Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2022
A taxonomy for brainstem cavernous malformations: subtypes of pontine lesions. Part 1: basilar, peritrigeminal, and middle peduncular.
Brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) are complex, difficult to access, and highly variable in size, shape, and position. The authors have proposed a novel taxonomy for pontine cavernous malformations (CMs) based upon clinical presentation (syndromes) and anatomical location (findings on MRI). ⋯ The neurological symptoms and key localizing signs associated with a hemorrhagic pontine subtype can help to define that subtype clinically. The proposed taxonomy for pontine CMs meaningfully guides surgical strategy and may improve patient outcomes.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2022
The development of ultra-high field MRI guidance technology for neuronavigation.
Magnetic resonance imaging at 7T offers improved image spatial and contrast resolution for visualization of small brain nuclei targeted in neuromodulation. However, greater image geometric distortion and a lack of compatible instrumentation preclude implementation. In this report, the authors detail the development of a stereotactic image localizer and accompanying imaging sequences designed to mitigate geometric distortion, enabling accurate image registration and surgical planning of basal ganglia nuclei. ⋯ A skull-contoured image localizer that accounts for image distortion is necessary to enable high-accuracy 7T imaging-guided targeting for surgical neuromodulation. These results may enable improved clinical efficacy for the treatment of neurological disease.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2022
Social determinants of health and the prediction of 90-day mortality among brain tumor patients.
Within the neurosurgical oncology literature, the effect of structural and socioeconomic factors on postoperative outcomes remains unclear. In this study, the authors quantified the effects of social determinant of health (SDOH) disparities on hospital complications, length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharge, 90-day readmission, and 90-day mortality following brain tumor surgery. ⋯ SDOH disparities independently predicted a prolonged hospital LOS and 90-day mortality in brain tumor patients. Working to address these disparities offers a new avenue through which to reduce patient morbidity and mortality following brain tumor surgery.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 2022
ReviewThalamic stereoelectroencephalography in epilepsy surgery: a scoping literature review.
Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) is a well-established surgical method for defining the epileptogenic network. Traditionally reserved for identifying discrete cortical regions for resection or ablation, sEEG in current practice is also used for identifying more broadly involved subcortical epileptic network components, driven by the availability of brain-based neuromodulation strategies. In particular, sEEG investigations including thalamic nuclei are becoming more frequent in parallel with the increase in therapeutic strategies involving thalamic targets such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The objective to this study was to evaluate existing evidence and trends regarding the purpose, techniques, and relevant electrographic findings of thalamic sEEG. ⋯ Inclusion of thalamic coverage during sEEG evaluation in drug-resistant epilepsy is a growing practice and is amenable to various methods of electrographic data analysis. Further study is required to establish well-defined criteria for thalamic implantation during invasive investigations as well as safety and ethical considerations.