World Neurosurg
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Pericallosal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are usually rare (2%-5%), and treatment is challenging for both surgical and endovascular modalities. We performed this analysis to determine the outcome and prognostic factors after subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) caused by ruptured PAAs. ⋯ Poor admission status, cerebral infarction, and smoking seem to be crucial factors for unfavorable outcome after SAH from PAA.
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Since the prognostic importance of radical resection was introduced in 1957, the neurosurgery practice has undergone several technologic advancements. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the prognostic value of the extent of resection is still relevant in modern neurosurgical practice. ⋯ Simpson grade remains a highly significant predictor of RFS in meningioma-resected patients in modern neurosurgical practice. Extent of resection should therefore be emphasized when predicting prognosis and considering postoperative treatment and frequency of radiologic follow-up after surgery.
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Approximately 95% of tumors occurring within the internal auditory canal (IAC) are vestibular schwannomas. Many undergo stereotactic radiation without definitive tissue diagnosis. Rare IAC tumors are not all radiosensitive and are poorly described. ⋯ Clinical examination and imaging alone were insufficient to correctly identify these tumors. Definitive pathologicdiagnosis should be strongly considered to help tailor treatment.
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Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are frequently used to monitor neurologic function during spinal deformity surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is debatable. ⋯ SSEP and MEP changes occurred in 3.3% of patients undergoing PSF, with the highest incidence at the cervicothoracic level. Twenty-three out of 26 patients with intraoperative neuromonitoring changes had improvements in IONM signals after interventions during surgery. Further studies using larger patient numbers may be useful in establishing the utility of neuromonitoring in PSF.
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External ventricular drains (EVDs) historically have a high rate of infection, and EVD infections are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. We have shown previously that a simple infection control protocol reduced the rate of EVD infections during a 3-year period, and the present study examines whether infection rates were durably reduced over an additional 4 years. ⋯ A straightforward EVD infection control protocol substantially and durably reduces EVD infections to a near-zero rate.