World Neurosurg
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Supratentorial cortical ependymomas (CEs) are rare. These lesions, selectively occurring in the superficial cortex, have not been fully characterized. We analyzed the clinicopathological and genetic features of CEs. ⋯ Although most CEs in our group were immunopositive for L1CAM and showed C11orf95-RELA fusion, which have been associated with a poor prognosis in supratentorial ependymomas, all our patients had good outcomes. Gross total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy contributed to the relatively favorable prognosis of CEs compared with other supratentorial ependymomas.
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Review Case Reports
Stage IV neuroblastoma with metastatic spread to the mandible in an infant: case report and review of the literature.
Infants and young children with neuroblastoma (NB) may present with metastases. The primary tumor most commonly originates in the abdomen and metastasizes to lymph nodes, liver, and bone marrow. Infants and young children presenting with multiple skull metastases are rare. ⋯ Infants and young children with neuroblastoma rarely present with metastatic lesions to the skull. Even large lesions involving the skull base may be successfully treated with chemotherapy. The use of myeloablative busulfan/melphalan consolidation after induction chemotherapy can decrease the overall metastatic tumor burden. Craniofacial specialists should be aware of treatment options for these young children.
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Intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IPR) always results in a poor prognosis for the patient. However, the risk factors of IPR are unclear. In this article, the risk factors are explored, a nomogram model for predicting IPR is established, and the prognostic factors for patients with IPR are analyzed. ⋯ Hunt-Hess grading, aneurysm neck, intraoperative assistive technology, and vasospasm were independent risk factors for IPR. Hydrocephalus requiring surgical intervention, times of rupture, location of aneurysm, and the number of aneurysms were relevant to the prognosis of patients.
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Hyperactive dysfunction syndrome (HDS) of the cranial nerves, such as trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm (HFS), and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN), is commonly managed by microsurgical treatment. However, certain patients may present a combination of these syndromes in the neurosurgery department. Here, we aimed to retrospectively assess patients with combined HDS from a single center. ⋯ Combined HDS involves a group of functional disturbance disorders affecting specific cranial nerves, and it may include TN, HFS, and GPN. In addition to gender and incidence of hypertension, age appeared to be a vital indicator for the development of combined HDS, although this finding was inconsistent in previous studies. MVD appears to be a safe and effective treatment for combined HDS, with a high rate of long-term success.
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Almost one half of currently practicing physicians in Europe are women. Despite advances in access to training positions and the entry of women into neurosurgery, it has remained a male-dominated field, with an underrepresentation of female leaders. We designed a 2-part study to better understand the current situation of European female neurosurgeons. ⋯ Unfortunately, a gender gap still exists in European neurosurgery. The extent thereof has not yet been systematically analyzed. Our project offers a glimpse into the inequalities and obstacles women perceive in our field; however, more comprehensive data are required.