World Neurosurg
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Using an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump for severe refractory spastic cerebral palsy is not a viable option in resource-constraint settings. Therefore authors assessed the role of microsurgical dorsal root entry zone-otomy (MDT) as an alternative for patients in whom the circumstances did not allow ITB pump placement. ⋯ MDT is a cost-effective tool in deceasing limb spasticity in spastic cerebral palsy, especially for those who cannot afford ITB placement.
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This study aims to evaluate the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI) latency data in the classification of patients with pediatric epilepsy from healthy controls. ⋯ Using rfMRI latency data, we trained a CNN model to classify patients with pediatric epilepsy from healthy controls with good performance. CNN could serve as an adjunct in the diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy. Identification of pediatric epilepsy earlier in the disease course could decrease time to referral to specialized epilepsy centers and thus improve prognosis in this population.
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We used a data-driven methodology to decrease the departmental surgical site infection rate to a goal of 1%. ⋯ The findings highlight the importance of systematically investigating areas of gap in existing clinical practice and quality improvement projects to increase patient safety and enhance the value of care delivered to neurosurgical patients.
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Case Reports
Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Skull Base: Two Cases and Systematic Review of the Literature.
Intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs) are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin that originate from the meninges. ISFTs of the skull base can be challenging to treat, as resection can be complicated by skull base anatomy. We present 2 cases of ISFT, the first manifesting with compressive cranial neuropathy from Meckel cave involvement and the second a posterior fossa lesion causing symptomatic hydrocephalus. ⋯ We discuss presentation, imaging, histopathology, and management considerations for ISFTs while highlighting the potentially complex nature of skull base lesions and need for multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
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The posterior spinal arteries (PSAs), branches of the intracranial segment of the vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery, run bilaterally along the spinal cord and are integral to the blood supply primarily to the posterior one third of this structure. However, a less well-described distribution of the PSAs is their supply to the posterior medulla. The purpose of this study is to examine the medullary branches of the PSA anatomically. ⋯ Physicians who interpret imaging of the craniocervical junction, in particular arteriograms, should be aware of ascending medullary branches arising from the anterior spinal artery. Additionally, neurosurgeons operating this region must be careful in dissecting over the posterior medulla and manipulating the cerebellar tonsils, as in telovelar approaches to the fourth ventricle, in order to avoid iatrogenic injury to these vessels. Additionally, variable stroke patterns involving the vertebral artery or posterior inferior cerebellar artery might include ischemia to the medulla oblongata via PSA branches, and this anatomy should be kept in mind by interventionalists, radiologists, and neurologists alike.