Neurosurgery
-
Multicenter Study
Microsurgical Obliteration of Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Multicenter Experience.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) located at craniocervical junction are extremely rare (1%-2% of intracranial/spinal dAVFs). Their angio-architectural complexity renders endovascular embolization to be challenging given multiple small feeders with risk of embolysate reflux into vertebral artery and limited transvenous access. The available literature discussing microsurgery for these lesions is limited to few case reports. ⋯ Craniocervical dAVFs represent rare entity of lesions presenting most commonly with hemorrhage or myelopathy because of venous congestion. Microsurgery using a far lateral approach provides robust exposure and visualization for these lesions and allows obliteration of the arterialized draining vein intradurally as close as possible to the fistula point. This approach was associated with a high rate of angiographic cure and favorable clinical outcomes.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Duration of Prophylactic Levetiracetam After Surgery for Brain Tumor: A Prospective Randomized Trial.
Levetiracetam is commonly used as a prophylactic antiseizure medication in patients undergoing surgical resection of brain tumors. ⋯ The use of prophylactic levetiracetam did not result in significant neurotoxicity or depression when given for either 1 week or 6 weeks. The incidence of seizure after craniotomy for tumor resection is low regardless of duration of therapy.