Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
Management of perineural (Tarlov) cysts: a population-based cohort study and algorithm for the selection of surgical candidates.
Perineural cysts, also known as Tarlov cysts, are cerebrospinal fluid-filled growths that develop at the intersection of a dorsal root ganglion and posterior nerve root. They are typically an asymptomatic and incidental finding during routine spine imaging. For symptomatic perineural cysts, there is little evidence on which treatment is most effective or when it is indicated. The aim of this study was to review our experience from a population-based cohort of patients with symptomatic perineural cysts and to propose an algorithm that could be used in the selection of surgical candidates. ⋯ Microsurgical cyst fenestration seems to be a safe and effective option for symptomatic relief in patients with perineural cysts. Based on the results from our series and those of others, we propose an algorithm for the selection of surgical candidates.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
Multicenter StudyCerebrovascular reactivity is not associated with therapeutic intensity in adult traumatic brain injury: a CENTER-TBI analysis.
Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known to be associated with poor outcome. However, there has yet to be an analysis of the association between the comprehensively assessed intracranial hypertension therapeutic intensity level (TIL) and cerebrovascular reactivity. ⋯ Cerebrovascular reactivity remains relatively independent of intracranial hypertension therapeutic intensity, suggesting inadequacy of current TBI therapies in modulating impaired autoregulation. These findings support the need for investigation into the molecular mechanisms involved, or individualized physiologic targets (ICP, CPP, or Co2) in order to treat dysautoregulation actively.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
An assessment of patient-reported long-term outcomes following surgery for cauda equina syndrome.
Data regarding long-term outcomes following surgery for cauda equina syndrome (CES) is scarce. In addition, these studies rely on patient descriptions of the presence or absence of symptoms, with no gradation of severity. This study aimed to assess long-term bladder, bowel, sexual and physical function using validated questionnaires in a CES cohort. ⋯ With a mean follow-up time of 43 months, these findings confirm the high prevalence of long-term bladder, sexual and physical dysfunction in CES patients and that a diagnosis of CES-R confers poorer outcomes. This study provides useful, objective data to guide the expectations of patients and clinicians.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
Treatment considerations for cervical and cervicothoracic spondylodiscitis associated with esophageal fistula due to cancer history or accidental injury: a 9-patient case series.
The combination of cervical spondylodiscitis and esophageal fistula is rare but life-threatening. Due to both the rarity of these conditions' coincidence and the complexity and heterogeneity of individual cases, there is no optimal treatment or management approach. The aims of this study are to obtain an overview of patients' outcomes and to discuss treatment options. ⋯ Cervical spondylodiscitis in association with an esophageal fistula carries high morbidity and high mortality. Because patients whose infections are not cured have high morbidity, we recommend using interdisciplinary and individual management, including definite surgical treatment of the discitis and fistula, in every case.
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Because of the restricted volume of the cisternal space, proper patient positioning on the operating table is of utmost importance during surgery by retrosigmoid approaches. Three positions are commonly used: supine, with the head rotated to the side contralateral to the lesion; the semi-sitting position; and the park bench position. Each position has advantages and disadvantages, and the surgeon should choose the one best suited to the individual patient and the pathology to be treated. ⋯ The Dormeuse position guarantees decrease in the posterior fossa pressure and allows optimal neural and vascular manipulation and control of any aspect of the cerebellopontine angle.