World Neurosurg
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Head computed tomography (CT) with perfusion imaging has become crucial in the selection of patients for mechanical thrombectomy. In recent years, machine learning has rapidly evolved and found applications in a wide variety of health care tasks. We report our initial experiences with training a neural network to predict the presence and laterality of a perfusion deficit in patients with acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ The field of machine learning, powered by convolutional neural networks for the task of image recognition and processing, has quickly developed in recent years. We constructed an artificial neural network that can identify and classify the presence and laterality of a perfusion deficit on CT perfusion imaging.
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We compared the mid-term efficacy and safety of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a Zero-Profile device for cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD) with and without osteoporosis. ⋯ ACDF with the Zero-Profile device can be used as an effective and reliable treatment for single-level CDDD with osteoporosis.
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Case Reports
Extraocular Pressure Measurements to Avoid Orbital Compartment Syndrome in Aneurysm Surgery.
Orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) is a rare but devastating complication following pterional craniotomy. Although the causes of OCS are unclear, external compression of the orbit by a myocutaneous flap is commonly mentioned as a major factor. We evaluated the ocular influence of external compression using an extraocular pressure monitor. ⋯ Myocutaneous flaps can produce unnoticed overpressure on the orbit, resulting in OCS-related blindness during aneurysm clipping surgery, especially in cases involving mandatory lower craniotomy. The continuous extraocular compressive pressure monitoring technique is a simple and effective approach to prevent such a serious complication.
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Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is among the most common causes of emergency admission. Current guidelines have clearly evidenced risk factors and neurologic signs that should suggest computed tomography (CT) of the head at admission and indications for the first repeated CT scan. However, the role and frequency of further repeated CT scans after an initially positive scan are still unclear. ⋯ The treatment of patients in clinically stable condition with an MTBI and posttraumatic intracranial lesions at initial CT scan has been shown to minimally benefit from repeated CT scans. Given neurologic stability, a control scan can be safely delayed up to 48 hours to avoid unnecessary scans.
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To introduce a method of accurately measuring the equivalent dose received by radiation-sensitive organs using the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) and to provide reference values for future studies associated with radiation protection in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgeries. ⋯ Patients received significantly higher radiation doses from CT scans than from regular digital radiograph examinations. These radiation doses were concentrated in the regional area of scanning. Our results indicate the necessity and benefits of radiation protection measures, especially for the organs researched herein, when patients undergoing lumbar surgeries require radiographic diagnostic examinations.