Mental fatigue and cognitive functioning in patients presenting with non-enhancing gliomas

Acta Neurochirurgica (2025) 167:63

The study investigates the relationship between mental fatigue and cognitive functioning in patients with lower-grade gliomas (LGG) before surgery. It found a consistent correlation between self-reported mental fatigue and cognitive functioning but no correlation between self-reports and neuropsychological test results, highlighting the complexity of evaluating these symptoms.

• Study Purpose: Investigate mental fatigue and cognitive functioning in LGG patients pre-surgery.

• Patient Cohort: 101 patients with presumed LGG; 71 with confirmed IDH-mutated LGG.

• Methods: Self-reports, neuropsychological tests, and clinical/demographic data collected.

• Key Findings: No strong correlation between self-reports and neuropsychological tests.

• Correlation: A strong link was found between self-reported mental fatigue and cognitive functioning.

• Tumor Localization: Frontal tumors had more oligodendrogliomas; non-frontal had more glioblastomas.

• Neuropsychological Impairment: Higher RAVLT, FAS, and CWT test impairment rates.

• Statistical Analysis: Spearman’s partial correlations assess variable relationships.

• Clinical Implications: Need for a multi-perspective approach in evaluating LGG patient symptoms.

• Research Recommendations: Larger cohort studies and quantitative tumor localization metrics are suggested.

Clinical Outcomes and Radiographic Results of Prone Transpsoas Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Neurosurgery 96:763–768, 2025

The study evaluates the prone transpsoas (PTP) approach for lateral lumbar interbody fusion, showing improved lumbar lordosis, reduced complications, and enhanced patient-reported outcomes. Conducted on 106 patients, the approach minimized operative time and demonstrated safety and efficacy in lumbar fusion.

Clinical Research Summary

• Study Focus: Prone transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (PTP) for lumbar fusion.

• Study Design: Retrospective observational study of 106 patients, single-surgeon series.

• Patient Demographics: Mean age 66 years, mean BMI 29.3, follow-up 13 months.

• Surgical Technique: Prone positioning, single-position access to anterior/posterior lumbar spine.

• Common Levels: The most common level treated was L4-5.

• Outcomes: Improved lumbar lordosis, reduced pelvic tilt, and decreased PI-LL mismatch.

• Complications: Minimal, with transient hip flexor weakness in 0.9% of patients.

• Pain Scores: VAS pain scores improved from 6 to 5 postoperatively.

• Surgical Indications: Degenerative scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, disk disease, adjacent segment disease, pseudoarthrosis.

• Adverse Events: No bowel or major vessel injuries were reported.

• Radiographic Results: Significant improvement in lumbar lordosis and pelvic parameters.

• Limitations: Single-surgeon study, short follow-up, retrospective data collection.

• Conclusion: PTP approach is safe and effective for lumbar fusion with minimal complications.