Epidural Hematoma Research Articles

Anti-HMGB1 mAb Therapy Reduces Epidural Hematoma Injury.

Epidural and subdural hematomas are commonly associated with traumatic brain injury. While surgical removal is the primary intervention for these hematomas, it is also critical to prevent and reduce complications such as post-traumatic epilepsy, which may result from inflammatory responses in the injured brain areas. In the present study, we observed that high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) decreased in the injured brain area beneath the epidural hematoma (EDH) in rats, concurrent with elevated plasma levels of HMGB1. Anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody therapy strongly inhibited both HMGB1 release and the subsequent increase in plasma levels. Moreover, this treatment suppressed the up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and related molecules such as interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the injured areas. Our in vitro experiments using SH-SY5Y demonstrated that hematoma components-thrombin, heme, and ferrous ion- prompted HMGB1 translocation from the nuclei to the cytoplasm, a process inhibited by the addition of the anti-HMGB1 mAb. These findings suggest that anti-HMGB1 mAb treatment not only inhibits HMGB1 translocation but also curtails inflammation in injured areas, thereby protecting the neural tissue. Thus, anti-HMGB1 mAb therapy could serve as a complementary therapy for an EDH before/after surgery.

Torticollis and right arm weakness due to atraumatic spinal epidural hematoma in a 5-year-old girl child

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare presentation as cause of neurological weakness in children and is neurological emergency. The most commonly affected site in children is cardiothoracic region. Early management is associated with better functional outcomes. We report a 5-year-old girl who presented with long standing neck pain now presenting to emergency with torticollis and right arm weakness around shoulder joint. Magnetic resonance imaging of C-spine revealed posterior epidural hematoma that extend from C3/C4 level down to C6/C7 level, it is causing moderate spinal canal stenosis and mass-effect on the spinal cord, with mild intramedullary abnormal T2 signal intensity indicating myelomalacia. There were no predisposing factors in our patient. Epidural hematoma was drained surgically and post-surgery patient started showing neurological recovery on follow. Cases of spontaneous SEH have been reported in infants as well and the clinical features in children are often nonspecific leading to a delay in diagnosis. This case report aims to raise awareness about this neurological emergency, in which early intervention is crucial.

P.048 Prevalence, type and risk factors of intracranial hemorrhage in term neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in newborns poses a significant challenge to wellbeing and development. In preterm neonates, germinal matrix hemorrhage is most common. In term neonates, prevalence and type of ICH has not been well elucidated. This systematic review aims to assess prevalence, type, and risk factors of ICH in term neonates. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Inclusion criteria was ICH in neonates born at 37+ weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria was one type of ICH, one risk factor, sample size <20, text not in English, full text not accessible. Eligible studies were evaluated by two authors, data was extracted and analyzed using a predesigned template and MetaXL. Results: A total of 1226 records were initially identified and 20 studies were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of ICH was 9.3%. This was subdivided into an asymptomatic subgroup (5.8%) and symptomatic subgroup (29.3%). Analysis showed CT detected ICH most commonly. Extra-axial hemorrhage was most commonly detected (~30%), with subdural more common than extradural hemorrhages. The odds of having an ICH was significantly higher with instrumental delivery (3.75%). Conclusions: This shows that prevalence of ICH is relatively high in symptomatic children. Measured prevalence varies according to the type of modality used for screening.

Post-operative epidural haematoma as complication of overconsumption of dried fruit in lumbar spinal surgery: a case report and review of the literature

PurposeMebos, a traditional South Africa confection consisting of dried, pulped, and sugared apricots, is rich in fibre and vitamins, but also contains salicylic acid, flavonoids, and citric acid. We report a case of postoperative surgical site bleeding in a healthy patient who consumed approximately 2 kg of mebos per day prior to his elective spinal surgery.MethodsThe clinical course of a previously healthy 54-year-old male patient with cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent surgical intervention with subsequent bleeding into the surgical site is discussed. The cause was investigated through biochemical analysis, thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and mass and absorption spectrometry were applied to assess flavonoid, citric acid, and salicylic acid content.ResultsROTEM® revealed an abnormal clotting profile with an increased clot forming time, suggesting intrinsic coagulopathy. Mass and absorption spectrometry revealed a high total flavonoid content as well as citric acid concentration in the mebos. Salicylic acid was at detection limits of the instrument.ConclusionResults highlighted the effect of flavonoids and citric acid and therefore explain the abnormal clotting profile in this patient. Inhibition of coagulation prior to elective surgery is a known contraindication and may pose great risks in spinal surgery. In the present report, we demonstrated an association between inhibition of coagulation and an excess of the flavonoids content and citric acid concentration in mebos consumed in the days prior to elective spinal surgery.

Clinical and Imaging Characteristics, Care Pathways, and Outcomes of Traumatic Epidural Hematomas: A Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury Study.

Guideline recommendations for surgical management of traumatic epidural hematomas (EDHs) do not directly address EDHs that co-occur with other intracranial hematomas; the relative rates of isolated vs nonisolated EDHs and guideline adherence are unknown. We describe characteristics of a contemporary cohort of patients with EDHs and identify factors influencing acute surgery. This research was conducted within the longitudinal, observational Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury cohort study which prospectively enrolled patients with traumatic brain injury from 65 hospitals in 18 European countries from 2014 to 2017. All patients with EDH on the first scan were included. We describe clinical, imaging, management, and outcome characteristics and assess associations between site and baseline characteristics and acute EDH surgery, using regression modeling. In 461 patients with EDH, median age was 41 years (IQR 24-56), 76% were male, and median EDH volume was 5 cm3 (IQR 2-20). Concomitant acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) and/or intraparenchymal hemorrhages were present in 328/461 patients (71%). Acute surgery was performed in 99/461 patients (21%), including 70/86 with EDH volume ≥30 cm3 (81%). Larger EDH volumes (odds ratio [OR] 1.19 [95% CI 1.14-1.24] per cm3 below 30 cm3), smaller ASDH volumes (OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.88-0.97] per cm3), and midline shift (OR 6.63 [95% CI 1.99-22.15]) were associated with acute surgery; between-site variation was observed (median OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.01-3.48]). Six-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores ≥5 occurred in 289/389 patients (74%); 41/389 (11%) died. Isolated EDHs are relatively infrequent, and two-thirds of patients harbor concomitant ASDHs and/or intraparenchymal hemorrhages. EDHs ≥30 cm3 are generally evacuated early, adhering to Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. For heterogeneous intracranial pathology, surgical decision-making is related to clinical status and overall lesion burden. Further research should examine the optimal surgical management of EDH with concomitant lesions in traumatic brain injury, to inform updated guidelines.

Prospective comparative study of unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar spondylolisthesis

To compare the effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) and endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) in the treatment of single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Between November 2019 and May 2023, a total of 81 patients with single-segment degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar spondylolisthesis who met the selection criteria were enrolled. They were randomly divided into UBE-TLIF group (39 cases) and Endo-TLIF group (42 cases). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for low back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and serum markers including creatine kinase (CK) and C reactive protein (CRP). Total blood loss (TBL), intraoperative blood loss, hidden blood loss (HBL), postoperative drainage volume, and operation time were recorded and compared between the two groups. Serum markers (CK, CRP) levels were compared between the two groups at 1 day before operation and 1, 3, and 5 days after operation. Furthermore, the VAS scores for low back and leg pain, and ODI at 1 day before operation and 1 day, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation, and intervertebral fusion rate at 12 months after operation were compared between the two groups. All surgeries were completed successfully without occurrence of incision infection, vascular or nerve injury, epidural hematoma, dural tear, or postoperative paraplegia. The operation time in UBE-TLIF group was significantly shorter than that in Endo-TLIF group, but the intraoperative blood loss, TBL, and HBL in UBE-TLIF group were significantly more than those in Endo-TLIF group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). The levels of CK at 1 day and 3 days after operation and CRP at 1, 3, and 5 days after operation in UBE-TLIF group were slightly higher than those in the Endo-TLIF group ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the levels of CK and CPR between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12 months. VAS score of low back and leg pain and ODI at each time point after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation in the two groups ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score of low back and leg pain and ODI between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the intervertebral fusion rate between the two groups at 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). UBE-TLIF and Endo-TLIF are both effective methods for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, compared to Endo-TLIF, UBE-TLIF requires further improvement in minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue trauma and blood loss.

Epidemiology of Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States, 2018 to 2021: A National Trauma Data Bank Cohort Analysis of 3891 Patients.

Despite profound medico-socio-legal consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from intimate partner violence and domestic violence (IPV/DV), the incidence and acute outcomes of concurrent IPV/DV-TBI are not well understood. We examined US IPV/DV patients with/without TBI (IPV/DV-TBI; non-TBI) using the National Trauma Data Bank. We hypothesized IPV/DV-TBI would be associated with elevated morbidity. National Trauma Data Bank Trauma Quality Programs Participant Use Files years 2018 to 2021 were queried for patients aged ≥18 years with IPV/DV using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision external cause codes. TBI/non-TBI was defined using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis codes. TBI severity was defined by the Glasgow Coma Scale (severe = 3-8, moderate = 9-12, and mild = 13-15). Outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and discharge home. Multivariable regressions examined associations between TBI and outcomes, controlling for sociodemographic and injury severity variables. Of 3891 IPV/DV-related cases, 31.1% were IPV/DV-TBI. Cranial injuries included skull fracture (30.2%), subdural (19.8%), subarachnoid (13.4%), and epidural (1.1%) hemorrhage, contusion (8.1%), and cerebral edema (3.3%). In IPV/DV-TBI, mild/moderate/severe TBI proportions were 87.4%/4.3%/8.3%, with mean LOS 11.5 ± 10.9/14.4 ± 27.3/5.0 ± 7.7-days and mortality 0.9%/22.5%/28.6%, respectively. Compared with non-TBI, IPV/DV-TBI had more female (77.2%/64.6%, P < .001) and fewer Black patients (28.9%/36.6%, P < .001), more ICU admissions (20.9%/7.5%, P < .001) and mortality (4.1%/1.8%, P < .001), longer LOS (5.3 ± 9.5/4.5 ± 6.4-days, P = .008), and decreased discharge home (79.8%/83.8%, P = .005). Multivariable regressions confirmed the associations between TBI and ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.29, 95% CI [3.46-5.33]), mortality (aOR = 3.20 [1.99-5.15]), LOS (adjusted mean difference = +1.22 [0.68-1.76]), and inability to discharge home (aOR = 0.57 [0.46-0.71]). One-third of US IPV/DV-related trauma cases have TBI, comprising predominantly female patients. Black patients with IPV/DV-related trauma were overrepresented compared with US census estimates. IPV/DV-TBI had increased ICU admissions, LOS, in-hospital mortality, and inability to discharge home compared with non-TBI. Investigating morbidity risk factors and providing sociomedical resources during acute care are critically needed in this vulnerable population.

A Rare Case of a Spontaneous Thoracic Epidural Hematoma in a Young Male Weightlifter

A Rare Case of a Spontaneous Thoracic Epidural Hematoma in a Young Male Weightlifter

A rare case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with spontaneous resolution

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon cause of acute spinal cord compression. It is a neurological emergency that requires urgent imaging and appropriate treatment to prevent permanent neurological sequelae. Here, we present the case of a 30-year-old male with no known comorbidities who presented to the emergency department with a history of sudden onset of upper backache and chest discomfort followed by bilateral lower limb weakness. On examination, the blood pressure was 220/120 mmHg, and neurological examination showed decreased tone and power of 2/5 in bilateral lower limbs. In view of the initial chest discomfort, a cardiac evaluation was done, which was normal, followed by magnetic resonance imaging of the whole spine, which showed a lesion in the anterior epidural space suggestive of hematoma, causing spinal cord compression. A final diagnosis was C6-T2 dorsal SSEH secondary to a hypertensive emergency.

Multicenter Study Examining Temporal Trends in Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Over Six Years Using Joinpoint Regression.

The aging US population has altered the epidemiology of traumatic injury, but there are few studies examining changing patterns of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH). We examined temporal changes in incidence, demographics, severity, management, and outcomes of tICH among trauma admissions at six US Level I trauma centers over 6 years (July 1, 2016-June 30, 2022). Patients with tICH (subdural, epidural, subarachnoid, and intracerebral hemorrhage) were identified by 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. Temporal trends were examined over 12 six-month intervals using joinpoint regression and reported as biannual percent change (BPC); models without joinpoints are described as linear trends over time. There were 67,514 trauma admissions over 6 years and 11,935 (17.7%) patients had a tICH. The proportion of tICH injuries significantly increased 2.6% biannually from July 2016 to July 2019 (BPC = 2.6, p = 0.04), then leveled off through June 2022 (BPC = -0.9, p = 0.19). Similarly, the proportion of geriatric patients (≥65 years old) increased 2.4% biannually from July 2016 to July 2019 (BPC = 2.4, p = 0.001) as did injuries due to falls (BPC = 2.2, p = 0.01). Three of the four most prevalent comorbidities significantly increased: hypertension linearly increased 2.1% biannually, functional dependence increased 25.5% biannually through June 2019, and chronic anticoagulant use increased 19.0% biannually through June 2019 and then 3.1% thereafter. There were no trends in the rates of neurosurgical intervention (BPC = -0.89, p = 0.40), ED Glasgow coma score 3-8 (BPC = -0.4, p = 0.77), or presence of severe extracranial injuries (BPC = -0.7, p = 0.45). In-hospital mortality linearly declined 2.6% biannually (BPC = 2.6, p = 0.05); however, there was a 10.3% biannual linear increase in discharge to hospice care (BPC = 10.3, p < 0.001). These results demonstrate the incidence of tICH admissions is temporally increasing, and the population is growing older with more comorbidities and injuries from falls. Yet, traumatic brain injury severity and neurosurgical management are unchanged. The shift from in-patient death to hospice care suggests an increased need for palliative care services.

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Surgical Outcome Analysis of Twenty Cases

Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are rare complex spinal vascular shunts, which caninevitably lead to severe disability if remain untreated. Methods: Retrospective analysis of SDAVFs patientsina period of three years (2019 to 2021) who presented with progressive paraparesis, bladder symptoms and/or sensory disturbances. They were evaluated by MRI and localization of the fistula was done by spinal catheter angiogram. Spinal AV fistulas were simply classified as extradural and intradural.They all underwent microsurgical shunt interruption. Neurological function was evaluated by Aminoff-Logue Scale (ALS) consecutively at the day before surgery, 6 months and 1year after surgery. Results: A total of 20 patients (mean age 35 ± 10 years, 16 (80.0%) are male.The mean interval from onset to diagnosis was 6 ± 3 months. Among the anatomical location of fistulas, 1(05.0%) was in cervical, 16 (80.0%)were inthoracic, and 3 (15.0%) were in lumbar. Among the angiographic types of fistulas, 18(90.0%) were intradural and,2(10.0%) were extradural.Mean pre-treatment ALS was 5.3 and mean last examination ALS was 3.9. There was a significant improvement of the ALS between pretreatment and last examination ALS (P = 0.0009). Among 20 surgical procedures there were complications in three cases (15%): epidural hematoma in 1 case, cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 1 case and post-operative wound infection in 1 case Conclusions: In our study,microsurgical interruption of timely diagnosed SDAVF showed good and stable results over time. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2023; 12(2): 137-141

Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma: A Case Report

Spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) are a rare form of hematoma affecting the nervous axis. Spontaneous epidural hematomas are defined as the presence of blood in the epidural space without any known cause. They may be associated with coagulopathies or arteriovenous malformations. HSSE can lead to disabling neurological deficits. Imaging and rapid intervention should be initiated as soon as a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of HGSS. We report the case of a 36-year-old patient who presented with SEH in a setting of acute spinal cord compression.

A case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with stroke symptoms

Objective: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) can present with symptoms resembling stroke, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. In this case report, we aim to present a patient with SSEH whose clinical findings mimicked those of ischemic stroke. Case Presentation: A 78-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden weakness in her left arm and leg. Motor examination revealed a strength value of 3-4/5 in the left upper and lower extremities. Brain computed tomography (CT) and brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no acute neurological pathology. However, cervical MRI revealed heterogeneous signal areas in the extradural region posterior to the C3-C5 level. Further evaluation with cervical spinal CT identified an epidural hematoma. The patient was referred to neurosurgery, and surgical intervention was planned. Following surgery, the patient's motor strength was assessed as 2-3/5 in the upper and lower extremities. Conclusions: SSEH can occur in patients with multiple risk factors, although significant risk factors were not identified in our case. Paraparesis and tetraparesis are more commonly observed presentations of SSEH than hemiparesis. In our case, hemiparesis was an initial finding that resembled stroke symptoms. SSEH most frequently occurs at the C6 and T12 vertebral levels, making the location of our patient's lesion between the C3-C5 vertebrae even rarer. In summary, SSEH may rarely present with symptoms mimicking stroke, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid mismanagement.

Medical malpractice and epidural hematomas: a retrospective analysis of 101 cases in the United States.

Neurosurgeons face particularly high rates of litigation compared to physicians in other fields. Malpractice claims are commonly seen after mismanagement of life-threatening medical emergencies, such as epidural haematomas. Due to the lack of legal analysis pertaining to this condition, the aim of this study is to identify risk factors associated with litigation in cases relating to the diagnosis and treatment of epidural haematomas. Westlaw Edge, an online database, was used to analyze malpractice cases related to epidural haematomas between 1986 and 2022. Information regarding plaintiff demographics, defendant specialty, reason for litigation, trial outcomes, and payouts for verdicts and settlements were recorded. Comparative analysis between cases that returned a jury verdict in favour of the plaintiff versus defendant was completed. A total of 101 cases were included in the analysis. Failure to diagnose was the most common reason for litigation (n = 64, 63.4%), followed by negligent care resulting in an epidural haematoma (n = 44, 43.6%). Spine surgery (n = 29, 28.7%), trauma (n = 28, 27.7%), and epidural injection/catheter/electrode placement (n = 21, 20.8%) were the primary causes of haematomas. Neurosurgeons (n = 18, 17.8%) and anesthesiologists (n = 17, 16.8%) were the two most common physician specialties cited as defendants. Most cases resulted in a jury verdict in favour of the defense (n = 54, 53.5%). For cases ending in plaintiff verdicts, the average payout was $3621590.45, while the average payment for settlements was $2432272.73. Failure to diagnose epidural haematomas is the most common reason for malpractice litigation, with neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists being the most common physician specialties to be named as defendants. More than half of all cases returned a jury verdict in favour of the defense and, on average, settlements proved to be more cost-effective than plaintiff verdicts.

Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy with two-segment foraminoplasty for the treatment of very highly migrated lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective analysis.

The surgical resection of very highly migrated lumbar disc herniation (VHM-LDH) is technically challenging owing to the absence of technical guidelines. Hence, in the present study, we introduced the transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) with two-segment foraminoplasty to manage VHM-LDH and evaluated its radiographic and midterm clinical outcomes. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 33 consecutive patients with VHM-LDH who underwent TELD with two-segment foraminoplasty. The foraminoplasty was performed on two adjacent vertebrae on the basis of the migration direction of disc fragments to fully expose the disc fragments and completely decompress the impinged nerve root. The operation duration, blood loss, intra- and postoperative complications, and recurrences were recorded. Additionally, imageological observations were evaluated immediately after the procedure via magnetic resonance image and computerized tomography. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by calculating the visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The MacNab criterion was reviewed to assess the patients' opinions on treatment satisfaction. The resection rate of bony structures were quantitatively evaluated on postoperative image. The segmental stability was radiologically evaluated at least a year after the surgery. Additionally, surgery-related and postoperative complications were evaluated. The average age of the patients was 56.87 ± 7.77 years, with a mean follow-up of 20.95 ± 2.09 months. The pain was relieved in all patients immediately after the surgery. The VAS score and ODI decreased significantly at each postoperative follow-up compared with those observed before the surgery (P < 0.05). The mean operation duration, blood loss, and hospital stay were 56.17 ± 16.21min, 10.57 ± 6.92 mL, and 3.12 ± 1.23 days, respectively. No residual disc fragments, iatrogenic pedicle fractures, and segmental instability were observed in the postoperative images. For both up- and down- migrated herniation in the upper lumbar region, the upper limit value of resection percentage for the cranial SAP, caudal SAP, and pedicle was 33%, 30%, and 34%, respectively; while those in the lower lumbar region was 42%, 36%, and 46%, respectively. At the last follow-up, the satisfaction rate of the patients regarding the surgery was 97%. Surgery-related complications including dural tear, nerve root injury, epidural hematoma, iatrogenic pedicle fractures, and segmental instability were not observed. One patient (3%) suffered from the recurrence of LDH 10 months after the initial surgery and underwent revision surgery. The TELD with two-segment foraminoplasty is safe and effective for VHM-LDH management. Proper patient selection and efficient endoscopic skills are required for applying this technique to obtain satisfactory outcomes.

Incidence, Severity, and Risk Factors of Hemorrhagic Complications of Epilepsy Surgery After 2026 Craniotomies from 2003 to 2019: A Single Center Experience

Surgery is effective in the treatment of epilepsy, particularly focal epilepsy. The aim of this work was to report the incidence and grade of severity of hemorrhagic complications after cranial epilepsy surgery, and investigate the risk factors. Patients who underwent epilepsy surgery via craniotomy between October 2003 and April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications occurring in a 3-month period after cranial surgery was recorded. Other outcomes included the grade of hemorrhagic severity and risk factors. During the inclusion period, 2026 surgical procedures were performed. Sixty-six hemorrhagic complications were recorded. The total incidence of hemorrhagic complications after cranial epilepsy surgery was 3.3%. The most common type of hemorrhagic complications was epidural hemorrhage (57.6%), followed by intraparenchymal hemorrhage (33.3%). Forty-five patients (68.2%) had grade I complications, 4 (6.1%) grade II, 16 (24.2%) grade III, and 1 (1.5%) grade IV. The mortality due to hemorrhagic complications was 1.5% (1 of 66) and hemorrhagic mortality among all cranial surgery was 0.05% (1 of 2026). Left craniotomy induced a higher percentage of severe hemorrhage than the right (34.2% vs. 14.3%). Extratemporal lobe epilepsy induced a higher percentage of severe hemorrhage than other epilepsy type (34.2% vs. 14.3%). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between these two factors (P= 0.067). Hemorrhagic complications were uncommon after open surgery for epilepsy. Most hemorrhagic complications were mild while the severe were rare. Patients with hemorrhagic complications had a good prognosis after effective treatment.

Role of Visual Evoked Potential in Direct Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: A Case Report

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a rare cause of visual impairment following blunt or sharp trauma and the diagnosis is established clinically. Lesions on the optic nerve may not always be visible in neuroimaging examinations. Studies on Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) in TON patients are still limited, despite being beneficial for objectively detecting optic nerve lesions. A 16-year-old male patient was referred to the neurology clinic with a sudden loss of vision in the left eye approximately 25 days after a head injury due to a motor vehicle accident. The patient had epidural bleeding and fractures in the orbital and facial bones, as revealed by a head CT scan. Neurological examination showed a visual acuity of 1/300 in the left eye, left midriasis, and a negative light reflex in the left eye. VEP examination of the left eye revealed prolonged P100 latency and a decrease in P100 amplitude (&gt;50%), indicating a lesion in the left optic nerve. This visual impairment persisted for up to 6 months post-head trauma. TON is a vision-threatening disorder that should be considered in patients with ocular or head trauma and visual impairment. A decrease in amplitude ratio &lt;50% and prolonged P100 latency &gt;140 ms are associated with poor visual function recovery. VEP examination is an objective assessment of visual pathway integrity and serves as one modality for early TON diagnosis and a predictor of visual function prognosis in TON patients. Keywords: diagnostic; prognostic; traumatic optic neuropathy; visual evoked potential

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Presented with Acute Hemiparesis: A Stroke Mimicker (P11-5.015)

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Presented with Acute Hemiparesis: A Stroke Mimicker (P11-5.015)

Prospective randomized pilot trial comparing prophylactic and therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid drainage during complex endovascular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair

BackgroundEndovascular techniques have transformed the management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). However, spinal cord ischemia (SCI) remains a prevalent and devastating complication. Prophylactic drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is among the proposed strategies for prevention of SCI. Although prophylactic CSF drainage is widely used and conceptually attractive, prophylactic CSF drains have not been demonstrated to definitively prevent the occurrence nor mitigate the severity of SCI in endovascular TAAA repair. Whether or not outcomes of prophylactic drains are superior to therapeutic drains remains unknown. This pilot study was performed to determine the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial designed to investigate the role of prophylactic vs therapeutic CSF drains in the prevention of SCI in patients undergoing endovascular TAAA repair using branched and fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FBEVAR). MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter randomized pilot clinical trial conducted at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Massachusetts. Twenty patients were enrolled and randomized to either the prophylactic drainage or therapeutic drainage groups, prior to undergoing FBEVAR for extensive TAAAs and arch aortic aneurysms. This was a pilot feasibility study that was not powered to detect statistical differences in clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was feasibility of randomization and compliance with a shared lumbar drain protocol. Secondary outcomes included rate of drain complications and SCI. ResultsTwenty patients were enrolled and successfully randomized, without any crossovers, to either the control cohort (n = 10), without prophylactic drains, or the experimental cohort (n = 10), with prophylactic drains. There were no differences in age, comorbidities, or history of prior aortic surgery across the cohorts. All patients were treated with FBEVAR. Aneurysm classifications were as follows: Extent I (10%), Extent II (50%), Extent III (35%), and Extent IV (5%). The average length of aortic coverage was 207 ± 21.6 mm. The length of aortic coverage did not vary across cohorts, nor did procedural times or blood loss volume. Compliance with the SCI prevention protocol was 100% across both groups. Within the prophylactic drain cohort, one patient experienced an adverse event related to lumbar drain placement, manifested as an epidural hematoma requiring laminectomy, without neurologic deficit (n = 1/10; 10%). There was one SCI event (n = 1/20; 5%), which occurred in the prophylactic drain cohort on postoperative day 9 following an episode of hypotension related to a gastrointestinal bleed. ConclusionsThe role of prophylactic CSF drains for the prevention of SCI following endovascular TAAA repair is a topic of ongoing research, with many current practices based on expert opinion and experience, rather than rigorous scientific data. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a multicenter randomized clinical trial to evaluate the role of prophylactic vs therapeutic CSF drains in the prevention of SCI in patients undergoing endovascular TAAA repair.

Functional outcomes in intradural extramedullary spinal tumors.

Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors account for approximately two-thirds of benign intraspinal neoplasms. These are amenable to gross total excision but can have variable functional outcomes, which plays a key role in assessing their impact on a patient's quality of life. Understanding the functional outcomes associated with these tumors is crucial for healthcare professionals to devise appropriate treatment plans and provide comprehensive care. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 130 patients with IDEM tumors who underwent surgery in the past six years between January 2017 and December 2022 at a single institution. Patient demographics, symptoms, and tumor characteristics (anatomical and pathological) in all operated spinal IDEM tumors were analyzed. The neurological findings obtained during the preoperative stage and the postoperative follow-up were evaluated according to the Frankel grading. The back pain was assessed using the Denis pain scale (DPS). The age range, gender distribution, presentation, histopathology, and tumor characteristics were analyzed. The histopathological outcomes of the study were as follows: 56 cases of schwannoma, 37 cases of meningiomas, 16 patients of neurofibroma, six cases of epidermoid cyst, five cases each of ependymoma and dermoid cyst, three cases of arachnoid cyst, two cases of metastasis, and one case of paraganglioma. Pain was the most common symptom (38.5%), followed by weakness in limbs (31.5%), paresthesia/numbness (22.3%), and sphincter disturbance (7.7%). Complete total resection was seen in 93% of cases, with 7% undergoing subtotal excision. The complications encountered were - four cases of surgical site infection and one case each of cerebrospinal fluid leak, pseudomeningocele, and epidural hematoma. In our series, 49.3% of patients had significantly good improvement in functional outcomes as per improvement in Frankel score, and 43% of patients had good functional improvement. Significant functional improvement was noted at immediate postoperative follow-up, 2-week follow-up, and six-month follow-up periods. Reoccurrence was seen in 7 cases (5.4%). The DPS score mean values showed a significant decrease over the follow-up duration as compared to preoperative mean values. Significantly poor outcome was seen in IDEM tumours present anteriorly. The IDEM tumors are usually benign and are readily detected by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans. These have variable functional outcomes in different centers. Assessing this functional outcome is an essential aspect of managing IDEM spinal tumors. It was observed through our study that the ventral location of the tumor, thoracic tumors, and poor preoperative neurological status of the patient correspond with poorer postoperative functional outcomes. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the pain symptoms with improvement of Frankel score was seen postoperatively, thus this being suggestive of a significant improvement of functional outcome after surgery. This study helps to conclude that the morbidity associated with the resection of IDEM tumors is not as significant as originally thought to be.