Good Neurological Results Research Articles

Brachial Artery Access for Carotid Artery Stenting: A Pooled Analysis.

Introduction In the realm of Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS), various access methods such as Transfemoral access (TFA), Transradial Artery access (TRA), and Transbrachial access (TBA) have been employed. While TFA is widely established, TRA and TBA offer alternative options. TBA lacks comprehensive studies, and there is a notable lack of comprehensive evidence systematically evaluating its outcomes. Material and Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of TBA for CAS by conducting a thorough search on Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies reporting TBA for CAS and evaluating primary outcomes such as good neurological results, procedural success, and complications were included. Studies with fewer than 4 patients were excluded. Results After a meticulous selection of 1837 literature articles, 11 studies were meticulously chosen for the comprehensive examination, involving a total of 273 patients. The analysis of nine studies revealed a consistent 100% procedural success rate with minimal variability (95% CI: 98% to 100%). In the final assessment of neurological status across eight studies, good neurological outcomes were observed in 99% (95% CI: 98% to 100%). Additionally, nineteen complications were identified, leading to a 1% rate (95% CI: 0% to 9%). Among the 223 patients in eight studies, resulting in a pooled estimate of 0% mortality (95% CI: 0% to 1%), indicating a favorable safety profile. Conclusion The results of TBA for CAS demonstrate a highly effective and safe procedure. Despite the limitations, TBA can be an option in patients with no other access available, and further comparative studies are required to establish definitive conclusions. Key-words: Brachial, Carotid, Carotid artery stenting, Stent, Transbrachial.

Neurological Outcomes of Normothermia versus Targeted Temperature Management in Post-cardiac Arrest Syndrome.

To determine the neurological outcome of targeted temperature management (TTM)for patients scoring lower than 8 on the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) upon return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest. Retrospective cohort study. Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Sakarya University Education And Research Hospital, Sakarya, Turkey from January 2018 to October 2019. Data of patients hospitalised in the AnaesthesiaIntensive Care unit for cardiac arrest receiving TTM and standard supportive therapy were analysed. Neurological outcome was evaluated with cerebral performance category (CPC) scores. Hospital stay and 30-day mortality was also noted. Data from 58 patients were analysed; 31 had received standard supportive therapy (non-TTM group) and 27 were treated with TTM (TTM group). There was no significant difference in hospital stay and patients' 30-day mortality between the two groups. The number of patients in the TTM group with CPC scores of 1 and 2, rated as a good neurological result, was significantly higher (n=11,40.7%) than in the non-TTM group (n=2, 6.5%;p=0.002). The number of patients with CPC scores of 3 and 4, rated as having a neurological disability,was higher in the non-TTM group (n = 9, 29%) than in the TTM group (n=1, 3.7%). Neurological results were better in the TTM group of patients with ROSC. However, there was no significant difference in mortality between the TTMand non-TTM groups. Key Words:Targeted temperature management, Cardiac arrest, Neurological outcome, Cerebral performance category.

Extradural minipterional approach: Evolving indications of the minipterional craniotomy

Background: In this paper, we report a clinical series of skull base lesions operated on trough the MiniPT, extending its application to skull base lesions, either using the classical minipterional or a variant, we call extradural minipterional approach (MiniPTEx).Methods: We describe our surgical technique of operating on complex skull base lesions using a minipterional extradural approach. Anterior clinoidectomy, middle fossa peeling, transcavernous, and Kawase approaches were performed as needed. In total, we carried out 24 surgeries: three skull base tumors, 1 Moyamoya case, and 20 giant/complex intracranial aneurysms. All the patients present good neurological result (mRs < 3). Only two patients had paralysis of any cranial nerve and only one patient had a mild hemiparesis.Results: This surgery series there are 24 cases, 10 patients were treated with exclusive MiniPT. MiniPT extradural approach was made in 14 patients. Twelve were treated using pure MiniPTEx approach, 1 patient using transcavernous approach, and in 1 patient, the anterior clinoid was resected with the combination of a MiniPT, a medium fossa peeling, and the Kawase anterior petrosectomy for skull base surgery.Conclusion: We further advance the indications of the MiniPT by extending it to operate on the cranial base tumors or complex vascular lesions without additional morbidity. MiniPT approach may be safely associated with skull base techniques, including anterior and posterior clinoidectomies, peeling of the middle fossa, transcavernous approach, and anterior petrosectomy. The versatility of the MiniPT craniotomy and the feasibility of performing skull base surgery through the MiniPT technique have been demonstrated in this paper.

ACİL SERVİSE KARDİYOPULMONER ARREST NEDENİYLE GETİRİLEN VE SPONTAN DOLAŞIMI GERİ DÖNEN OLGULARDA ÇEKİLEN BİLGİSAYARLI BEYİN TOMOGRAFİNİN PROGNOZU BELİRLEMEDEKİ YERİ

AMAÇ: Acil serviste kardiyopulmoner arrest nedeniyle müdahale edilen hastalarda, spontan dolaşımın sağlanması sonrası çekilen bilgisayarlı beyin tomografinin hasta prognozunu belirlemedeki yerini değerlendirmeyi amaçladık.GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM: Çalışmamız, 28 kardiyopulmoner arrest hastası ile retrospektif olarak yapıldı. Hastaların demografik bilgileri, arrest yeri, arrest etyolojisi, kardiyopulmoner resüsitasyon süresi, sağ kalım süresi ve Glasgow Sonlanım Skalası, bilgisayarlı beyin tomografisi bulguları ve çekim zamanı değerlendirildi.BULGULAR:Hastalar yaşam sürelerine göre 30 günün altında yaşayanlar (1. grup) ve 30 günün üzerinde yaşayanlar (2.grup) olarak iki gruba ayrıldı. 1.ayın sonunda 13 (%46.43) hasta sağ kaldı. Sağ kalan hastaların 6 (%46.15)’sı iyi nörolojik sonuca sahipti. İlk bir ay içerisinde ölen hastalarda bilgisayarlı beyin tomografide hipodansite görülme oranı düşük iken gri-beyaz cevher silinmesi görülme oranı bazal ganglion düzeyinde %80 ve daha üst seviyelerde %100’dü. Hastane dışı arrest olan hastaların tümünde tomografide hipoksi bulgusu saptanırken hastane içinde arrest olan hastaların %70’inde hipoksi bulgusu vardı.SONUÇ: Kardiyak arrest sonrası bilgisayarlı beyin tomografide görülen hipodansiteye ek olarak gri-beyaz cevher silinmesi ve seviyeleri değerlendirildiğinde sağ kalım ve prognoz açısından tahmin yapılabilir.

Endovascular and microsurgical treatment for spinal arteriovenous malformations. Our experience

Objective – to improve the treatment quality for patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVM).Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of endovascular and surgical treatment of patients was made. In SO «Scientific-practical Center of endovascular neuroradiology NAMS of Ukraine» since 2005 till 2018 were operated 55 patients (34 (61.8 %) men and 21 (38.2 %) women). The age of patients ranged from 11 to 62 years (middle age is 45.3 years). The classification proposed by Anson and Spetzler in 1992 was used in order to divide patients into experimental groups: type I, arteriovenous fistula (AVF); type II, glomus intramedullary AVM; type III, juvenile AVM; and type IV, perimedullary AVF. Patients with type I were 36 (65.5 %), with ІІ type – 10 (18.2 %), with ІIІ type – 5 (9.0 %), with IV type – 4 (7.3 %). For diagnostics were used MRI and spinal angiography. The Aminoff–Logue scale was used for assessment of the neurological deficiency severity. Early postoperative complications (CSF) leakage, wound infection, early postoperative worsening) were counted.Results. 12 (21.8 %) patients were treated using the microsurgical method and 43 (78.2 %) were treated endovascular. We used endovascular and microsurgical methods to treat patients with I type spinal AVM. Microsurgical intervention for 9 (33 %) patients was performed. Complete disconnection of fistula was achieved in 9 patients. Early postoperative complication (CSF leakage) was observed in 1 (11 %) case. Endovascular treatment was performed for 27 (67 %) patients. Total disconnection was achieved in 16 (59 %) cases, 17 patients (63 %) had early transient neurological worsening. Embolization is the first-line treatment for patients with type II AVM – 8 (80 %) patients. Complete obliteration of AVM was attained in 5 patients (62.5 %), 6 (75 %) patients suffered from early worsening of postoperative neurological symptoms. The microsurgical method was used in case of low risk of spinal cord injury in 2 patients (20 %), AVMs were excluded totally in 2 patients and in 1 patient neurological deterioration was stabilized. All patients with III type AVM were treated endovascular. AVM was obliterated complete in 1 patient (20 %). Three (60 %) patients had transient neurological deterioration. Endovascular method was used to treat 3 (75 %) patients with type IV AVM. Totally disconnection of AVM was achieved in 1 (33 %) patient. Super-selective catheterization of all conductive arteries was not possible. Neurological worsening was observed in 1 (33 %) patient.Conclusions. Angiography is the first-line diagnostic method which permits to find the most effective and safe way (endovascular or/and microsurgical treatment) to disconnect AVM from spinal cord bloodstream. Microsurgical intervention helps to achieve eye-controlled total arteriovenous disconnection. Microsurgical technique usage leads to good neurological results – neurological improvement the following day after surgery in all cases of AVM type I treatment. The structure of AVM determines effectiveness, radicality, method of treatment and the level of feeder artery catheterization. The main goal of embolization to achieve the safe catheterization level of the afferent. Multimodal treatment, which includes endovascular and microsurgical methods, is the most effective in case of AVM II and III types.

Revascularization experience and results in ischaemic cerebrovascular disease: Moyamoya disease and carotid occlusion

IntroductionCerebral revascularization techniques are an indispensable tool in the current armamentarium of vascular neurosurgeons. We present revascularization surgery experience and results in both moyamoya disease and occlusive cerebral ischaemia. Patients and methodsPatients with ischaemic occlusive disease and moyamoya disease who underwent microsurgical revascularization between October 2014 and September 2017 were analysed. ResultsIn the study period, 23 patients with occlusive ischaemic disease underwent microsurgical revascularization. Three patients presented with serious postoperative complications (2 intraparenchymal haemorrhages in the immediate postoperative period and one thrombosis of the femoral artery). All patients, except one, achieved normalisation of the cerebral haemodynamic reserve (CHR) in the SPECT study. Twenty patients had a good neurological result, with no ischaemic recurrence of the revascularized territory. Among patients with moyamoya, 20 had moyamoya disease and 5 had moyamoya syndrome with unilateral involvement. Five patients were treated at paediatric age. Haemorrhagic onset occurred in 2 patients. The CHR study showed haemodynamic compromise in all patients. Cerebral SPECT at one year showed resolution of the haemodynamic failure in all patients. There have been 4 postoperative complications (acute subdural haematoma, two subdural collections and one dehiscence of the surgical wound). No patient presented with neurological worsening at 6 and 12months of follow-up. ConclusionsCerebral revascularization through end-to-side anastomosis between the superficial temporal artery and a cortical branch of the middle cerebral artery is an indisputable technique in the treatment of moyamoya disease and possibly in a subgroup of patients with symptomatic occlusive ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

A microsurgical anterior cervical approach and the immediate impact of mechanical retractors: A case control study.

Introduction:A microsurgical anterior cervical approach with discectomy and fusion (MACDF) is one of the most widely used procedures for treating radicular disorders. This approach is highly successful; however, it is not free from complications. These can be associated with soft tissue injuries.Aim of the Study:The recognition of the risks for these complications should be identified for timely prevention and safe treatment.Materials and Methods:Study Design: Retrospective case control study. This study includes a retrospective case series of 37 patients, paying special attention to immediate complications related to the use of mechanical retraction of soft tissue (dysphagia, dysphonia, esophageal lesions and local hematoma); and a comparative analysis of the outcomes after changes in the retraction method.Results:All selected cases had a positive neurological symptom response in relation to neuropathic pain. Dysphagia and dysphonia were found during the first 72 h in 94.1% of the cases in which automatic mechanical retraction was used for more than one hour during the surgical procedure. A radical change was noted in the reduction of the symptoms after the use of only manual protective blades without automatic mechanical retraction: 5.1% dysphagia and 0% dysphonia in the immediate post-operative period, P = 0.001.Conclusions:Soft tissue damage due to the use of automatic retractors in MACDF is not minor and leads to general discomfort in the patient in spite of good neurological results. These problems most often occur when automatic retractors are used continuously for more than 1 hour, as well as when they are used in multiple levels. Dysphagia, dysphonia and local pain decreased with the use of transient manual blades for retraction, and with intermittent release following minimally invasive principles.

Palliative surgery for cervical spine metastasis.

The present study aimed to assess the immediate/early clinical outcomes and surgical results of 11 consecutive patients who underwent palliative cervical spine surgery for symptomatic spinal metastases. This single-surgeon retrospective case series analysed 12 surgical procedures that were performed for symptomatic cervical spinal metastasis in 11 consecutive patients. All surgeries were carried out at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, from 2007 to 2013. Preoperative medical oncological assessment/staging was performed on each patient--all patients presented with either axial neck pain or neurological deficits, and had no bladder or bowel symptoms. The primary outcomes analysed were postoperative neurological power and improvement in neck pain. Anterior (n = 5), posterior (n = 4) and combined (n = 2) surgical approaches were used for decompression and stabilisation. Comparing between pre- and postoperative pain scores (scored according to the visual analog scale), and pre- and postoperative limb power scores (scored according to the Medical Research Council scale for muscle strength), we found that all patients showed improvement in their symptoms. Postoperatively, patients had either improvement or preservation of neurological power, and all patients had a decrease in axial neck pain after surgery. Although there was one case of minor pedicle screw instrumentation malplacement, this did not result in any neurological symptoms. Median survival for the patients was 108 (range 7‒1,095) days. Palliative surgery for cervical spine metastasis is safe with good neurological results, low complication rates, and improvement in neck pain. A multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists and radiotherapists is needed to optimise patient care and outcome.

Targeting out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: the effect of heparin administered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (T-ARREST)

Introduction. Heparin administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may prevent activation of coagulation after successful resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We hypothesize that such an approach is not associated with an increased rate of bleeding, but it has not been evaluated. We performed a pilot randomized clinical study assessing the safety of intra-arrest heparin administration in OHCA patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its impact on their prognosis.&nbsp;Materials and Methods.&nbsp;OHCA patients were randomized during CPR to 10 000 units of intra-arrest intravenous heparin (Group H) or to treatment without heparin (Group C). The occurrence of major bleeding and the presence of a favourable neurological result 3 months after OHCA, were analyzed.Results. Out of 88 randomized patients, AMI was subsequently confirmed in 63 of them (71.6 %). There were 30 patients in group H and 33 in group C. No major bleeding event was observed in either group. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC, Group H: 40.0%, Group C: 45.4%, p=0.662) and a good neurological result 3 months after OHCA (Group H: 6.7 %, Group C: 9.1 %, p=0.921) did not differ between groups.Conclusions. Intravenous administration of 10 000 units of heparin during CPR for OHCA in patients with supposed AMI was safe. We did not find any improvement in prognosis for our sample of limited size. Though the procedure proved safe, we recommend postponing the administration of heparin until ROSC, assessment of&nbsp;clinical state and&nbsp;recording of a&nbsp;twelve-lead ECG.

Modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy for craniopharyngioma resection in children

In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy for resection of craniopharyngioma in children. A prospective, institutional review board-approved database was retrospectively reviewed for pediatric patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection performed by a single surgeon. Ten patients underwent craniopharyngioma resection surgery between July 2000 and January 2006 (4 girls and 6 boys, ages 1.5-17 years). Nine patients presented to the authors' institution, and 1 patient was referred after surgery and radiation therapy were administered elsewhere. Nine patients presented with visual field deficits (2 with unilateral or bilateral light perception only) and 5 with endocrine dysfunction. Eight patients had large tumors that significantly displaced the optic chiasm and hypothalamus. All patients underwent a modified frontotemporal orbitozygomatic osteotomy in a single piece. The lamina terminalis was opened in 4 patients with third ventricular extension. One patient required a staged transsphenoidal operation to remove residual tumor in the sella turcica, and 1 patient underwent a contralateral subtemporal approach to resect a daughter lesion in the prepontine cistern. Complete radiographic resection was achieved in all patients. Follow-up averaged 55 months (range 12-95 months). Vision was improved in 8 patients and remained stable in 2. All patients had postoperative endocrine dysfunction. One patient experienced transient cranial nerve IV palsy and 1 suffered a small caudate stroke 5 months after surgery without sequelae. Two patients experienced polyphagia and weight gain without other symptoms of hypothalamic dysfunction. There were no other new neurological deficits. Modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy provides excellent exposure of the suprasellar region with minimal brain retraction, allowing complete resection of craniopharyngiomas with good visual and neurological results.

En bloc laminoplasty without dissection of paraspinal muscles

Although conducting cervical laminoplasty in patients with multisegmental cord compression provides good neurological results, it is not without shortcomings, including C-5 palsy, axial neck pain, and undesirable radiologically detectable changes. Postoperative kyphosis and segmental instability can cause neurological problems and are believed mainly to result from neck muscle disruption. The authors developed a new laminoplasty technique, with the aim of preserving optimal muscle function. The present technique is a modification of unilateral open-door laminoplasty. By using an ultrasonic osteotome in small gaps of muscle bellies, a gutter is made without disrupting muscles, spinous processes, or their connections on the hinged side. Ceramic spacers are then positioned between elevated laminae and lateral masses at C-3, C-5, and C-7 on the opened side, which is exposed in a conventional manner. This new procedure was used to treat 37 consecutive patients with compression myelopathy. Postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scanning revealed a significant difference in a cross-sectional area of muscles between the hinged and opened side. The mean follow-up period was 40.2 months (range 24-54 months). Changes in alignment were observed in only one patient, and vertebral slippage developed in two. Performed at regular intervals, CT scanning demonstrated that the elevated laminae remained in situ throughout the study period. In using the present unilateral open-door laminoplasty technique, deep extensor muscles are left intact along with their junctions to spinous processes on the hinged side. Radiologically documented changes were minimal because the preserved muscles functioned normally immediately after the operation.

Neurological and neuropsychological outcome after SAH.

The fact that neurological status and physical integrity alone do not sufficiently assess the overall state of patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) gives rise to the necessity for complementary neuropsychological investigation. Neuropsychological work-up should also cover an emotional state, psychosocial adjustment and competence in everyday life of the patients. In our prospective study we investigated 82 patients three months and one year after SAH and early clipping of the aneurysm. For the evaluation of postoperative neurological functions the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used. For the neuropsychological assessment we used standardized measures of verbal and figural learning and memory, verbal and figural fluency, speed of information processing, visuospacial abilities and affective function. One year after SAH 95.6% of patients with Hunt&Hess Grade 1 and 2 on admission showed good neurological results (GOS 4 and 5). However, only 30.1% (18 of 63 patients with a favourable neurological outcome--GOS 4 and 5) did not show any neuropsychological deficit. Localization of the ruptured aneurysm significantly correlated with cognitive measures. The best cognitive outcome was shown in patients with aneurysms on the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) followed by posterior communicating artery (PCoA) and those located on the internal carotid artery (ICA) on the right side.

Posterior Fossa Decompression and Clot Evacuation for Fourth Ventricle Hemorrhage after Aneurysmal Rupture: Case Report

Massive intraventricular hemorrhage due to aneurysmal rupture is associated with a dismal prognosis. An intraventricular clot causing fourth ventricle dilation can cause compression to the brainstem similar to other posterior fossa masses such as cerebellar hemorrhage or infarction. The presence of fourth ventricle dilation carries a very high risk of death within 48 hours. Neither ventricular drainage nor fibrinolytic infusion has been successful in eliminating clots of the fourth ventricle. Posterior fossa decompression and direct evacuation of the clot could have good results in relieving brainstem compression caused by the clot. A 45-year-old woman was admitted to our intensive care unit after experiencing an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The neurological examination at admission revealed that she was in Grade V according to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grading system, but brainstem reflexes were present. Computed tomographic scanning revealed a massive intraventricular hemorrhage, with fourth ventricle dilation caused by an intraventricular clot. Bilateral external ventricular drains were placed to relieve elevated intracranial pressure. Cerebral angiography revealed a 1-cm basilar tip aneurysm, which was embolized with Guglielmi detachable coils (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA) during the same procedure. Given the patient's poor neurological condition, it was decided that brainstem compression should be relieved. A posterior fossa decompressive craniectomy was performed immediately after coil therapy, with direct evacuation of the intraventricular clot. The patient experienced a clear improvement in the level of consciousness and has achieved a good neurological result at early follow-up. Dilation of the fourth ventricle by an intraventricular clot is a sign of brainstem compression that can be relieved by posterior fossa decompression and direct clot evacuation.

Cervical neuromas with extradural components: surgical management in a series of 57 patients.

Cervical neuromas with extradural components (intraextradural or strictly extradural forms) are rare. Their resection raises the problems of nerve root preservation, vertebral artery (VA) control, and spinal stability. A series of 57 patients with neuromas (29 neurofibromas, 23 schwannomas, 4 neurofibrosarcomas, and 1 plexiform neurofibroma) was treated during the period of 1980 to 1995, using one of the lateral approaches (antero- or posterolateral approach). The VA was always controlled before resection of the tumor. In cases of intraextradural forms, the intradural component was removed by a complementary laminectomy (three patients) in the early period and then by an oblique corpectomy through the same lateral approach (five patients) in the late period. A laminectomy had been performed in 15 other patients (11 patients with intraextradural neuromas) before they were referred to us. These patients included seven with recurrent neuromas, occurring after an average period of 4.1 years (1-9 yr). Complete resection was achieved in all except two patients, in whom the nerve root reacted positively to intraoperative stimulation and could not be separated from the tumor. One of the patients was subsequently operated on after 2 years. Another recurrence was observed in another patient at 1 year. The four patients with sarcomas died from recurrence within 2 years. The rate of root preservation included an average of 28%, including 43.5% for schwannomas, 18% for neurofibromas, 44% for lower cervical neuromas (C4-C8), and 4.5% for upper cervical neuromas (C1-C3). Worsening of preoperative neurological deficits was observed in only two patients. The VA was always preserved, except in one patient with a sarcoma that was preoperatively occluded. No instability was observed in any of the patients. Complete resection with good neurological results can be achieved in most patients harboring cervical neuromas each with an extradural component by using a lateral approach and VA control. If the root cannot be separated from the tumor, especially in patients with neurofibromas, intraoperative stimulation can help decide whether the root may be divided without incurring postoperative deficit. The lateral approach permits the resection of the extradural as well as the intradural component by a complementary oblique corpectomy. There was no morbidity in relation to VA control as well as no postoperative instability.

Orbitocranial wooden foreign body diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Dry wood can be isodense with air and orbital fat by computed tomography

In computed tomographic (CT) scans, a wooden foreign body can appear as a lucency with nearly the same density as air or fat, and it can be indistinguishable from orbital adipose tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can localize these wooden foreign bodies in the orbit. We studied a case in which a wooden golf tee lodged in the right optic canal of a nine-year-old boy. The head portion lodged in the orbital apex and the tip entered the interpeduncular fossa. Clinical examination revealed a right paranasal laceration; the right eye had no light perception and a peripapillary hemorrhage, but was otherwise normal. Surgical exploration and evaluation by CT failed to locate the foreign body. However, the golf tee was demonstrated by MRI as a low intensity image. Although it was removed by craniotomy with good neurological results, bacterial panophthalmitis led to enucleation of the eye. This case emphasizes the diagnostic value of MRI and the hazards of retained wooden foreign bodies.