Tag: Outcome

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Survival in patients treated for anaplastic meningioma

Anaplastic meningioma

J Neurosurg 123:23–30, 2015

While most meningiomas are benign, 1%–3% display anaplastic features, with little current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation. In a large single-center cohort, the authors tested the hypothesis that two distinct subtypes of anaplastic meningiomas, those that arise de novo and those that progress from lower grade tumors, exist and exhibit different clinical behavior.

Methods Pathology reports and clinical data of 37 patients treated between 1999 and 2012 for anaplastic meningioma at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into those whose tumors arose de novo and those whose tumors progressed from previously documented benign or atypical meningiomas.

Results Overall, the median age at diagnosis was 59 years and 57% of patients were female. Most patients (38%) underwent 2 craniotomies (range 1–5 surgeries) aimed at gross-total resection (GTR; 59%), which afforded better survival when compared with subtotal resection according to Kaplan-Meier estimates (median overall survival [OS] 3.2 vs 1.3 years, respectively; p = 0.04, log-rank test). Twenty-three patients (62%) presented with apparently de novo anaplastic meningiomas. Compared with patients whose tumors had progressed from a lower grade, those patients with de novo tumors were significantly more likely to be female (70% vs 36%, respectively; p = 0.04), experience better survival (median OS 3.0 vs 2.4 years, respectively; p = 0.03, log-rank test), and harbor cerebral hemispheric as opposed to skull base tumors (91% vs 43%, respectively; p = 0.002).

Conclusions Based on this single-center experience at MSKCC, anaplastic meningiomas, similar to glial tumors, can arise de novo or progress from lower grade tumors. These tumor groups appear to have distinct clinical behavior. De novo tumors may well be molecularly distinct, which is under further investigation. Aggressive GTR appears to confer an OS advantage in patients with anaplastic meningioma, and this is likely independent of tumor progression status. Similarly, those patients with de novo tumors experience a survival advantage likely independent of extent of resection.

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Is there a risk of seizures in “preventive” awake surgery for incidental diffuse low-grade gliomas?

Is there a risk of seizures in “preventive” awake surgery for incidental diffuse low-grade gliomas?

J Neurosurg 122:1397–1405, 2015

Although a large amount of data supports resection for symptomatic diffuse low-grade glioma (LGG), the therapeutic strategy regarding incidental LGG (ILGG) is still a matter of debate. Indeed, early “preventive” surgery has recently been proposed in asymptomatic patients with LGG, after showing that the extent of resection was larger than in symptomatic patients with LGG. However, the quality of life should be preserved by avoiding both neurological deficit and epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of seizures related to such a prophylactic surgical treatment in ILGG.

Methods The authors report a prospective series of 21 patients with ILGG who underwent awake surgery with a minimum follow-up of 20 months following resection. Data regarding clinicoradiological features, surgical procedures, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. In particular, the eventual occurrence and type of seizures in the intra- and postoperative periods were studied, as follows: early (< 3 months) and long-term (until last follow-up) periods.

Results There were no intraoperative seizures in this series. During the early postoperative period, the authors observed only a single episode of partial seizures in a patient with no antiepileptic drug (AED) prophylaxis—all other patients were given antiepileptic treatment following resection. The AEDs were discontinued in all cases, with a mean delay of 8 months after surgery (range 3–24 months). No patient had permanent neurological deficits. All 21 patients returned to an active familial, social, and professional life (working full time in all cases). Total or even “supratotal” resection (the latter meaning that a margin around the tumor visible on FLAIR-weighted MRI was removed) was achieved in 14 cases (67%). In 7 patients (33%) subtotal resection was performed, with a mean residual tumor volume of 1.5 ml (range 1–7 ml). No oncological treatment was administered in the postsurgical period. The mean follow-up after surgery was 49 months (range 20–181 months). Only 2 patients had seizures during the long-term follow-up. Indeed, due to tumor progression after incomplete resection, seizures occurred in 2 cases, 39 and 78 months postsurgery, leading to administration of AEDs and adjuvant treatment. So far, all patients are still alive and enjoy a normal life.

Conclusions: The risk of inducing seizures is very low in ILGG, and it does not represent an argument against early surgery. These data strongly support the proposal of a screening policy for LGG that will evolve toward a preventive treatment in a more systematic manner.

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Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningiomas: Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Intracranial Meningiomas- Current Concepts and Future Perspectives

Neurosurgery 76:362–371, 2015

Meningiomas are among the most common adult brain tumors. Although the optimal management of meningiomas would provide complete elimination of the lesion, this cannot always be accomplished safely through resection. Therefore, other therapeutic modalities, such as stereotactic radiosurgery (as primary or adjunctive therapy), have emerged.

In the current review, we have provided an overview of the historical outcomes of various radiosurgical modalities applied in the management of meningiomas. Furthermore, we provide a discussion on key factors (eg World Health Organization grade, lesion size, and lesion location) that affect tumor control and adverse event rates. We discuss recent changes in our understanding of meningiomas, based on molecular and genetic markers, and how these will change our perspective on the management of meningiomas.

We conclude by outlining the areas in which knowledge gaps persist and provide suggestions as to how these can be addressed.

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The utility of preoperative diffusion tensor imaging in the surgical management of brainstem cavernous malformations

The utility of preoperative diffusion tensor imaging in the surgical management of brainstem cavernous malformations

J Neurosurg 122:653–662, 2015

Resection of brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) may reduce the risk of stepwise neurological deterioration secondary to hemorrhage, but the morbidity of surgery remains high. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) are neuroimaging techniques that may assist in the complex surgical planning necessary for these lesions. The authors evaluate the utility of preoperative DTI and DTT in the surgical management of BSCMs and their correlation with functional outcome.

Methods A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients who underwent resection of a BSCM between 2007 and 2012. All patients had preoperative DTI/DTT studies and a minimum of 6 months of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Five major fiber tracts were evaluated preoperatively using the DTI/DTT protocol: 1) corticospinal tract, 2) medial lemniscus and medial longitudinal fasciculus, 3) inferior cerebellar peduncle, 4) middle cerebellar peduncle, and 5) superior cerebellar peduncle. Scores were applied according to the degree of distortion seen, and the sum of scores was used for analysis. Functional outcomes were measured at hospital admission, discharge, and last clinic visit using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.

Results Eleven patients who underwent resection of a BSCM and preoperative DTI were identified. The mean age at presentation was 49 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.75:1. Cranial nerve deficit was the most common presenting symptom (81.8%), followed by cerebellar signs or gait/balance difficulties (54.5%) and hemibody anesthesia (27.2%). The majority of the lesions were located within the pons (54.5%). The mean diameter and estimated volume of lesions were 1.21 cm and 1.93 cm3, respectively. Using DTI and DTT, 9 patients (82%) were found to have involvement of 2 or more major fiber tracts; the corticospinal tract and medial lemniscus/medial longitudinal fasciculus were the most commonly affected. In 2 patients with BSCMs without pial presentation, DTI/DTT findings were important in the selection of the surgical approach. In 2 other patients, the results from preoperative DTI/DTT were important for selection of brainstem entry zones. All 11 patients underwent gross-total resection of their BSCMs. After a mean postoperative follow-up duration of 32.04 months, all 11 patients had excellent or good outcome (mRS Score 0–3) at the time of last outpatient clinic evaluation. DTI score did not correlate with long-term outcome.

Conclusions Preoperative DTI and DTT should be considered in the resection of symptomatic BSCMs. These imaging studies may influence the selection of surgical approach or brainstem entry zones, especially in deep-seated lesions without pial or ependymal presentation. DTI/DTT findings may allow for more aggressive management of lesions previously considered surgically inaccessible. Preoperative DTI/DTT changes do not appear to correlate with functional postoperative outcome in long-term follow-up.

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Practical surgical indicators to identify candidates for radical resection of insulo-opercular gliomas

Surgical indicators insular gliomas

J Neurosurg 121:1124–1132, 2014

Maximum resection of gliomas with minimum surgical complications usually leads to optimum outcomes for patients. Radical resection of insulo-opercular gliomas is still challenging, and selection of ideal patients can reduce risk and obtain better outcomes.

Methods. This retrospective study included 83 consecutively treated patients with newly diagnosed gliomas located at the insulo-opercular region and extending to the sylvian fissure around the primary motor and somatosensory cortices. The authors selected 4 characteristics as surgical indicators: clear tumor boundaries, negative enhancement, intact lenticulostriate arteries, and intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus.

Results. Univariate analysis showed that tumors with clear boundaries were associated with higher rates of gross-total resection than were tumors with ambiguous boundaries (75.7% vs 19.6%). Tumors with negative enhancement compared with enhanced tumors were associated with lower frequency of tumor progression (32.0% vs 81.8%, respectively) and lower rates of surgical complications (14.0% vs 45.5%, respectively). Tumors with intact lenticulostriate arteries were associated with higher rates of gross-total resection than were tumors with involved lenticulostriate arteries (67.3% vs 11.8%, respectively). Tumors with intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus were associated with higher rates of gross-total resection (57.4% vs 20.7%, respectively) and lower rates of surgical complications (18.5% vs 41.4%, respectively) than were tumors with involved anatomical structures. Multivariate analysis showed that clear tumor boundaries were independently associated with gross-total resection (p < 0.001). Negative enhancement was found to be independently associated with surgical complications (p = 0.005), overall survival times (p < 0.001), and progression-free survival times (p = 0.004). Independent associations were also found between intact lenticulostriate arteries and gross-total resection (p < 0.001), between intact lenticulostriate arteries and progression-free survival times (p = 0.026), and between intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus and gross-total resection (p = 0.043). Among patients in whom all 4 indicators were present, prognosis was good (5- year survival rate 93.3%), resection rate was maximal (gross-total resection 100%), and surgical complication rate was minimal (6.7%). Also among these patients, overall rates of survival (p = 0.003) and progression-free survival (p = 0.005) were significantly higher than among patients in whom fewer indicators were present.

Conclusions. The authors propose 4 simple indicators that can be used to identify ideal candidates for radical resection of insulo-opercular gliomas, improve the outcomes, and promote maximum resection without introducing neurological complications. The indicators are clear tumor boundaries, negative enhancement, intact lenticulostriate arteries, and intact superior extremity of the central insular sulcus.

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Predictors Of Shunt Dependency After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Post-SAH Hydrocephalus
Acta Neurochir (2014) 156:2059–2069

Hydrocephalus (HC) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a common sequel. Proper selection of patients in need of permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion is, however, not straightforward. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of CSF shunt dependency following aSAH.

Methods: We re-analyzed data acquired from aSAH patients previously enrolled in a prospective, controlled single-center clinical trial in which shunt dependency was not one of the end points. In the present study patients were allocated into two groups: those receiving a shunt (here denoted as shunt dependent) and those not receiving a shunt, based on a clinical decision process. Predictors of shunt dependency were identified by applying uni- and multivariable analysis. We tested a set of predefined possible risk factors based on the results of the clinical trial, including the impact of CSF drainage volume exceeding 1,500 ml during the 1st week after ictus.
Results: Ninety patients were included in the study. Significant predictors of shunt dependency were poor clinical grade at admission [odds ratio (OR) 4.7, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.2–18.4], large amounts of subarachnoid blood (OR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.0–14.0), large ventricular size on preoperative cerebral computer tomographic (CT) scans (OR 1.0, 95 % CI 1.0–1.1), and CSF volume drainage exceeding 1,500 ml during the 1st week after the ictus (OR 16.3, 95 % CI 4.0–67.1). Age ≥70 years, larger amounts of intraventricular blood, vertebrobasilar aneurysm, and endovascular treatment tended to increase the likelihood of receiving a shunt. Outcome was not significantly different between shunted and non-shunted patients.
Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with clinical grade aSAH at admission, larger amounts of subarachnoid blood and large ventricular size on preoperative cerebral CT, and CSF drainage in excess of 1,500 ml during the 1st week after the ictus were significant predictors of shunt dependency. Shunt dependency did not hamper outcome.
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Age-related differences in unruptured intracranial aneurysms: 1-year outcomes

Aneurysm surgery

J Neurosurg 121:1024–1038, 2014

The aim of this study was to determine age-related differences in short-term (1-year) outcomes in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs).

Methods. Four thousand fifty-nine patients prospectively enrolled in the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms were categorized into 3 groups by age at enrollment: < 50, 50–65, and > 65 years old. Outcomes assessed at 1 year included aneurysm rupture rates, combined morbidity and mortality from aneurysm procedure or hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality. Periprocedural morbidity, in-hospital morbidity, and poor neurological outcome on discharge (Rankin scale score of 3 or greater) were assessed in surgically and endovascularly treated groups. Univariate and multivariate associations of each outcome with age were tested.

Results. The risk of aneurysmal hemorrhage did not increase significantly with age. Procedural and in-hospital morbidity and mortality increased with age in patients treated with surgery, but remained relatively constant with increasing age with endovascular treatment. Poor neurological outcome from aneurysm- or procedure-related morbidity and mortality did not differ between management groups for patients 65 years old and younger, but was significantly higher in the surgical group for patients older than 65 years: 19.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9%–24.4%), compared with 8.0% (95% CI 2.3%–13.6%) in the endovascular group and 4.2% (95% CI 2.3%–6.2%) in the observation group. All-cause mortality increased steadily with increasing age, but differed between treatment groups only in patients < 50 years of age, with the surgical group showing a survival advantage at 1 year.

Conclusions. Surgical treatment of UIAs appears to be safe, prevents 1-year hemorrhage, and may confer a survival benefit in patients < 50 years of age. However, surgery poses a significant risk of morbidity and death in patients > 65 years of age. Risk of endovascular treatment does not appear to increase with age. Risks and benefits of treatment in older patients should be carefully considered, and if treatment is deemed necessary for patients older than 65 years, endovascular treatment may be the best option.

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Surgical treatment of pathological loss of lumbar lordosis (flatback)

Flatback

J Neurosurg Spine 21:160–170, 2014

Increased sagittal vertical axis (SVA) correlates strongly with pain and disability for adults with spinal deformity. A subset of patients with sagittal spinopelvic malalignment (SSM) have flatback deformity (pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis [PI-LL] mismatch > 10°) but remain sagittally compensated with normal SVA. Few data exist for SSM patients with flatback deformity and normal SVA. The authors’ objective was to compare baseline disability and treatment outcomes for patients with compensated (SVA < 5 cm and PI-LL mismatch > 10°) and decompensated (SVA > 5 cm) SSM.

Methods. The study was a multicenter, prospective analysis of adults with spinal deformity who consecutively underwent surgical treatment for SSM. Inclusion criteria included age older than 18 years, presence of adult spinal deformity with SSM, plan for surgical treatment, and minimum 1-year follow-up data. Patients with SSM were divided into 2 groups: those with compensated SSM (SVA < 5 cm and PI-LL mismatch > 10°) and those with decompensated SSM (SVA ≥ 5 cm). Baseline and 1-year follow-up radiographic and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form–36 scores, and Scoliosis Research Society–22 scores. Percentages of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were also assessed.

Results. A total of 125 patients (27 compensated and 98 decompensated) met inclusion criteria. Compared with patients in the compensated group, patients in the decompensated group were older (62.9 vs 55.1 years; p = 0.004) and had less scoliosis (43° vs 54°; p = 0.002), greater SVA (12.0 cm vs 1.7 cm; p < 0.001), greater PI-LL mismatch (26° vs 20°; p = 0.013), and poorer HRQOL scores (Oswestry Disability Index, Short Form-36 physical component score, Scoliosis Research Society-22 total; p ≤ 0.016). Although these baseline HRQOL differences between the groups reached statistical significance, only the mean difference in Short Form–36 physical component score reached threshold for MCID. Compared with baseline assessment, at 1 year after surgery improvement was noted for patients in both groups for mean SVA (compensated –1.1 cm, decompensated +4.8 cm; p ≤ 0.009), mean PI-LL mismatch (compensated 6°, decompensated 5°; p < 0.001), and all HRQOL measures assessed (p ≤ 0.005). No significant differences were found between the compensated and decompensated groups in the magnitude of HRQOL score improvement or in the percentages of patients achieving MCID for each of the outcome measures assessed.

Conclusions. Decompensated SSM patients with elevated SVA experience significant disability; however, the amount of disability in compensated SSM patients with flatback deformity caused by PI-LL mismatch but normal SVA is underappreciated. Surgical correction of SSM demonstrated similar radiographic and HRQOL score improvements for patients in both groups. Evaluation of SSM should extend beyond measuring SVA. Among patients with concordant pain and disability, PI-LL mismatch must be evaluated for SSM patients and can be considered a primary indication for surgery.

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Computational Fractal-Based Analysis of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Angioarchitecture

Computational Fractal-Based Analysis of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Angioarchitecture

Neurosurgery 75:72–79, 2014

Neuroimaging is the gold standard for diagnosis and follow-up of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), but no objective parameter has been validated for the assessment of the nidus angioarchitecture and for prognostication following treatment. The fractal dimension (FD), which is a mathematical parameter able to quantify the space-filling properties and roughness of natural objects, may be useful in quantifying the geometrical complexity of bAVMs nidus.

OBJECTIVE: To propose FD as a neuroimaging biomarker of the nidus angioarchitecture, which might be related to radiosurgical outcome.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients who had undergone stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of bAVMs. The quantification of the geometric complexity of the vessels forming the nidus, imaged in magnetic resonance imaging, was assessed by means of the box-counting method to obtain the fractal dimension.

RESULTS: FD was found to be significantly associated with the size (P = .03) and volume (P , .001) of the nidus, in addition to several angioarchitectural parameters. A nonsignificant association between clinical outcome and FD was observed (area under the curve, 0.637 [95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.79]), indicative of a potential inverse relationship between FD and bAVM obliteration.

CONCLUSION: In our exploratory methodological research, we showed that the FD is an objective computer-aided parameter for quantifying the geometrical complexity and roughness of the bAVM nidus. The results suggest that more complex bAVM angioarchitecture, having higher FD values, might be related to decreased response to radiosurgery and that the FD of the bAVM nidus could be used as a morphometric neuroimaging biomarker.

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Surgery in lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis: indications, outcomes and complications. A systematic review

Lumbar spondylolisthesis

Eur Spine J (2014) 23:945–973

This systematic review summarises the literature on patient selection, decision-making, effectiveness and outcomes in the surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). Introduction In daily practice, decision-making in the treatment of LDS is challenging. There is little consensus on either the precise indications or prognostic factors for any specific therapy (operative or non-operative).

Methods We searched for LDS trials published between 01.01.1990 and 16.11.2011 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cinahl. Two independent reviewers selected studies according to the inclusion criteria. Data were then extracted by two of the authors. Quality assessment was performed using the Downs and Black list for the clinical trials/studies and AMSTAR for the reviews. Results Data synthesis: 21 papers met the inclusion criteria (2 studies comprising both a RCT and a concurrent observational analysis, 1 RCT, 6 prospective studies, 8 retrospective studies, 3 reviews, 1 review guideline). The quality of the clinical studies was on average ‘‘fair’’ [mean score 15.6 points (range 10–19) out of 24 points (Downs and Black)]. The quality of the reviews ranged from 1 to 7 out of 11 points with an average of 5 points (AMSTAR). The study outcomes could not be subject to meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of study design and variable measure used.

Conclusions Despite there being many articles describing and/or comparing different surgical options for LDS, there was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions concerning clear indications for specific types of surgical treatment, predictors of outcome or complication rates. There remains a need to establish a decision-making tool to facilitate daily clinical practice and to assure appropriate treatment for patients with LDS.

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Patients with brain contusions: predictors of outcome and relationship between radiological and clinical evolution

Patients with brain contusions_ predictors of outcome and

J Neurosurg 120:908–918, 2014

Traumatic parenchymal mass lesions are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They occur in up to 8.2% of all TBI cases and 13%–35% of severe TBI cases, and they account for up to 20% of surgical intracranial lesions. Controversy exists concerning the association between radiological and clinical evolution of brain contusions. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of unfavorable outcome, analyze the evolution of brain contusions, and evaluate specific indications for surgery.

Methods. In a retrospective, multicenter study, patients with brain contusions were identified in separate patient cohorts from 11 hospitals over a 4-year period (2008–2011). Data on clinical parameters and course of the contusion were collected. Radiological parameters were registered by using CT images taken at the time of hospital admission and at subsequent follow-up times. Patients who underwent surgical procedures were identified. Outcomes were evaluated 6 months after trauma by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended.

Results. Multivariate analysis revealed the following reliable predictors of unfavorable outcome: 1) increased patient age, 2) lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at first evaluation, 3) clinical deterioration in the first hours after trauma, and 4) onset or increase of midline shift on follow-up CT images. Further multivariate analysis identified the following as statistically significant predictors of clinical deterioration during the first hours after trauma: 1) onset of or increase in midline shift on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001) and 2) increased effacement of basal cisterns on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions. In TBI patients with cerebral contusion, the onset of clinical deterioration is predictably associated with the onset or increase of midline shift and worsened status of basal cisterns but not with hematoma or edema volume increase. A combination of clinical deterioration and increased midline shift/basal cistern compression is the most reasonable indicator for surgery.

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Microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach

Microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach

J Neurosurg 120:559–570, 2014

An extensive craniopharyngioma is a tumor that extends into multiple compartments (subarachnoid spaces) and attains a size larger than 4 cm. A wide spectrum of approaches and strategies has been used for resection of such craniopharyngiomas. In this report the authors focused on the feasibility and efficacy of microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach.

Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 16 patients with extensive craniopharyngiomas who underwent operations using a frontolateral approach at one institution. The preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological data, as well as the operative videos, were reviewed. The main focus of the review was the extent of radical tumor removal, early postoperative outcome, and approach-related complications.

Results. Gross-total resection of craniopharyngioma was achieved in 14 (87.5%) of 16 cases. Early after surgery (within 3 months), 1 patient showed improvement in hormonal status, while in the remaining 15 patients it worsened. No major neurological morbidity was observed. Two patients experienced temporary psychotic disorders. Visual function improved in 6 patients and remained unchanged in 9. One patient experienced a new bitemporal hemianopsia. Three patients with features of short-term memory disturbances at presentation did show improvement after surgery. There were no deaths or significant approach-related morbidity in this patient series. Only 1 patient required revision surgery for a CSF leak.

Conclusions. The safe and simple frontolateral approach provides adequate access even to extensive craniopharyngiomas and enables their complete removal with a reasonable morbidity and approach-related complication rate.

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Outcomes of surgical intervention for cervical spondylotic myelopathy accompanying local kyphosis

cervical kyphosis

Eur Spine J (2014) 23:341–346

The surgical strategy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) accompanying local kyphosis is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to compare and evaluate the outcomes of two types of surgery for CSM accompanying local kyphosis: (1) laminoplasty alone (LP) and (2) posterior reconstruction surgery (PR) in which we corrected the local kyphosis using a pedicle screw or lateral mass screw.

Methods Sixty patients who presented with local kyphosis exceeding 5º were enrolled. LP and PR were each performed on a group of 30 of these patients; 30 CSM patients without local kyphosis, who had undergone LP, were used as controls. The follow-up period was 2 years or longer. Preoperative local kyphosis angles in LP and PR were 8.3 ± 4.4 and 8.8 ± 5.7, respectively. Preoperative C2–7 angles in LP, PR and controls were -1.7 ± 9.6, -0.4 ± 7.2 and -12.0 ± 5.6, respectively. The recovery rate of the JOA score, local kyphosis angle and C2–7 angle at post-op and follow-up were compared between the groups.

Results The recovery rate of the JOA score in the LP group (32.6 %) was significantly worse than that in the PR group (44.5 %) and that of controls (53.8 %). Local kyphosis angles in the PR and LP groups at follow-up were 4.0 ± 8.6 and 8.0 ± 6.0, respectively. However, although the C2–7 angle at follow-up was improved to -11.1 ± 12.7 in PR, and maintained at -11.6 ± 6.2 in controls, it deteriorated to 0.5 ± 12.7 in LP.

Conclusions The present study is the first to compare the outcomes between LP alone and PR for CSM accompanying local kyphosis. It revealed that PR resulted in a better clinical outcome than did LP alone. This result may be due to reduction of local kyphosis, stabilization of the unstable segment, and/or the maintenance of C2–7 angle until follow- up in the PR group.

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The callosal angle measured on MRI as a predictor of outcome in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus

The callosal angle measured on MRI as a predictor of outcome in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus

J Neurosurg 120:178–184, 2014

Different neuroimaging biomarkers have been studied to find a tool for prediction of response to CSF shunting in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The callosal angle (CA) has been described as useful in discriminating iNPH from ventricular dilation secondary to atrophy. However, the usefulness of the CA as a prognostic tool for the selection of shunt candidates among patients with iNPH is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the CA in shunt responders with that in nonresponders and clarify whether the CA can serve as a predictor of the outcome.

Methods. Preoperative MRI brain scans were evaluated in 109 patients who had undergone shunt surgery for iNPH during 2006–2010. Multiplanar reconstruction was performed interactively to obtain a coronal image through the posterior commissure, perpendicular to the anterior-posterior commissure plane. The CA was measured as the angle between the lateral ventricles on the coronal image. The patients were examined clinically before surgery and at 12 months postoperatively.

Results. Shunt responders had a significantly smaller mean preoperative CA compared with nonresponders: 59° (95% CI 56°–63°) versus 68° (95% CI 61°–75°) (p < 0.05). A CA cutoff value of 63° showed the best prognostic accuracy.

Conclusions. The preoperative CA is smaller in patients whose condition improves after shunt surgery and may be a useful tool in the selection of shunt candidates among patients with iNPH.

Key Words •

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Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury: is life worth living?

decompressive craniectomy

J Neurosurg 119:1566–1575, 2013

The object of this study was to assess the long-term outcome and quality of life of patients who have survived with severe disability following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods. The authors assessed outcome beyond 3 years among a cohort of 39 patients who had been adjudged either severely disabled or in vegetative state 18 months after decompressive craniectomy for TBI. Assessments performed included the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, modified Barthel Index (mBI), Zarit Burden Interview, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The issue of retrospective consent for surgery was also assessed.

Results. Of the 39 eligible patients, 7 died, 12 were lost to follow-up, and 20 patients or their next of kin consented to participate in the study. Among those 20 patients, 5 in a vegetative state at 18 months remained so beyond 3 years, and the other 15 patients remained severely disabled after a median follow-up of 5 years. The patients’ average daily activity per the mBI (Pearson correlation coefficient [r] = -0.661, p = 0.01) and SF-36 physical score (r = -0.543, p = 0.037) were inversely correlated with the severity of TBI. However, the SF-36 mental scores of the patients were reasonably high (median 46, interquartile range 37–52). The majority of patients and their next of kin believed that they would have provided consent for surgical decompression even if they had known the eventual outcome.

Conclusions. Substantial physical recovery beyond 18 months after decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI was not observed; however, many patients appeared to have recalibrated their expectations regarding what they believed to be an acceptable quality of life.

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Modern surgical outcomes following surgery for sphenoid wing meningiomas

Sphenoid wing meningioma

J Neurosurg 119:86–93, 2013

Cushing and Eisenhardt were the first to describe sphenoid wing meningiomas in detail, categorizing globoid tumors into 3 groups: 1) medial; 2) middle; and 3) lateral. The authors review their experience with resection of sphenoid wing meningiomas at a single center, to examine whether this classification predicts clinical presentation and postsurgical outcome.

Methods. All patients undergoing resection of sphenoid wing meningioma at the authors’ institution over a 9-year period were identified. Clinical data were compared from patients with tumors arising at different points along the sphenoid wing to determine if these tumors behaved differently in terms of symptoms, radiographic characteristics, and postsurgical outcome.

Results. A total of 56 patients underwent microsurgical resection for sphenoid wing meningioma during this period. The rates of optic canal invasion (medial 50% vs middle 5% vs lateral 0%; p < 0.0001, chi-square test), supraclinoid internal carotid artery encasement (medial 32% vs middle 5% vs lateral 0%; p < 0.01, chi-square test), and middle cerebral artery encasement (medial 45% vs middle 24% vs lateral 0%; p < 0.01, chi-square test) were all highest with medial-third tumors. New or worsened neurological deficits occurred in 10 (19%) of 56 patients. Of all the imaging characteristics studied, only location of the tumor along the medial third of the sphenoid wing significantly predicted an increased rate of new or worsened neurological deficit (OR 2.7, p < 0.05).

Conclusions. The authors report outcomes in a large series of sphenoid wing meningiomas that were treated using modern surgical techniques.

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Characteristics and long-term outcome of 251 patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas in a defined population

DAVF-headache

J Neurosurg 118:923–934, 2013

Management of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) has changed during the last decades due to increased knowledge of their pathophysiology and natural history as well as advances in treatment modalities. The authors describe the characteristics and long-term outcome of a large consecutive series of patients with DAVFs.

Methods. Altogether 251 patients with 261 DAVFs were treated in 2 of the 5 neurosurgery departments at Helsinki and Kuopio University Hospitals between 1944 and 2006. Clinical data and radiological examinations were reviewed to assess patients’ overall long-term clinical outcome.

Results. The detection rate of DAVFs increased markedly in the 1970s and again in the 1990s when digital subtraction angiography was introduced. The incidence of DAVFs in a defined southern Finnish population was 0.51 per 100,000 individuals per year, which represents 32% of all the brain arteriovenous malformations. In the early part of the series, DAVFs were treated by proximal ligation of the feeding arteries. Later, most of the patients underwent preoperative embolization and subsequent craniotomy, and since 2000 stereotactic radiosurgery has been increasingly used in the treatment of DAVFs. Fifty-nine percent of the 261 fistulas were totally occluded. Treatment-related major complications were seen in 21 patients.

Conclusions. The advances in diagnostic methods (digital subtraction angiography, CT, and MRI) increased the detection rate of DAVFs, and as treatment modalities developed, the results of treatment and outcome of patients markedly improved with the introduction of endovascular techniques and stereotactic radiosurgery. Microsurgery is of limited use in DAVFs resistant to other treatment modalities.

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Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: long-term outcome and prognostic factors, with emphasis on delayed cure

PE-Hemifacial

Neurosurg Rev (2013) 36:297–302

The postoperative course of microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) is variable, and the optimal time for assessing the results is unclear.

From April 1997 to October 2007, MVD for HFS was performed in 801 patients. Patients were divided into two groups (cured or failed) according to subjective patient assessments over a 3-year period. We analyzed patient characteristics and surgical findings to determine prognostic factors. Medical records were analyzed retrospectively over the 3-year follow-up period.

Of the 801 patients who underwent surgery, 743 (92.8 %) appeared to be cured, 70 (8.7 %) had residual or recurrent spasms more than 1 year after surgery, 11 (1.3 %) had gradual improvement over 3 years, and 1 (0.1 %) had delayed improvement more than 3 years after surgery. Fifty-eight patients (7.2 %) had residual or recurrent spasms more than 3 years after surgery, of which 19 (2.4 %) had recurrence after initial relief. The mean time to spasm recurrence was 18.9 months. Intraoperative resolution of the lateral spread response (LSR) after decompression (p=0.048) and severe indentation (p=0.038) were significant predictors of good long-term outcome after MVD for HFS.

In our series, 70 patients (8.7 %) had residual or recurrent spasms more than 1 year after surgery, of which 12 (17.1 %) improved gradually after 1 year. If the surgeon can confirm intraoperative resolution of the LSR and severe indentation, reoperation can be delayed until 3 years after MVD.

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Endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery in the pediatric population

Epeds12160-1

J Neurosurg Pediatrics 11:227–241, 2013

The use of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for skull base pathologies in the pediatric population presents unique challenges and has not been well described. The authors reviewed their experience with endoscopic endonasal approaches in pediatric skull base surgery to assess surgical outcomes and complications in the context of presenting patient demographics and pathologies.

Methods. A retrospective review of 133 pediatric patients who underwent EES at our institution from July 1999 to May 2011 was performed.

Results. A total of 171 EESs were performed for skull base tumors in 112 patients and bony lesions in 21. Eightyfive patients (63.9%) were male, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 12.7 years (range 2.3–18.0 years). Skull base tumors included angiofibromas (n = 24), craniopharyngiomas (n = 16), Rathke cleft cysts (n = 12), pituitary adenomas (n = 11), chordomas/chondrosarcomas (n = 10), dermoid/epidermoid tumors (n = 9), and 30 other pathologies. In total, 19 tumors were malignant (17.0%). Among patients with follow-up data, gross-total resection was achieved in 16 cases of angiofibromas (76.2%), 9 of craniopharyngiomas (56.2%), 8 of Rathke cleft cysts (72.7%), 7 of pituitary adenomas (70%), 5 of chordomas/chondrosarcomas (50%), 6 of dermoid/epidermoid tumors (85.7%), and 9 cases of other pathologies (31%). Fourteen patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 5 received chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (15.4%) showed tumor recurrence and underwent reoperation. Bony abnormalities included skull base defects (n = 12), basilar invagination (n = 4), optic nerve compression (n = 3) and trauma (n = 2); preexisting neurological dysfunction resolved in 12 patients (57.1%), improved in 7 (33.3%), and remained unchanged in 2 (9.5%). Overall, complications included CSF leak in 14 cases (10.5%), meningitis in 5 (3.8%), transient diabetes insipidus in 8 patients (6.0%), and permanent diabetes insipidus in 12 (9.0%). Five patients (3.8%) had transient and 3 (2.3%) had permanent cranial nerve palsies. The mean follow-up time was 22.7 months (range 1–122 months); 5 patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions. Endoscopic endonasal surgery has proved to be a safe and feasible approach for the management of a variety of pediatric skull base pathologies. When appropriately indicated, EES may achieve optimal outcomes in the pediatric population

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The prognostic significance of traumatic brainstem injury detected on T2-weighted MRI

J Neurosurg 117:722–728, 2012

Magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used to evaluate patients with traumatic brain injury in the acute and subacute setting, and it can detect injuries to the brainstem, which are often associated with poor outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine which MRI and clinical factors provide prognostic information in patients with traumatic brainstem injuries.
Methods
The authors performed a retrospective analysis of cases involving patients admitted to a Level I trauma center who were identified in a prospective database as having suffered traumatic brainstem injury identified on MRI. Patient outcomes were dichotomized to dead/vegetative versus functional groups. Standard demographic data, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, results of the motor component of the GCS examination at admission and 24 hours later, CT scan findings, and peak intracranial pressure were collected from medical records. Volumetric analysis of each patient’s injuries was performed with T2-weighted and gradient echo sequences. The T2-weighted MRI sequence for each patient was reviewed to determine the anatomical location of injury within the brainstem and whether the injury crossed the midline.
Results
Thirty-six patients who met the study inclusion criteria were identified. At 6-month follow-up, 53% of these patients had poor outcomes and 47% had recovered. Patients with injuries to the medulla or deep bilateral injuries to the pons did not recover. The T2 volumes were found superior to gradient echo sequences in regard to predicting survival (ROC/AUC 0.67, p = 0.07 vs 0.60, p = 0.29, respectively), but neither reached statistical significance. The timing of MR image acquisition did not influence the findings. The time from admission to MRI did not differ significantly between the recovered group and the poor-outcome group (p = 0.52, Mann-Whitney test), and lesion size as measured by T2 volume did not vary with time to scan (R2 = 0.03, p = 0.3, linear regression). Performing a stepwise logistic regression with all the variables yielded the following factors related to recovery: crossing midline, p = 0.0156, OR 0.075; and 24-hour GCS motor score, p = 0.0045, OR = 2.25, c-statistic 0.913. Further examination of these 2 factors disclosed the following: none of 15 patients with midline-crossing lesions and a 24-hour GCS motor score of 4 or less recovered; conversely, 12 of 13 patients with lesions that did not cross midline recovered, regardless of GCS motor score.
Conclusions
Bilateral injury to the pons and medulla as detected on T2-weighted MRI sequences was associated with poor outcome in patients with brainstem injuries; T2 volumes were found superior to gradient echo sequences in regard to predicting survival, but neither reached statistical significance. When MRI findings were coupled with clinical examination findings, a strong correlation existed between poor outcome and the combination of bilateral brainstem injury and a motor GCS score of 4 or less 24 hours after admission.

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