World Neurosurg
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The value of preoperative repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) language mapping for function preservation in surgery of speech-eloquent lesions under general anesthesia remains to be determined. ⋯ Implementation of preoperative rTMS language mapping seems to provide a favorable early language outcome in patients undergoing surgical resection of language-eloquent lesions under general anesthesia.
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Case Reports
Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: Is There A Role For Intra-operative Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound?
Intraoperative imaging during surgical ligation of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is usually based on fluorescence angiography, intraoperative Doppler ultrasound, and intraoperative digital subtraction angiography. We investigated the potential role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) during surgical management of SDAVF. The main features of SDAVF on CEUS before treatment are described as well as their modifications after surgical ligation. ⋯ CEUS allowed real-time visualization before and after ligation of the site of the fistula and blood flow changes occurring in the spinal cord and perimedullary plexus. CEUS is a valuable tool in SDAVF surgery without the limitations of Doppler imaging and possibly can be integrated with other imaging modalities such as fluorescence angiography.
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Proper closure of the pia matter is necessary to restore normal anatomy and prevent postoperative painful dysesthesia after excision of intramedullary spinal cord tumor. Two methods of closure of the pia have been described: welding technique and conventional suturing. Here, we report our initial experience with a new "pial press" or "zip lock" technique for pial closure, where pial layers are simply held together and plunged into each other with small microtooth forceps. Advantages of the technique over other techniques are it has less chance of suture-related complications or trauma to the posterior column and the simplicity of the technique.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Membrane surface-area:volume ratio in Chronic Subdural Haematomas.'Critical size' and potential post-operative target.
It is unknown why some chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) grow and require surgery, whereas others spontaneously resolve. Although a relatively small CSDH volume (V) reduction may induce resolution, V percent reduction is often unreliable in predicting resolution. Although CSDHs evolve distinctive inner neomembranes and outer neomembranes (OMs), the OM likely dominates the dynamic growth-resorption equilibrium. If other factors remain constant, one previous hypothesis is that resorption could fail as the surface area (SA) to V ratio decreases when CSDHs exceed a critical size. We aimed to identify a critical size and an ideal target, which implies resolution without recurrence. ⋯ Because surgical total SA to V ratio was ≈2:1, one neomembrane may indeed dominate the dynamic growth-resorption equilibrium. CSDH critical size therefore appears to be when SAOM ≈ V, which is intuitive. Practically, subtotal CSDH evacuation which approximately doubles total SA to V ratio or SAOM to V ratio implies CSDH resolution without recurrence. This could guide subdural drain removal timing, discharge, or transfer. Prospective validation studies are required.
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Spontaneous tension pneumocephalus (STP) is a rare but serious complication derived from shunting procedures. Few cases have been published with purely intraventricular location. Treatment options and physiopathology considerations are discussed in this case report. ⋯ A high-resolution CT scan of the skull base is useful to localize the point where the air enters into the intracranial cavity in STP cases. Coexistent or preceding otologic symptoms might direct the suspicion toward an otogenic origin. Shunt removal, or adjusting the opening pressure, if feasible, is recommended. Otherwise, dural repair and covering of the bone defect have acceptable rates of success and should be performed before any other more aggressive techniques to avoid the risk of hearing loss.