World Neurosurg
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There is uncertainty about the optimal method for measuring the decompressive craniectomy (DC) surface area and how large the DC should be. ⋯ The ideal surface area for "large" square bone flaps should result in an MLS of <5 mm. Enlargement of the craniectomy edges should be considered for patients in whom MLS ≥5 mm persists according to early postoperative computed tomography scans.
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Surgical treatment of small, unruptured intracranial aneurysms remains a controversial topic. Recently, some authors have doubted the validity of the low rupture rates of small aneurysms reported in the literature and advocate aggressive surgical treatment of small unruptured aneurysms; however, some theoretical elucidation is necessary to determine whether such aggressive treatment is appropriate. ⋯ These results suggest that we should be prudent in providing surgical treatment to small unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
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Review Case Reports
Flow Diversion for Treatment of Growing A2 Aneurysm in a Child: Case Report and Review of Flow Diversion for Intracranial Aneurysms in Pediatric Patients.
Intracranial flow diversion has gained increasing popularity since the approval of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED). Although it is only approved for use in adult patients, the PED has been used to treat aneurysms in pediatric patients. We present the first reported case of the use of a PED in a pediatric patient to treat an unusual fusiform distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. ⋯ Follow-up digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography at 6 and 12 months, respectively, showed complete occlusion of the aneurysm. We also reviewed the literature on flow diversion for treatment of pediatric intracranial aneurysms.
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Review Case Reports
Development of a De Novo AVM Following Ischemic Stroke: Case Report and Review of the Current Literature.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are hypothesized to be static, congenital lesions developing as early as 4 weeks of fetal life. New literature has shown that AVMs may represent dynamic and reactive vascular lesions arising from cerebral infarction, inflammation, or trauma. A literature search reveals 17 previously reported cases of new AVM formation after previous negative imaging studies. This reactive development or "second hit" theory suggests that at a molecular level, growth factors may play a vital role in aberrant angiogenesis and maturation of an arteriovenous fistula into an AVM. ⋯ We believe that there might exist a subset of AVMs that display dynamic characteristics and could potentially appear, grow, or resolve spontaneously without intervention, especially in the presence of local growth factors and molecular signaling cascades. When combined with a previous cerebral insult such as stroke, trauma, or inflammation, de novo AVM formation may represent a "second hit" with abnormal angiogenesis and vessel formation.