World Neurosurg
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Pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) are the most common gliomas in children/adolescents but are less common and poorly studied in adults. Here, we describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of surgically treated adult patients with intraventricular (IV) PA and review the literature. ⋯ PAs in adults are rare and an IV location is even more uncommon. The findings demonstrate the challenges in caring for these patients, with overall- and progression-free survival outcomes being poorer than the general adult PA population. Findings support the employment of surgical techniques and approaches that favor gross total resection when possible. Further studies are needed to better characterize this unique presentation.
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Socioeconomic status (SES) is a major determinant of quality of life and outcomes. However, SES remains difficult to measure comprehensively. Distress communities index (DCI), a composite of 7 socioeconomic factors, has been increasingly recognized for its correlation with poor outcomes. As a result, the objective of the present study is to determine the predictive value of the DCI on outcomes following intracranial tumor surgery. ⋯ Intracranial tumor patients from distressed communities are at increased risk for adverse events and death in the postoperative period. DCI may be a useful, holistic measure of SES that can help risk stratifying patients and should be considered when building healthcare pathways.