Surgical neurology international
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The placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) for monitoring and treatment of increased intracranial pressure is not without risk, particularly for the development of associated ventriculitis. The goal of this study was to investigate whether changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, or clinical parameters are correlated with the development of ventriculitis before it occurs, allowing for the determination of optimal timing of CSF collection. ⋯ This study demonstrates no reliable tested CSF, serum, or clinical parameters that are effectively correlated with the development of ventriculitis in an EVD patient. Thus, we recommend and will continue to draw CSF samples from patients with in-situ EVDs on our current schedule for as long as the EVD remains in place.
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Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is important in many neurosurgical and neurological patients. The gold standard for monitoring ICP, however, is via an invasive procedure resulting in the placement of an intraventricular catheter, which is associated with many risks. Several noninvasive ICP monitoring techniques have been examined with the hope to replace the invasive techniques. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of all modalities that have been used for noninvasive ICP monitoring to date. ⋯ Although the intraventricular catheter remains the gold standard for monitoring ICP, several noninvasive modalities that can be used in settings when invasive monitoring is not possible are also available. In our opinion, measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter and pupillometry are the two modalities which may prove to be valid options for centers not performing invasive ICP monitoring.
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The role of decompressive craniectomy in treating raised intracranial pressure (ICP) after traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the differences in prognosis of patients initially treated by decompressive craniectomy, craniotomy, or conservatively. ⋯ In conclusion, patients requiring primary decompressive craniectomy had a higher risk for poor neurological outcome compared to patients undergoing craniotomy or were conservatively treated. It is plausible that the poor prognosis is related to the TBI severity itself rather than the intervention. Further prospective randomized trials are required to establish the role of decompressive craniectomy in the treatment of patients with TBI.
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Catheter-associated inflammatory masses (CIMs) are a rare but serious complication of intrathecal drug delivery devices. CIM formation is influenced by local medication concentration, which is determined in part by flow dynamics at the catheter tip. Underlying spinal pathologies, such as neoplasms, may alter flow at the catheter tip, thereby contributing to CIM formation. Moreover, they may also complicate the clinical and radiologic diagnosis of a CIM. ⋯ In the described case, CIM formation likely resulted from a combination of, 1) an unusually high fentanyl concentration, and, 2) altered infusate flow due to spinal neurofibromas. Consideration of underlying spinal pathologies, particularly mass lesions, is critical to the management of intrathecal drug delivery devices.
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Spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) are gaining increasing indications and utility in an expanding variety of clinical conditions. Complications and initial expenses have historically prevented the early use of SCS therapy despite ongoing efforts to educate and promote its utilization. At present, there exists no literature evidence of SCS implantation in a chronically anticoagulated patient, and neuromodulation manufacturers are conspicuously silent in providing warnings or recommendations in the face of anticoagulant use chronically. It would appear as through these issues demand scrutiny and industry as well as neuromodulation society advocacy and support in terms of the provision of coherent guidelines on how to proceed. ⋯ Our literature search did not reveal any evidence of SCS therapy among patients with chronic anticoagulation. This case illustrated a complicated clinical case scenario wherein a percutaneous SCS implantation would normally be contraindicated due to severe thoracic spinal stenosis and chronic anticoagulation which could lead to possible paralysis or even a lethal consequences associated with the possible formation of a thoracic epidural hematoma.