP). The median amount of neural tissue remained approximately the same in the four measured regions (41.1 +/- 6.3 mm; range, 30-60 mm). The ratio of neural to nonneural tissue inside the epineurium increased from 1:1 in the interscalene/supraclavicular to 1:2 in the midinfraclavicular/subcoracoid regions. CONCLUSION: Marked differences in neural architecture and size of surrounding adipose tissue compartments are demonstrated between proximal and distal parts of the brachial plexus. These differences may explain why some injections within the epineurium do not result in neural injury and affect onset times of BP blocks.

Intraneural or extraneural: diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound assessment for localizing low-volume injection.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: When one is performing ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks, it is common to inject a small amount of fluid to confirm correct placement of the needle tip. If an intraneural needle tip position is detected, the needle can then be repositioned to prevent injection of a large amount of local anesthetic into the nerve. However, it is unknown if anesthesiologists can accurately discriminate intraneural and extraneural injection of small volumes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound assessment using a criterion standard and to compare experts and novices in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 32 ultrasound-guided infragluteal sciatic nerve blocks were performed on 21 cadaver legs. The injections were targeted to be intraneural (n = 18) or extraneural (n = 14), and 0.5 mL of methylene blue 1% was injected. Cryosections of the nerve and surrounding tissue were assessed by a blinded investigator as "extraneural" or "intraneural." Ultrasound video clips of the injections were reviewed by 10 blinded observers (5 experts, 5 novices) independently who scored each injection as either "intraneural," "extraneural," or "undetermined." RESULTS: The mean sensitivity of experts and novices was measured to be 0.84 (0.80-0.88) and 0.65 (0.60-0.71), respectively (P = 0.006), whereas mean specificity was 0.97 (0.94-0.98) and 0.98 (0.96-0.99) (P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Discrimination of intraneural or extraneural needle tip position based on an injection of 0.5mL is possible, but even experts missed 1 of 6 intraneural injections. In novices, the sensitivity of assessment was significantly lower, highlighting the need for focused education.

Correlation among ultrasound, cross-sectional anatomy, and histology of the sciatic nerve: a review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Efficient identification of the sciatic nerve (SN) requires a thorough knowledge of its topography in relation to the surrounding structures. Anatomic cross sections in similar oblique planes as observed during SN ultrasonography are lacking. A survey of sonoanatomy matched with ultrasound views of the major SN block sites will be helpful in pattern recognition, especially when combined with images that show the internal architecture of the nerve. METHODS: From 1 cadaver, consecutive parts of the upper leg corresponding to the 4 major blocks sites were sectioned and deeply frozen. Using cryomicrotomy, consecutive transverse sections were acquired and photographed at 78-microm intervals, along with histologic sections at 5-mm intervals. Multiplanar reformatting was done to reconstruct the optimal planes for an accurate comparison of ultrasonography and gross anatomy. The anatomic and histologic images were matched with ultrasound images that were obtained from 2 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: By simulating the exact position and angulation as in the ultrasonographic images, detailed anatomic overviews of SN and adjacent structures were reconstructed in the gluteal, subgluteal, midfemoral, and popliteal regions. Throughout its trajectory, SN contains numerous fascicles with connective and adipose tissues. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we provide an optimal matching between histology, anatomic cross sections, and short-axis ultrasound images of SN. Reconstructing ultrasonographic planes with this high-resolution digitized anatomy not only enables an overview but also shows detailed views of the architecture of internal SN. The undulating course of the nerve fascicles within SN may explain its varying echogenic appearance during probe manipulation.

Vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block: needle redirection after elicitation of elbow flexion.

BACKGROUND: In vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block, success depends on distal flexion or extension response. Initially, elbow flexion (lateral cord) is generally observed. However, specific knowledge about how to reach the medial or posterior cord is lacking. We investigated the mid-infraclavicular area in undisturbed anatomy and tested the findings in a clinical setting. METHODS: Along a length of 35 mm around the mid-infraclavicular point, cryomicrotomy sections of 5 shoulders from cadavers were used to determine the topography of the cords in relation to one another and the axillary artery. Based on the findings, the anesthesiologists were instructed on how to elicit a distal motor response after an initial elbow flexion response in single-shot, Doppler-aided, vertical infraclavicular block in a series of 50 consecutive patients. RESULTS: In the mid-infraclavicular area, the lateral cord always lies anterior to either the posterior or the medial cord and cranial to the axillary artery; the posterior cord was always cranial to the medial cord; and both cords were always located dorsal to the artery. In the clinical study, in 98% of the included patients, finger flexion or finger and/or wrist extension was elicited as predicted. The overall success rate was 92%. No vascular or lung puncture occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In the clinical study, in 98% of cases, the final stimulation response of posterior or medial cord was found as predicted by the findings of the anatomic study. Once elbow flexion is elicited, a further (ie, deeper) advancement of the needle will result in the proper distal motor response.

Correlation between ultrasound imaging, cross-sectional anatomy, and histology of the brachial plexus: a review.

The anatomy of the brachial plexus is complex. To facilitate the understanding of the ultrasound appearance of the brachial plexus, we present a review of important anatomic considerations. A detailed correlation of reconstructed, cross-sectional gross anatomy and histology with ultrasound sonoanatomy is provided.