World Neurosurg
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Because of a lack of markers for predicting prognosis and an underlying mechanism, patients with primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBH) are currently treated with multiple strategies, but most of them have poor outcomes in a comparison with patients with supratentorial intracranial hemorrhage. Recently, it has been reported that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) represents a novel composite inflammatory marker to predict the prognosis of patients with intracranial hemorrhage, a majority of whom have supratentorial hemorrhage. In this report, we aim to assess the potential predictive value of NLR in patients with PBH. In addition, other available laboratory parameters, including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and admission blood glucose level (ABG), will be also investigated as markers for prognosis in patients with PBH. ⋯ NLR, PLR, and ABG can be used to independently predict 90-day functional outcome in patients after PBH. When combined, they have better predictive power in identifying PBH patients with a poor prognosis. To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the associations between NLR, PLR, and hyperglycemia and the functional outcomes of patient with PBH. In associating with previously studies on hemorrhage site, our results provide a good opportunity to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PBH.
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Cerebral abscesses are rare, potentially life-threatening entities that result from local spread or hematogenous dissemination to the brain. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment is key in lowering morbidity and preventing mortality associated with cerebral abscesses. Congenital heart diseases with right-to-left intracardiac shunts can be complicated by brain abscesses via paradoxical embolism of infected microthrombi. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by an underdeveloped left heart that uses intracardiac shunting to achieve adequate systemic circulation. We present the first reported case of a cerebral abscess in a patient with HLHS. The pathophysiology of HLHS and how it predisposes patients to development of cerebral abscesses is discussed. ⋯ HLHS is a rare congenital cardiac malformation. The long-term outcome of patients with this condition continues to improve as treatment paradigms evolve. As such, patients with HLHS are living longer, and their potential to develop cerebral abscesses secondary to their unique systemic circulation is increasing with improved life expectancy. Surgeons and physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cerebral abscess in the setting of HLHS.
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Case Reports Historical Article
Linear Cutting Trepanation in Italy: A Unique Case from Hellenistic Sicily (Third Century BC).
During the archaeological excavations conducted in the Hellenistic necropolis discovered in Messina (Sicily, Italy) dating back to the 3rd century BC., a skeleton showing evidence of cranial traumas and surgical intervention was found. The skull, belonging to a young adult male, presented signs of 4 head injuries produced by both blunt and sharp-edged instruments. The first 2 lesions, located on the frontal bone, were produced by blunt blows and showed signs of long-term survival. ⋯ The trepanation is likely related to the multiple head injuries exhibited by the patient, who unfortunately did not survive the surgical intervention. Trepanation in Italy has been largely attested since Prehistoric times, but the case from Messina represents the first evidence of neurosurgical intervention performed through the linear cutting technique in the Italian context and the second case in the whole of Europe. This technique might have been imported in Sicily during the Hellenistic period from the Near East, where it is clearly attested.
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To compare efficacy and safety of microvascular decompression (MVD) and Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. ⋯ Both MVD and GKS are effective surgical treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. The rate of complete pain relief in the MVD group was significantly superior to the rate of complete pain relief in the GKS group. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates between the groups; however, there were more severe complications in the MVD group than in the GKS group.
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Fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative stenosis is an established treatment mode. Despite comparable patient-related outcomes and radiologic results, the necessity of adding interbody fusion to posterolateral fusion remains controversial. We aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of posterolateral fusion and transforaminal interbody fusion techniques in degenerative lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis. ⋯ Both PLF and TLIF+PLF procedures were effective in ameliorating the symptoms of degenerative lumbar stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Although some radiologic parameters favor TLIF, this was not reflected in the clinical outcomes.