World Neurosurg
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Benign tumors that grow in the spinal canal are heterogeneous neoplasms with low incidence; from these, meningiomas and nerve sheath tumors (neurofibromas and schwannomas) account for 60%-70% of all primary spinal tumors. Benign spinal canal tumors provoke nonspecific clinical manifestations, mostly related to the affected level of the spinal cord. These tumors present a challenge for the patient and healthcare professionals, for they are often difficult to diagnose and the high frequency of posttreatment complications. In this review, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, histopathology, molecular biology, and treatment of extramedullary benign meningiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurysmal bone cysts, osteochondromas, neurofibromas, giant cell tumors of the bone, eosinophilic granulomas, hemangiomas, lipomas, and schwannomas located in the spine, as well as possible future targets that could lead to an improvement in their management.
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Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have come under scrutiny due to a frequent lack of reproducibility, due in part to shortcomings of the common P < 0.05 threshold for significance. Here, we utilize fragility indices to assess the statistical robustness of RCTs evaluating low-dose ketamine during scoliosis surgery to reduce opioid tolerance and postoperative pain. ⋯ While evidence for ketamine use is promising, our fragility analysis suggests that RCT findings may be underpowered in some cases. Given the importance of RCTs in clinical decision-making, fragility indices should be reported alongside P values to indicate the strength of statistical findings.
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The role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the management of recurrent and residual intracranial primary melanocytomas (PMC) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SRS in the management of these rare tumors. ⋯ SRS appears to be a reasonable treatment option for recurrent and residual melanocytomas. A higher prescription dose might be reasonable in the treatment of intermediate grade or recurring PMC. Close longitudinal follow-up for recurrence or malignant transformation of melanocytomas after SRS is recommended.
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The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effect of surgical timing on patient outcomes after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We also identified risk factors associated with poor prognosis. ⋯ Surgical timing between 12 and 26 hours after ICH was associated with favorable outcomes. The nomogram including systolic blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, midline shift, hematoma volume, and TOR was reliable for predicting the ICH outcome.
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The ischemia/reperfusion mechanism is believed to be responsible for parenchymal damage caused by temporary hypoperfusion and worsened by the subsequent attempt of reperfusion. This represents a true challenge for physicians of several fields, including neurosurgeons. A limited number of papers have shed the light on a rare pathologic condition that affects patients experiencing an unexplained neurologic deficit after spine surgery, the so-called "white cord syndrome." This entity is believed to be caused by an "ischemia/reperfusion" injury on the spinal cord, documented by a postoperative intramedullary hyperintensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences. ⋯ The same neuroradiologic finding can suggest mechanical damage due to inappropriate surgical manipulation. On this purpose, we performed a systematic review of the literature with the aim to identify and analyze all the factors potentially contributing to ischemic/reperfusion damage of the spinal cord that may potentially complicate any spinal surgery, without distinction between cervical or thoracic segments. Finally, we believe that postoperative neurologic deficit after spinal surgery constituting the "white cord syndrome" could be under-reported; both neurosurgeons and patients should be fully aware of this rare but potentially devasting complication burdening cervical and thoracic spine surgery.