World Neurosurg
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Carpal tunnel syndrome represents compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which is defined by the carpal bones on the lateral, medial, and dorsal aspects and the transverse carpal ligament on the anterior aspect.1 Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include paresthesia, anesthesia, paresis, and pain located in the median nerve distribution. In severe cases, there may be atrophy of median nerve-innervated thenar muscles. In the United States, carpal tunnel syndrome affects approximately 3.72% of the population.2 Conservative measures, such as bracing, steroid injections, and physical and occupational therapy, are commonly employed.1 However, many patients still require more definitive surgical management, which may be in the form of open or endoscopic procedures. ⋯ Endoscopic carpal tunnel release leads to reduced postoperative pain and an increase in transient neurologic deficits; however, no improvements have been reported in overall complication rate, subjective satisfaction, return to work, postoperative grip and pinch strength, and operative time.6 In this technical video, we present a case of single-incision endoscopic carpal tunnel release in a patient with severe symptoms after conservative measures failed. The patient experienced a noncomplicated postoperative course and demonstrated an excellent recovery at follow-up visits. Surgical decompression is an important treatment for refractory carpal tunnel syndrome, and videos such as this provide guidance for safe and effective treatment (Video 1).
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Neurologic complications are common complications encountered by patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This single-center retrospective study aims to identify the incidence and risk factors of neurologic complications and interventions in patients supported with LVADs and define the associated anticoagulation management. ⋯ Neurologic complications were observed in 25% of patients supported with LVADs, of which 20% required neurosurgical intervention. Anticoagulation can be safely withheld in patients with hemorrhagic complications. Patients with ischemic complications can continue to be anticoagulated with no significant risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Length of LVAD implantation was directly related to the risk of neurologic complication. Finally, our study adds to existing literature that mechanical thrombectomy and even intravenous tissue plasminogen activator are options for LVAD patients with ischemic complications.
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To investigate the incidence of superior facet joint violation (FJV) during percutaneous pedicle screw placement in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, and assess the possible risk factors for FJV. ⋯ Body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and pedicle screw placement at L5 were independent risk factors of superior FJV. FJV was more likely to occur in hypertrophic FJ (axial, sagittal, and coronal diameters ≥12 mm) or coronal orientation (FA ≥40°).
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Review Case Reports
Pituitary Blastoma in a 19-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report and Review of Literature.
Pituitary blastoma is a malignant neoplasm of the pituitary gland that was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2017. It is commonly diagnosed in children before 24 months of age. Here, we report the first case of a young adult patient who was diagnosed with pituitary blastoma with increased levels of growth hormone instead of adrenocorticotropic hormone and provide a review of the literature. ⋯ Although in this case the patient was a young adult, pituitary blastoma should be taken into consideration when children have an enhanced sellar and suprasellar mass with peripherally located cysts.