Neurosurgery
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Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes (HCS) become more recognizable as the knowledge about them expands, and genetic testing becomes more affordable. In this review, we discussed the known HCS that predispose to central and peripheral nervous system tumors. Different genetic phenomena were highlighted, and the important cellular biological alterations were summarized. ⋯ Interestingly, precision medicine has found its way to help these groups of patients by offering targeted preventive measures. Understanding the signaling pathway alteration of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in tuberous sclerosis helped introducing mTOR inhibitors as a prophylactic treatment in these patients. More research to define the germline genetic alterations and resulting cellular signaling perturbations is needed for effective risk-reducing interventions beyond prophylactic surgeries.
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Multicenter Study
Machine-Learning Approach to Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: A Multicenter Study.
Clinicoradiologic differentiation between benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) has important management implications. ⋯ Radiomics-based machine learning using routine MRI sequences and clinical features can aid in evaluation of PNSTs. Further improvement may be achieved by incorporating additional imaging sequences and clinical variables into future models.
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Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common and devastating condition. In the absence of effective validated therapies, there is an urgent need for novel methods to achieve injury stabilization, regeneration, and functional restoration in SCI patients. ⋯ Our review suggests that studies that evaluate the benefits and risks of ultrasound in SCI are severely lacking and our understanding of the technology's potential impact remains poorly understood. Although the complex anatomy and physiology of the spine and the spinal cord remain significant challenges, continued technological advances will help the field overcome the current barriers and bring ultrasound to the forefront of SCI research and development.
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Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a promising approach for cytoreduction of deep-seated gliomas. However, parameters contributing to treatment success remain unclear. ⋯ Increased EOA was a predictor of improved PFS with evidence of a trend toward improved OS in LITT treatment of nGBM. A strategy favoring higher laser power during tumor ablation may achieve optimal EOA. Early transition to chemotherapy after LITT improves PFS.
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Prospective studies have established the safety and efficacy of the PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED; Medtronic) for treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IA). ⋯ This study demonstrated high rates of long-term complete aneurysm occlusion, stable or improved functional outcomes, and low rates of complications and mortality. Clinical and angiographic outcomes improved over long-term follow-up, demonstrating that endovascular treatment of IA with PED is safe and effective.