World Neurosurg
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We aim to evaluate the complications of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). ⋯ In spite of the existence of several complications, SCS may be seen as a safe technique. Furthermore, the incidence of life-threatening complications is low. The physician must be alert to recognize them during the follow-up. Complications may be avoided or at least diminished by performing a proper and strict aseptic surgical technique as well as carrying out an accurate patient selection before the implantation, according to the recommendations published in the literature.
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Multicenter Study
Multicenter registry of liquid embolic treatment of cerebral aneurysms.
The Cerebral Aneurysm Multicenter European Onyx trial was the first multicenter prospective case series using liquid embolization for cerebral aneurysms. It suggested a possible decreased risk for recanalization of smaller aneurysms compared with coil embolization. After publication of that trial, the Onyx HD embolic agent, injection devices, and treatment protocols have all been updated and improved to increase efficacy and decrease adverse events. We present the results from a multicenter registry of liquid embolization treatments using the current method and materials. We hypothesize that the evolution of this technique will result in lower complication and recanalization rates when compared with earlier series. ⋯ Recent advances in liquid embolization have led to decreased recanalization and complications. Liquid embolization is more likely to achieve a durable result in smaller aneurysms that have not been previously treated.
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Sylvian hematoma in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with a poor prognosis. Although active bleeding can be detected by multiphase dynamic enhanced computed tomography (CT), bleeding from vessels in the Sylvian fissure has also been found in Sylvian hematoma. We investigated possible origins of Sylvian hematoma based on novel imaging findings of multiphase enhanced CT. ⋯ Sylvian hematomas may be caused secondarily by multiple bleeds from small vessels together with aneurysm rupture.
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Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction has been shown to reduce mortality and improve functional outcomes in young adults; however, there is currently debate regarding how routinely such surgery should be performed in the clinical setting, considering the very high rate of disability and functional dependence among survivors. We herein report the current status of the frequency of and indications for DHC for malignant MCA infarction in Japan. ⋯ In the present study, less than one-tenth of candidates with malignant MCA infarction in Japan underwent decompressive surgery, and the vast majority of patients were elderly. Age was not found to be an independent factor for immediate mortality in this study, and performing surgery in the elderly may be justified based on additional evidence of functional improvements.
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Metastatic disease of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) can cause pain, cranial nerve deficits, occipitocervical instability, or brainstem/spinal cord compression if left untreated. Many patients with metastasis in this region have a high burden of systemic disease and short life expectancy, making them poor candidates for aggressive surgical resections and fusion procedures. Traditionally, symptom palliation and local disease control in these patients has been achieved through conventional radiation therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has the advantage of precisely delivering radiation to a target in fewer fractions. To our knowledge, we report the results of the largest series of patients with CVJ metastasis treated with stereotactic radiosurgery. ⋯ In well-selected patients, SRS for metastatic lesions of the CVJ has a low risk for complications or treatment failure, while achieving a high rate of palliation of pain symptoms.