Neurosurgery
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Giant invasive spinal schwannoma (GISS) is defined as a lesion that extends over > 2 vertebral levels, erodes vertebral bodies, and extends posteriorly and laterally into the myofascial planes. Because of its rarity, few reports have been issued. ⋯ Total resection is the treatment of choice for patients with GISS and provides functional improvements, low permanent morbidity, and a low rate of recurrence. Total resection of the intraspinal portion and regular follow-up with consideration of the Ki-67 index is recommended when total resection is not achieved.
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Kuntz et al recently introduced a new system for classifying spinal deformities. This classification of spinal deformity was developed from age-dependent deviations from the neutral upright spinal alignment. ⋯ The new Kuntz et al deformity classification system is comparable to the Lenke et al system in terms of reliability. However, the Kuntz et al classification system provides no recommendations for surgical interventions. It is more complex and time-consuming and therefore may be of limited value in daily clinical practice.
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The Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score was developed for prognostic purposes in traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ For head-injured patients undergoing DC, the Rotterdam CT score provides great prognostic discrimination and is an independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes. We suggest that the Rotterdam CT score be included as a prognosticator in the overall assessment of clinical condition of TBI patients before DC.
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Subdural hematoma (SDH) in patients with cancer is poorly described, and its frequency and causes may have changed with recent oncologic advances. ⋯ Leukemia and prostate cancer are the most common systemic cancers associated with SDH, and gliomas may predispose to SDH more often than previously recognized. Coagulopathy is common and associated with the worst outcome, but many patients experience good functional outcome and survival.
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In Asian populations, moyamoya disease has a well-defined phenotype including a bimodal age of presentation with children typically presenting with ischemic phenomena and adults presenting with hemorrhage. Studies have provided evidence that moyamoya disease in the United States may exhibit a different phenotype. ⋯ Patients admitted to US hospitals diagnosed with moyamoya disorder were more commonly female and white, and both adults and children were more likely to be diagnosed with ischemic vs hemorrhagic stroke. Over time, there was an increase in diagnosis, associated ischemic stroke, and treatment with extracranial-intracranial bypass.