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BackgroundOptical coherence tomography (OCT) is an ultra-high resolution real-time intravascular imaging method that is gaining interest in cerebrovascular applications.ObjectiveTo compare, in a rabbit elastase aneurysm model, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and OCT as diagnostic tools for the assessment of aneurysmal remnants and baseline characteristics of aneurysms after flow diverter (FD) implantation.MethodsWith Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, saccular aneurysms were created in 28 rabbits and treated with Derivo FDs. DSA was performed before, and immediately after, stent implantation. As a follow-up, DSA and OCT were performed 28 days after device implantation.ResultsDSA and OCT were successfully performed in 23 cases. OCT could not be achieved in 5 cases owing to navigational difficulties in the stent lumen with the OCT catheter. Residual aneurysms were significantly more often visible with OCT (18/23 (78%) than with DSA 12/23 (52%), p = 0.031).ConclusionOCT was more sensitive than conventional angiography for the assessment of residual aneurysms at 28 days after FD implantation in an animal model.

Flow diverter stents (FDS) are well established in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms which are difficult to treat with conventional endovascular techniques. However, they carry a relatively high risk of specific complications compared to conventional stents. A minor but frequent finding is the occurrence of reversible in-stent-stenosis (ISS) that tend to resolve spontaneously over time. Here, we report the case of a patient in their 30s who was treated with FDS for bilateral paraophthalmic internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. ISS were found at the respective early follow-up examinations on both sides and had resolved at the 1-year follow-up examinations. Surprisingly ISS reoccurred at both sides in later follow-up examinations and again resolved spontaneously. The recurrence of ISS after resolution is a finding that has not been described previously. Its incidence and further development should be investigated systematically. This might contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effect of FDS.

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent (low-grade) malignancy of B cells and is among the most common hematological cancers affecting adults. Its clinical presentation, natural course, and severity are highly variable. Management of FL depends on the clinical setting; most patients require multiple lines of treatment. Chemoimmunotherapy is the standard of care for FL patients needing treatment; however, alternative treatments are limited for refractory patients or those unfit for chemoimmunotherapy. Multiple alternatives to chemoimmunotherapy for FL are being developed, with some showing significant promise. Lenalidomide combination with rituximab (LR) is among the most successful and extensively studied novel approaches. LR has been compared head-to-head in clinical trials with rituximab monotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy in the frontline and to lenalidomide or rituximab monotherapy in the relapsed or refractory setting for the treatment of FL. Initial reports of these nine trials have been published in the last decade, and their long-term data will be available in the coming years. LR offered superior efficacy to either lenalidomide or rituximab monotherapy alone. The RELEVANCE trial compared the efficacy of LR with chemoimmunotherapy among 1030 FL patients and demonstrated similar efficacy with a different side effect profile. Myelosuppression, rash, and fatigue were among the significant adverse events. Most patients treated with LR received thromboprophylaxis. This paper aims to summarize and comment on the published evidence regarding LR treatment for FL through a literature review. The clinical trials will be presented in detail, and methodological differences complicating their comparisons will be discussed.

Ein Schadel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) durch Gewalteinwirkung kann zu einer Funktionsstorung und Verletzung des Gehirns fuhren. Akzidentelle und nichtakzidentelle Traumata sind nach wie vor weltweit die haufigste Todesursache im Kindesalter. Es wird davon ausgegangen, dass ca. 20 % der SHT bei Kindern unter 2 Jahren nichtakzidentell verursacht sind. Dem nichtakzidentellen SHT ist in allen Fallen die gewaltsame Einwirkung auf das Gehirn und Ruckenmark gemeinsam, hervorgerufen durch das massive Hin- und Herschutteln des an den Oberarmen bzw. Korper festgehaltenen Kindes. Dies kann zu einem Abriss von Blutgefasen insbesondere von Bruckenvenen fuhren sowie zu axonalen Scherverletzungen der Nervenverbindungen und Hirnschwellung. Durch die Mitbeteiligung des Hirnstamms kann es zu einem initialen kurzfristigen Atemstillstand kommen. Daraus resultierende klinische Symptome umfassen u. a. Trinkschwache, Schlafrigkeit, Apathie, zerebrale Krampfanfalle, Atemstorungen, Temperaturstorungen und Erbrechen infolge eines erhohten Hirndrucks. Langzeitstorungen konnen neben neurologischen und neuropsychologischen Storungen, Horstorungen, Sehstorungen bis zur Blindheit, Schulleistungsschwache sein. Zusatzlich finden sich auch metaphysare Frakturen und Rippenfrakturen unterschiedlichster Auspragung. Da das Schutteltrauma eine schlechte Prognose hat, sind praventive Masnahmen sinnvoll: Aufklarung!

Futbolda başarı için büyük önem arz eden hız, çeviklik, denge, kas gücü ve bilişsel performans yüksek şiddetli aralıklı egzersiz ve orta yoğunluklu sürekli egzersiz sonrası ne şekilde etkileneceği merak konusudur. Bu çalışmanın amacı ise futbolculara uygulanan aralıklı ve sürekli egzersizle oluşturulan yorgunluk sonrası hız, çeviklik, denge, kas gücü ve bilişsel performansın ne şekilde etkileneceğini incelemektir. Bu çalışmaya, profesyonel takımın alt yapısında akademi liginde futbol oynayan 24 erkek (yaş: 18.16±1.4 yıl, vücut kütlesi: 71.43±7.69 kg, boy: 175.65±8.42 cm, VKİ: 23.2±4.3 kg/m2 ; spor yaşı: 7.8±1.9 yıl) sporcu çalışmaya katılmıştır. Analizler, IBM SPSS Statistics for 25.0 kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Anlamlılık düzeyi p≤0.05 olarak belirlenmiştir. Ana bulgularımız, fiziksel performansın OYSE’ye göre YYAE’den sonra daha iyi korunabileceğini ve bilişsel performansın YYAE sonrası dinlenik duruma ve OYSE’ye göre daha iyi geliştirebileceğini ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca, OYSE’den sonra alınan ölçümlerin dinlenik duruma göre çeviklik, denge, CMJ ve SJ değerlerinde ve yine OYSE’den sonra alınan CMJ değerlerinde YYAE sonrası değerlerine göre anlamlı düzeyde farklılık bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak, aralıklı ve sürekli egzersizle oluşturulan yorgunluğun fiziksel performansı doğrudan etkilediği görülmektedir. OYSE’den sonra periferik ve merkezi yorgunluğu artması ile birlikte değerlendirilen fiziksel ve bilişsel performansın olumsuz yönde etkilendiği düşünülmektedir.

ZusammenfassungDer Pott-Puffy-Tumor (PPT) stellt als bakterielle Infektion des Sinus frontalis mit subperiostaler und intrakranieller Abszessbildung eine seltene Erkrankung in der Pädiatrie dar. Nachfolgend präsentieren wir vier Fälle eines PPT, die bei zwei Kindern (6 und 9 Jahre) und bei zwei jungen Erwachsenen (17 und 19 Jahre) auftraten. Alle Patienten wurden interdisziplinär von einem Team aus Neurochirurgie, Pädiatrie, HNO-Heilkunde, Neuroradiologie und Mikrobiologie betreut. Die Antibiotikabehandlung wurde in einem Fall mit einer endoskopischen Nasennebenhöhlenoperation (FESS) und in den anderen drei Fällen zusätzlich mit einem offenen transkraniellen Zugang zur Drainage der intrakraniellen Abszessbildung kombiniert. Da der PPT im Kindesalter mit dem Befund einer intrakraniellen Abszessbildung einhergehen kann, ist eine enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung dieser seltenen Erkrankung erforderlich.

BackgroundRecently, liquid embolic agents have emerged for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Here we describe the in vivo performance of a novel liquid embolization agent (GPX Embolic Device).MethodsElastase-induced aneurysms were embolized with a GPX prototype under balloon assistance. Digital subtraction angiography was performed pre-deployment and immediately after, and at 5, 10, and 30 min post-deployment in 10 rabbits and at 1 month in 8 rabbits. The early post-deployment intra-aneurysmal flow was graded as unchanged, moderately diminished, or completely absent. At 1 month the status of aneurysm occlusion was evaluated. Adhesion to catheter material and migration of GPX was assessed.ResultsThe mean aneurysm neck diameter, width, and height were 3.6±1.0 mm, 3.0±0.8 mm, and 7.4±1.4 mm, respectively. The mean dome-to-neck ratio was 0.9±0.2. Complete stagnation of intra-aneurysmal flow was observed in 9 of 10 aneurysms (90%) within 30 min of device deployment. One aneurysm showed moderately diminished intra-aneurysmal flow at 30 min. At 1 month, 8 aneurysms were completely occluded. There was no evidence of GPX adhesion to the catheter material. Histologically, a leukocyte and foreign body reaction to GPX was detectable 28 days after embolization.ConclusionsThis is the first preclinical study reporting the performance of a protype version of the GPX Embolic Device in a wide-neck aneurysm model. GPX showed promising results by achieving and maintaining high rates of complete angiographic occlusion, but may induce an inflammatory reaction.

Purpose Cavernous sinus dural arterio-venous malformations (dAVF) represent a pathologic connection between branches of the internal and/or external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Standard endovascular approaches for dAVF treatment are transvenous embolization through the inferior petrosal sinus or the facial vein and transarterial embolization. These approaches are not always successful or feasible, and alternative techniques are required. Here, we present a case series of a minimally invasive transorbital approach with surgical exposure and catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein for transvenous fistula coiling. Methods 14 patients with dAVFs (Barrow Type B to D) that were treated at a tertiary care medical center over a period of 13 years were included in the study. Patients with persisting dAVF associated symptoms were selected for this approach when conventional endovascular interventions were not successful or not feasible. The surgical procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. Results A successful transorbital approach was performed in all 14 cases. In 12 of 14 patients a catheter assisted successful embolization of the fistula was performed using platinum coils with no relevant residual fistula flow. In two cases, a spontaneous thrombosis of the fistula during the surgical procedure required no further embolization. No postoperative therapy-associated complications were observed. Conclusion The described approach is an effective method to embolize dAVFs in selected cases when catheter assisted transvenous and/or transarterial embolization is not successful or not feasible. In this case series we demonstrate an excellent success rate with no therapy-associated major complications.

Purpose The introduction of flow diverters (FDs) in 2007 greatly enhanced the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Here, we present our long-term clinical experience in treating unruptured intracranial aneurysms with FDs. Methods 107 patients with unruptured aneurysms and treated with an FD between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion, procedural complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Results Angiographic follow-up was available for 93 patients with a mean long-term follow-up time of 28.4 ± 21.6 months. Additional coiling was performed in 15.1% of patients ( n = 14). Adequate aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grades 3 and 4) at long-term follow-up was achieved in 94.6% of patients ( n = 88). 3.2% ( n = 3) required endovascular retreatment since the last follow-up showed a lack of aneurysm occlusion (Kamran grade 0) due to a foreshortening of the FD. Incomplete opening of the FD and parent vessel occlusion was seen in 1.1% ( n = 1) and 3.2% ( n = 3) of patients, respectively. In-stent stenosis was observed in 57% ( n = 53) of cases at short-term follow-up and 22.6% ( n = 21) at long-term, which were moderate and asymptomatic overall. In-stent stenosis decreased significantly between short- and long-term follow-ups (31.4 ± 17.0% vs 9.7 ± 13.6%, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 7.5% ( n = 7) and 1.1% ( n = 1) of patients, respectively. Good clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale: 0–2) was obtained in 97.8% ( n = 91) leading to an overall treatment-related morbidity of 2.2% ( n = 2). There was no procedural mortality. Conclusion Our study shows that FD treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is effective and safe with high occlusion rates and low rates of permanent morbidity at long-term follow-up.

ObjectiveTo determine whether thrombectomy is safe in children up to 24 hours after onset of symptoms when selected by mismatch between clinical deficit and infarct.MethodsA secondary analysis of the Save ChildS Study (January 2000–December 2018) was performed, including all pediatric patients (ResultsTwenty children with a median age of 10.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 7–14.6) years were included. Of those, 7 were male (35%), and median time from onset to thrombectomy was 9.8 (IQR 7.8–16.2) hours. Neurologic outcome improved from a median Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale score of 12.0 (IQR 8.8–20.3) at admission to 2.0 (IQR 1.2–6.8) at day 7. Median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 1.0 (IQR 0–1.6) at 3 months and 0.0 (IQR 0–1.0) at 24 months. One patient developed transient peri-interventional vasospasm; no other complications were observed. A comparison of the mRS score to the mRS score in the DAWN and DEFUSE 3 trials revealed a higher proportion of good outcomes in the pediatric compared to the adult study population.ConclusionsThrombectomy in pediatric ischemic stroke in an extended time window of up to 24 hours after onset of symptoms seems safe and neurologic outcomes are generally good if patients are selected by a mismatch between clinical deficit and infarct.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class IV evidence that for children with acute ischemic stroke with a mismatch between clinical deficit and infarct size, thrombectomy is safe.

Background: Altered gastric motility is a frequent non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been hypothesized that disturbed gastric motility contributes to motor fluctuations in PD due to an erratic gastro-duodenal transport and an unpredictable absorption of drugs. Objective: We investigated whether patient-reported fluctuations are associated with parameters of gastric motility visualized by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the stomach. Methods: We analyzed real-time MRI-scans of the stomach after an overnight fasting period in 16 PD patients and 20 controls. MRI was performed 1) in the fasting state, 2) directly after a test meal, and 3) 4 hours postprandially. Gastric motility indices were calculated and compared between groups. Results: MRI showed an attenuated gastric motility in PD patients compared to controls. The difference was most obvious in the early postprandial phase. Gastric motility was not associated with patient-reported motor fluctuations. Using an iron-containing capsule we were able to retrace retention of drugs in the stomach. Conclusion: The results of this study stress the importance of considering the phase of digestion when investigating gastric motility in PD. Despite theoretical considerations, we did not find robust evidence for an association between MRI parameters of gastric motility and patient-reported motor fluctuations. For future studies that aim to investigate gastric motility in PD by MRI, we suggest multiple short-time MRIs to better track the whole gastro-duodenal phase in PD. Such an approach would also allow to retrace the retention of drugs in the stomach as shown by our approach using an iron-containing capsule.

Background Stroke is among the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. Despite the relevance of stroke-related disease burden, which is constantly increasing due to the demographic change in industrialized countries with an ageing population and consecutively an increase in age-associated diseases, there is sparse evidence concerning acute stroke treatment and treatment-related outcome in the elderly patient group. This retrospective study aimed at analysing patient characteristics, therapy-related complications and functional outcome in stroke patients aged 90 years or older who underwent acute stroke treatment (i.e. intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, or both). Methods We identified files of all inpatient stays at the Department of Neurology at Saarland University Medical Center (tertiary care level with a comprehensive stroke unit) between June 2011 and December 2018 and filtered for subjects aged 90 years or older at the time of admission. We reviewed patient files for demographic data, symptoms upon admission, (main) diagnoses, comorbidities, and administered therapies. For patients admitted due to acute stroke we reviewed files for therapy-related complications and functional outcome. We compared the modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores upon admission and at discharge for these patients. Results We identified 566 inpatient stays of subjects aged 90 years or older. Three hundred sixty-seven of the 566 patients (64.8%) were admitted and discharged due to symptoms indicative of stroke. Two hundred eleven patients received a diagnosis of ischaemic stroke. These 211 patients were analysed subsequently. Sixty-four patients qualified for acute stroke treatment (intravenous thrombolysis n = 22, mechanical thrombectomy n = 26, intravenous thrombolysis followed by mechanical thrombectomy n = 16) and showed a significant improvement in their functional status as measured by change in mRS score (admission vs. discharge, p 0.001) with 7 (10.9%) observed potentially therapy-related complications (relevant drop in haemoglobin n = 2, subarachnoidal haemorrhage n = 1, cerebral haemorrhage n = 3, extracranial bleeding n = 1). One intravenous thrombolysis was stopped because of an uncontrollable hypertensive crisis. Patients who did not qualify for these treatments (including those declining acute treatment) did not show a change of their functional status between admission and discharge (p 0.064). Conclusion Our data indicate that acute stroke treatment is effective and safe in the oldest old. Age alone is no criterion to withhold an acute intervention even in oldest old stroke patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02566-3.

Patients with solid malignancies are more vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection than the healthy population. The outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in highly immunosuppressed populations, such as in patients with hematological malignancies, is a point of interest. We aimed to analyze the symptoms, complications, intensive care unit admissions, and mortality rates of patients with hematological malignancies infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Turkey.In this multicenter study, we included 340 adult and pediatric patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 from March to November 2020. Diagnosis and status of primary disease, treatment schedules for hematological malignancies, time from last treatment, life expectancy related to the hematological disease, and comorbidities were recorded, together with data regarding symptoms, treatment, and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection.Forty four patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis of SARS-CoV- 2 infection. Among symptomatic patients, fever, cough, and dyspnea were observed in 62.6%, 48.8%, and 41.8%, respectively. Sixty-nine (20%) patients had mild SARS-CoV-2 disease, whereas moderate, severe, and critical disease was reported in 101 (29%), 71 (20%), and 55 (16%) patients, respectively. Of the entire cohort, 251 (73.8%) patients were hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2. Mortality related to SARS-CoV-2 infection was 26.5% in the entire cohort; this comprised 4.4% of those patients with mild disease, 12.4% of those with moderate disease, and 83% of those with severe or critical disease. Active hematological disease, lower life expectancy related to primary hematological disease, neutropenia at diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, ICU admission, and first-line therapy used for coronavirus disease-2019 treatment were found to be related to higher mortality rates. Treatments with hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin were associated with a higher rate of mortality in comparison to favipiravir use.Patients with hematological malignancy infected with SARS-CoV-2 have an increased risk of severe disease and mortality.Solid malignite hastalarının şiddetli akut solunum yolu enfeksiyonu-koronavirüs-2 (SARS-CoV-2) enfeksiyonuna sağlıklı bireylerden daha yatkın oldukları gösterilmiştir. Bu verilerin ardından oldukça yoğun immünosupresif olan hematolojik malignite hastalarında SARS-CoV-2 infeksiyonu sonuçları ilgi konusu olmuştur. Biz de bu makalede Türkiye’de hematolojik malignite tanısı ile takip ve tedavi edilirken SARS-CoV-2 enfeksiyonu saptanan hastaların semptom, komplikasyon, yoğun bakım ünitesine yatış ve mortalite oranlarını değerlendirmeyi amaçladık.Çok merkezli çalışmamıza Mart-Kasım 2020 tarihleri arasında SARS-CoV-2 enfeksiyonu tanısı alan erişkin ve pediatrik 340 hastayı dahil ettik. Hastaların hematolojik malignite tanıları, hastalık statusları, tedavileri, son tedaviden enfeksiyona kadar geçen süre, komorbiditeleri, yaşam beklentileri değerlendirildi. Semptomları, oluşan komplikasyonlar ve sonuçlar analiz edildi.Kırk-dört hasta semptomsuz olarak enfeksiyonu geçirirken, semptomatik hastaların ateş, öksürük, ve dispne oranları sırasıyla %62,6, %48,8 ve %41,8 idi. Altmış altı hasta (%20) hastalığı hafif geçirirken, orta, ciddi ve kritik hastalık tanısı alanların oranı sırasıyla %29, %20 ve %16 idi. Tüm kohortta ölüm oranı %26,6 idi; ölüm hafif hastalığı olanlarda %4,4 , orta derece hastalık geçirenlerde %12 ve ciddi/kritik hastalık geçirenlerde ise %83 olarak saptandı. Aktif hematolojik hastalık olması, primer hematolojik hastalığa bağlı düşük hayat beklentisi, SARS-CoV-2 tanısı aldığında nötropenik olmak, yoğun bakıma alınmış olmak ve ilk sıra koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 tedavisi yüksek ölüm riski ile ilişkilendirilen faktörlerdendi. Tek başına veya azitromisin ile kombine olarak hidroksiklorokin kullanan hastaların sadece favipiravir kullananlara göre ölüm riskleri daha yüksek saptandı.SARS-CoV-2 infeksiyonu geçiren hematolojik malignite hastalarında daha yüksek oranda ciddi hastalık ve ölüm riski gözlenmektedir.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Therapiestrategie von Patienten mit akutem Schlaganfall der Arteria cerebri media (ACM) wird durch die Lokalisation der Okklusion beeinflusst. Diese Studie zielte darauf ab, die klinischen Ergebnisse bei Patienten mit akutem ischämischem ACM-Verschluss, die mit endovaskulärer mechanischer Thrombektomie (EVT) behandelt wurden, entsprechend dem Okklusionsort zu analysieren. Methoden Es wurden 54 Patienten (Alter: 73 ± 15 Jahre; 59 % weiblich), die aufgrund eines akuten ACM-Verschlusses mittels EVT behandelt wurden, eingeschlossen. In koronar reformatierten MIP-Bildern (Maximumintensitätsprojektion) der CT-Angiographie wurde die Distanz zum Thrombus (DT), also dem Abstand vom Karotis‑T zum Beginn des Thrombus, gemessen. Die Korrelation zwischen DT, klinischer Symptomatik und klinischem Outcome der Patienten mit EVT-Therapie wurde analysiert. Ergebnisse Die DT korrelierte mit der klinischen Symptomatik, gemessen an der National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; p = 0,017; R = −0,324), bei Aufnahme. Sie korrelierte auch mit der modifizierten Rankin-Skala nach 90 Tagen (90-Tage-mRS; p = 0,014; R = −0,333). Die DT ist ein Prädiktor für ein gutes klinisches Outcome (mRS nach 90 Tagen) nach EVT; Odds-Ratio: 1,113 (p = 0,02; 95 % Konfidenzintervall [KI] 1,017–1,219). Eine DT >10 mm korrelierte signifikant (p = 0,036) mit einem guten klinischen Outcome (90-Tage-mRS ≤2). Schlussfolgerung Die DT korreliert mit der klinischen Symptomatik von Patienten mit akutem ACM-Verschluss. Darüber hinaus sie ein unabhängiger Prädiktor für das klinische Outcome von Patienten, die an einem akuten Schlaganfall durch ACM-Okklusion leiden.

Purpose Mechanical thrombectomy using the Solitaire device has become a standard treatment of ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. Inadvertent detachment is a feared complication, which is associated with poor clinical outcome. The aim of this experimental study was to assess in a porcine model the feasibility and effectiveness of rescuing detached Solitaire devices using different stent retrievers. Methods Solitaire FR devices (4 × 15/20 mm and 6 × 20/30 mm) were placed in the axillary artery of pigs. By means of 3 different stent retrievers (Trevo ProVue; EmboTrap II revascularization device; 3D revascularization device) a total of 24 rescue maneuvers (8 per retriever) were performed by deploying the retrievers within the deployed Solitaire devices and trapping parts of the Solitaire within the microcatheter. Rescue rates, rescue time and complications were assessed. Results Overall stentectomy of the Solitaire devices was successful in all cases (100%). Time of rescue was comparable using the applied stent retrievers (Trevo ProVue; EmboTrap II revascularization device; 3D revascularization device). Complications, such as entrapment of the Solitaire-retriever complex at the intermediate catheter, Solitaire migration, vasospasm, perforation, or dissection were not observed. Conclusion Stentectomy of inadvertently detached Solitaire devices using different stent retrievers is a feasible and effective method. Rescue rates and times with the Trevo ProVue, EmboTrap II and 3D revascularization device were comparable.

The number of patients waiting for a new organ has continuously decreased in recent years. Brain death confirmation plays an important role in the clinical routine concerning a possible organ transplantation. In many countries a strictly defined protocol prescribes the required neurological examination and ancillary test criteria. Therefore, many years of experience and expertise is absolutely necessary for neurologists and neuroradiologists. Pitfalls can sometimes be very challenging for the treating physicians.

Purpose Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms using the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device has become broadly accepted. Feared complications with the potential of increased poor clinical outcome include dislocations and migration of the device. This study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of a variety of different strategies to rescue migrated WEB devices. Methods In a porcine model, WEB devices of different sizes (SL [single layer] 3.5 × 2mm and SL 4.0 × 3 mm, SL 8 × 5 mm and SLS 8 mm [single layer spherical]) were placed into both the subclavian and axillary arteries. A total of 32 rescue maneuvers (8 per rescue device) were performed. Small WEBs were rescued using reperfusion catheters (RC) (SOFIA Plus and JET 7), larger WEBs were rescued using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator). Rescue rates, times, attempts and complications were assessed. Results Rescue attempts of migrated WEBs were successful in all cases (100%). Rescue time (p = 0.421) and attempts (p = 0.619) of small WEBs using RCs were comparable without significant differences. Aspiration alone was not successful for larger WEBs. Rescue of larger WEBs was slightly faster (122.75 ± 41.15 s vs. 137.50 ± 54.46 s) with fewer attempts (1 vs. 1.37) when using the Microsnare compared to the Alligator device. Complications such as entrapment of the WEB in the RCs, vasospasm, perforation, or dissection were not observed. Conclusion Rescue of migrated WEB devices is a feasible and effective method and 100% successful rescue rates and appropriate rescue times can be achieved for small WEBs using RCs and for larger WEBs using dedicated rescue devices (Microsnare and Alligator).

The association between myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Behçet syndrome (BS) is recognized for over 25 years. High frequency of trisomy 8 and intestinal ulcers are striking features of this association. There are no recommendations for how these patients should be treated. A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed using the keyword combination "(((((intestinal) OR gastrointestinal) OR ulcer) OR Behcet*)) AND ((myelodysplastic syndrome) OR MDS)" in March 2019. Our aim was to gain insight regarding clinical responses to individual treatment modalities. A recent case was also presented and included in the analysis. Data from 41 articles reporting on a total of 53 patients carried adequate information to assess treatment responses. Glucocorticoids provided benefit in 23 of 43 patients. Azacitidine, decitabine, thalidomide, and cyclosporine contributed to a clinical improvement in 4/6, 2/3, 3/4, and 5/8 patients respectively. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was successful in 9 of 13 patients. With the use of TNF inhibitors, azathioprine, and mesalamine derivatives, clinical improvement was observed in 3/11, 0/4, and 6/18 patients respectively. Patients with MDS and BS-like features who are resistant to glucocorticoids have so far benefited more from treatment approaches directed at MDS, rather than the immunosuppressive agents used for BS.

The introduction of low-profile stent systems has broadened and facilitated the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. This retrospective case series study was conducted to assess and compare the clinical and angiographic outcomes of patients with complex intracranial aneurysms who were treated with ACCLINO® (AS) and ACCLINO® flex stents (AFS). In 85 patients (female 61; male 24) a total of 95 complex intracranial aneurysms, 71 (74.7%) in the anterior circulation and 24 (25.3%) in the posterior circulation were treated. Angiographic and clinical data, aneurysm characteristics and follow-up results were analyzed. The AS was used in 47 cases (49.5%) and the AFS in 48 cases (50.5%). Initial angiography after the intervention showed a complete occlusion in 52.6% (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification [RROC] 1), a neck remnant in 38.9% (RROC 2) and an incomplete occlusion in 8.4% (RROC 3). Follow-up (AS: 25.2 ± 15.4 months; AFS: 9.6 ± 8.0 months) revealed an occlusion rate of 70.5% (RROC 1), 27.4% (RROC 2) and 2.1% (RROC 3). There was no statistically significant difference between the initial (p = 0.484) and the follow-up occlusion rate (p = 0.284) when comparing the two devices. Recoiling was performed in 8 cases (8.4%). The overall complication rate was 9.5% with 5 strokes (5.3%), 2 hemorrhages (2.1%), 1 in-stent stenosis (1.1%), 1 stent occlusion (1.1%) and 2 stent thromboses (2.1%). There was no procedure-related mortality. Using the ACCLINO® and ACCLINO® flex stent system is a feasible and effective procedure with an acceptable safety profile. Initial and follow-up angiographic results were satisfactory.

PurposeMechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. However, recanalization fails in about 16.5% of interventions. We report our experience with unsuccessful MT and analyze technical reasons plus patient-related parameters for failure.MethodsFive hundred ninety-six patients with acute ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation and intention to perform MT with an aspiration catheter and/or stent retriever were analyzed. Failure was defined as 0, 1, or 2a on the mTICI scale. Patients with failing MT were analyzed for interventional progress and compared to patients with successful intervention, whereby parameters included demographics, medical history, stroke presentation, and treatment.ResultsOne hundred of the 596 (16.8%) interventions failed. In 20 cases, thrombus could not be accessed or passed with the device. Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is common in those patients. In 80 patients, true stent retriever failure occurred. In this group, coagulation disorders are associated with poor results, whereas atrial fibrillation is associated with success.The administration of intravenous thrombolysis and intake of nitric oxide donors are associated with recanalization success. Intervention duration was significantly longer in the failing group.ConclusionIn 20% of failing MT, thrombus cannot be reached/passed. Direct carotid puncture or surgical arterial access could be considered in these cases.In 80% of failing interventions, thrombus can be passed with the device, but the occluded vessel cannot be recanalized. Rescue techniques can be an option. Development of new devices and techniques is necessary to improve recanalization rates. Assessment of pre-existing illness could sensitize for occurring complications.

Pott's puffy tumor (PPT) is an infection of the frontal sinus with subperiosteal and intracranial abscess formation and one of the rare entities in pediatrics. We present a series of four cases of PPT that occurred in two children (6 and 9 years) and in two young adults (17 and 19 years). All patients were treated by an interdisciplinary team of pediatric, neurosurgical, ENT, radiological, and neuroradiological specialists. Antibiotic treatment was combined with single endoscopic surgery in one case and combined endoscopic sinus surgery with an open transcranial approach to drain intracranial abscess formation in three cases. It is important to be aware that PPT occurs in children with the finding of intracranial abscess formation. Therefore, a close interdisciplinary cooperation for successful treatment is needed in this rare disease.Der Pott-Puffy-Tumor (PPT) stellt als bakterielle Infektion des Sinus frontalis mit subperiostaler und intrakranieller Abszessbildung eine seltene Erkrankung in der Pädiatrie dar. Nachfolgend präsentieren wir vier Fälle eines PPT, die bei zwei Kindern (6 und 9 Jahre) und bei zwei jungen Erwachsenen (17 und 19 Jahre) auftraten. Alle Patienten wurden interdisziplinär von einem Team aus Neurochirurgie, Pädiatrie, HNO-Heilkunde, Neuroradiologie und Mikrobiologie betreut. Die Antibiotikabehandlung wurde in einem Fall mit einer endoskopischen Nasennebenhöhlenoperation (FESS) und in den anderen drei Fällen zusätzlich mit einem offenen transkraniellen Zugang zur Drainage der intrakraniellen Abszessbildung kombiniert. Da der PPT im Kindesalter mit dem Befund einer intrakraniellen Abszessbildung einhergehen kann, ist eine enge interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung dieser seltenen Erkrankung erforderlich.

International audience; This paper aims to analyse international collaborations in science and inventive activity and investigate how the landscape of knowledge production in Europe has changed in the past 25 years. We further aim to analyse to what extent collaborations in science and collaborations in patents are related at the regional level. These collaborations can be set up by researchers, universities and firms, and governments fund such collaborative initiatives (e.g., EU’s Framework Programmes). Thus, both academics and policy makers will benefit from knowing the impact of collaborations in research and patents. The paper has four research questions: 1) Do patent and research networks in Europe have similar dynamics? 2) Do patentshave any impact on the formation and evolution of research networks? 3) Do the innovation performances of regions affect the formation and evolution of research networks? 4) Do the innovation performances of regions affect the formation and evolution of patent networks? By answering these questions our ultimate aim is to coin a new concept we refer as “knowledge cohesion” and provide a critical look at the smart specialization policies in Europe.

Purpose Flow Diverters (FD) have immensely extended the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the past years. Complete aneurysm occlusion is a process that often takes a certain amount of time and is usually difficult to predict. Our aim was to investigate different syngo iFlow parameters in order to predict aneurysm occlusion. Methods Between 2014 and 2018 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with a FD were reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion and complication rates have been assessed. In addition, various quantitative criteria were assessed using syngo iFlow before, after the intervention, and after short and long-term digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Results A total of 66 patients hosting 66 cerebral aneurysms were included in this study. 87.9% (n = 58) aneurysms in the anterior and 12.1% (n = 8) in the posterior circulation were treated. Adequate aneurysm occlusion at long-term follow-up (19.05 ± 15.1 months) was achieved in 90.9% (n = 60). Adequately occluded aneurysm revealed a significantly greater peak intensity delay (PI-D, p = 0.008) and intensity decrease ratio (ID-R, p 100%) after FD implantation resulted in an ID-R Conclusion The applied syngo iFlow parameters were found to be useful in predicting adequate aneurysm occlusion and foresee aneurysm growth, which might indicate the implantation of another FD.

Background Tandem occlusions can complicate medical and endovascular stroke treatment. To identify these occlusions, computed tomography angiography (CTA) represents the best imaging modality. However, CTA is still not initially performed in some patients not admitted directly to stroke centers. Early identification of an additional occlusion of the proximal extracranial internal carotid artery may improve the best suitable treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to find a valuable threshold of thrombus attenuation in a non-contrast head CT (NCCT) scan to facilitate a safe diagnosis of tandem occlusions. Materials and methods Consecutive patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions who underwent endovascular treatment were identified from our registry of neuroendovascular interventions. Thrombus attenuations of the affected MCA and contralateral vessel were measured by NCCT. To compare individual baseline blood attenuations, the difference between the thrombus attenuation and the contralateral MCA attenuation (referred to as ΔTM) was calculated. Results Three hundred and twenty-five patients were included. There was a highly significant difference between mean thrombus attenuation with isolated MCA occlusion and additional extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (49.9 ± 8 vs. 56.2 ± 10 Hounsfield units (HU); P Conclusion Despite a significant difference in thrombus attenuation in MCA occlusions with an additional extracranial ICA occlusion compared with isolated MCA occlusions, a relevant threshold of thrombus attenuation was not found.

Kurz nach Beginn der globalen COVID-19-Pandemie begannen auch die Berichte uber neurologische Komplikationen bei infizierten Patienten. In zahlreichen Fallberichten und Fallserien wird seither uber assoziierte Erkrankungen des zentralen und peripheren Nervensystems und zerebrovaskulare Komplikationen berichtet. In diesem Artikel geben wir einen kurzen Uberblick uber die im Moment noch recht unubersichtlichen bisherigen Erkenntnisse.

In patients with neurosurgical interventions requiring dura reconstruction, the use of bovine graft material may be required. Case report. We present a 12-year-old girl with a profound graft reaction with severe neurologic symptoms mimicking post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis after resection of an infra-tentorial brain tumour. It is important to take into consideration this rare clinical entity in children and adults after dura reconstruction using allogenic graft (bovine) material in order to avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics and antiviral drugs.

It has been hypothesized that microstents which are used to prevent coil protrusion in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms may have flow diverting and therefore occlusive effects. In a rabbit elastase aneurysm model, we investigated the aneurysm occlusion rate and vessel reaction of a braided Accero stent prototype with porosity in the lower range of other available (non-flow-diverter) microstents.Ten aneurysms were induced the right subclavian artery in New Zealand white rabbits and treated with the Accero stent prototype. In each subject, a second stent was implanted in the abdominal aorta to cover the origins of branch arteries. Angiographic follow-up and explantation of the devices and aneurysms for histological analysis were performed after 3 months (n = 5) and 6 months (n = 5).Grades I ( 50%) and II ( 50%) occlusion rates were observed in 9 (90%) and 1 (10%) of ten aneurysms treated with the stent device. The mean reduction in contrast filling at 6 months was 42.1% (p = .02). Neointima thickness was significantly higher in the subclavian artery than in the abdominal aorta after 3 (p = .03), whereas not after 6 months (p = .1). No cases of inadequate wall apposition, branch artery occlusion or stent thrombosis were observed.The present study showed flow remodelling properties of the device prototype with progredient aneurysm occlusion. A larger in vivo study with induced aneurysm should be done to confirm these results.

ZusammenfassungDer Schlaganfall ist ein fokal-neurologisches Defizit auf dem Boden einer akuten Durchblutungsstörung. Therapieoptionen sind rt-PA-Lyse und neuroradiologische Thrombektomie. Letztere ist in Lokalanästhesie, Analgosedierung oder auch in Vollnarkose möglich. Dabei sollten wichtige (patho)physiologische und pharmakologische Aspekte in die anästhesiologische Versorgung von Schlaganfallpatienten einfließen, um das neurologische Ergebnis zu optimieren.

Die genaue Diagnosestellung der metabolischen Erkrankungen des Zentralnervensystems (ZNS) stellt aufgrund der unspezifischen Veranderungen der weisen Substanz, der Seltenheit der Erkrankungen und der vielen moglichen Differenzialdiagnosen eine Herausforderung fur den befundenden Neuroradiologen dar. Der Goldstandard zur Abklarung einer metabolischen ZNS-Erkrankung ist die Durchfuhrung einer kranialen MRT. Zusatzlich kann eine MR-Spektroskopie zur weiteren Eingrenzung dieser Krankheitsentitat behilflich sein.

This study aimed to investigate in vivo two stent technologies, with particular emphasis on thrombogenicity and inflammatory vessel remodeling processes. The micro-stents tested in this study were developed for intracranial aneurysm treatment. In our study twelve, New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups: 18 laser-cut stents (LCS) and 18 braided stents (BS) were impanated without admiration of antiplatelet medication. Three stents were implanted into each animal in the common carotid artery, subclavian artery, and abdominal aorta. Digital subtraction angiography was performed before and after stent implantation and at follow-up for the visualization of occurring In-stent thromboembolism or stenosis. The Stents were explanted for histopathological examination at two different timepoints, after 3 and 28 days. Angiographically neither in-stent thrombosis nor stenosis for both groups was seen. There was a progressive increase in the vessel diameter, which was more pronounced for BS than for LCS. We detected a higher number of thrombi adherent to the foreign material on day 3 for BS. On day 3, the neointima was absent, whereas the complete formation observed was on day 28. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the thickness of the neointima. The in vivo model of our study enabled the evaluation of blood and vessel reactions for two different stent technologies. Differences in vessel dimension and tissue around the stents were observed on day 28. Histological analysis on day 3 enabled the assessment of thrombotic reactions, representing an important complementary result in long-term studies., Projekt DEAL

Juvenile angiofibroma is a benign tumor, whose surgical treatment may be complicated due to intraoperative hemorrhage. The tumors appear as well circumscribed, reddish masses, which often extend into the complete nasal cavity and nasopharynx.Diagnosis is based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with angiography to identify supplying blood vessels.Open resection.The endoscopic endonasal resection is the therapy of choice and may be combined with open surgery after endovascular embolization. Radiation or hormone therapy are alternatives for patients with very advanced tumors or high surgical morbidity. Depending on location and age of the patients, residual tumors after surgery can be watched only or treated with radiotherapy.Preoperative endovascular embolization lowers intraoperative blood loss by about 70%, induces tumor shrinkage, and facilitates resection. The endonasal approach will lower the peri- and postoperative morbidity.An endonasal approach combined with preoperative endovascular embolization should be preferred over open resection, but requires expertise as well as modern endoscopy and navigation equipment. MRI follow-ups should be performed regularly until after puberty. Recurrence after puberty is very uncommon.

Background and Purpose: This randomized study aimed to evaluate whether the use of a stroke clock demanding active feedback from the stroke physician accelerates acute stroke management. Methods: For this randomized controlled study, a large-display alarm clock was installed in the computed tomography room, where admission, diagnostic work-up, and intravenous thrombolysis occurred. Alarms were set at the following target times after admission: (1) 15 minutes (neurological examination completed); (2) 25 minutes (computed tomography scanning and international normalized ratio determination by point-of-care laboratory completed); and (3) 30 minutes (intravenous thrombolysis started). The responsible stroke physician had to actively provide feedback by pressing a buzzer button. The alarm could be avoided by pressing the button before time out. Times to therapy decision (primary end point, defined as the end of all diagnostic work-up required for decision for or against recanalizing treatment), neurological examination, imaging, point-of-care laboratory, needle, and groin puncture were assessed by a neutral observer. Functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) was assessed at day 90. Results: Of 107 participants, 51 stroke clock patients exhibited better stroke-management metrics than 56 control patients. Times from door to (1) end of all indicated diagnostic work-up (treatment decision time; 16.73 versus 26.00 minutes, P P P =0.002), (4) end of computed tomography angiography (14.00 versus 17.17 minutes, P =0.001), (5) end of point-of-care laboratory testing (12.14 versus 20.00 minutes, P P =0.016) were improved. In contrast, door-to-groin puncture times and functional outcomes at day 90 were not significantly different. Conclusions: This study showed that the use of a stroke clock demanding active feedback significantly improves acute stroke-management metrics and, thus, represents a potential low-cost strategy for streamlining time-sensitive stroke treatment.

Kurz nach Beginn der globalen COVID-19-Pandemie begannen auch die Berichte über neurologische Komplikationen bei infizierten Patienten. In zahlreichen Fallberichten und Fallserien wird seither über assoziierte Erkrankungen des zentralen und peripheren Nervensystems und zerebrovaskuläre Komplikationen berichtet. In diesem Artikel geben wir einen kurzen Überblick über die im Moment noch recht unübersichtlichen bisherigen Erkenntnisse.

In order to harmonize and standardize the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) produced recommendations in the previous years. ELN gathered CML...

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) may be associated with thrombocytopenia which might have different mechanisms in different patients and in different phases of the disease. Cytokine release, thrombotic consumption or autoimmune destruction are some leading etiologies of thrombocytopenia in COVID‐19. This case report presents a 41‐year‐old male COVID‐19 patient who had petechiae and purpura as the referral symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed isolated thrombocytopenia with no other additional pathologic findings. Most probable diagnosis was COVID‐19 induced immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment generated a good response. There were four other recent publications with a total of eight cases in the literature. The presented case was discussed in comparison with those similar cases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Purpose The Woven Endobridge device (WEB) has become widely applied for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Complications are rare, however, especially dislocations and migrations can potentially increase poor clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of rescuing migrated Woven Endobridges using different stent retrievers. Methods In a porcine model, Woven Endobridges of different sizes (SLS 4, SLS 7, SL 5 × 3, SL 4 × 3) were placed into the axillary arteries. By means of two different stent retrievers (Solitaire Platinum and 3D Revascularization Device), a total of 20 rescue maneuvers were performed. For this purpose, the retrievers were deployed distally of the migrated Woven Endobridges. After retracting the stent retrievers partially, the Woven Endobridges were trapped within the microcatheter. Rescue rates, time, attempts and complications were assessed. Results Successful rescue of the migrated Woven Endobridges was observed in all cases (100%). Rescue was slightly faster (177.8 ± 72.8 s vs. 223.4 ± 104.1 s) with fewer attempts (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9) when using the 3D Revascularization Device compared to the Solitaire Platinum. However, there were no significant differences (p = 0.327; p = 0.554). Migration of the Woven Endobridges during rescue was seen with both stent retrievers in a comparable frequency (p = 0.642). Further complications, such as entrapment of the stent-retriever–WovenEndobridge-complex at the intermediate catheter, vasospasm, perforation or dissection, were not observed. Conclusions Rescue of migrated Woven Endobridges using stent retrievers is a feasible and effective method. Rescue rates, times and attempts with the Solitaire Platinum and 3D Revascularization Device are comparable with each other.

Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated the benefit for many cancer types, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, urothelial cancer, renal cell cancer, etc. Especially in advanced non-small cell lung cancer, significant improvement in survival results has been shown. Case Report Here, we report a 66-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma who received nivolumab for 80 cycles. Management and Outcome: Two months after discontinuing nivolumab, he developed follicular lymphoma. Pneumonitis was also accompanied, which was treated with metilprednisolon, but he died due to progressive respiratory failure. Discussion Our clinical knowledge with checkpoint inhibitors is increasing day by day, and to the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first case in the English literature who developed follicular lymphoma after discontinuing nivolumab in non-small cell lung cancer patient.