World Neurosurg
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Myeloid sarcoma is a rare extramedullary solid tumor comprised of immature myeloid precursor cells, most commonly associated with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). We present the case of a patient with a history of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and AML who presented with myeloid sarcoma causing acute spinal cord compression. ⋯ To our knowledge, there are no randomized controlled trials examining the appropriate timing for postoperative radiation. Because most typical neuro-oncologic cases have no need for immediate postoperative radiation, our practice has been to wait 14 days to initiate postoperative radiation to ensure wound healing. One unique feature of our case was the rapid recurrence of symptoms due to tumor progression. Given this observation, we believe that radiation therapy should be considered as soon as possible after confirmatory pathology diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological compromise due to myeloid sarcoma of the spine.
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Seizure outcomes after arteriovenous malformation (AVM) management with radiosurgery are incompletely understood. In this case-control study, we aim to determine the incidences and define the predictors of seizure improvement and de novo seizures in patients with AVM with and without seizures at presentation, respectively. ⋯ Radiosurgery provides reasonable rates of seizure improvement for patients with AVM who present with seizures. For patients with AVM without seizures at presentation, the risk of de novo seizures after radiosurgery is very low, obviating the need for prophylactic antiepileptic drug therapy. Further investigation of epilepsy in patients with AVM undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery should be considered with validated outcome measures and prospective study design.
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Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are infrequently diagnosed and treated in elderly patients (age, >60 years). We hypothesize that, in contrast to AVM surgical outcomes, radiosurgery outcomes are not adversely affected by increased age. The goals of this case-control study are to analyze the radiosurgery outcomes for elderly patients with AVMs and determine the effect of elderly age on AVM radiosurgery outcomes. ⋯ Advanced age does not appear to confer appreciably worse AVM radiosurgery outcomes, unlike its negative effect on AVM surgical outcomes. Thus, when an AVM warrants treatment, radiosurgery may be the preferred treatment for elderly patients.
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Down syndrome comprises multiple malformations and is due to trisomy of chromosome 21. There is epidemiologic evidence that individuals with Down syndrome are at decreased risk for solid tumors including brain tumors. It has been suggested that some genes expressed on the extra copy of chromosome 21 act as tumor suppressor genes and contribute to protection against tumorigenesis. ⋯ Deletion of the chromosome 21 allele may be associated with tumorigenesis of meningioma in Down syndrome. This supports the hypothesis that some genes whose expression is increased on the extra copy of chromosome 21 function as tumor suppressor genes and that they contribute to the reduced tumor incidence in individuals with Down syndrome.
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Since little has been reported about Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after spine surgery, we sought to determine some of the clinical features and the management of the condition. ⋯ These cases warn surgeons to be alert to the association of GBS and spine surgery. On the basis of our experience, we recommend consideration of this rare diagnosis in patients with paralysis after spine surgery.