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Background When resident physicians fail to demonstrate appropriate milestone competencies early in their neurologic surgery residency, a plan of remediation is necessary. Methods Once any psychologic, physical, or behavioral causes of identified knowledge or psychomotor deficiencies have been identified and addressed, the next step is to develop a plan to close these gaps. Specific areas that are assessed for deficits include medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and judgment, clinical skills, time management and organization, interpersonal skills, communication, and professionalism. Specific learning goals and objectives, as well as teaching and learning methods, pertain to the unique areas of deficit, and all of these must be considered with the goal of developing a resident-specific remediation plan. Results A plan for assessment of the remediation process is described, including an evaluation of what constitutes individual resident remediation success. Conclusions Finally, a discussion of the prior resident remediation studies across many disciplines is made.

Background Internal auditory canal (IAC) lipomas are rare intracranial lesions. Consequently, preoperative imaging is essential in differentiating IAC lipomas from more common tumors such as vestibular schwannomas. The hallmark of lipomas on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is hyperintensity on T1-weighted images that suppresses on fat-suppressed sequences and does not enhance with gadolinium administration. Case Description The present case describes a 53-year-old woman who was misdiagnosed with a vestibular schwannoma because of the lack of appropriate MRI sequences. Conclusions This case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that both fat-suppressed and non−fat-suppressed T1-weighted pregadolinium images are obtained in the diagnostic process of IAC lesions. It is therefore recommended that imaging centers ensure that such sequences are included in their MRI protocols.

Increasing patient age has been associated with worse outcomes after pituitary adenoma resection in previous studies, but the prognostic value of frailty compared with advancing age on pituitary adenoma resection outcomes has not been clearly evaluated.The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2015 to 2019 was queried for data for patients aged18 years who underwent pituitary adenoma resection (n = 1454 identified patients). Univariate and multivariate analyses of age and frailty (5-factor modified frailty index [mFI-5]) were performed on 30-day mortality, major complications, extended length of stay (eLOS), discharge destination, and readmission and reoperation. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to compare effect of age and mFI-5.On univariate analysis, increasing frailty was significantly associated with greater risk of unplanned readmission (frail: odds ratio [OR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.2; severely frail: OR, 6.9; 95% CI, 2.4-19.8) and a major complication (frail: OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 2.1-6.1). Severe frailty was also associated with nonhome discharge (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 3.2-35.8) and eLOS (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.5-13.4). Increasing age was not associated with any of these outcome measures. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated similar trends. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the mFI-5 score showed higher discrimination for major complications compared with age (area under the curve: 0.624 vs. 0.503; P0.001).Increasing frailty, and not advancing age, was an independent predictor for major complications, unplanned readmissions, eLOS, and nonhome discharge after pituitary adenoma resection, suggesting frailty to be superior to age in preoperative risk stratification in this patient population.

Background Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) present distinct surgical challenges because they involve important neurovascular structures, such as the orbit, cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure, and optic canal. Resection thus focuses on maximum safe resection while preserving these neurovascular structures. Our objective was to describe our method of surgical management of SOMs and summarize visual outcomes. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who underwent surgery for SOM in 2011–2021. Demographics, preoperative visual summary, operative details, visual outcomes, and recurrence data were collected. Results The 33 patients (10 male, 23 female) had a mean age of 56 years (range 27-74 years). The mean tumor volume was 39 ml (range 4.7-220 ml). The mean follow-up period was 18 months (range 1-120 months). Thirty-two patients had preoperative radiographic evidence of proptosis (based on exophthalmos index), 23 (70%) presented with diminished visual acuity, and 10 (30%) had a concomitant visual field deficit. At last postoperative follow-up, vision was stable for 25 patients (83.3%), improved for 1 (3.3%), and worsened for 3 (10%; 2 occurring after tumor recurrence beyond 2 years). Proptosis was stable or improved in all patients. One patient had an enucleated eye. A total of 7 patients (21%) had recurrence of the tumor at 19–72 months from the operation. Conclusion In this study, maximum safe resection, including periorbital resection, provided adequate visual and cosmetic outcomes, as well as reasonable tumor control in the long term. Rigid orbital reconstruction was not required to prevent pulsatile enophthalmos.

Surgery is the first-line therapy for most benign and malignant skull base tumors. Extent of resection (EOR) is a metric commonly used for preoperative surgical planning and to predict risk of postoperative tumor recurrence. Therefore, understanding the evidence on EOR in skull base neurosurgery is essential to providing optimal care for each patient. Several studies from the skull base neurosurgery literature have presented investigations of various topics related to EOR, including 1) preoperative EOR scoring systems, 2) intraoperative EOR scoring systems, 3) EOR and tumor recurrence, and 4) EOR and functional outcomes. We propose that future investigations should focus on the following elements to improve EOR research in skull base neurosurgery: 1) multi-institutional collaboratives with treatment propensity matching; 2) expert consensus and mixed-methods study design; and 3) predictive analytics/machine learning. We believe that these methods offer several advantages that have been described in the literature and that they address limitations of previous studies. The aim of this review was to inform future study design and improve the overall quality of subsequent investigations on EOR in skull base neurosurgery.

Objective Pituitary adenomas are uncommon in the pediatric population. Although medical treatment can be effective in treating prolactinomas and some growth hormone-secreting tumors, resection is indicated in the setting of pituitary apoplexy, large or giant pituitary adenomas causing mass effect or visual loss, or when medical therapy becomes ineffective or intolerable. Modern microsurgical transsphenoidal approaches are potential avenues for resection in pediatric patients. We evaluated the outcomes and safety of this approach. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was performed from February 2002 through May 2017 for patients younger than 19 years of age that underwent a transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma resection. Results Among a total of 634 patients who underwent transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenoma resection, 24 pediatric cases were identified. Prolactinomas (29.2%) and adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting (20.8%) pituitary adenomas were the most commonly encountered histologies. Gross total resection was achieved in 75.0% of patients, and complete hormone function normalization was seen in 91.7% of patients. Eight patients (33.3%) required postoperative hormone replacement therapy. Twelve patients (50.0%) underwent fat/fascia use and 1 patient (4.2%) underwent lumbar puncture perioperatively for management of cerebrospinal fluid leak. There were no tumor recurrences during a follow-up period of 24.7 ± 32.1 months. Conclusions A modern transsphenoidal microsurgical approach proved to be a safe, well-tolerated, and effective modality in the setting of pediatric pituitary adenomas.

Objective Pituitary adenomas account for 10%–20% of intracranial brain tumors but have greater incidence in elderly patients. We assessed microsurgical treatment for pituitary adenomas in this population. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients ≥60 years of age was identified. Patients were divided into deciles by age for evaluation of variables affecting outcome: 60–70 (group 1), 71–80 (group 2), and >80 years (group 3). Results Two hundred five patients were identified among group 1 (n = 131), group 2 (n = 65), and group 3 (n = 9). Preoperative variables other than age did not differ. Most patients presented with visual disturbance, in 56.5%, 73.8%, and 50% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The next most common indication was headache, followed by endocrinopathy. Tumors were overwhelmingly nonfunctional (P = 0.97) and macroadenomas (P = 0.5) in all 3 groups. Gross total resection occurred in 56.9%–80% of patients, and this rate did not differ among groups. Complication rates of 6.9% in group 1, 9.2% in group 2, and 0.0% in group 3 were observed (P = 0.8). No perioperative mortality was identified. Mean length of follow-up ranged from 8.9 to 28.3 months. Conclusions In this series of microsurgical resection of pituitary adenomas in elderly patients, good efficacy and safety of treatment were observed. Preclusion of surgical treatment, including open resection, simply because of age is not warranted and instead a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's risk profile and surgical goals should be undertaken.

Objective Flow diversion has been an important addition to endovascular neurosurgery, but its use in the posterior circulation remains controversial. Our goal is to describe the safety and efficacy of moderate sedation during flow diversion for posterior circulation lesions (aneurysms or dissecting pseudoaneurysms). Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent placement of a Pipeline embolization device for a posterior circulation lesion using moderate sedation at a single institution from August 2012 through November 2017. Clinical data and outcomes were evaluated. Results Fifteen consecutive patients were identified: 8 female, 7 male (mean age 52.2 ± 16.3 years, range 15–81). Eleven lesions were located in the vertebral artery, 1 in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 2 in the posterior cerebral artery, and 1 in the basilar artery. All patients underwent flow diversion with Pipeline embolization devices. One patient experienced an acute occlusion of the basilar artery during the procedure that required revascularization. Mean fluoroscopy time was 35.6 ± 16.5 minutes (range 15.5–75). Mean follow-up time was 12.7 ± 8.8 months (range 3–36). No patient had new neurologic deficits in the perioperative or postoperative period. Conversion to general anesthesia was not required in any case. Conclusions Moderate sedation is safe and feasible in patients undergoing flow diversion for posterior circulation lesions. In addition, its use may allow for more rapid identification of procedural complications, facilitating emergent treatment and decreasing procedure-related morbidity.

Background The use of bibliometrics to evaluate authors, institutions, and journals faces significant challenges in comparing biomedical specialties because of marked differences among fields. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of specialty field and physician numbers on bibliometric parameters. Methods For this bibliometric analysis, data from MDLinx.com and SCImago Journal & Country Rank for 2016 were used to rank the journals. The 2015 Physician Specialty Data Report provided the number of specialists in specific fields. We assessed the means for bibliometric parameters across medical and surgical specialties. Results A total of 904 journals within 25 medical and surgical specialties were identified. Medical specialty journals had higher average total citations than did surgical specialty journals (8360 ± 16082 vs. 6217 ± 8743; P = 0.01). Medical specialties with the highest impact factor were oncology (7.8 ± 20.7), psychiatry (4.6 ± 4.0), and neurology (4.4 ± 4.1), whereas surgical specialties were led by urology (2.9 ± 3.3), cardiothoracic surgery (2.9 ± 2.7), and general surgery (2.6 ± 1.7). Impact factor and Eigenfactor score (a measure of both journal citations and caliber) were strongly correlated (r = 0.84, P = 0.0001). Comparison of impact factor per total physicians in the specialty suggested that top-ranked specialty journals were in allergy/immunology, pulmonology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Mean Eigenfactor score per total physicians showed that top journals were in cardiothoracic surgery, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine. Conclusions Journal bibliometrics, which may strongly influence professional advancement and grant funding, show dramatic differences in ranking after accounting for specialty and physician population. Improved analysis and understanding of available bibliometrics, including their limitations, are necessary to appreciate their role in measuring scholarship.

Objective No established standard of care currently exists for the postoperative management of patients with surgically resected pituitary adenomas. Our objective was to quantify the efficacy of a postoperative stepdown unit protocol for reducing patient cost. Methods In 2018–2020, consecutive patients undergoing transsphenoidal microsurgical resection of sellar lesions were managed postoperatively in the full intensive care unit (ICU) or an ICU-based surgical stepdown unit based on preset criteria. Demographic variables, surgical outcomes, and patient costs were evaluated. Results Fifty-four patients (27 stepdown, 27 full ICU; no difference in age or sex) were identified. Stepdown patients were also compared with 634 historical control patients. The total hospital length of stay was no different among stepdown, ICU, and historical patients (4.8 ± 1.0 vs. 5.9 ± 2.8 vs. 4.4 ± 4.3 days, respectively, P = 0.1). Overall costs were 12.5% less for stepdown patients (P = 0.01), a difference mainly driven by reduced facility utilization costs of –8.9% (P = 0.02). The morbidity and complication rates were similar in the stepdown and full ICU groups. Extrapolation of findings to historical patients suggested that ∼$225,000 could have been saved from 2011 to 2016. Conclusions These results suggest that use of a postoperative stepdown unit could result in a 12.5% savings for eligible patients undergoing treatment of pituitary tumors by shifting patients to a less acute unit without worsened surgical outcomes. Historical controls indicate that over half of all pituitary patients would be eligible. Further refinement of patient selection for less costly perioperative management may reduce cost burden for the health care system and patients.

Background Fibrous dysplasia is a rare, benign fibro-osseous malformation whose occurrence in the craniofacial area can result in optic nerve compression, a cerebral mass effect, and cosmetic deformity. Most lesions will progress slowly, and the risk of malignant progression is rare. Case Description We present the case of a 21-year-old woman who had presented with acute worsening visual loss secondary to hemorrhagic fibrous dysplasia with ensuing optic nerve compression. Emergent surgical decompression resulted in rapid improvement of her visual dysfunction. The pathological features demonstrated a mixed pattern of woven bone in a fibrous background and secondary aneurysmal bone cyst-like changes. Conclusions Hemorrhagic transformation of craniofacial FD remains rare but can present with acute neurologic deterioration. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can allow reversal of patient morbidity. We have also included Supplementary Video 1 to illustrate the surgical principles, and we review the reported data of similar cases.

Lenticulostriate artery aneurysms are uncommon lesions, usually found in adults post-hemorrhage. Despite their challenging location, mortality rates after initial hemorrhage are favorable. Securing the hemorrhage source is critical but may be complicated by lesional compression or thrombosis on post-hemorrhage vascular imaging. We present key steps in the diagnosis and surgical management of a ruptured lenticulostriate aneurysm. A healthy 18-year-old patient with prior intermittent prescription amphetamine use presented after acute severe headache onset while weight-lifting. On examination, he had trace left upper extremity drift and weakness but was otherwise neurologically intact. A head computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 2.9×2.6×1.7-cm right basal ganglia intraparenchymal hemorrhage, with trace subarachnoid hemorrhage in the basal cisterns. Secondary imaging including magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, CT angiogram, and digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) was negative for underlying lesions. After an uneventful recovery, a 4-month MR angiogram and subsequent DSA demonstrated a 2.7-mm right lenticulostriate aneurysm in the area of the prior hemorrhage. Treatment was recommended to prevent a rehemorrhage, with the safety of local vessel sacrifice presumed based on prior local tissue damage. Microcatheterization was unsuccessful. A right frontotemporal craniotomy for transsylvian, transinsular microsurgical aneurysm excision was performed, with image guidance used for the insular entry site. The patient was discharged home neurologically intact on postoperative day 2. At one-year follow-up, there were no new or recurrent vascular lesions on imaging. Delayed imaging is critical to identify initially occult cerebrovascular lesions after hemorrhage. The transsylvian, transinsular approach provides safe access to the basal ganglia region in selected patients.

Objective Understanding costs of microsurgical or radiosurgical treatment of intracranial meningioma may offer direction in reducing health care costs and establishing cost-effective algorithms. We used the Value Driven Outcomes database, which identifies cost drivers and tracks changes over time, to evaluate cost drivers for management of intracranial meningioma. Methods A single-center, retrospective cohort of patients undergoing microsurgery or radiosurgery of intracranial meningiomas from July 2011 to April 2017 was analyzed. Patient and tumor characteristics, subcategory costs, and potential cost drivers were analyzed within each treatment modality. Results Of 268 intracranial meningiomas, 198 were treated with microsurgery and 70 with stereotactic radiosurgery. Facility costs were the largest contributor to total costs for microsurgery (59.7%), whereas imaging costs were the largest contributor to stereotactic radiosurgery total costs (98.2%). Patients with non–skull base tumors had larger tumors (3.7 ± 1.9 cm vs. 2.7 ± 1.2 cm, P = 0.0001) and were more likely to undergo microsurgery (81.7% vs. 55.2%) than patients with skull base tumors. Univariate analysis suggested that American Society of Anesthesiologists status, length of stay, discharge disposition, and maximal tumor size impacted cost during microsurgery (P = 0.001), but only length of stay (P = 0.0001) and maximal tumor size (P = 0.01) were drivers of total costs on multivariate analysis. For radiosurgery, age significantly affected cost on univariate (P = 0.001) and multivariate (P = 0.003) analysis. Conclusions Implementing protocols to reduce facility usage and imaging would mitigate total costs and improve resource utilization while maintaining high-quality patient care. Additional cost-effectiveness studies evaluating patients with true therapeutic equipoise will provide further guidance in these efforts.

Perioperative complications after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas have been well documented in the literature; however, some complications can occur in a delayed fashion postoperatively, and reports are sparse about their occurrence, management, and outcome. Here, we describe delayed complications after transsphenoidal surgery and discuss the incidence, temporality from the surgery, and management of these complications based on the findings of studies that reported delayed postoperative epistaxis, delayed postoperative cavernous carotid pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture, vasospasm, delayed symptomatic hyponatremia, hypopituitarism, hydrocephalus, and sinonasal complications. Our findings from this review revealed an incidence of 0.6%-3.3% for delayed postoperative epistaxis at 1-3 weeks postoperatively, 18 reported cases of delayed carotid artery pseudoaneurysm formation at 2 days to 10 years postoperatively, 30 reported cases of postoperative vasospasm occurring 8 days postoperatively, a 3.6%-19.8% rate of delayed symptomatic hyponatremia at 4-7 days postoperatively, a 3.1% rate of new-onset hypopituitarism at 2 months postoperatively, and a 0.4%-5.8% rate of hydrocephalus within 2.2 months postoperatively. Sinonasal complications are commonly reported after transsphenoidal surgery, but spontaneous resolutions within 3-12 months have been reported. Although the incidence of some of these complications is low, providing preoperative counseling to patients with pituitary tumors regarding these delayed complications and proper postoperative follow-up planning is an important part of treatment planning.

Background The tuberculum sellae is a relatively common location for meningiomas. We assessed our experience with the use of transcranial resection, which, although criticized for its more invasive nature compared with endonasal approaches, may be the ideal approach in selected patients with tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with TSMs treated by frontotemporal or bifrontal open cranial resection. Clinical, radiographic, and surgical variables were analyzed. Results Forty-nine patients with a TSM treated by frontotemporal or bifrontal open cranial resection were identified. The mean patient age was 53.2 ± 14.0 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 42.3 ± 45.4 months. The mean tumor volume was 12.4 ± 18.0 cm 3 . Optic canal invasion was seen in 46.9% of the patients, and 91.8% presented with visual deficits. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 42 patients (85.7%), and near-total resection was performed in 7 patients (14.3%). Postoperatively, visual outcomes improved in 17 patients (34.7%), remained stable in 22 (44.9%), were intact in 6 (12.2%), and worsened in 1 (2.0%). Good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] ≥4) was achieved by 46 of 49 patients (93%) at discharge and by 39 of 41 patients (95.1%) at 6 months. A total of 16 manageable and self-limiting complications occurred in 16 patients. Conclusions In most patients undergoing a frontotemporal approach, a GTR/Simpson grade I resection with manageable and self-limiting surgical complications, a good 6-month GOS in most patients, and improved to stable vision were seen at follow-up. Various treatment approaches can be considered for TSM resection, but the ability to decompress the optic canal and achieve a GTR makes the frontotemporal approach attractive in many cases.

Background The use of venous duplex ultrasonography (VDU) for confirmation of deep venous thrombosis in neurosurgical patients is costly and requires experienced personnel. We evaluated a protocol using D-dimer levels to screen for venous thromboembolism (VTE), defined as deep venous thrombosis and asymptomatic pulmonary embolism. Methods We used a retrospective bioinformatics analysis to identify neurosurgical inpatients who had undergone a protocol assessing the serum D-dimer levels and had undergone a VDU study to evaluate for the presence of VTE from March 2008 through July 2017. The clinical risk factors and D-dimer levels were evaluated for the prediction of VTE. Results In the 1918 patient encounters identified, the overall VTE detection rate was 28.7%. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, an area under the curve of 0.58 was identified for all D-dimer values (P = 0.0001). A D-dimer level of ≥2.5 μg/mL on admission conferred a 30% greater relative risk of VTE (sensitivity, 0.43; specificity, 0.67; positive predictive value, 0.27; negative predictive value, 0.8). A D-dimer value of ≥3.5 μg/mL during hospitalization yielded a 28% greater relative risk of VTE (sensitivity, 0.73; specificity, 0.32; positive predictive value, 0.24; negative predictive value, 0.81). Multivariable logistic regression showed that age, male sex, length of stay, tumor or other neurological disease diagnosis, and D-dimer level ≥3.5 μg/mL during hospitalization were independent predictors of VTE. Conclusions The D-dimer protocol was beneficial in identifying VTE in a heterogeneous group of neurosurgical patients by prompting VDU evaluation for patients with a D-dimer values of ≥3.5 μg/mL during hospitalization. Refinement of this screening model is necessary to improve the identification of VTE in a practical and cost-effective manner.

Background Health care costs comprise a substantial portion of total national expenditure. Although interest in cost-effectiveness analysis in neurosurgery has increased, there has been little cross-comparison of neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to compare costs across elective neurosurgical procedures to understand whether drivers of cost differ. Methods The Value Driven Outcomes database was used to evaluate treatment costs for resection of vestibular schwannoma, intracranial meningioma, gliomas, and pituitary adenoma; anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and lumbar spinal fusion; and aneurysm treatment. Results A total of 1997 patients (mean age 54.6 ± 14.5 years; 45.2% male) were evaluated. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 4.0 ± 4.4 days. For cases involving hardware implantation, including spine fusion or aneurysm treatment, supplies and implants (49.1%) accounted for the largest fraction of costs followed by facility costs (37.9%). For cases that did not involve hardware, including tumor cases, facility costs (63.9%) were the largest fraction, followed by supplies and implants (16.2%). Aneurysm treatment and lumbar fusion were 1.5–3 times more costly than cranial tumor resection and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion per patient. Multivariate linear regression demonstrated that LOS (β = 0.7, P = 0.0001) and patient treatment type (β = 0.2, P = 0.0001) had the greatest effect on costs. LOS correlated with cost differently depending on case type; its effect was largest for patients with meningioma and smallest for patients with vestibular schwannoma. Costs across time increased similarly for all case types. Conclusions Costs for neurosurgical procedures vary widely depending on treatment type and correlated directly with LOS. Strategies to reduce cost may require different approaches depending on procedure type.

The Rhoton Collection is an archive of Dr. Al Rhoton Jr.'s anatomical images and video lectures, as well as an anatomical reference. In an effort to maximize the educational impact of these teaching materials, web-based technologies are used to dynamically format this material for a variety of devices ranging from cellular phones to projectors. Surgical cases are cross-referenced to further enhance the usefulness of this collection, which is available at http://rhoton.ineurodb.org. The features of the Rhoton Collection website are described in this article.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because arterial stiffness has been correlated with vascular risk factors, we evaluated whether the ankle-brachial index (ABI), the ratio of the ankle and brachial systolic blood pressures, can predict DCI.In a prospective cohort study, we measured the ABIs of 24 patients with aneurysmal SAH during the weeks after SAH. Angiographic vasospasm was evaluated via diagnostic cerebral angiograms. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was used to assess associations among ABI, DCI, and angiographic vasospasm.Patients were evaluated on the basis of the presence or absence of DCI (days 3-14 after SAH). Demographic and history factors were similar between the DCI and non-DCI groups. Patients in the DCI group had a greater modified Fisher grade (P = 0.029) and were more likely to have been treated via clipping (P = 0.032) and to demonstrate angiographic vasospasm (P = 0.009). Mean TCD values in the 2 groups were significantly different after day 5 in varied arterial distributions (P0.05). ABI values in the DCI group were significantly lower on posthemorrhage days 2-13 and when averaged over the 2-week study period (P0.05). An average ABI1.045 on days 2-7 was 85% sensitive and 82% specific for predicting absence of DCI.In this small single-center study, lower ABI values were strongly associated with SAH-induced DCI, which may provide a tool for managing DCI in aneurysmal SAH.

Objective No consensus exists regarding the safety and efficacy of treatment of carotid stenosis before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Our objective was to review our series of patients treated for carotid stenosis with stenting in the setting of severe aortic valve disease and TAVR to evaluate its safety and efficacy. Methods We reviewed patients who underwent carotid stenting in the setting of preoperative work-up or after TAVR from August 2012 through January 2015. Perioperative patient outcomes were collected to assess the safety and efficacy of carotid stenting. Results Five patients (4 men, 1 woman; median age, 83 years; range, 72–88 years) underwent successful carotid stenting before (median, 30 days before; range, 2 days–3 months) TAVR. The median extent of carotid stenosis was 80% (range, 75%–90%), but the diagnoses were incidental and all patients were asymptomatic. One patient suffered acute systolic heart failure during stenting requiring emergent balloon aortic valvuloplasty and vasopressor therapy. Median intensive care unit stay was 1 day (range, 1–16 days) for all patients, and 1 day for patients treated electively. The median hospital stay was 1 day (range, 1–16 days) for all patients, and 1 day for patients treated electively. All patients were discharged home. None suffered immediate or delayed neurological complications. Conclusions We successfully performed carotid stenting in 5 patients before TAVR for severe aortic pathology. These patients require intensive care and careful monitoring. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine whether carotid stenting in the setting of TAVR can provide long-term neurological benefits.

Sphenoorbital meningiomas require extensive bone removal around the superior and lateral orbital walls, superior orbital fissure, and anterior middle fossa floor. Incomplete resection can lead to recurrence or growth into the cavernous sinus (CS). A 46-year-old woman with a history of childhood leukemia treated with chemotherapy and whole-body radiotherapy had presented to an outside institution in 2004 with headache and vision changes and undergone subtotal resection for right sphenoorbital meningioma. Residual tumor growth caused progressive optic neuropathy, and she underwent multiple orbital decompressions and fractionated radiotherapy. In 2017, she underwent another craniotomy for repeat resection. Additional tumor growth causing neuropathic facial pain syndrome and progressive ophthalmoplegia was treated with orbital enucleation. On referral to our institution, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated right sphenoorbital and CS meningioma extending into the sella and nearly to the medial border of the contralateral CS. Given her complete ophthalmoplegia and recent orbital enucleation, she underwent revision right frontotemporal craniotomy for radical resection of invasive meningioma, including right internal carotid artery occlusion and CS resection (Video 1). The skull-base defect was repaired with autologous fascia and a free muscle flap. Postoperative transient aphasia and left hemiparesis resolved over several days. At the 1-month follow-up examination, she was neurologically intact, with moderate improvement of facial pain syndrome (preoperative pain score, 9 of 10; postoperative pain score, 6 of 10). Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated gross total resection. Pathological tissue analysis was consistent with grade 1 meningioma with an increased MIB-1 proliferative index, although, clinically, the tumor behaved more malignantly. The patient provided consent.

This Video 1 presents the surgical management of a 36-year-old woman who presented with progressive weakness in her right arm associated with a pins-and-needles sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed a likely hemorrhagic cavernous malformation of the spinal cord at the C3-4 level. The lesion was wholly intramedullary with no presentation to the surface of the spinal cord. It was located in the spinal cord centrally with some right-side predominance. Treatment options were presented to the patient, who agreed to surgery. A resection was performed after a hemilaminotomy at C3 and C4 levels. A biportal technique was used, demonstrating resection of the malformation through 2 small myelotomies made between the entering rootlets at the dorsal root entry zone. This was intended to preserve all roots at the entry zone while enabling visualization of the entire cavernous malformation and its cavity from 2 different portals of entry, essentially providing the same field of access while preserving all roots. After successful resection, the cavity was carefully inspected and closure of the dura was performed, followed by fixation of the osteotomy sites of the laminae at C3 and C4. The patient awoke with no new neurologic deficits and has had no evidence of lesion recurrence or symptoms in 3-year follow-up. The patient provided consent for publication.

Background Symptoms that mimic pituitary apoplexy may be encountered with other neoplastic or infectious lesions. Case Description This 38-year-old man presented with severe sudden-onset headache and relapsing and remitting vision loss. Radiographic imaging studies demonstrated radiographic features of a hyperdense, hemorrhagic mass in the sellar region. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 4-cm mass abutting the optic chiasm and compressing the pituitary. After 4-week follow-up, surveillance MRI demonstrated near-complete resolution of the previously identified planum sphenoidale and suprasellar mass. The patient re-presented 13 months later with recurrent symptoms. MRI demonstrated recurrence of the mass. Given the broad differential diagnosis, an endoscopic endonasal biopsy was obtained; the findings were suggestive of a high-grade meningioma. The patient underwent elective resection of the extraaxial lesion via a frontotemporal approach. The lesion was identified as a hemorrhagic suprasellar atypical planum sphenoidale meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient's headaches improved significantly and his right-sided visual changes resolved. After adjuvant radiotherapy (5400 cGy in 30 fractions) to the surgical cavity 3 months later, at last follow-up 5 months postoperatively, the patient was at his neurologic baseline and denied any headaches or visual sequelae. Conclusions As the most common benign intracranial tumors, meningiomas should remain in the differential for patients presenting with apoplectiform symptoms.

Background Hyperglycemic nonketotic chorea is an uncommon complication of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Patients typically develop abnormal signal changes in the striatum on imaging studies. Whereas the condition is well reported in the medical literature, reports on this topic in the surgical literature are lacking. Case Description We report the first case of striatal hyperglycemic nonketotic signal changes occurring in the setting of a frontotemporal craniotomy for resection of a sphenoid wing meningioma. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient demonstrated restricted diffusion within the bilateral caudate nuclei, globus pallidus, putamen, and thalami in response to intraoperative hyperglycemia. Normalization of the patient's serum glucose levels postoperatively was followed by improvement in the radiographic abnormalities and their associated clinical sequelae. At the patient's last follow-up appointment 5 months after surgery, MRI demonstrated complete resolution of the abnormal signal changes to the patient's neurologic baseline. Conclusions Although uncommon, striatal signal changes associated with nonketotic hyperglycemia should be recognized as a potential complication of surgery. Knowledge of this rare entity is important so that tight control of perioperative serum glucose can be achieved in diabetic patients to prevent this rare entity.

Background Postoperative posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION) is a rare cause of postoperative vision loss, most often seen when surgical patients are placed in the prone position for a prolonged period of time. We report a case of bilateral PION after far-lateral craniectomy in the lateral position. Case Description A 36-year-old man presented with a history of right extremity numbness, weakness, and muscle atrophy, and a craniocervical meningioma was diagnosed. Surgery in the lateral position lasted 9 hours, 52 minutes; the patient had 2 L of blood loss. On postoperative day 1, the patient had bilateral vision loss, which prompted further work-up. Diffusion-weighted imaging of the orbits demonstrated restricted diffusion within the bilateral optic nerves. The clinical presentation of painless vision loss after surgery with these imaging findings led to a diagnosis of PION. At the time of discharge, he had not recovered any visual function. Conclusions This case suggests that PION can occur in the lateral position where there is no direct pressure on the orbits. PION is often not discussed as a potential complication during the preoperative consent process. This case suggests it may be prudent to discuss PION in similar neurosurgical cases. Intraoperative blood transfusion should be considered in prolonged surgeries in the lateral position, where slow blood loss over a long period could be a contributing factor to development of PION.

Objective To describe surgical management with complete resection of patients with recurrent benign or malignant lesions involving the cavernous sinus after standard therapy with an emphasis on surgical indications and surgical technique. Methods Patients who underwent complete resection of the cavernous sinus for recurrent or progressive tumors or progressive infection were retrospectively identified. Results Of 8 patients who fit the inclusion criteria, 7 had recurrent or progressive tumor after previous surgery or radiation therapy or both, and 1 had progressive fungal infection (mucormycosis) despite medical treatment. Mean overall survival was 2.9 years, and 4 patients experienced complications, including 2 who died in the perioperative period. Conclusions Complete cavernous sinus resection is an option for patients with progressive or recurrent tumors after standard therapy. Extended survival can occur in some patients. The risks of surgery are considerable, and the underlying disease, age of the patient, and associated comorbidities should be considered when making the decision to operate. Surgery should be considered for oncologic resection of malignant tumors with limited extracranial disease or in patients with recurrent or progressive benign tumors. A key decision involves whether revascularization should be used with resection. Revascularization has been used in patients with inadequate vascular reserve as measured by balloon occlusion testing and patients with benign tumors and longer life expectancy.

Background A retrospective cohort study of patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM)–associated sphenoidal pneumosinus dilatans (PSD) over a recent epoch was evaluated using a propensity-matched morphometric analysis. Methods A total of 38 patients with TSM and sphenoidal PSD were identified and matched by age and sex to 32 patients without tumors (controls). Results Overall, no significant difference between test and control groups was noted in sphenoid sinus size or other parameters; however, significantly greater mean distances from the posterior margin of the planum sphenoidale to the diaphragma sella (0.76 ± 0.23 vs. 1.03 ± 0.27, respectively; P = 0.0001) and angle between the planum sphenoidale to anterior face of sella turcica (113.41 ± 10.58 vs. 123.21 ± 12.55, respectively; P = 0.001) were seen in patients with TSM and PSD, suggestive of a selective expansion of the tuberculum sellae region. TSM/sphenoid sinus morphologies were divided into 3 types (A, B, and C) based on the extent of tumor and sinus morphology. There was progressive increase in tumor volume and anteroposterior sinus diameter from sphenoidal PSD types A–C, which influenced selection of surgical approach. Conclusions This study suggests that TSM-associated sphenoidal PSD leads to more selective splaying of the tuberculum sellae region rather than cumulative increase in sinus volume. This may lead to operative corridor expansion for endonasal access to TSM associated with sphenoidal PSD. A radiologic classification scheme for sphenoidal PSD associated with TSM is suggested that may aid surgical decision-making.

Background Reducing health care costs while improving quality of care has become imperative in neurosurgical care. The Value-Driven Outcome database at the University of Utah identifies cost drivers and tracks changes over time. Methods Retrospective review was performed for transsphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas from July 2012 to September 2016. Total cost, subcategory costs, and potential cost drivers were evaluated. Results There were 272 patients (mean age 51.5 years ± 17.7, 45.6% male) with mean length of stay of 4 days ± 4 evaluated. Total costs included facility utilization (60%), physician professional fees (16%), pharmacy (11%), supplies and implants (7%), laboratory studies (5%), and imaging (1%). Facility costs were driven by neurocritical care unit (30.7%), neurosurgical operating room (16.6%), and neurosurgical floor (11.2%) costs. Multivariable linear regression, after adjusting for length of stay and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, showed that overall cost was heavily influenced by facility utilization (ρ = 0.98, P = 0.001), pharmacy (ρ = 0.71, P = 0.001), supplies and implants (ρ = 0.51, P = 0.0001), imaging (ρ = 0.51, P = 0.0001), and laboratory (ρ = 0.79, P = 0.001) costs. The top 10 outlier patients accounted for 18.7% of total costs (mean cost for all patients 0.24% ± 0.29). Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of facility utilization and pharmaceutical, supply/implant, imaging, and laboratory costs as overall cost drivers during transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection. Facility utilization was a stronger cost driver than any other aspect of care. Strategies to mitigate cost include stratifying low-risk patients to an intermediate care unit and reducing length of stay.

Objective To determine the relationship between industry payments and scholarly impact among academic neurosurgeons. Methods Faculty names and academic rank data were obtained from department websites, bibliometric data were obtained from the Scopus database, and industry payment data were obtained from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services open payments database ( openpayments.cms.gov ). The h-index was used to estimate scholarly impact. Payments were classified as “general,” “associated research,” and “research payments.” Subgroup analyses were done for academic rank, fellowship training, and sex. Results Among 1008 academic neurosurgeons, scholarly impact was greater among individuals receiving associated research industry support compared with those not receiving it. Scholarly impact also was greater among individuals who received more than $10,000 of any type of industry support compared with individuals who received less than that or no payment. This association also was seen in fellowship-trained surgeons. Female neurosurgeons were less likely than male neurosurgeons to get industry funding and were likely to get less funding. Conclusions There is a strong association between associated research funding from industry and scholarly impact among academic neurosurgeons. It's unclear whether this association is a result of funding facilitating more research projects that eventually lead to more high-impact publications, if industry is providing more funding to academic neurosurgeons with greater scholarly impact, or whether it represents intrinsic academic activity among a group of neurosurgeons who are more likely to be academically productive and procure funding from all potential sources to increase this activity.

Background Pituitary manifestation of Wegener granulomatosis (WG) is extremely rare. When there is pituitary involvement, the granulomatous inflammatory lesions involving the pituitary gland may appear several months to years after the primary diagnosis. Case Description We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and elevated serum prolactin levels. Imaging demonstrated a sellar lesion with characteristics of a pituitary macroadenoma. Treatment with cabergoline was initiated, but the tumor continued to grow during a 6-month period. Subsequent surgical exploration revealed a chronic inflammatory lesion; the patient subsequently was diagnosed with WG based on laboratory evaluation and further systemic manifestations. She had a favorable clinical and radiologic response with immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids and rituximab. Conclusions This case appears to be the first reported of a patient with unknown WG in whom the diagnosis was established after she presented with a sellar lesion mimicking a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma on initial presentation requiring surgical resection. The only endocrine abnormality discovered was moderate hyperprolactinemia. Sellar lesions with only moderate elevations in serum prolactin, particularly those that are refractory to medical management with a dopamine agonist, should prompt further investigation to confirm the diagnosis. WG should be part of the differential diagnosis of inflammatory lesions in the sella, the identification of which can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this systemic disease for optimal outcome.

Background Precisely defining complications, which are used to measure overall quality, is necessary for critical review of delivery of care and quality improvement in endovascular neurosurgery, which lacks common definitions for complications. Furthermore, in endovascular interventions, events that may be labeled complications may not always negatively affect outcome. Our objective is to provide precise definitions for quality evaluation within endovascular neurosurgery. Thus, we propose an endovascular-specific classification system of complications based on our own patient series. Methods This single-center review included all patients who had endovascular interventions from September 2013 to August 2015. Complication types were analyzed, and a descriptive analysis was undertaken to calculate the incidence of complications overall and in each category. Results Two hundred and seventy-five endovascular interventions were performed in 245 patients (65% female; mean age, 55 years). Forty complications occurred in 39 patients (15%), most commonly during treatment of intracranial aneurysms (24/40). Mechanical complications (eg, device deployment, catheter, or closure device failure) occurred in 8/40, technical complications (eg, failure to deploy flow diverter, unintended embolization, air emboli, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, dissection) in 11/40, judgment errors (eg, patient or equipment selection) in 9/40, and critical events (eg, groin hematoma, hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications) in 12/40 patients. Only 12/40 complications (30%) resulted in new neurologic deficits, vessel injury requiring surgery, or blood transfusion. Conclusions We propose an endovascular-specific classification system of complications with 4 categories: mechanical, technical, judgment errors, and critical events. This system provides a framework for future studies and quality control in endovascular neurosurgery.

The middle fossa approach (MFA) is not used as frequently as the traditional translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches for accessing vestibular schwannomas (VSs). Here, MFA was used to remove primarily intracanalicular tumors in patients in whom hearing preservation is a goal of surgery.A retrospective chart review was performed to identify consecutive adult patients who underwent MFA for VS. Demographic profile, perioperative complications, pre- and postoperative hearing, and facial nerve outcomes were analyzed with linear regression analysis to identify factors predicting hearing outcome.Among 78 identified patients (mean age, 49 years; 53% female; mean tumor size, 7.5 mm), 78% had functional hearing preoperatively (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery class A/B). Follow-up audiologic data were available for 60 patients overall (mean follow-up, 15.1 months). The hearing preservation rate was 75.5% (37/49) at last known follow-up for patients with functional hearing preoperatively. Other than preoperative hearing status (P0.001), none of the factors assessed, including demographic profile, size of tumor, and fundal fluid cap, predicted hearing preservation (P0.05). Good functional preservation of the facial nerve (House-Brackmann class I/II) was achieved in 90% of patients. The only operative complications were 3 wound infections (3.8%).Preliminary results from this single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing MFA for resection of VS showed that good hearing preservation and facial nerve outcomes could be achieved with few complications. These results suggest that resection via the MFA is a rational alternative to watchful waiting or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Background Use of traditional two-dimensional (2-D) neuroendoscopy is limited by lack of depth perception. The advent of next-generation three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopes potentially compensates for this limitation. The aim of this study was to objectively compare the 2 modalities in a controlled laboratory environment. Methods Using 2-D and 3-D endoscopes, 8 participants performed simple and complex motor tasks. Participants were divided into 3 groups: novice ( n = 3), beginner ( n = 4), and expert ( n = 1), based on prior neuroendoscopy training. Efficiency of completing simple motor tasks in an allocated time and time to complete complex motor tasks were recorded for both visualization methods with demerits for inaccuracy. Results Inaccuracy was reduced with increasing experience in the use of the 3-D endoscope for simple motor tasks such as spiral drawing ( P = 0.04), but there was no statistical difference in completion time for complex motor tasks pertaining to depth perception among the groups ( P > 0.05) or within groups for simple or complex tasks. To assess the impact on the learning curve, we analyzed the performance improvement in use of the other endoscope based on which endoscope each participant used first. There was marked improvement in accuracy and efficiency of 2-D scope use in the "3-D first" group for performing simple motor tasks such as dotted-line drawing ( P = 0.002), but no benefit was observed for complex motor tasks. Conclusions Our data do not support the superiority of the 3-D endoscope over its conventional 2-D congener, although its use may shorten the learning curve associated with neuroendoscopy, regardless of subjects' prior experience with neuroendoscopy.

Background Although prolactinomas are treated effectively with dopamine agonists, some have proposed curative surgical resection for select cases of microprolactinomas to avoid life-long medical therapy. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing transsphenoidal surgery (either microsurgical or endoscopic) and medical therapy (either bromocriptine or cabergoline) with decision analysis modeling. Methods A 2-armed decision tree was created with TreeAge Pro Suite 2012 to compare upfront transsphenoidal surgery versus medical therapy. The economic perspective was that of the health care third-party payer. On the basis of a literature review, we assigned plausible distributions for costs and utilities to each potential outcome, taking into account medical and surgical costs and complications. Base-case analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of each strategy at 5-year and 10-year time horizons. Results In the base-case scenario, microscopic transsphenoidal surgery was the most cost-effective option at 5 years from the time of diagnosis; however, by the 10-year time horizon, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery became the most cost-effective option. At both time horizons, medical therapy (both bromocriptine and cabergoline) were found to be more costly and less effective than transsphenoidal surgery (i.e., the medical arm was dominated by the surgical arm in this model). Two-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that endoscopic resection would be the most cost-effective strategy if the cure rate from endoscopic surgery was greater than 90% and the complication rate was less than 1%. Monte Carlo simulation was performed for endoscopic surgery versus microscopic surgery at both time horizons. This analysis produced an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $80,235 per quality-adjusted life years at 5 years and $40,737 per quality-adjusted life years at 10 years, implying that with increasing time intervals, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the more cost-effective treatment strategy. Conclusions On the basis of the results of our model, transsphenoidal surgical resection of microprolactinomas, either microsurgical or endoscopic, appears to be more cost-effective than life-long medical therapy in young patients with life expectancy greater than 10 years. We caution that surgical resection for microprolactinomas be performed only in select cases by experienced pituitary surgeons at high-volume centers with high biochemical cure rates and low complication rates.

An increasing number of neurological surgeons have sought fellowship training in recent years, and previous analyses have suggested these practitioners are more likely to pursue an academic career. Scholarly productivity is a key component in academic advancement.We used the h-index to evaluate whether fellowship training impacts research productivity and whether any differences exist in scholarly output among practitioners in the various neurosurgical subspecialties.Online listings from academic neurological surgery departments were used to organize faculty by academic rank and fellowship training. Using the Scopus database, we calculated the h-index for 869 full-time clinical faculty.Mean h-index did not differ between fellowship- and nonfellowship-trained practitioners (h = 12.6 vs. 13.0, P = 0.96). When organized by academic rank, the difference between h-indices of those who completed fellowships was substantially greater at all ranks, with statistical significance at the associate professor rank (P = 0.003). Upon further examination by individual subspecialties, significant differences in relative research impact were noted (P0.0001). The stereotactic and functional fellowship was found to have the greatest mean h-index score, whereas the trauma/critical care fellowship had the lowest.No significant difference existed between the mean h-index scores of neurological surgeons who completed fellowships and those who did not. However, when stratified by academic rank, a trend was observed showing greater mean h-index scores for those who completed fellowships. This trend persists across nearly all subspecialties. Overall, being a senior faculty member corresponds with a greater h-index score, regardless of whether a fellowship was completed.

Background Scalp arteriovenous malformations (sAVMs) are well-described congenital abnormalities for which co-occurrence with other vascular pathologies significantly alters management strategies. The authors describe a case in which congenital sAVM was found with concomitant intracranial, flow-dependent vascular malformation and schizencephalic developmental anomaly. Case Description A 21-year-old man presented with a right-sided bruit and an enlarging palpable, pulsatile scalp mass. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 5-cm right sAVM and an azygos anterior cerebral artery (ACA) feeding a 2-cm parafalcine vascular anomaly, as well as an unruptured 3-mm, flow-related, distal ACA aneurysm. sAVM feeders were catheterized and embolized with Onyx 18. During resection of the right frontal scalp lesion, dissection below the pericranium was developed to expose the low-flow extracranial sAVM. A supratrochlear arterial feeder and the vascular nidus were coagulated, but radical resection was avoided to prevent scalp necrosis. An anterior right frontal parasagittal craniotomy and dural opening were performed. A developmental anomaly of the right superior frontal gyrus was noted, and a dense vascular network within the anterior parafalcine fold was excised and coagulated. The distal ACA aneurysm was cauterized and wrapped to preserve the parent artery. The patient made an excellent recovery without neurologic deficits. Conclusions A review of the literature demonstrated a variety of endovascular and open surgical treatments with limited consensus on standard care. While sAVMs have been described in the literature, the combination of the diverse conditions seen in this case is unique.

Background The co-occurrence of cerebral gliomas and cavernous angiomas is rarely encountered in clinical practice. All reported cases with such association have occurred within the brain with none involving the spinal cord. Case Description The authors report the case of a hypothalamic–optochiasmatic pilocytic astrocytoma coexisting with right occipital and sacral spinal cavernomas. This 30-year-old man had an 8-year history of chronic lower back pain. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an 8.2-cm expansile multilobulated heterogeneously enhancing intradural mass within the sacral spinal canal, extending into the bilateral S1 and left S2 foramina. Brain MRI depicted a 2.9-cm lobulated heterogeneously enhancing sellar–suprasellar solid and cystic mass expanding the sella and displacing the infundibulum to the right, with a normal-appearing pituitary gland inside the sella, and an extensive supratentorial and infratentorial superficial hemosiderosis. L5-S4 laminectomy and pterional craniotomy were performed for the resection of these lesions. Histopathologic examination revealed a sacral spinal cavernoma and a suprasellar hypothalamic–optochiasmatic pilocytic astrocytoma. Conclusion The coexistence of hypothalamic–optochiasmatic pilocytic astrocytoma and occipital and sacral spinal cavernomas has not been reported previously. Especially for radiologically atypical suprasellar lesions, hypothalamic–optochiasmatic glioma should be included in the differential diagnosis of masses that can expand the sella. Besides previously postulated hypotheses of viral-induced or angiogenic factor–induced glial growth, we hypothesize that neoplastic origins of hypothalamic–optochiasmatic glioma might be due to the irritative mechanisms resulting from the frequent bleeds occurring from the spinal or cranial cavernoma.

Background Malignant degeneration of epidermoid cyst (EC) with accompanying leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) at presentation is extremely rare. We add two cases to the literature, including the first case of primary brainstem involvement with simultaneous diffuse LC, and discuss clinical and radiological cues to differentiate benign and malignant epidermoid tumors for early diagnosis. Case Description The first patient in this report was a 54-year-old woman with recurrent aseptic meningitis and hydrocephalus. Imaging revealed a prepontine and parapontine extra-axial EC with an intra-axial brainstem ring-enhancing cystic lesion, diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement, and intradural extramedullary nodular deposits throughout the spine. Surgical decompression of the cysts confirmed the diagnosis of invasive primary squamous cell carcinoma of the brainstem and benign epidermoid tumor of the cerebellopontine cistern. The second patient was a 37-year-old woman with extensive left-sided cranial neuropathies. Imaging revealed prepontine and parapontine enhancing and nonenhancing deposits along multiple cranial nerves and diffuse leptomeningeal nodular enhancement in the thoracolumbar spine. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of infiltrative, poorly differentiated carcinoma adjacent to a benign EC. Both patients underwent systemic screening to rule out metastatic disease. Conclusions These cases illustrate that a high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis of disseminated disease in cases of recurrent episodes of aseptic meningitis. In cases of primary benign EC, aggressive resection should be attempted to reduce the risk of malignant degeneration. A separate biopsy specimen from the enhancing portion of the tumor is used to rule out an underlying coexisting malignancy. Multimodal management carries the best prognosis for primary intracranial squamous cell carcinoma with LC.