Neurosurgery
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Review
Quality of Literature Searches Published in Leading Neurosurgical Journals: A Review of Reviews.
There is mounting evidence that the search strategies upon which systematic reviews (SRs) are based frequently contain errors are incompletely reported or insensitive. ⋯ This study demonstrates that the search strategies used in neurosurgical SRs require improvement. In addition to increasing awareness of reporting standards, we propose that this be achieved by the incorporation of PRISMA and other guidelines into article submission and peer-review processes. This may lead to the conduct of more informative SRs, which may result in improved clinician decision-making and patient outcomes.
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Meta Analysis
Cerebrospinal Fluid-Venous Fistulas: A Systematic Review and Examination of Individual Patient Data.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is usually caused by a spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. CSF-venous fistula is an underdiagnosed cause of spinal CSF leak, as it is challenging to identify on myelography. ⋯ Although rare, CSF-venous fistula is an important cause of spinal CSF leak contributing to SIH. Dynamic CT myelogram and digital subtraction myelography, particularly in the lateral decubitus position, are the most accurate and effective diagnostic imaging modalities. EBPs often provide only transient relief, while surgical management is preferred.
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Retrobulbar hemangioblastomas involving the optic apparatus in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) are rare, with only 25 reported cases in the literature. ⋯ This study suggests that retrobulbar hemangioblastomas may remain stable and clinically asymptomatic for long durations. Recent growth and larger tumor volume were associated with symptom occurrence. Surgical treatment of symptomatic retrobulbar hemangioblastomas can be safe and may reverse the associated symptoms.