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The majority of meningiomas are slow-growing benign tumors that can potentially be highly vascularized; however, acute hemorrhagic onset is rare. Herein, we describe two patients who presented with disturbance of consciousness and severe hemiplegia due to spontaneous hemorrhage from a falx atypical meningioma. A 49-year-old female presenting with a sudden disturbance of consciousness and severe left hemiplegia was found to have a falx meningioma and acute hemorrhage. Emergent resection achieved neurological relief and tumor control. A 60-year-old female with aphasia and severe right hemiplegia also had falx meningioma and hematoma, and successfully treated by emergent resection. Tumor was diagnosed as atypical meningioma in both cases. Both patients achieved mid-term tumor control for 4 and 7 years. Both patients were treated successfully with emergent surgical resection, and neurological relief and mid-term tumor control (7 and 4 years, respectively) were achieved. Given this success, immediate surgical resection with hematoma evacuation should be considered an acceptable therapeutic option for acute hemorrhagic atypical meningioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impact of tumor extension into the occipital condyle (OC) in lower clival chordoma management and the need for occipito-cervical fusion (OCF). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 35 patients with lower clival chordoma. The preoperative area of the intact OCs, Hounsfield units, and the integrity of the apical ligament and the tectorial membrane were assessed using preoperative imaging. Seven (20%) patients were in the OCF group. The OCF group exhibited a higher prevalence of preoperative pain in the neck or head (P = 0.006), ligament absence (P = 0.022), and increased propensity for postoperative wound issues (P = 0.022) than the non-OCF group. The OCF group had less intact OCs (P < 0.001) and higher spinal instability neoplastic score (P = 0.002) than the non-OCF group. All patients with intact OCs < 60% underwent OCF, and those with OCs ≥ 70% were treated without OCF. Those with OCs between 60% and 69% underwent OCF if the ligaments were eroded, and did not undergo OCF if the ligaments were intact. Treatment strategies varied, with endoscopic endonasal approach alone being common. Radiation therapy was administered to 89% of patients. All 3 patients treated with OCF after tumor resection had wound issues; none treated with OCF before resection had wound issues. None developed atlanto-occipital instability. Survival rates did not significantly differ between groups. In the absence of mobility-related neck pain, patients with lower clival chordoma and intact OC ≥ 60%, intact apical ligament, and intact tectorial membrane, may not require OCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skull base dural reconstruction is a critical technique that directly affects the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL). Dural suturing would undoubtedly fortify the reconstruction but be technically challenging and time-consuming. In this video, we would like to share our watertight continuous dural suturing technique, using two different types of sutures that can be tighten without tying.By Hirotaka Hasegawa; Yuki Shinya; Motoyuki Umekawa; Kenya Kobayashi; Yuki Saito and Nobuhito SaitoReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, discusses the fusion of endoscopic surgical field and microsurgical dissection as a method for preserving critical perforators and neural structures during the endoscopic removal of meningiomas. The authors present two illustrative cases, one involving a planum sphenoidale meningioma and the other a posterior clinoid meningioma, both of which required meticulous dissection due to the involvement of critical neuroanatomies. The video provides key steps for successful tumor removal and highlights the potential risk of postoperative neurological deficits. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of a machine learning model to predict long-term tumor control and the need for additional interventions following pituitary surgery for Cushing's disease. The study analyzed data from patients who underwent endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for Cushing's disease between 2013 and 2022. The results showed that Knosp-Steiner grade 4 cavernous sinus extension, tumor size, and patient age were the most significant predictors of intervention-free survival. These findings provide valuable insights into identifying at-risk patients who may require additional interventions in the future. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study that aimed to identify factors that can predict long-term outcomes of endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for pituitary adenomas (PAs) using machine learning algorithms. The study analyzed data from 700 patients who underwent ETS for PAs between 2013 and 2023. The results showed that factors such as gross total resection (GTR), Knosp-Steiner (KS) grades, and older age at primary surgery were associated with better intervention-free survival (IFS). The study also identified GTR, KS grade, patient age, tumor size, and tumor type as the top predictors for long-term tumor control and intervention needs. Overall survival (OS) rate following ETS was high at 97% at 10 years. [Extracted from the article]

Because patients with untreated brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are at variable risks of cerebral hemorrhage and associated mortality and morbidity, it is essential to identify patient populations who benefit most from prophylactic interventions. This study aimed to examine age-dependent differences in the therapeutic effect of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on BAVMs. This retrospective observational study enrolled patients with BAVMs who underwent SRS at our institution between 1990 and 2017. The primary outcome was post-SRS hemorrhage, and the secondary outcomes included nidus obliteration, post-SRS early signal changes, and mortality. To investigate age-related differences in outcomes after SRS, we performed age-stratified analyses using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and weighted logistic regression with the inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW). To address significant differences in patient baseline characteristics, we also performed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted for possible confounders to investigate age-related differences in outcomes after SRS. A total of 735 patients with 738 BAVMs were stratified by age. Age-stratified analysis using a weighted logistic regression model with IPCW showed a direct correlation between patient age and post-SRS hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI], and P value: 2.20, 1.34-3.63, and.002 at 18 months; 1.86, 1.17-2.93, and.008 at 36 months; and 1.61, 1.05-2.48, and.030 at 54 months, respectively). The age-stratified analysis also showed an inverse relationship between age and obliteration over the first 42 months after SRS (OR, 95% CI, and P value: 0.05, 0.02-0.12, and <.001 at 6 months; 0.55, 0.44-0.70, and <.001 at 24 months; and 0.76, 0.63-0.91, and.002 at 42 months, respectively). These results were also confirmed with the IPTW analyses. Our analysis demonstrated that patients' age at SRS is significantly associated with hemorrhage and the nidus obliteration rate after treatment. In particular, younger patients are more likely to exhibit reduced cerebral hemorrhages and achieve earlier nidus obliteration compared with older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical resection of intraventricular meningiomas (IVMs) remains challenging because of their anatomically deep locations and proximity to vital structures, resulting in non-negligible morbidity and mortality rates. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a safe and effective treatment option, providing durable tumor control for benign brain tumors, but its outcomes for IVMs have rarely been reported. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the SRS outcomes for IVMs at our institution. This retrospective observational study included 11 patients with 12 IVMs with a median follow-up period of 52 months (range, 3–353 months) treated with SRS using the Leksell Gamma Knife. Nine (75%) tumors were located in the trigone of the lateral ventricle, two (17%) in the body of the lateral ventricle, and one (8%) in the third ventricle. Tumor control was achieved in all cases, and seven (55%) decreased in size. Post-SRS perifocal edema was observed in four (37%; three asymptomatic and one symptomatic but transient) patients, all of which were resolved by the last follow-up. SRS appears to provide safe and excellent tumor control for IVMs. A longer follow-up with a larger number of cases is desired for a more solid conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereotactic frame-based brain tumor biopsy (SFB) is a potent diagnostic tool considering its minimal invasiveness, though its diagnostic power and safety for brainstem lesions remain to be discussed. Here, we aimed to examine the usefulness of SFB for brainstem tumors. Twenty-two patients with brainstem tumors underwent 23 SFBs at our institution during 2002–2021. We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics, tumor pathology, surgical procedures, and outcomes, including surgery-related complications and the diagnostic value. Seven (32%) tumors were located from the midbrain to the pons, eleven (50%) in the pons only, and four (18%) from the pons to the medulla oblongata. The target lesions were in the middle cerebellar peduncles in sixteen procedures (70%), the cerebellum in four (17%), the inferior cerebellar peduncles in two (9%), and the superior cerebellar peduncles in one (4%). A definitive diagnosis was made in 21 patients (95%) at the first SFB. The diagnoses were glioma in seventeen (77%) cases, primary central nervous system lymphoma in four (18%), and a metastatic brain tumor in one (5%). The postoperative complications (cranial nerve palsy in three [13%] cases, ataxia in one [4%]) were all transient. SFB for brainstem tumors yields a high diagnostic rate with a low risk of morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Skull base chordoma (SBC) is a rare, aggressive bone tumor and a challenging therapeutic target. The efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for SBC remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate therapeutic factors for favorable outcomes and establish a novel therapeutic approach for SBC.Methods and Materials: This single-center retrospective study examined 47 SBCs treated with SRS. Treatment factors affecting local control rates (LCRs), remote control rates (RCRs), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Initially, we applied "localized-field SRS," wherein the irradiated volume accurately included recurrent/residual tumors on the radiographic images. Since 2015, we systematically applied "extended-field SRS," wherein the irradiated volume included the tumor location on the radiographic images and the preoperative tumor location with 2-mm margins.Results: Tumor progression was observed in 23 SBCs (49%) after SRS. Higher marginal doses ≥20 Gy resulted in a higher LCR than lower-dose treatments (92% at 2 years and 73% at 5 years vs 43% at 2 years and 21% at 3 years, P = .001). Twenty-four patients underwent extended-field SRS, and 23 underwent localized-field SRS. While the LCRs were not significantly different, extended-field SRS improved RCRs (extended-field SRS: 100% vs localized-field SRS: 46% at 5 years; P = .001) without radiation-induced adverse events. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that extended-field SRS was associated with better RCRs (P = .001) and OS (P = .001).Conclusions: Extended-field SRS achieved LCRs comparable to previous studies and excellent OS without increasing the risk of radiation-induced adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impact of cobalt-60 dose rate on radiosurgery has attracted attention. • This study evaluated the effect of cobalt-60 dose rate on arteriovenous malformation. • A high dose rate led to increased obliteration for large arteriovenous malformation. • A high dose rate led to decreased hemorrhage in all arteriovenous malformation. The impact of cobalt-60 dose rate (Co-60 DR) on outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains fully elucidated. This study explored the association between Co-60 DR and SRS outcomes in AVM treatment. 772 AVM patients from 1990 to 2020 were included. High DR was defined as ≥ 2.4 Gy/min. AVM patients were categorized into 3 cohorts based on the nidus volume: small (<5 mL), medium (≥5 mL and < 10 mL), and large (≥10 mL). The primary endpoint was AVM obliteration; secondary endpoints included post-SRS hemorrhage. Cumulative obliteration rates of the large AVM were significantly increased in the high DR group than those in the low DR group (84 % vs. 45 % at 5 years, log-rank test; p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis showed that the obliteration rate was significantly elevated for the high DR group in the large AVM cohort with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.78 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–3.17, p = 0.049). Post-SRS hemorrhage rates of the entire cohort were significantly decreased in the high DR group than in the low DR group (2.5 % vs. 5.3 % at 5 years, log-rank test; p = 0.035). Multivariable analysis revealed post–SRS hemorrhage was reduced in the high DR group with an adjusted HR of 0.47 (95 % CI: 0.24–0.92, p = 0.026). High DR may lead to increased efficiency for large AVMs and decreased post-SRS hemorrhage in all AVM cases. Sustaining a higher Co-60 DR could potentially yield favorable outcomes for SRS for AVMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is widely utilized to treat small- and medium-sized brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs); however, radiation-induced malignancies (RIMs) have been reported as extremely rare yet potentially life-threatening complications of SRS. This study aimed to investigate the risk of RIMs after SRS for BAVMs. The outcomes of patients who underwent single-session SRS for BAVMs at our institution and were followed for ≥ 5 years were analyzed to calculate the incidence of RIMs. In addition, a systematic review was conducted using the existing literature reporting RIMs after SRS for BAVMs in compliance with the PRISMA guideline. Regarding the in-hospital analysis, only one (0.18%) RIM (gliosarcoma) was observed among 569 patients, with a median follow-up period of 151 months (interquartile range, 103–255 months). The 15, 20, and 25-year cumulative incidences of RIMs were 0%, 0%, and 1.01%, respectively, whereas the overall incidence rate was 0.12 per 1,000 patient-years. In the systematic review, 14 studies were included, with the incidence of RIMs ranging from 0.00 to 0.24%. Eight patients with RIMs were identified, and the most common pathology was glioblastoma. The median time until the diagnosis of RIM was 7.1 years (range, 4–19 years) after SRS, and their clinical courses were largely dismal, with the post-diagnosis survival periods being 1–10 months. RIM constitutes an extremely rare but potentially fatal complication following SRS for BAVMs, with its incidence rate being at most 0.24%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare malignancy that typically arises in the trunk or extremities and preferentially metastasises to the brain. Radical resection is generally recommended for cranial metastatic ASPS, but stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a recognised alternative for tumours in surgically challenging locations. Here, we present the case of a 22-year-old female, who underwent SRS and systemic therapy with pazopanib for a metastatic ASPS in the left temporal bone. The tumour was successfully controlled without further intervention over 23 months following SRS, which should be considered for metastatic ASPS when surgical resection is not appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial arterial dissection (IAD) is known to exhibit various patterns of arterial imaging features such as stenosis and dilation; however, the genetic background of IAD has not been elucidated so far. RNF213 was recently identified as a susceptibility gene for moyamoya disease (MMD) and intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS). More recently, RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys also has been shown to be associated with various systemic vascular diseases. RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys is beginning to attract attention as a genetic factor that causes systemic vascular disease. Herein, we report a rare case of de novo progression of the intracranial vascular lesion with the RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant, which first presented IAD of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) with subarachnoid hemorrhage, second progressed into ICAS, and finally evolved into MMD-like angiogenesis over 6 years. This case suggests that IAD of the MCA could be associated with RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant. This genetic variant could also have a key role in the overlap among the different disease states. A large-scale genetic analysis study of the IADs of the anterior circulation is needed. To qualify the significance of RNF213 p.Arg4810Lys variant as a stroke risk allele, accumulation of various cases of cerebrovascular lesions would be essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, examines the incidence and risk factors of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for skull base lesions. The study analyzed 159 patients who underwent EES and found that CSDH occurred in 3.8% of patients, with a 0.6% rate of symptomatic CSDH. Larger convexity pneumocephalus on immediate postoperative CT was significantly associated with subsequent CSDH development. The study also identified a cutoff value for the product of diameter and thickness of convexity pneumocephalus on CT as a predictor of CSDH development. Preoperative subdural space thickness of ≥5 mm and posterior skull base dural defect were also marginally significant risk factors. Overall, while CSDH is a rare complication following EES, larger postoperative convexity pneumocephalus is a significant risk factor. [Extracted from the article]

Non-vascularized multilayer fascial closure technique (NMFCT) can be used instead of nasoseptal flap reconstruction for dural repair in endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETS); however, due to the lack of blood supply, its long-term durability and possible limitations need to be clarified. This was a retrospective study on patients who underwent ETS with intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. We assessed the postoperative and delayed CSF leakage rates and the associated risk factors. Among 200 ETSs with intraoperative CSF leakage, 148 (74.0%) ETSs were performed for skull base pathologies other than pituitary neuroendocrine tumor. The mean follow-up period was 34.4 months. Esposito grade 3 leakage was confirmed in 148 (74.0%) cases. NMFCT was used either with (67 [33.5%]) or without (133 [66.5%]) lumbar drainage. There were 10 cases (5.0%) of postoperative CSF leakage that necessitated reoperation. In 4 other cases (2.0%), CSF leakage was suspected but lumbar drainage alone successfully restored the condition. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that posterior skull base location (P < 0.01, odds ratio 11.5, 95% CI 1.99–2.17 × 102) and craniopharyngioma pathology (P = 0.03, odds ratio 9.4, 95% CI 1.25–1.92 × 102) were significantly associated with postoperative CSF leakage. No delayed leakage occurred during the observation period except for 2 patients who underwent multiple radiotherapies. NMFCT is a reasonable alternative with long-term durability, though vascularized flap may be a better choice for cases in which vascularity of the surrounding tissues is significantly impaired due to interventions including multiple radiotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenomas (LGPAs) are common, benign, and intraorbital tumours that cause exophthalmos, ptosis, and visual disturbances. The curative treatment for LGPAs is gross total resection, and radiotherapy is considered adjunctive for recurrence or an alternative for inoperable LGPAs. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be used for precise delivery of high radiation doses to the tumour, crucial in the treatment of intra-and extracranial neoplasms. Here, we present a 95-year-old woman who had a rapidly growing, recurrent LGPA and was successfully treated with SRS. The tumour was controlled without any adverse events over 21 months following SRS. SRS is a potential alternative treatment for recurrent LGPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medial soft tissue release is occasionally performed to achieve mediolateral ligament balance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whose sequential effect on mediolateral and anteroposterior stability remains unclear. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the difference in mediolateral and anteroposterior stability according to a sequential medial soft tissue release in TKA. Methods: Cruciate-retaining TKA was performed in six cadaveric knees. Medial and lateral joint gaps, varus-valgus angle, and tibial anterior and posterior translations relative to the femur with pulling and pushing forces, respectively, were measured. All measurements were performed at full extension and 45° and 90° flexion after release of the deep medial collateral ligament (MCL) (stage 1), the posteromedial capsule (stage 2), and the superficial MCL (stage 3). Mediolateral and anteroposterior stability were compared between stages, and correlations between mediolateral and anteroposterior stability were analyzed. Results: Medial joint gap significantly increased from stages 1 to 3 by 3.2 mm, 6.8 mm, and 7.2 mm at extension, 45° flexion, and 90° flexion, respectively, and from stages 2 to 3 by 3.5 mm at extension. Varus-valgus angle was varus at stage 2, which turned to valgus at stage 3 (−2.7° to 0.8°, −2.2° to 4.3°, and −5.5° to 2.5° at extension, 45° flexion, and 90° flexion, respectively). Anterior translation at 90° flexion significantly increased from stages 1 and 2 to stage 3 by 11.5 mm and 8.2 mm, respectively, which was significantly correlated with medial gap (r = 0.681) and varus-valgus angle (r = 0.495). Conclusions: Medial soft tissue release also increased tibial anterior translation as well as medial joint gap, and medial joint gap and tibial anterior translation were significantly correlated. Surgeons should be careful not to create too large medial joint gap and tibial anterior translation in flexion by excessive medial release up to the superficial MCL for achieving an equal mediolateral joint gap in extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the multimodality treatment of complex brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), the role of endovascular embolization is not fully elucidated. To assess the risk of embolization, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of endovascular treatment for AVM, focusing on the embolization-related complications. The present study included patients with brain AVM who underwent embolization at our hospital between April 2011 and May 2021. Risk factors for peri- and postoperative complications were analyzed. During the study period, 36 AVMs were treated during 58 embolization sessions. The goal of the embolization was preoperative in 24 (67%), pre-radiosurgical in 9 (25%), and palliative in 3 (8%) cases. The overall complication rate was 43% (25 of 58) per session and 36% (13 of 36) per patient. Ischemic and hemorrhagic complications were observed in 14 (24%) and 14 (24%) cases, respectively. n -Butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) embolization was detected as the significant risk for postoperative hemorrhage in the univariate (79% vs. 36%, P = 0.012; Fisher exact test) and the multivariable analysis (odds ratio 4.90, 95% confidence interval 1.08–22.2, P = 0.039). The number of embolized feeder in a single session also tended to be higher in a hemorrhagic complication group (median 3.5 vs. 2.0, P = 0.11; Mann-Whitney U-test). The risk of embolization in multimodality treatment for complex brain AVM was substantial. n-BCA embolization may carry a higher risk of postoperative hemorrhage. An accumulation of cases is awaited to investigate the effectiveness of minimal target embolization in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stroke incidence in hemodialysis (HD) patients is high, but the associated factors remain largely unknown. This study aimed to analyze stroke incidence in HD patients and changes in risk factors. Data of 291 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The cumulative stroke incidences were 21.6% at 10 years and 31.5% at 20. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) significantly increased overall stroke (hazard ratio (HR), 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21–4.12; p = 0.001) and ischemic stroke (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.00–4.64; p = 0.049). Patients treated with online HDF were less likely to have overall stroke (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03–0.56; p = 0.006) and ischemic stroke (HR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.60; p = 0.014). DN (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08–2.27; p = 0.019) and age >80 years at HD initiation (20–49 years old; HR 0.13, 95% CI, 0.05-0.35, p < 0.001 and age 50–79 years; HR 0.42, 95% CI, 0.26–0.66, p < 0.001 (reference: age >80 years)) were significantly associated with stroke and/or death events. Over time, stroke risk increased in HD patients, due to the increasing number of DN. Although dialysis technology has advanced over time, these advances could not overcome other risk factors for stroke. Further increase in stroke and mortality due to aging remains a concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Intracranial schwannomas are benign intracranial neoplasms. Vestibular schwannomas (VS) account for 90% of intracranial schwannomas; whereas the other cranial nerve schwannomas, such as trigeminal (TS), facial (FS), and jugular foramen schwannoma (JFS), account for 10% of all cases. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a minimally invasive treatment for small to medium VS and known to provide excellent long-term tumor control; however, there remains a paucity of evidence regarding SRS for TS, FS, and JFS due to the rarity of these tumors. We investigated the radiosurgical outcomes of these non-vestibular schwannomas and compared them to those of VS through matched cohort analysis. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is known to provide excellent tumor control with functional preservation for vestibular schwannomas (VS), but its efficacy in the other major intracranial schwannomas including trigeminal (TS), facial (FS), and jugular foramen schwannomas (JFS) has not been established yet due to their rarity. We retrospectively analyzed data of 514 consecutive patients who had intracranial schwannomas (460 VS, 22 TS, 7 FS, and 25 JFS) and underwent SRS. The 5- and 10-year tumor control rates were 97% and 94% for VS, 100% and 100% for TS, 80% and 80% for FS, and 100% and 80% for JFS. Radiation-induced complications included one hydrocephalus for TS (4.5%), no cases for FS (0%), and one hydrocephalus and one lower palsy for JFS (8.0%). Through matched cohort analysis between patients with VS and each of the non-VS, we found no statistical difference in tumor control and radiation-induced adverse events. SRS seems to provide long-term tumor control with functional preservation for TS, FS and JFS and the efficacies are similar to VS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are congenital vascular lesions fed by arterial feeders originating from branches of the internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebrobasilar artery. We experienced unique AVMs arising in the midline Galenic region, receiving blood supply from the ICA/vertebral artery systems and the external carotid artery system. We retrospectively reviewed data on eight patients who had an AVM arising in the Galenic region and were treated in the University of Tokyo Hospital between 1990 and 2019. The median age at diagnosis was 62 years. Three cases (38%) presented with obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueduct obstruction caused by an engorged vein of Galen. In all cases, feeders from dural arteries were present and the vein of Galen was the primary drainer. All patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery. Five patients were followed for > two years; nidus obliteration was confirmed in one, and > 75% shrinkage was confirmed in three, while one patient died due to hemorrhage. Altogether, AVMs arising in the Galenic region are rare and exhibit several peculiar characteristics including the presence of dural feeders, an older age at presentation and presentation with obstructive hydrocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the effectiveness of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) with the conventional transcranial approach (TCA) for treating tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs), aiming to identify the superior surgical method and the risk factors affecting outcomes. Patients treated for TSM from 1998 to 2023 at our institution were retrospectively analyzed, evaluating patient characteristics, tumor features, outcomes, and complications. A novel grading system for preoperative evaluation of TSMs was proposed. Among 49 patients, 26 underwent EEA and 23 underwent TCA. The maximum diameters were comparable between the groups (mean 22 mm vs. 23 mm). Gross total resection rates were 62% for EEA and 70% for TCA, showing no significant difference. However, postsurgical visual improvement was significantly higher in the EEA group compared with the TCA group (77% vs. 44%; P = 0.020), with fewer complications in the EEA group (8% vs. 35%; P = 0.032). EEA is a safe and effective treatment approach for small to medium TSMs, with outcomes comparable to TCA in terms of resection but superior in visual improvement and fewer complications. Selection of surgical approach should consider patient and tumor characteristics as well as surgeon experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of radiosurgery for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-associated vestibular schwannoma (VS) remains debatable. We retrospectively analyzed radiosurgical outcomes for NF2-associated VS compared to sporadic VS using our database of 422 consecutive VS patients. Twenty-five patients with 30 NF2-associated VSs with a mean follow-up of 121 months were identified. NF2-associated VSs exhibited excellent tumor control (10-year cumulative rate, 92% vs. 92% in sporadic VSs; p = 0.945) and worse overall survival (73% vs. 97%; p = 0.005), mainly due to tumor progression other than the treated VSs. The presence of NF2 was not associated with failed tumor control via multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses. No difference in radiation-induced adverse events (RAEs) was confirmed between cohorts, and prescription dose (hazard ratio 8.30, 95% confidence interval 3.19–21.62, p < 0.001) was confirmed as a risk for cranial nerve injuries via multivariate analysis. Further analysis after propensity score matching using age, volume, and sex as covariates showed that NF2-associated VSs exhibited excellent local control (100% vs. 93%; p = 0.240) and worse overall survival (67% vs. 100%; p = 0.002) with no significant difference in RAEs. Excellent long-term tumor control and minimal invasiveness may make radiosurgery a favorable therapeutic option for NF2 patients with small to medium VS, preferably with non-functional hearing or deafness in combination with postoperative tumor growth or progressive non-operated tumors, or with functional hearing by patients' wish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports of cases diagnosed as Moyamoya disease (MMD) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) are extremely rare. In recent years, ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) has been identified as a susceptibility gene of MMD, but the mechanism by which MMD develops remains unclear. Those cases of de novo development of MMD may provide some clues to clarify the mechanism of progression of MMD. We report the case of de novo MMD that developed after SRS for AVM. This patient presented with a variant of the RNF213 gene. The intracranial internal carotid artery was not within the irradiation field; therefore it was obvious that the development of MMD was not caused by the direct effect of radiation in the current case study. Moreover, we demonstrated the decrease in velocity in the internal carotid artery prior to the development of MMD using phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography. Previous studies demonstrated that progression of the pathological condition in the cerebral arteries in response to hemodynamic changes is enhanced in patients with RNF213 variants. Our findings indicate that the changes in the intracranial hemodynamics after SRS for AVM could trigger the de novo onset of MMD in patients with a genetic predisposition for the RNF213 variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether accurate inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) tumor lateralization is associated with improved clinical outcomes following the surgical treatment of Cushing disease. The presented study was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Data regarding patient demographics, IPSS tumor lateralization, and postoperative endocrinologic outcomes were abstracted and pooled with random effects meta-analysis models. Additional meta-regression models were used to examine the association between the accuracy of IPSS tumor lateralization and postoperative outcomes (recurrence/persistence or remission/cure). Statistical analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (significance of P < 0.05). Seventeen eligible articles were identified, yielding data on 461 patients. Within average follow-up duration (∼59 months), the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization was 69% [95% confidence interval: 61%, 76%], and the rate of postoperative remission/cure was 78% [67%, 86%]. Preoperative IPSS tumor lateralization was concordant with magnetic resonance imaging lateralization for 53% of patients [40%, 66%]. There was no significant association between the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization and postoperative remission/cure among study-level data (P = 0.735). Additionally, there was no association among subgroup analyses for studies using stimulatory agents during IPSS (corticotropin-releasing hormone or desmopressin, P = 0.635), nor among subgroup analyses for adult (P = 0.363) and pediatric (P = 0.931) patients. Limited data suggest that the rate of correct IPSS tumor lateralization may not be positively associated with postoperative remission or cure in patients with Cushing disease. These findings bring into question the utility of IPSS tumor lateralization in the context of preoperative planning and surgical approach rather than confirming a pituitary source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, examines the treatment outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The study analyzed data from 55 patients with 65 lesions who underwent SRS for ACC between 1990 and 2020. The results showed that SRS with concomitant chemotherapy was associated with better tumor control in select patients. However, ACC originating in the trachea or lung and an increasing interval from the original diagnosis to SRS were identified as negative prognostic factors. [Extracted from the article]

To compare outcomes of proton radiation therapy (PRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and x-ray-based radiation with an SRS boost (XRT + SRS) for newly diagnosed clival chordoma. Consecutive patients who underwent PRT or SRS in our facility were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 59 patients were identified (PRT, 36; SRS, 11; XRT + SRS, 12). The mean age (± standard deviation) was 46 ± 20 years, with 54% being male. The mean tumor diameter (± standard deviation) was 3.7 ± 1.5 cm, and 21 (36%) involved the lower clivus. Gross total or near-total resection was attained in 27 patients (46%), all of whom received PRT. PRT was administered with a median prescribed dose of 70.8 Gy (range, 66.0–76.0). SRS involved a median marginal dose of 16 Gy (range, 14–20) and a median maximal dose of 36 Gy (range, 30–45). The XRT + SRS group was treated with an SRS marginal dose of 12.5 Gy (range, 10–20), a maximal dose of 27 Gy (range, 20–40), and an XRT prescription dose of 50.4 Gy (range, 45.0–59.4). Fifteen recurrences were observed (PRT, 6; SRS, 5; XRT + SRS, 4). For the entire cohort (n = 59), recurrence was associated with the degree of resection (P = 0.042), but not with radiation groups (P = 0.98). For patients after subtotal resection or biopsy (n = 32), the SRS ± XRT group was associated with few recurrences (hazard ratio, 0.260; 95% confidence interval, 0.069–0.98; P = 0.046). Patients after subtotal resection or biopsy may benefit from the incorporation of SRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously reported that early alendronate administration accelerated bone formation and improved the quality of repaired cartilage in the donor site in rabbits. To investigate whether alendronate administration has effects in humans similar to those observed in rabbits.Methods: The study cohort included 35 patients over the age of 12-years old who underwent mosaicplasty without osteoporotic therapy from March 2011 to October 2012. The donor sites were medial or lateral in the patellofemoral joint. Placebo (P) or Bonalon containing 35 mg of alendronate (A) was administered orally every week for 8 weeks. The cohort comprised 15 male and 20 female, including 14 right and 21 left knees. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57.1 years. Bone formation was examined using computer tomography and lateral knee radiography, and cartilage formation was examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), second-look assessment, and intraoperative acoustic evaluation. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association knee score and visual analog scale (VAS). Bone and cartilage formation in the donor site and clinical outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after mosaicplasty.Results: The ratio of TRAP-5b in group A was significantly smaller than that in group P at 2 and 8 weeks after mosaicplasty. The extent of bone formation in the donor sites in group A was significantly greater than that in group P at 3 and 6 months after mosaicplasty. Cartilage formation did not differ significantly between the two groups as determined by MRI, macroscopic assessment, and intraoperative acoustic evaluation. Clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups, and no negative clinical outcomes were observed.Conclusion: Early alendronate administration accelerated bone formation but not cartilage formation in the mosaicplasty donor site in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine a potential association between intranidal microhemodynamics and rupture using a phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA)-based flow quantification technique in arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We retrospectively collected data on 30 consecutive patients with AVMs (23 unruptured and 7 ruptured). Based on PCMRA data, maximal (V max) and mean (V mean) intranidal velocities were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with previous AVM rupture. All ruptures occurred within 6 months before PCMRA. The mean nidus volume was 4.7 mL. Eleven patients (37%) had deep draining vein(s), and 6 patients (20%) had a deep-seated nidus. The mean ± standard deviation V mean and V max were 9.6 ± 2.8 cm/second and 66.7 ± 26.2 cm/second, respectively. The logistic regression analyses revealed that higher V max (P = 0.075, unit odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.00–1.10) was significantly associated with prior hemorrhage. The receiver-operating curve analyses demonstrated that a V mean of 10.8 cm/second (area under the curve = 0.671) and V max of 90.2 cm/second (area under the curve = 0.764) maximized the Youden Index. A V max > 90 cm/second was significantly associated with AVM rupture both in the univariate (P = 0.025, OR = 9.0, 95% CI = 1.3–61.1) and multivariate (P = 0.008, OR = 51.7, 95% CI = 2.8–968.3) analyses. Presence of faster velocities in intranidal vessels may suggest aberrant microhemodynamics and thus be associated with AVM rupture. PCMRA-based velocimetry seems to be a promising tool to predict future AVM rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of lower clival meningioma treated with the endoscopic transnasal extended transclival approach. 1,2 A 52-year-old woman with a large clival meningioma had undergone transcondylar approach 3 and posterolateral approach 4 in the previous hospital and presented with mild swallowing difficulty and hypoglossal nerve palsy in the right side. The tumor compressed the medulla oblongata, involving the lower cranial nerves bilaterally and facial nerve on the right side. The patient underwent the endoscopic transnasal extended transclival approach (Video 1). The anterior aspect and the floor of the sphenoid sinus were drilled off, and the sella, bilateral carotid prominences, and clivus were revealed. The clival bone and jugular tubercles were then removed. The dura mater on the clivus was widely exposed and coagulated to manage the arterial blood supply for the tumor. The dura was incised in a rectangular shape, and the successful mass reduction was achieved except for the tumor components strongly adherent to the lower cranial nerves on the right side. For skull base reconstruction, fascia lata was placed in and on the dural defect with multilayer fashion and the pharyngeal flap was rectified. The balloon catheter was inserted and inflated to compress the fascia and pharyngeal flap, and lumber drainage with the pressure-control valve system was performed for 72 hours. 5 After surgery, her symptoms gradually improved. The residual tumor was treated with Gamma Knife surgery. The tumor was successfully controlled for 3 years, and the patient didn't show any neurologic symptom at the last follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Delayed postoperative hyponatremia is a known complication after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma, but this may occur after surgery for parasellar non-adenomatous skull base tumors (NASBTs). Due to their scarcity, however, little is known about this condition. Through a retrospective review of 30 patients with NASBTs and detailed analyses on perioperative serial sodium level, we found that serological hyponatremia (sodium ≤ 135 mmol/L) occurred in eight (27%) on postoperative day 7–12, with four (13%) of them being symptomatic. Four (50%) showed weight loss and hemoconcentration suggesting cerebral salt wasting type, and three (38%) showed weight gain and hemodilution, suggesting a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Hyponatremia should be recognized as a possible complication after transsphenoidal resection of NASBTs. Intraoperative extradural retraction of the pituitary gland was the only significant factor for serological hyponatremia, suggesting the maneuver and subsequent dysregulation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis may be responsible. Little is known about delayed postoperative hyponatremia (DPH) accompanied with transsphenoidal surgery for non-adenomatous skull base tumors (NASBTs). Consecutive data on 30 patients with parasellar NASBT was retrospectively reviewed with detailed analyses on perioperative serial sodium levels. Serological DPH (sodium ≤ 135 mmol/L) was observed in eight (27%), with four (13%) of them being symptomatic. DPH developed on postoperative day 7–12 where the mean sodium levels were 134 mmol/L (a mean of 7 mmol/L drop from the baseline) in asymptomatic and 125 mmol/L (a mean of 17.5 mmol/L drop from the baseline) in symptomatic DPH. Serological DPH was accompanied with "weight loss and hemoconcentration (cerebral salt wasting type)" in four (50%), "weight gain and hemodilution (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion type)" in three (38%), and no significant weight change in one. Intraoperative extradural retraction of the pituitary gland was the only significant factor for serological DPH (p = 0.035; odds ratio, 12.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.27–118.36)). DPH should be recognized as one of the significant postsurgical complications associated with TSS for NASBTs. Although the underlying mechanism is still controversial, intraoperative extradural compression of the pituitary gland and subsequent dysregulation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis may be responsible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]