Neurosurgery
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Multicenter Study
Intracranial Aneurysms in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: A Multicenter Propensity-Matched Analysis.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder characterized by a classic triad of hypertelorism, bifid uvula and/or cleft palate, and generalized arterial tortuosity. There are limited data on the prevalence and rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in the setting of LDS, with no established guidelines. ⋯ Patients with LDS have an increased risk of IAs, especially with a history of smoking. The prevalence rate of IAs in our series was 30%. Screening imaging should be considered at diagnosis, and patients should be encouraged to abstain from smoking. Further studies are needed to elucidate the risk of IA rupture and treatment considerations in this unique population.
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For patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has proven effective in controlling tumor growth while hearing preservation remains a key goal. ⋯ Hearing preservation after SRS for patients with VS with serviceable hearing is correlated to the specific baseline GR score (1 or 2), age, cochlear dose, and biological effective dose. Increased tumor-free canal space correlates with better outcomes. The most durable hearing preservation correlates with factors commonly associated with smaller tumors away from the cochlea.
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The recovery of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors with long-term favorable outlook is understudied. Time to follow commands varies widely in this patient population but has important clinical implications. ⋯ In severe TBI survivors with favorable outcomes, time to follow commands varied widely. Most patients began to follow commands within 2 weeks. Evidence of diffuse axonal injury, intraventricular hemorrhage, and infections can delay cognitive improvement in the acute period. Patients make considerable recovery up to 2 years after their injury.
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Literature evaluating frailty in traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is limited. ⋯ Frailty is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes after tSCI, especially among patients of advanced age. Our large-scale analysis contributes novel insights into limited existing literature on this topic.
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Little is known about the independent association of language barriers on postoperative process outcomes after craniotomies. ⋯ LEP is an independent risk factor for extended LOS, higher hospitalization cost, and discharge to skilled care in neurosurgical patients who undergo craniotomy for brain tumor. Future research should seek to understand mediators of these observed disparities.