World Neurosurg
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Socioeconomic status and race have been found to influence patient outcomes for various cancer subtypes. In particular, minority and economically vulnerable patients present with more advanced disease and experience decreased survival compared to others. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between demographic or socioeconomic variables and rates of postsurgical follow-up after pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) resection. ⋯ Black patients and those with high social vulnerability have decreased rates of follow-up after PitNET resection. Follow-up delays can lead to failed identification of tumor recurrence, potentially resulting in more advanced disease by the time medical care is reinitiated and increasing rates of patient morbidity and mortality. As a result, further work is needed to address and bridge these care gaps.
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Endoscopic ventricular surgery (EVS) shows overall reduced morbidity compared to open craniotomy, but carries, however, the risk for neurocognitive impairment caused by fornix-, hypothalamus-, and injuries other structures adjacent to the ventricular system. Objective or subjective neurocognitive impairment after EVS is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to assess the subjective neurocognitive outcome in patients undergoing EVS for various pathologies. ⋯ Subjective neurocognitive outcome and quality of life improvement are often achieved after EVS and permanent neurocognitive impairment is rare. Further well-designed trials on subjective and objective neurocognitive outcome after EVS are warranted.
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Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) are the most common brain injuries in preterm infants. Neonates with these injuries are at greater risk of impaired neurodevelopmental outcome. Current guidelines recommend screening infants with cranial ultrasound (CUS); however, this is prone to missing subtle injury patterns, particularly within the posterior fossa. The present report sought to discuss the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in preterm infants. ⋯ Although DTI is more sensitive for picking up subtle injury patterns, CUS remains the standard of care when screening for injuries that would necessitate surgical intervention. DTI offers a refined understanding of the sequelae of GMH-IVH with microstructural changes found on DTI being associated with childhood motor and cognitive outcomes.
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Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) typically presents with gait disturbances, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. Symptomatic improvement generally occurs following shunt placement, but limited evidence exists on the quality of life (QOL) metrics in iNPH. Therefore, we conducted a prospective study of the effect of shunt placement on QOL in iNPH patients, using Quality of Life in Neurologic Disorders (Neuro-QOL) metrics. ⋯ Our findings demonstrate that shunt placement leads to improved QOL in iNPH patients across multiple domains. Significant improvements in mobility, cognition, and social roles and activity participation are realized within the first 6 months and are sustained on 1-year follow-up.
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Over the last decade, simulation models have been increasingly applied as an adjunct for surgical training in neurosurgery. We aim through a practical course at a national neurosurgical conference to evaluate 3D non-cadaveric simulation models along with augmented reality for learning and practicing the pterional craniotomy approach among a wide variety of participants including medical students, neurosurgery residents, and attending neurosurgeons. ⋯ Simulation model combining augmented reality with physical simulation for hybrid experience can be a promising and valuable tool especially for medical students or early career neurosurgical residents.