Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2015
Case ReportsLongitudinal evaluation of corticospinal tract in patients with resected brainstem cavernous malformations using high-definition fiber tractography and diffusion connectometry analysis: preliminary experience.
Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) are challenging due to a higher symptomatic hemorrhage rate and potential morbidity associated with their resection. The authors aimed to preoperatively define the relationship of CMs to the perilesional corticospinal tracts (CSTs) by obtaining qualitative and quantitative data using high-definition fiber tractography. These data were examined postoperatively by using longitudinal scans and in relation to patients' symptomatology. The extent of involvement of the CST was further evaluated longitudinally using the automated "diffusion connectometry" analysis. ⋯ Hemorrhagic brainstem CMs can disrupt and displace perilesional white matter tracts with the latter occurring in unpredictable directions. This requires the use of tractography to accurately define their orientation to optimize surgical entry point, minimize morbidity, and enhance neurological outcomes. Observed anisotropy decreases in the perilesional segments are consistent with neural injury following hemorrhagic insults. A model using these values in different CST segments can be used to longitudinally monitor its craniocaudal integrity. Diffusion connectometry is a complementary approach providing longitudinal information on the rostrocaudal involvement of the CST.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2015
Case Reports"Unusual brain stone": heavily calcified primary neoplasm with some features suggestive of angiocentric glioma.
This 40-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of progressive right-sided headache associated with visual blurring. He also had a history of epilepsy but had been seizure free with medication for the past 10 years. An initial CT scan of his brain performed 16 years previously had revealed a small area of calcification in the right parietal region. ⋯ Histological examination of the excised tissue showed an unusual primary tumor that was difficult to classify but had some features of angiocentric glioma. The heavy calcification, mixed-density cell population, and regions with features of angiocentric glioma were most unusual. The patient remained asymptomatic 5 years after surgery, and follow-up scans did not show recurrence.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe double tunnels technique: an alternative minimally invasive approach for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of an alternative minimally invasive technique for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). ⋯ The DTT is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of CTS. This technique entails faster recovery times, better aesthetic outcomes, and lower risks of complications.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2015
Case ReportsOperative wound-related complications after cranial revascularization surgeries.
Intracranial revascularization surgeries are an effective treatment for moyamoya disease and other intracranial vascular obliterative diseases. However, in some cases, wound-related complications develop after surgery. Although the incidence of wound complication is supposed to be higher than that with a usual craniotomy, this complication has rarely been the focus of studies in the literature that report the outcomes of revascularization surgeries. Here, the relationship between intracranial revascularization surgeries and their complications is statistically assessed. ⋯ Revascularization surgeries seemed to demonstrate a higher risk of wound-related complications. Double-type procedures, which use both branches of the STA, and a history of DM were found to be risk factors for wound-related complications. Attention should be paid to the design of the galeal incision and vessel harvest line. Also, special attention should be paid to patients with DM.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2015
Case ReportsMassive cerebral swelling immediately after cranioplasty, a fatal and unpredictable complication: report of 4 cases.
Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is associated with increased morbidity, but the reported mortality rate is low. Recently, some authors have reported a rare unexplained complication of sudden death in association with massive cerebral edema immediately after cranioplasty. The author reports on 4 patients who underwent cranioplasty after DC between January 2005 and August 2010 at his department and died because of massive cerebral edema immediately after uneventful surgery and anesthesia. ⋯ A MEDLINE search showed 8 similar cases that were reported previously. Fatal cerebral swelling after uneventful cranioplasty is a distinct clinical entity, although it is unpredictable. It is postulated that a negative pressure difference from the elimination of atmospheric pressure that had been chronically applied on the injured sinking brain in combination with the negative pressure applied by the closed subgaleal suction drain may lead to a massive brain shift toward the cranioplasty site and initiate a fatal vasomotor reaction.