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Is endoscope-assisted strip craniectomy the future of metopic suture craniosynostosis treatment? An 11-year experience with 62 patients

Rina Agushi, Mirko Scagnet, Barbara Spacca, Regina Mura, Manuela Grandoni, Federico Mussa, and Lorenzo Genitori

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic mini-invasive treatment for sporadic trigonocephaly is becoming a widely accepted surgical treatment. In most centers this treatment is performed in association with postoperative helmeting. The aim of the present study was to review and report the authors’ 11-year experience of endoscope-assisted metopic suturectomy for treatment of 62 trigonocephaly patients without helmet use.

METHODS

For this retrospective study, clinical data of 62 consecutive pediatric patients (age 3–8 months) were obtained from the data bank of the “Anna Meyer” Children Hospital. These patients had been diagnosed with trigonocephaly (type II and III) and undergone surgery performed with a mini-invasive endoscopic technique during the period from January 2011 to January 2022. No helmet was used postoperatively in these patients, and they were evaluated through craniometric measurements, pre-/postoperative photographs, and parents’ impressions, as well as thorough clinical examinations during follow-up appointments.

RESULTS

The mean patient follow-up period was 6 ± 1.3 years. The female/male ratio was 1:2; 52% of the patients presented with type II trigonocephaly and the remaining patients with type III. The mean age at surgery was 153 ± 44 days (5 ± 1.5 months, range 3–8 months). In 92% of the patients the surgical outcome was defined as good to excellent. However, 4 patients presented with an unsatisfactory outcome, including 1 patient with a CSF collection requiring surgical repair 2 months after the first surgery and 1 patient who developed infection of the surgical wound and needed a second surgery. In the latter patient the outcome was evaluated as satisfactory, and no sequelae regarding the infection were encountered during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the authors’ experience, endoscopic metopic suturectomy alone, without the use of a helmet, is a valid surgical option for trigonocephaly treatment, and its application can be considered in patients of older age groups (up to 8 months). Thus, in the right patient selection context, this technique represents the treatment of choice.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Publish Before Print

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Letter to the Editor. Clazosentan was superior to placebo, but was the comparison appropriate?

Toshikazu Kimura

In Journal of Neurosurgery Publish Before Print

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Outcome of 107 conservatively managed unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations: a single center’s 30-year experience

Philippe Dodier, Beate Kranawetter, Dorian Hirschmann, Muhammet Dogan, Anna Cho, Helena Untersteiner, Philipp Göbl, Brigitte Gatterbauer, Wei-Te Wang, Christian Dorfer, Karl Rössler, Gerhard Bavinzski, and Josa M. Frischer

OBJECTIVE

Since the publication of A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain AVMs (ARUBA), the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) has been controversially discussed. Long-term follow-up data on the exclusively conservative management of unruptured bAVMs are scarce. The authors evaluated the long-term outcomes of patients with unruptured untreated bAVMs in a real-life cohort.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort of 107 patients (of 897 bAVM patients referred to the authors’ institution) with a diagnosis of unruptured and conservatively managed bAVMs is presented. AVMs of all Spetzler-Martin grades were observed. The mean follow-up period was 84 months. In 44% of patients, a follow-up period of 5 years or longer was observed. A national death register comparison completed the outcome analysis.

RESULTS

The median age at diagnosis, sex distribution, neurological presentation, and modified Rankin Scale score were comparable to the patients in the medical management arm of the ARUBA study. Patients were mainly young, predominantly male, and in good clinical condition. Similar to the ARUBA cohort, 77% of this study’s cohort presented in an excellent clinical status at the time of last follow-up. However, 17% of patients had at least one hemorrhage, resulting in an overall annual hemorrhage risk of 2.7% in the observation period. Moreover, the cumulative 1-, 5-, and 10-year overall hemorrhage rates were 3.0%, 11.3%, and 15.3%, respectively. Consequently, the long-term follow-up AVM-related mortality rate amounted to 8%. The estimated median overall survival after AVM diagnosis was 19.3 years (95% CI 14.0–24.6 years). A multivariate Cox regression model revealed temporal and deep-seated localization as an independent risk factor for AVM hemorrhage, while the presence of seizures reached borderline significance as a risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors’ results represent the long-term course of unruptured untreated bAVMs. Their data support the conclusion that even in the post-ARUBA era, tailored active treatment options may be offered to patients with unruptured bAVMs. For patient counseling, individual risk factors should be weighed against the center’s treatment-specific risks.

In Journal of Neurosurgery Publish Before Print

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A prospective study of prenatal ventriculomegaly: natural course, survival, and neurodevelopmental status

Sajedeh Karami, Ghazaleh Kheiri, Mohammad Mehdi Taghdiri, Amin Tavallaii, Keyvan Tayebi Meybodi, Zohreh Habibi, and Farideh Nejat

OBJECTIVE

Prenatal ventriculomegaly (VM) is classified as mild, moderate, or severe on the basis of the diameter of the atrium. Neurodevelopmental status in prenatal VM is associated with various factors such as the course of VM, VM type, progression, and associated anomalies. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcome in patients with prenatal VM and to detect possible associated risk factors.

METHODS

In this study, 73 pregnancies with VM who were referred to Children’s Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, between 2019 and 2021 were prospectively followed. They were followed up every 2–4 weeks with ultrasonography (US) before delivery and were then observed for an average time of 14.6 months. The authors collected demographic and ultrasound information, associated abnormalities, pregnancy outcomes, and developmental status according to Centers for Disease Control criteria.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 28.1 weeks, and 46.6% of fetuses were female. According to the first US, 46.6% had mild, 21.9% had moderate, and 31.5% had severe VM. Serial US scans showed that VM had regressed in 20.5% of patients, remained stable in 35.6%, and progressed in 43.8%. Other cranial abnormalities were detected in 38.4% of fetuses. During follow-up, 62.5% of cases had normal developmental status, 26.6% had mild delay, and 10.9% had severe neurodevelopmental delay. Pregnancy was terminated in 9 (12.3%) cases. Normal neurodevelopment was reported in 75.8% of patients with mild VM versus 50% of those with severe VM (p = 0.19). Neurodevelopmental status was normal in 72.5% of cases without other cranial abnormalities (p = 0.018) and in 86.7% of cases with regression of VM (p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite analysis of different factors in prenatal VM, only progression of VM and associated cranial abnormalities had significant relationships with neurodevelopmental prognosis.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Publish Before Print

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The significance of hindbrain herniation reversal following prenatal repair of neural tube defects

Clifton O. Brock, Eric P. Bergh, Michal Fishel Bartal, Anthony Johnson, Edgar A. Hernandez-Andrade, Jeannine Garnett, KuoJen Tsao, Mary T. Austin, Stephen A. Fletcher, Jennifer H. Johnston, Katrina S. Hughes, Rajan Patel, and Ramesha Papanna

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether reversal of hindbrain herniation (HBH) on MRI following prenatal repair of neural tube defects (NTDs) is associated with reduced rates of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement or endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) within the 1st year of life.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from all patients who had prenatal open repair of a fetal NTD at a single tertiary care center between 2012 and 2020. Patients were offered surgery according to inclusion criteria from the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS). Patients were excluded if they were lost to follow-up, did not undergo postnatal MRI, or underwent postnatal MRI without a report assessing hindbrain status. Patients with HBH reversal were compared with those without HBH reversal. The primary outcome assessed was surgical CSF diversion (i.e., VP shunt or ETV) within the first 12 months of life. Secondary outcomes included CSF leakage, repair dehiscence, CSF diversion prior to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and composite neonatal morbidity. Demographic, prenatal sonographic, and operative characteristics as well as outcomes were assessed using standard univariate statistical methods. Multivariate logistic regression models were fit to assess for independent contributions to the primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Following exclusions, 78 patients were available for analysis. Of these patients, 38 (48.7%) had HBH reversal and 40 (51.3%) had persistent HBH on postnatal MRI. Baseline demographic and preoperative ultrasound characteristics were similar between groups. The primary outcome of CSF diversion within the 1st year of life was similar between the two groups (42.1% vs 57.5%, p = 0.17). All secondary outcomes were also similar between groups. Patients who had occurrence of the primary outcome had greater presurgical lateral ventricle width than those who did not (16.1 vs 12.1 mm, p = 0.02) when HBH was reversed, but not when HBH was persistent (12.5 vs 10.7 mm, p = 0.49). In multivariate analysis, presurgical lateral ventricle width was associated with increased rates of CSF diversion before 12 months of life (adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.35) and CSF diversion prior to NICU discharge (adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.37).

CONCLUSIONS

HBH reversal was not associated with decreased rates of CSF diversion in this cohort. Predictive accuracy of the anticipated benefits of prenatal NTD repair may not be augmented by the observation of HBH reversal on MRI.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Publish Before Print

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Spinopelvic sagittal compensation in adult cervical deformity

Jichao Ye, Sean M. Rider, Renaud Lafage, Sachin Gupta, Ali S. Farooqi, Themistocles S. Protopsaltis, Peter G. Passias, Justin S. Smith, Virginie Lafage, Han-Jo Kim, Eric O. Klineberg, Khaled M. Kebaish, Justin K. Scheer, Gregory M. Mundis Jr., Alex Soroceanu, Shay Bess, Christopher P. Ames, Christopher I. Shaffrey, Munish C. Gupta, and

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate spinopelvic sagittal alignment and spinal compensatory changes in adult cervical kyphotic deformity.

METHODS

A database composed of 13 US spine centers was retrospectively reviewed for adult patients who underwent cervical reconstruction with radiographic evidence of cervical kyphotic deformity: C2–7 sagittal vertical axis > 4 cm, chin-brow vertical angle > 25°, or cervical kyphosis (T1 slope [T1S] cervical lordosis [CL] > 15°) (n = 129). Sagittal parameters were evaluated preoperatively and in the early postoperative window (6 weeks to 6 months postoperatively) and compared with asymptomatic control patients. Adult cervical deformity patients were further stratified by degree of cervical kyphosis (severe kyphosis, C2–T3 Cobb angle ≤ −30°; moderate kyphosis, ≤ 0°; and minimal kyphosis, > 0°) and severity of sagittal malalignment (severe malalignment, sagittal vertical axis T3–S1 ≤ −60 mm; moderate malalignment, ≤ 20 mm; and minimal malalignment > 20 mm).

RESULTS

Compared with asymptomatic control patients, cervical deformity was associated with increased C0–2 lordosis (32.9° vs 23.6°), T1S (33.5° vs 28.0°), thoracolumbar junction kyphosis (T10–L2 Cobb angle −7.0° vs −1.7°), and pelvic tilt (PT) (19.7° vs 15.9°) (p < 0.01). Cervicothoracic kyphosis was correlated with C0–2 lordosis (R = −0.57, p < 0.01) and lumbar lordosis (LL) (R = −0.20, p = 0.03). Cervical reconstruction resulted in decreased C0–2 lordosis, increased T1S, and increased thoracic and thoracolumbar junction kyphosis (p < 0.01). Patients with severe cervical kyphosis (n = 34) had greater C0–2 lordosis (p < 0.01) and postoperative reduction of C0–2 lordosis (p = 0.02) but no difference in PT. Severe cervical kyphosis was also associated with a greater increase in thoracic and thoracolumbar junction kyphosis postoperatively (p = 0.01). Patients with severe sagittal malalignment (n = 52) had decreased PT (p = 0.01) and increased LL (p < 0.01), as well as a greater postoperative reduction in LL (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Adult cervical deformity is associated with upper cervical hyperlordotic compensation and thoracic hypokyphosis. In the setting of increased kyphotic deformity and sagittal malalignment, thoracolumbar junction kyphosis and lumbar hyperlordosis develop to restore normal center of gravity. There was no consistent compensatory pelvic retroversion or anteversion among the adult cervical deformity patients in this cohort.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine Publish Before Print

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Strategies for spine surgeons to enhance a clinical practice and research program: stepping stones for practice management

Raj Swaroop Lavadi, Galal A. Elsayed, Thomas J. Buell, D. Kojo Hamilton, and Nitin Agarwal

In this review, the value of patient-reported outcome measures, immersive technology, and patient review systems is discussed, and these strategies are presented as ways to enhance both the research and clinical aspects of a practice. The value of a research team and open access research databases is also discussed. Establishing a research program does not need elaborate resources to sustain efforts. The aforementioned simple yet effective strategies can enhance the clinical and research experience for surgeons in both academic and private practice settings.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine Publish Before Print

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Surgical, functional, and oncological considerations regarding awake resection for giant diffuse lower-grade glioma of more than 100 cm3

Sidonie Sauvageot, Julien Boetto, and Hugues Duffau

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for giant diffuse lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) is challenging, and very few data have been reported on this topic in the literature. In this article, the authors investigated surgical, functional, and oncological aspects in patients who underwent awake resection for large LGGs with a volume > 100 cm3.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent surgery in an awake condition for an LGG (WHO grade 2 with possible foci of grade 3 transformation) with a volume > 100 cm3.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients were included, with a mean age of 36.1 ± 8.5 years. The mean presurgical LGG volume was 136.7 ± 34.5 cm3. In all but 2 patients a disconnection resective surgery up to functional boundaries was possible thanks to active patient collaboration during the awake period. At 3 months of follow-up, all but 1 patient had a normal neurological examination, with a mean Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score of 89.8 ± 10.36. In all patients with preoperative epilepsy, there was postoperative control or significant reduction of seizure events. Moreover, 85.1% of patients returned to work. The mean extent of resection (EOR) was 88.9% ± 7.0%, with a mean residual tumor volume (RTV) of 16.3 ± 12.0 cm3 (median RTV 15 cm3). Pathological examination revealed 73 grade 2 gliomas (67.6%; 26 oligodendrogliomas and 47 astrocytomas) and 35 gliomas with foci of grade 3 (32.4%; 19 oligodendrogliomas and 16 astrocytomas). During the postoperative period, 93.6% of patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with a median interval between surgery and first chemotherapy of 14 months (IQR 2–26 months), and 55% of patients had radiotherapy with a median interval of 38.5 months (IQR 18–59.8 months). At the last follow-up, 69.7% of patients were still alive with a median follow-up of 62 months (IQR 36–99 months). Overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 100% (95% CI 0.99–1), 80% (95% CI 0.72–0.9), and 58% (95% CI 0.45–0.73), respectively. The median OS was 138 months. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, RTV was established as the only independent prognostic factor for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

With the application of rigorous surgical methodology based on functional-guided resection, resection of giant LGGs (volume > 100 cm3) can be reproducibly achieved during surgery with patients under awake mapping with both favorable functional results (< 1% permanent neurological worsening) and favorable long-term oncological outcomes (median OS > 11 years, with a more significant benefit when the RTV is < 15 cm3).

In Journal of Neurosurgery Publish Before Print

Open access

Iatrogenic contralateral foraminal stenosis following lumbar spine fusion surgery: illustrative cases

Faisal Konbaz, Sahar Aldakhil, Fahad Alhelal, Majed Abalkhail, Anouar Bourghli, Khawlah Ateeq, and Sami Aleissa

BACKGROUND

Lumbar spine fusion is the mainstay treatment for degenerative spine disease. Multiple potential complications of spinal fusion have been found. Acute contralateral radiculopathy postoperatively has been reported in previous literature, with unclear underlying pathology. Few articles reported the incidence of contralateral iatrogenic foraminal stenosis after lumbar fusion surgery. The aim of current article is to explore the possible causes and prevention of this complication.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors present 4 cases in which patients developed acute postoperative contralateral radiculopathy requiring revision surgery. In addition, we present a fourth case in which preventive measures have been applied. The aim of this article was to explore the possible causes and prevention to this complication.

LESSONS

Iatrogenic foraminal stenosis of the lumbar spine is a common complication; preoperative evaluation and middle intervertebral cage positioning are needed to prevent this complication.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 12 (Mar 2023)

Open access

Intraoperative air embolism diagnosis and treatment using hyperbaric oxygen therapy after craniotomy: illustrative case

Armaan K. Malhotra, Ashton P. Chang, Joseph P. Lawton, Aderaldo Costa Alves Jr., Angela Jerath, Bourke W. Tillmann, Harry Foster, Azad Mashari, Leodante da Costa, and Ashish Kumar

BACKGROUND

This report describes the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the acute management of an intraoperative air embolism encountered during a neurosurgical procedure. Furthermore, the authors highlight the concomitant diagnosis of tension pneumocephalus requiring evacuation prior to hyperbaric therapy.

OBSERVATIONS

A 68-year-old male developed acute ST-segment elevation and hypotension during elective disconnection of a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula. The semi-sitting position had been used to minimize cerebellar retraction, raising the concern for acute air embolism. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to establish the diagnosis of air embolism. The patient was stabilized on vasopressor therapy, and immediate postoperative computed tomography revealed air bubbles in the left atrium along with tension pneumocephalus. He underwent urgent evacuation for the tension pneumocephalus followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy to manage the hemodynamically significant air embolism. The patient was eventually extubated and went on to fully recover; a delayed angiogram revealed complete cure of the dural arteriovenous fistula.

LESSONS

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered for an intracardiac air embolism resulting in hemodynamic instability. In the postoperative neurosurgical setting, care should be taken to exclude pneumocephalus requiring operative intervention prior to hyperbaric therapy. A multidisciplinary management approach facilitated expeditious diagnosis and management for the patient.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 5 (2023): Issue 12 (Mar 2023)