Search

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare skeletal disorder characterized by the replacement of normal bone with fibrous connective tissue, leading to abnormal bone formation. This case report details the successful treatment of a 61-year-old woman with FD at the craniovertebral junction (CVJ). The patient, who had a history of intracranial meningioma and had already been diagnosed with FD, experienced worsening gait disturbance and muscle weakness following a fall. Imaging studies revealed extensive polyostotic FD lesions in the skull and cervical spine, along with a C2 odontoid fracture causing spinal cord compression. The patient underwent occipitocervical fixation and decompression surgery. Intraoperative O-arm navigation was used to ensure accurate screw placement and effective decompression. This procedure allowed for proper positioning of the C2 and C3 pedicle screws, resection of the hyperplastic occipital bone and C1 posterior arch, and placement of the occipital plate with avoiding the cyst components. At a 2-year follow-up, there were no signs of screw loosening, and the patient showed marked clinical improvement. This case emphasizes the importance of tailored surgical strategies and the use of advanced navigational technologies in managing complex FD cases, particularly those involving the CVJ. It also highlights the challenges of treating polyostotic FD, where complete resection is often unfeasible. The successful outcome in this case supports the use of decompressive surgery combined with stabilization to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

Background: Abrupt discontinuation of overused medications is standard treatment for medication overuse headache (MOH), but discontinuation is difficult to maintain. The aim was to evaluate the real-world clinical results of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody (CGRP-mAb) treatment for migraine with MOH without abrupt drug discontinuation and no hospitalization. Methods: Data were collected before starting CGRP-mAb injections (baseline) and 1 month after each injection. The following items were compared between baseline and after the first, second, and third CGRP-mAb injections, monthly headache days (MHD), monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly acute medication use (AMU) days, monthly total amount of AMU tablets, headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), and the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ). Achieving reduction rates ≥50 % in the frequency of each headache and migraine was defined as a good response. Achieving reduction rates of both AMU days and tablets ≥50 % was defined as effective in reducing AMU. Results: This study included 33 patients with migraine with MOH. After the third CGRP-mAb injection, MHD and MMD were significantly decreased from median 30.0 to 9.5 days, and 10.0 to 1.5 days, respectively. In addition, monthly AMU days and tablets were significantly decreased from median 28.0 to 8.0 days, and 30.0 to 9.5 tablets, respectively. After the third CGRP-mAb injection, the good MHD and MMD responder rates were 75.0 % and 85.7 %, respectively. The rate of reducing AMU was 78.6 %. HIT-6 and MSQ scores decreased significantly from baseline to after each CGRP-mAb injection. Conclusions: When CGRP-mAb was administered to migraine with MOH, frequency of headache symptoms and AMU were reduced without abrupt drug discontinuation and no hospitalization.

Abstract Background The surgical techniques for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a common neurosurgical condition, have been discussed in a lot of clinical literature. However, the recurrence proportion after CSDH surgery remains high, ranging from 10 to 20%. The standard surgical procedure for CSDH involves a craniostomy to evacuate the hematoma, but irrigating the hematoma cavity during the procedure is debatable. The authors hypothesized that the choice of irrigation fluid might be a key factor affecting the outcomes of surgery. This multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to investigate whether intraoperative irrigation using artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACF) followed by the placement of a subdural drain would yield superior results compared to the placement of a subdural drain alone for CSDH. Methods The study will be conducted across 19 neurosurgical departments in Japan. The 1186 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups: irrigation using ACF or not. In either group, a subdural drain is to be placed for at least 12 h postoperatively. Similar to what was done in previous studies, we set the proportion of patients that meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation at 7% in the irrigation group and 12% in the non-irrigation group. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who meet the criteria for ipsilateral reoperation within 6 months of surgery (clinical worsening of symptoms and increased hematoma on imaging compared with the postoperative state). The secondary endpoints are the proportion of reoperations within 6 months, the proportion being stratified by preoperative hematoma architecture by computed tomography (CT) scan, neurological symptoms, patient condition, mortality at 6 months, complications associated with surgery, length of hospital stay from surgery to discharge, and time of the surgical procedure. Discussion We present the study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial to investigate our hypothesis that intraoperative irrigation with ACF reduces the recurrence proportion after the removal of chronic subdural hematomas compared with no irrigation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov jRCT1041220124. Registered on January 13, 2023.

There is a lack of agreement on whether minimally invasive lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion (LLIF) is a suitable treatment option for vertebral fragility fractures (VFFs). Hence, we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LLIF in the management of VFF with neurological deficits in the lumbar spine. Between April 2015 and March 2020, we conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with VFF treated with three-level or less LLIF. The participants had previously received conservative treatment but had not been able to control their neurological symptoms. To assess the outcomes of the LLIF procedures, the patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Clinical and radiological results, which include the timing and location of the bony fusion, were analyzed. The study involved 19 patients with 23 vertebral fracture levels. The residual height of the fractured vertebra was found to be 57.0 ± 12.3% of the height of the adjacent level. The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score significantly improved postoperatively. Postoperative radiological parameters were significantly maintained at 1 year, and lumbar lordosis was maintained at the last follow-up (45.0 ± 26.7). In total 31 LLIF levels, bone fusion was observed in four levels at 6 months postoperatively, in 16 levels at 1 year, and in 23 levels at the last follow-up. The facet joint had the highest bony fusion location. LLIF within three levels can be safely performed in certain VFF cases with sufficient residual vertebral height.

Abstract Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) often causes neurological deterioration and is treated with hematoma evacuation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of various machine learning models to preoperatively predict the functional outcome of patients with CSDH. Data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent CSDH surgery at two institutions: one for internal validation and the other for external validation. The poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3–6 upon hospital discharge. The unfavorable outcome was predicted using four machine learning algorithms on an internal held-out cohort (n = 188): logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, and light gradient boosting machine. The prediction performance of these models was also validated in an external cohort (n = 99). The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) of each machine learning-based model was found to be high in both validations (internal: 0.906–0.925, external: 0.833–0.860). In external validation, the SVM model demonstrated the highest ROC-AUC of 0.860 and accuracy of 0.919. This study revealed the potential of machine learning algorithms in predicting unfavorable outcomes at discharge among patients with CSDH undergoing burr hole surgery.

Abstract Background Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the neuromodulation therapies for chronic neuropathic pain. The conventional paresthesia-based SCS involves the application of tonic stimulation that induces a sense of paresthesia. Recently, new SCS stimulation patterns without paresthesia have been developed. Differential target multiplexed (DTM) stimulation and fast-acting subperception therapy (FAST) stimulation are the latest paresthesia-free SCS patterns. Methods A single-center, open-label, crossover, randomized clinical trial to investigate the superiority of SCS using the latest new stimulation patterns over conventional tonic stimulation for neuropathic pain is planned. This study consists of two steps: SCS trial (first step) and SCS system implantation (second step). In the SCS trial, participants will be randomly assigned to 4 groups receiving stimulation, including tonic, DTM, and FAST. Each stimulation will then be performed for 2 days, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain will be evaluated before and after each stimulation pattern. A stimulation-off period for 1 day is set between each stimulation pattern to wash out the residual previous stimulation effects. Pain improvement is defined as more than 33% reduction in the pain VAS. The primary analysis will compare pain improvement between the new stimulation patterns and the conventional tonic stimulation pattern in the SCS trial. The secondary outcomes will be evaluated as follows: (1) the relationships between causative disease and improvement rate by each stimulation pattern; (2) comparison of pain improvement between the DTM and FAST stimulation patterns in all cases and by causative disease; (3) changes in assessment items preoperatively to 24 months after the implantation; (4) preoperative factors associated with long-term effects defined as continuing for more than 12 months; and (5) adverse events related to this study 3 months after the implantation. Discussion This study aims to clarify the effectiveness of the latest new stimulation patterns compared to the conventional tonic stimulation. In addition, which stimulation pattern is most effective for which kind of causative disease will be clarified. Trial registration Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) 1,042,220,094. Registered on 21 November 2022, and last modified on 6 January 2023. jRCT is an approved member of the Primary Registry Network of WHO ICTRP.

Impingement of the common peroneal nerve, a branch of the L5 nerve root, causes common peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy (CPNE). Although there are cases of CPNE associated with L5 radiculopathy, surgical intervention's effectiveness remains to be elucidated. This retrospective case-control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of surgery in patients with CPNE associated with L5 radiculopathy. Twenty-two patients (25 limbs) with surgically treated CPNE between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The limbs were classified into two groups: group R (limbs of CPNE associated with L5 radiculopathy) and group O (limbs of CPNE without L5 radiculopathy). The durations from onset to surgery, the nerve conduction studies (NCSs), and postoperative improvement rates for motor weakness, pain, and dysesthesia were compared between the groups. Group R included 15 limbs (13 patients), and group O included 10 limbs (9 patients). There were no significant differences in the duration from onset to surgery or abnormal findings of NCS between the two groups. The postoperative improvement rates were 88% and 100% (p = 0.62) for muscle weakness, 87% and 80% (p = 0.53) for pain, and 71% and 56% (p = 0.37) for dysesthesia in group R and group O, respectively, without significant differences between groups. CPNE associated with L5 radiculopathy is common, and the results of the present study showed that the surgical outcomes in such cases were satisfactory and comparable to those in CPNE without L5 radiculopathy.

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI), both traumatic and non-traumatic, is refractory to various treatments. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the neuromodulation therapies for neuropathic pain, although SCS has insufficient efficacy for neuropathic pain after SCI. The reasons are presumed to be inappropriate locations of SCS leads and conventional tonic stimulation itself does not have a sufficient analgesic effect for the pain. In patients with past spinal surgical histories, the cylinder-type leads are likely to be placed on the caudal side of the SCI because of surgical adhesions. Differential target multiplexed (DTM) stimulation is one of the latest new stimulation patterns that is superior to conventional stimulation. Methods A single-center, open-label, randomized, two-way crossover trial is planned to investigate the efficacy of SCS using DTM stimulation placing a paddle lead at the appropriate site for neuropathic pain after SCI in patients with spinal surgical histories. The paddle-type lead delivers energy more efficiently than a cylinder-type lead. This study consists of two steps: SCS trial (first step) and SCS system implantation (second step). The primary outcome is rates of achieving pain improvement with more than 33% reduction 3 months after SCS system implantation. The secondary outcomes are to be evaluated as follows: (1) effectiveness of DTM and tonic stimulations during the SCS trial; (2) changes of assessment items from 1 to 24 months; (3) relationships between the result of the SCS trial and the effects 3 months after SCS system implantation; (4) preoperative factors associated with a long-term effect, defined as continuing for more than 12 months; and (5) whether gait function improves from 1 to 24 months. Discussion A paddle-type lead placed on the rostral side of SCI and using DTM stimulation may provide significant pain relief for patients with intractable neuropathic pain after SCI in patients with past spinal surgical histories. Trial registration Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) jRCT 1042220093. Registered on 21 November 2022, and last modified on 6 January 2023. jRCT is approved as a member of the Primary Registry Network of WHO ICTRP.

The Occipito(O)-C2 angle reflects the correct craniocervical spine alignment; however, the poor image quality of standard intraoperative fluoroscopy at times lead to inaccurate measurements. Herein, we preliminarily investigated the relationship between the O-C2 angle and the Gonion-C2 distance, which is based on the positioning of the mandible and the cervical spine. We enrolled patients who underwent cervical spine radiography in neutral, flexion, and extension positions from January 2020 to October 2020. The difference by posture changes for each parameter was defined as the Δ value, and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was determined. Furthermore, we determined the cutoff value of the ΔGonion-C2 distance to predict a decrease of > 10° in the ΔO-C2 angle, which is reported to be related to dysphagia and dyspnea. Seventy-four patients were included. Spearman's rank correlations for the neutral, flexion, and extension positions were 0.630 (P < 0.001), 0.471 (P < 0.001), and 0.625 (P < 0.001), respectively, while the cutoff values of the ΔGonion-C2 distance for predicting > 10° in the ΔO-C2 angle were 9.3 mm for the neutral flexion change (sensitivity: 0.435, specificity: 0.882) and 8.3 mm for the extension-neutral change (sensitivity: 0.712, specificity: 0.909). The O-C2 angle and Gonion-C2 distances correlated; however, this correlation was weaker in the flexed position. Nevertheless, the ΔGonion-C2 distance can be used as a warning sign for postoperative complications after posterior occipital bone fusion surgery, because a decrease of > 10° in the ΔO-C2 angle can be predicted with high specificity.

The goal of this study is to perform correlation analysis of Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury and define the morphological traits of thoracolumbar (TL) burst fractures connected to PLC injury. Forty patients with surgically repaired TL burst fractures between January 2013 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were split into two groups for comparison based on MRI (Group P: patients with a confirmed or suspected PLC injury; Group N: patients with PLC injury denied). The radiographic morphological examination based on CT scans and clinical evaluation was performed and compared between two groups. The thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score (TLICS), the load sharing classification (LSC) scores, and the number of patients with neurological impairments were considerably greater in Group P. Loss of height of the fracture (loss height), local kyphosis of the fracture (local kyphosis), and supraspinous distance were significantly higher in Group P and significantly associated with PLC injuries indicating severe vertebral body destruction and traumatic kyphosis in multivariate logistic analysis [odds ratio: 1.90, 1.06, and 1.13, respectively]. Cutoff value for local kyphosis obtained from the receiver operating characteristic curve was 18.8. If local kyphosis is greater than 18.8 degrees on CT scans, we should take into account the probability of the highly damaged burst fracture associated with PLC injury. In this situation, we should carefully assess MRI to identify the spinal cord injury or spinal cord compression in addition to PLC injury because these instances likely present with neurological abnormalities.

The study of genetic alterations and molecular biology in central nervous system (CNS) tumors has improved the accuracy of estimations of patient prognosis and tumor categorization. Therefore, the updated 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification includes various diagnostic genes, molecules, and pathways for diagnosis, as well as histological findings. These findings are expected both to have diagnostic applications and to facilitate new targeted therapies that target tumor-specific genetic changes and molecular biology. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) are rare CNS tumors that are difficult to treat because they occur in eloquent areas. Although the genetic underpinnings of IMSCTs remain unclear compared to their intracranial counterparts, the genetic characteristics of these tumors are gradually being revealed. Here, we describe the major changes in the new 2021 WHO classification and review the major types of IMSCTs, with an emphasis on their clinical features and genetic alterations.

Objective The purpose of this study is to find the clinical and radiographic characteristics of traumatic craniocervical junction (CCJ) injuries requiring occipitocervical fusion (OC fusion) for early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 12 patients with CCJ injuries presenting to St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto who underwent OC fusion and looked into the following variables; (1) initial trauma data on emergency room arrival, (2) associated injuries, (3) imaging characteristics of computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (4) surgical procedures, surgical complications, and neurological outcome. Results All patients were treated as acute spinal injuries and underwent OC fusion on an emergency basis. Patients consisted of 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 47 years (range, 18–82 years). All patients sustained high-energy injuries. Three patients out of 6 patients with normal BAI (basion-axial interval) and BDI (basion-dens interval) values showed visible CCJ injuries on CT scans. However, the remaining 3 patients had no clear evidence of occipitoatlantal instability on CT scans. MRI clearly described several findings indicating occipitoatlantal instability. The 8 patients with normal values of ADI (atlantodens interval interval) demonstrated atlantoaxial instability on CT scan, however, all MRI more clearly and reliably demonstrated C1/2 facet injury and/or cruciate ligament injury. Conclusion We advocate measures to help recognize CCJ injury at an early stage in the present study. Occipitoatlantal instability needs to be carefully investigated on MRI in addition to CT scan with special attention to facet joint and ligament integrity.

Summary: The transcriptome analysis of injured Xenopus laevis tadpole and mice suggested that Neurod4L.S., a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor, was the most promising transcription factor to exert neuroregeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals. We generated a pseudotyped retroviral vector with the neurotropic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) envelope to deliver murine Neurod4 to mice undergoing SCI. SCI induced ependymal cells to neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central canal. The LCMV envelope-based pseudotypedvector preferentially introduced Neurod4 into activated NSCs, which converted to neurons with axonal regrowth and suppressed the scar-forming glial lineage. Neurod4-induced inhibitory neurons predominantly projected to the subsynaptic domains of motor neurons at the epicenter, and Neurod4-induced excitatory neurons predominantly projected to subsynaptic domains of motor neurons caudal to the injury site suggesting the formation of functional synapses. Thus, Neurod4 is a potential therapeutic factor that can improve anatomical and functional recovery after SCI.

Genetic analysis in glioma has been developed recently. Spinal cord glioma is less common than intracranial glioma. Thus, the clinical significance of genetic mutations in spinal cord gliomas remains unclear. Furthermore, because the spinal cord is an important communication channel between the brain and the rest of the body, increased attention should be paid to its functional prognosis. In this study, we investigated the functional prognosis and driver genetic mutations in eight patients with spinal cord gliomas (World Health Organization grade I, three cases; grade II, two cases; grade III/IV, three cases). IDH mutations were detected in all grade II cases and H3F3A mutations were detected in all grade III/IV cases. The functional status of grade I and II gliomas remained unchanged or improved 1 year after surgery, whereas grade III/IV gliomas remained unchanged or deteriorated. Spinal glioma progenitor cells with H3F3A mutations were associated with accelerated tumor-associated spinal cord injury, which led to functional impairment. Conversely, the presence of IDH mutations, which are rarely reported in spinal gliomas, indicated a relatively favorable functional prognosis.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the most useful technique for diagnosing spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM). In recent years, with the improvement of imaging capabilities, the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) imaging by fusing various modalities has been recognized. The use of 3D fusion imaging with a workstation connected to an angiography system has been reported in many cases of intracranial disease, but less frequently for spinal AVM. In this article, we describe two illustrative cases of spinal AVM in which 3D fusion imaging was useful for treatment. Although 3D fusion images using the system have the disadvantage that only a maximum of two images can be fused, it provides spinal surgeons with useful information for preoperative evaluation in a small amount of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perivascular spaces are fluid-filled spaces that surround the perforating vessels of the brain and are normal findings on brain imaging. These are usually asymptomatic and are considered a manifestation of aging. Perivascular spaces occasionally undergo significant enlargement and are referred to as tumefactive perivascular spaces, which are often indistinguishable from neoplastic lesions. Spontaneous regression of tumefactive perivascular spaces during follow-up is rare. We report the imaging findings and clinical course of a patient who showed spontaneous regression of tumefactive perivascular spaces in the anterior temporal lobe, together with a literature review and discussion regarding the characteristics and pathogenesis of spontaneous regression of tumefactive perivascular spaces. Most studies in the available literature report tumefactive perivascular spaces in the anterior temporal lobe; in our view, the characteristics of anterior temporal lobe tumefactive perivascular spaces may differ from those of tumefactive perivascular spaces that occur at other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal arachnoid webs (SAW) occur when abnormally thickened bands of arachnoid membranes commonly located dorsal to the thoracic spine cause blockage of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, resulting in focal cord compression and myelopathy. The pathognomonic MR finding for SAW is the "positive scalpel sign" comprised of an enlarged dorsal CSF space with a normal ventral subarachnoid space. The main differential diagnostic consideration for SAW is idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH); however, for ISCH, MR studies classically demonstrate ventral displacement of the spinal cord through an anterior dural defect. Here, we describe a 60-year-old female with an atypical SAW at the T3-T4 level (i.e., the preoperative MR failed to demonstrate the "positive scalpel sign"). Nevertheless, at surgery, intraoperative ultrasonography confirmed that SAW was present and was decompressed/marsupialized/removed. Case Description: A 60-year-old female presented with sensory impairment to both lower extremities. The thoracic MR images showed an enlarged dorsal CSF space at the T3-T4 level but without the "scalpel sign" suggesting "interruption" of CSF flow by thickened bands of focal dorsal arachnoidal tissues. Although the initial preoperative diagnosis was ISCH, intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) confirmed the presence of a thickened arachnoid band, confirming the diagnosis of a SAW that was appropriately decompressed/resected. Conclusion: Correctly, establishing the preoperative diagnosis of a SAW based on MR imaging may sometimes be difficult as the typical "scalpel sign" may not be present in all patients. Notably, in cases like this one, IOUS may critically confirm the diagnosis of SAW thus leading to appropriate SAW decompression/removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sacral dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are often undiagnosed at the initial presentation due to their rarity. Case Description: For 1 year, a 71-year-old man developed progressive motor and sensory disturbances in both legs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord edema with mild contrast enhancement at the T9-10 and T12 levels. Although mild venous dilatation was observed only at the cauda equina level, it was not initially recognized as abnormal. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests and spinal angiography of the lower thoracic to upper lumbar levels were nonspecific. The patient was unsuccessfully treated with three courses of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone. Ultimately, following repeat spinal angiography (i.e., including the bilateral internal iliac arteries) that revealed a low-flow sacral dural AVF supplied by the right lateral sacral artery, the patient underwent successful surgical venous AVF occlusion/transection. Conclusion: In cases of spinal cord edema without perimedullary abnormal flow voids, careful spinal angiography including the sacral spine is necessary even if only minimal venous dilation is initially observed at the cauda equina level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertebral hemangiomas are the most common benign vertebral tumors and are usually asymptomatic. Aggressive subtypes of the tumor, called aggressive VHs (AVHs), can become symptomatic with extraosseous extensions and require surgical removal. We present a case of AVH in a 36-year-old man presenting with low back pain and right leg pain that persisted for three months. Imaging studies showed a Th12 vertebral tumor that extended into the spinal canal and was squeezing the spinal cord. Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy indicated vertebral hemangimoa. Following preoperative arterial embolization, piecemeal gross total resection was attained under navigation guidance. He was left with no neurological deficit and remained well at the 12-month postoperative folow-up. Since AVHs are benign tumor, piecemeal removal of the tumor can be selected. However, disadvantage of the approach include difficulty of making decision how much to remove the front part of the vertebral body close to thoracic descending aorta. Furthermore, when the tumor tissue is too hard to curett, manipulation in tight spaces near the spinal cord carries the risk of damaging it. Navigation-guided drill is highly helpful for real-time monitoring of ongoing tumor resection. It enables safely resection of the tumor especially in the anterior cortical surface of the vertebral body and easily resection even hard tumors. This method results in reducing residual tumor and maintaining safety resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]