World Neurosurg
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Cost-effectiveness analysis of deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease in Japan.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective surgical option for treating Parkinson's disease (PD). DBS is invasive, with a high initial cost. In Japan, questions have been raised about its cost-effectiveness and the resulting improvements in outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DBS for PD in Japan, particularly whether early or late DBS is more cost-effective. ⋯ Our model suggests that DBS is cost-effective in the Japanese health care system. DBS is more cost-effective if performed in the intermediate rather than early or late stages of PD.
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We analyzed the characteristics of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) Grade II meningioma to identify factors that may influence recurrence. ⋯ Younger patients with a lower proliferation rate and gross total resection are less likely to undergo a reintervention for WHO Grade II meningioma recurrence. Observation rather than systematic adjuvant radiotherapy may be preferred. If possible, a redo surgery may be considered in case of relapse or tumor residual progression, because radiotherapy may not decrease the surgical recurrence-free survival after complete or incomplete resection.
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O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine positron emission tomography ((18)F-FET-PET) imaging is applied for tumor grading, prognostic stratification, and diagnosis of tumor recurrence, especially in high-grade gliomas. Experience with (18)F-FET-PET imaging in low-grade gliomas is limited. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess (18)F-FET-PET tracer uptake in low-grade gliomas and to investigate possible correlations with contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology. ⋯ We found that 78.5% of low-grade gliomas do show elevated tracer uptake in (18)F-FET-PET imaging. Low-grade glioma without tracer uptake exclude oligodendroglial differentiation and 1p19q codeletion. Further differentiation between molecular subtypes is not possible with static (18)F-FET-PET. No correlation of progression-free survival to tracer uptake and IDH1/2-mutation status was observed.
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VACTERL association is characterized by a group of congenital malformations that tend to occur together. Rarely, concurrent cerebrovascular abnormalities have been reported. In this article, we present the first reported case of moyamoya disease in a patient with VACTERL association. ⋯ Our report adds moyamoya disease to the spectrum of rare diseases that may occur in the context of VACTERL association. Further studies may reveal whether a common pathophysiology exists between the 2 conditions. Our patient's congenital heart disease and the association between renovascular and cardiac disease with moyamoya may suggest a systemic vasculopathy. Moyamoya should be considered in children with VACTERL association who present with neurologic deficits or seizures.
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Craniofacial resection (CFR) for advanced sinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) is mandatory for radical resection. Surgeons must be aware of perioperative complications and long-term outcome because this procedure is extremely invasive, especially when the tumor involves the anterior skull base. ⋯ CFR and postoperative radiotherapy are safe and effective for treating advanced SNMTs. Extended CFR, including radical orbital exenteration, may contribute to good long-term outcomes. A diverse surgical team may help perform radical resection and reconstruction in patients with advanced tumors.