Single Institution Case Series Research Articles

Multi-disciplinary team approach for pediatric hemimegalencephaly: Insights from a single institutional case series.

Recent genetic studies have revealed that hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a multi-system disorder associated with germline or mosaic variants within the PI3K-mTOR-GATOR1 signaling pathways. Patients with HME typically develop drug-resistant epilepsy necessitating extensive evaluation, hemispherectomy, and long-term management. We describe the role of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) for the diagnosis and management of recent patients with HME at UCLA who underwent hemispherectomy. Genetic evaluation identified nine patients with the following variants: NPRL3 x2 germline, PIK3CA mosaicism x4, MTOR mosaicism x1, AKT3 mosaicism x1, unknown x1. Each patient's MDT comprised 4-9 specialties. One child with a MTOR variant had persistent epilepsy after hemispherectomy, but addition of everolimus resulted in an 80% decrease in seizure frequency. Another child with hemihypertrophy and PIK3CA mosaic variant was offered targeted PIK3CA inhibitor treatment, alpelisib, for overgrowth. A third child with germline NPRL3 variant inherited from their unaffected mother resulted in a sibling being diagnosed with the variant who later developed seizures secondary to focal cortical dysplasia. The implementation of a MDT offers essential guidance for families affected by HME, encompassing prognostication, surveillance, and therapeutic strategies. Identifying the etiology of HME can facilitate the development of targeted treatments and enable timely genetic counseling. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a complex brain disorder caused by genetic changes. It often leads to severe epilepsy that doesn't respond to standard treatments and frequently requires surgery. In this case series, nine patients with HME were identified and found to have genetic mutations in key growth-regulating genes. A multidisciplinary team model was developed to facilitate patients' care. For example, one patient's seizures improved with surgery, another with a new targeted medication, and another received treatment for symptoms of overgrowth. This team approach provides comprehensive care for patients and can lead to efficient care coordination and implementation of novel therapies.

Molecular and Clinical Features of Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma: A Single-Institution Case Series

Objectives: Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) accounts for about 1% of pancreatic cancers. The molecular and clinical features of ACC are less characterized than those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and molecular features of ACC patients who underwent germline and/or somatic molecular testing at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2008 to 2022 and two cases from 2023–2024 who underwent RNA and TME analysis by Boston Gene. Patient information was extracted from our institutional database with the approval of the Institutional Review Board. Results: We identified 16 patients with available molecular testing results. Fourteen patients had metastatic disease, one had borderline resectable disease, and one had localized resectable disease at diagnosis. Fifteen patients were wild type for KRAS (one patient had unknown KRAS status). Somatic/germline mutations of DNA damage repair genes (BRCA1/2, PALB2, and ATM) were present in 5 of 12 patients tested for these genes. One patient was found to have RET fusion and responded favorably to selpercatinib for over 42 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 24 months for patients with metastatic disease. One of the additional two cases who underwent BostonGene testing was found to have NTRK1 fusion. RNA and TME analysis by Boston Gene of the two cases reported immune desert features and relatively lower RNA levels of CEACAM5, CD47, CD74, and MMP1 and higher RNA levels of CDH6 compared with PDAC.

Effect of Extent of Resection and Adjuvant Radiation on Recurrence of BRAF versus β-Catenin–Mutated Craniopharyngioma: A Single Institutional Case Series

Abstract Objectives The two histologic subtypes of craniopharyngiomas (CPs), papillary and adamantinomatous, harbor mutually exclusive mutations of BRAF V600E and CTNNB1, respectively. Studies suggest that subtotal resection (STR) plus adjuvant radiation therapy (XRT) may result in similar progression-free survival (PFS) as gross total resection (GTR). We hypothesized that STR ± XRT and GTR result in similar PFS for both BRAF and β-catenin–mutated CPs. Design Patients who were surgically treated for a primary CP between 2001 and 2023 at a single institution were included. Immunohistochemical studies were performed retrospectively using BRAF and β-catenin antibodies. Patients with missing immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnosis were excluded. Differences in PFS for STR ± XRT and GTR groups were assessed with a log-rank test, stratified by BRAF and β-catenin IHC status. Results A total of 77 patients with CP were screened. IHC data were available for 50 patients; 20 had a BRAF mutation, and 30 had a β-catenin mutation. Among BRAF patients, 11 underwent GTR; 9 had STR, and 5 had adjuvant XRT. Among β-catenin patients, 14 underwent GTR; 16 had STR, and 6 had adjuvant XRT. For BRAF patients with GTR, the median PFS was not reached; for BRAF patients with STR ± XRT, the median PFS was 150 days (p < 0.01, log-rank test). For β-catenin patients with GTR, the median PFS was 1,813 days; for β-catenin patients with STR ± XRT, the median PFS was not reached (p = 0.80, log-tank test). Conclusions Both GTR and STR ± XRT seemed to offer similar PFS outcomes only for patients with β-catenin–mutated CP. For patients with BRAF-mutated CP, a greater extent of resection was significantly associated with prolonged PFS.

8742 Exploring the Clinical Landscape of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis: A Single-Institution Case Series and Implications for Treatment Decisions

8742 Exploring the Clinical Landscape of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma with Lymph Node Metastasis: A Single-Institution Case Series and Implications for Treatment Decisions

Spectrum of Findings Seen in Patients With IDH1/2-Mutant Cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma-with a growing incidence rate and poor prognosis-is not an aggressive tumor that is not uncommon. Molecular profiling can reveal actionable aberrations in at least a third of the tumors. This is especially so in the case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), where mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 genes (IDH1/2) make up 15%-20% of these tumors. IDH1/2 mutant ICC is a rare disease that has not been adequately reported. To expand the spectrum of findings seen in these patients, we present a single institution case series. We descriptively characterize the clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of 12 such patients. IDH1/2 mutant ICC was found in elderly women, with two-thirds of patients having additional co-mutations. Anecdotally, patients who did receive systemic and/or locoregional therapies had long-term durable outcomes. Our findings indicate an increasing need to personalize an approach for these patients with specific molecular alterations. With the advent of the IDH1 inhibitor ivosidenib and other inhibitors in this space, IDH1/2 mutation has both prognostic and predictive value. Our series builds upon the patterns and findings seen in these patients.

Retinal thickness and macular microvascular changes seen on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with sickle cell retinopathy in a tertiary care eye hospital

PurposeTo report retinal thickness values and macular vascular flow characteristics identified by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients with various sickle cell genotypes in a population from sub-Saharan Africa. DesignRetrospective, observational study. MethodsThis is a single-institution case series of adult patients with various sickle cell genotypes who presented to the Eye Foundation Hospital Lagos between January 2022 and December 2023. Case files of patients were reviewed, and macular OCT and OCT-A images analyzed quantitatively for macular thickness, areas of flow loss, size of foveal avascular area, parafoveal flow, as well as vascular density in both the superficial and deep vascular plexi. The findings were compared by sickle cell genotype and comparisons made with age matched normal patients. ResultsA total of 38 eyes of 19 patients’ records were reviewed, and 35 eyes met the inclusion criteria; 16 eyes of 9 age and gender matched controls were included. The mean central foveal thickness (CFT) was 242.4 μm ± 33.3 μm among patients’ eyes, while a mean CFT of 236.1 μm ± 10.1 μm was measured among controls (p = 0.312). A smaller mean FAZ area of 0.270 mm2 ± 0.116 mm2 was seen among the control eyes compared to a mean of 0.314 mm2 ± 0.206 mm2 among patients’ eyes (p = 0.439). The mean flow area was larger among control eyes with 0.849 mm2 ± 0.647 mm2 compared to a mean flow of 0.822 mm2 ± 0.471 mm2 among patients’ eyes (0.868). The mean superficial foveal vessel density was greater among control eyes (19.30 ± 4.58) compared to patient eyes (18.77 ± 7.78) (p = 0.765). The mean deep foveal vessel density was greater among controls (35.30 ± 8.36) than among patients (34.06 ± 9.30) (p = 0.650). The difference between eyes of SC (53.37 ± 5.13) patients and SS (47.94 ± 8.44) patients in the deep temporal perifoveal VD was statistically significant (p = 0.035). ConclusionThe retina in eyes with sickle retinopathy and that of controls tends to be thickest in the nasal quadrant, then the superior, then inferior, and then thinnest in the temporal quadrant. Macular vessel density in both the superficial and deep capillary plexi was thicker among controls compared to eyes with sickle cell retinopathy. Among patients’ eyes, the deep capillary vessel density in the temporal perifoveal quadrant was greater among SC patients compared to SS (p = 0.035).

Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Cervical Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain Using Microtubular Retractors: A Single Institution Case Series.

As advancements in cancer treatments have allowed patients with a high burden of disease to live longer, the number of patients who present with debilitating refractory pain has increased. Anterolateral cordotomy has long been used for the treatment of intractable unilateral cancer pain using either an imaging-guided percutaneous approach or an open surgical approach. In this report, we describe a novel minimally invasive modification to the open surgical approach. It combines the benefits of both approaches by providing direct visualization for lesioning without the collateral tissue damage of an open approach. This retrospective study evaluated medical records, operative reports, and imaging studies of patients who underwent a minimally invasive cordotomy at a single institute between 2018 and 2022. The surgical technique involved a microscope-assisted C2 hemilaminectomy using microtubular retractors followed by dural opening and anterolateral cordotomy under direct visualization and with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. Eleven patients were included in the study. None were converted to an open approach, and no wound-related postoperative complications were observed. A clinically significant decrease in pain was observed after the procedure, and 10 of the 11 patients (91%) were ambulatory by the time of analysis. Compared with image-guided percutaneous cordotomy, anterolateral cervical cordotomy with microtubular retractors potentially improves the safety of the procedure through direct visualization while being less invasive than a conventional open approach. Our preliminary experience with this technique demonstrates the feasibility of the approach, as it was both safe and effective.

Responsive neurostimulation in pediatric epilepsy: a systematic review and individual patient meta-analysis supplemented by a single institution case series in 105 aggregated patients.

To assess responsive neurostimulation (RNS) efficacy in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, comparing response (≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency) rates between patients with two or fewer seizure foci and those with multifocal or generalized epilepsy. This study seeks to address the gap in knowledge regarding RNS effectiveness in pediatric populations. A systematic review and meta-analysis included data from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through November 2023, including 17 retrospective studies and a case series of 24 patients from our practice for a total of 105 aggregated patients. The inclusion criteria of patients were age 18 and diagnosis of DRE. Exclusion criteria were nonhuman subjects and cases where RNS was not utilized to treat DRE. Study inclusion criteria were detailing the use of RNS and comparing patients with 2 foci with other focalities. Study exclusion criteria were failure to specify RNS lead placement or type of epilepsy. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for all non-randomized studies. Effect sizes and variances were aggregated to provide a comprehensive measure of RNS efficacy, and heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using I2 statistics and Cochran's Q test to evaluate the consistency of the findings. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS. We analyzed demographics, epilepsy history, treatment outcomes, and RNS details using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Fisher's exact, and chi-squared tests. This systematic review was not registered. Seventeen retrospective studies and a single-institution case series, encompassing 105 pediatric patients, were analyzed. Effect sizes and confidence intervals were calculated to quantify treatment effects. Analyses revealed that RNS reduces seizure frequency across a spectrum of pediatric epilepsy syndromes, irrespective of the seizures' focal, multifocal, or generalized origins. The effectiveness of RNS was not influenced by the patient's sex, age at epilepsy onset, or presence of neurological and psychiatric comorbidities. Prior vagus nerve stimulation surgery and the presence of an epileptic syndrome were factors associated with a lower likelihood of near-complete seizure remission with RNS, underscoring the complexities of treating patients with generalized epilepsies or previous interventional failures. The necessity of further research into individualized surgical strategies for patients was underscored by the mixed results of comparisons of electrode characteristics with responder rates. Limitations of our study include its reliance on retrospective studies, which introduces potential bias and limits the ability to infer causality. RNS is a safe and effective treatment in pediatric patients with DRE across demographic, comorbidity, and focality variability. FDA age and focality restrictions, along with patient and physician hesitancy, may be limiting the potential for effective treatment of pediatric DRE with RNS. Prospective randomized trials are recommended to validate these findings.

The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the incidence of post-operative venous sinus thrombosis following skull base procedures.

Sinus thrombosis is a common post-operative finding after posterior fossa surgery performed in the vicinity of the dural venous sinuses. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been shown to confer an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events owing to eliciting a hyper-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state. In this study, we examine the incidence of post-operative venous sinus thrombosis in patients undergoing peri-sigmoid posterior fossa surgery in the pre- and post-COVID era and investigate whether COVID infection confers an increased risk of sinus thrombosis. A retrospective review of a single institution case series of patients underwent peri-sigmoid surgery (retrosigmoid, translabyrinthine, or far lateral) approach. Relevant clinical variables were investigated that may confer an increased risk of sinus thrombosis. A total of 311 patients (178 in the pre-COVID era, and 133 operated on after the pandemic began in March 2020) are included in the study. The composite incidence of sinus thrombosis seen on post-operative imaging was 7.8%. The incidence of sinus thrombosis in the pre-COVID cohort was N = 12 patients (6.7%) versus N = 12 (9%) in the post-COVID cohort (p = 0.46). A history of COVID infection was not shown to confer an increased risk of post-operative sinus thrombosis (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.08-4.79, p = 0.64). Only a small number of patients (N = 7, 2.3%) required either medical or surgical intervention for post-operative sinus thrombosis. The overall incidence of post-operative sinus thrombosis is similar in the pre- and post-COVID era. The findings of this study suggest that COVID infection is not associated with a higher risk of venous sinus thrombosis.

Single-Session Ablative Transarterial Radioembolization for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Streamline Care: An Initial Experience.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is performed after a mapping angiogram involving infusion of radiolabeled macroaggregated albumin to assess for non-target embolization and pulmonary shunting. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-session TARE without the initial procedure. A single-institution case series of 16 consecutive procedures on 15 patients with 18 tumors who underwent an attempted single-session TARE procedures with glass microspheres are presented. A lung shunt fraction (LSF) of 5% was assumed for planning purposes. Sixty-seven percent (10/15) of patients were male with a median age of 72years. Median tumor size was 2.5cm (IQR 2.0-3.2cm). Sixteen of the 18 targeted tumors were untreated prior to the single-session TARE. Rate of technical success was 88% (14/16). Two patients did not ultimately receive a single-session TARE due to intraprocedural findings. The mean administered activity was 2.0GBq, and the mean MIRD dose was 464Gy based on pre-treatment anatomic imaging and 800Gy based on cone-beam CT. There were no cases of radiation pneumonitis. Mean post-procedural calculated lung dose was 4.9Gy (range 3.1-9.3) based on SPECT. An initial experience with single-session TARE using Y-90 glass microspheres without pre-procedural mapping angiography and lung shunt estimation demonstrates that it is a feasible and safe treatment option for select patients with small (< 5cm) HCC. Level 4 case series.

Surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta: a single institution case series.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by skeletal deformities, bone fragility, and spinal complications. Various studies' insights underscored the impact of scoliosis on pulmonary function, positive outcomes with spinal fusion, and improved functional abilities post-surgery. However, partial loss of correction remains inevitable. This study examines six surgically treated OI patients with scoliosis. Surgical intervention using a posterior approach with pedicle screws and hooks aimed to correct spinal deformities. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiological assessments were conducted, revealing significant reductions in scoliotic angles post-surgery. Complications included infections and proximal junctional kyphosis requiring revision surgeries. Despite the challenges posed by poor bone quality and implant stability, no implant failures occurred in this series. Ponte osteotomies at the apex of deformity aided in corrective maneuvers. Surgical treatment of scoliosis in patients affected by OI is challenging and may be associated with perioperative and postoperative complications. Ponte osteotomy may improve the correction and reduce necessary force at the time of correction.

NURS-01. NOVEL TREATMENTS FOR ACNEIFORM ERUPTIONS CAUSED BY TARGETED THERAPIES IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract BACKGROUND Drugs that target the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway can cause frequent and severe cutaneous toxicities with acneiform eruptions being one of the most common and challenging to manage. The literature is limited regarding treatment recommendations especially when this rash is refractory to first-line therapies. METHODS A single-institution case series regarding the treatment of acneiform eruptions with oral isotretinoin after failure of first-line therapies was performed. RESULTS Two female, adolescent patients who developed refractory acneiform eruptions while on trametinib were included. Their acneiform eruption emerged within the first cycle of trametinib requiring treatment with oral doxycycline plus a variety of topical medications. They remained on doxycycline for 6 and 7 months. Both patients then switched to oral isotretinoin after minimal rash response and rebound of the rash when attempting to discontinue doxycycline. The initial isotretinoin doses were 0.2-0.3 mg/kg/day rounded per pill size. Both patients required a dose reduction due to worsening xerosis. Once decreased, isotretinoin was well tolerated. No changes in baseline lipid panels or ALT were seen. No associated neurologic symptoms or pseudotumor cerebri. While on oral isotretinoin, no additional topical therapies were required to treat the acneiform eruption. The first patient’s acneiform rash improved from a CTCAE v5 grade 3 to grade 1 after only 3 weeks of isotretinoin. All locations of the rash responded to therapy. The second patient developed a grade 2 acneiform rash after starting trametinib and became ungradable with only residual pink papules to cheeks after receiving isotretinoin. CONCLUSIONS Both patients were successfully treated with isotretinoin after multiple prior therapies including 6 or more months of treatment with oral antibiotics. We recommend further research of treatment therapies in addition to oral antibiotics given concerns on their impact of the microbiome.

The Scar-Hidden Surgery on Gynecomastia: Experiences from a Single-Institutional Large Case Series.

To summarize the experiences on the mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia by "nine-step method" based on the "5S" goal and standardize this operation. Between January 1, 2002, and October 31, 2021, a total of 2035 breasts of 1082 male patients with gynecomastia, of which 129 patients with one side, were underwent mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy. The follow-up endpoint was 3months after surgery. All patients were successfully completed the operation, and none of them was transferred to open operation. The operation time for unilateral breast was 12-28min, and the average time was 17.7 ± 6.2min. The amount of bleeding during unilateral operation was very small, about 5-10ml. The total drainage volume was 5-50ml after the operation, and the drainage tube was removed in 3-5days. The epidermal necrosis occurred in 0.3% nipple. 0.2% chest wall had a little ecchymosis in the supero-medial region of the breast. All patients had the normal feeling of nipples and areola, the smoothing and symmetrical chest wall, and the natural contour. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period. The mastoscopic subcutaneous mastectomy for gynecomastia by "nine-step method" based on the "5S" goal has a short operation time, few surgical complications and good esthetics. It achieves the "5S" goals on the complete removal of glandular tissue (sweeping), small and scar-hidden incision are small (scarless), good symmetry of bilateral chest wall (symmetry), normal chest shape (shape), and smoothing chest wall (smoothing). The journal asks authors to assign a level of evidence to each article. For a complete description of Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, see the Table of Contents or the online Instructions for Authors at www.springer.com/00266 .

Pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and suppurative hidradenitis (PASH) syndrome: a single-institution case series with a focus on management

BackgroundPyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and suppurative hidradenitis (PASH) syndrome is a rare condition characterized by clinical features of all three dermatologic conditions. The management of PASH syndrome is difficult, with no consensus on treatment guidelines. Since PASH syndrome can increase morbidity and adversely impact quality of life, better characterization of effective therapies is needed.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify all patients with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) treated at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center between 2015 and 2021. PG diagnosis was confirmed via PARACELSUS score. Subsequent chart review identified eight patients with concomitant hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and acne who were clinically diagnosed with PASH syndrome.ResultsEight patients were clinically diagnosed with PASH syndrome based on their clinical presentation at our institution. Seven patients had failed some type of medical therapy prior to presentation, including topical corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, oral antibiotics, and biologics. One patient had also tried surgical drainage at an outside institution. Six patients were effectively treated with biologics, usually in combination with other therapies. One patient experienced improvement of her skin lesions after diagnosis and treatment of her underlying hematologic malignancy.ConclusionsMedical management with biologics in combination with corticosteroids and/or antibiotics was effective in the management of most patients. Diagnosis and treatment of an underlying condition should be prioritized in refractory cases. If workup is negative, surgical management may be considered. Further investigation with a greater number of patients is required to develop management guidelines for PASH syndrome.

Hematologic toxicity in 177lu-PSMA-617 treatment for mCRPC: Unraveling the impact of PSMA PET bone tumor volume (PSMA-bTTV).

5075 Background: Lutetium-177 prostate-specific membrane antigen (177Lu-PSMA-617) is a life-prolonging treatment approved by the FDA in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), at a very late stage when there frequently reduced bone marrow reserve. We aim to report the incidence of hematologic toxicity during treatment and potential risk factors in a single-center study. Methods: This retrospective single-institution case series included mCRPC patients who underwent at least one cycle of 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment between June 2022 and January 2024. Hematological parameters were documented at baseline, 3 weeks after each treatment, and before each subsequent treatment administration. Then, we captured the nadir values for each parameter during treatment. Hematologic toxicities were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0, with Grades 3 and 4 considered significant. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the association between hematological adverse events and baseline characteristics including PSMA-bTTV, measured by semi-automatic contouring of the PSMA-expressing whole-body bone metastases on pre-treatment PSMA PET. Results: Our study included 138 mCRPC patients (median age: 73y, prior chemotherapy: 92%, prior radiation: 43.5%, bone involvement: 89.1%), who underwent a median of 3 cycles (IQR: 2-5) of 177Lu-PSMA-617 treatment. At baseline, 8 (5.8%) patients had grade 3 anemia, 2 (1.4%) patients had grade 3 leukopenia, and 1 (0.7%) patient had grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Nadir values during treatment indicated that 23 (16.7%) had grade 3 anemia, 5 (3.6%) had grade 3 leukopenia, and 11 (8%) had grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia. Multivariable analysis of predisposing factors for hematologic adverse events showed that the PSMA-bTTV was significantly associated with occurrence of any grade ≥3 hematologic toxicity, anemia, and thrombocytopenia after adjusting for other baseline clinical variables (Table). Conclusions: Over 1 in 5 patients with mCRPC experienced significant hematologic adverse events during treatment with 177Lu-PSMA-617. Bone tumor volume is a possible risk factor for developing significant hematologic toxicity. [Table: see text]

Adult craniopharyngioma concomitant with unruptured intracranial aneurysms: incidence, risk factors, and treatment strategies.

Concomitant unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in patients with craniopharyngioma (CP) pose a challenge for surgical management. This study presents the largest known single-institution case series to investigate the incidence of UIA in CP patients, with the aim of exploring the potential risk factors for the occurrence of UIA in CP patients and proposing treatment strategies. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 289 adult CP patients treated in their department between January 2020 and August 2022. Routine CT angiography (CTA) was performed preoperatively in all cases. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for the occurrence of aneurysms. Aneurysms with the following characteristics were considered to have a high risk of intraoperative rupture and required treatment before tumor resection: 1) preliminary assessment of a high inherent risk of rupture (risk of rupture in their natural progression); and 2) location close to the tumor, irregular shape, and/or growth toward the tumor, even if the preliminary assessment indicated a low inherent risk of rupture. Twenty-three of 289 CP patients (7.96%, 95% CI 5.36-11.6) were diagnosed with both CP and UIA (CP-UIA). Hypertension (OR 4.148, 95% CI 1.654-10.398; p = 0.002), estrogen deficiency (OR 3.097, 95% CI 1.241-7.731; p = 0.015), and suprasellar tumor (OR 4.316, 95% CI 1.596-11.67; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in CP patients. Among the 23 CP-UIA patients, 6 (26.1%) with a high risk of aneurysm rupture underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) before tumor resection. Seventeen (73.9%) patients with a low risk of rupture underwent tumor resection only. The incidence rate of IA in patients with CP was higher than that in the general population. Routine preoperative CTA is advised for adult CP patients. Patients with papillary CP exhibited a higher proportion of CP-UIAs. Older age, hypertension, estrogen deficiency, and suprasellar tumor were independent risk factors for the occurrence of IAs in CP patients. IAs in CP patients are predominantly located in the C6 and C7 segments of the internal carotid artery and are often suitable for EVT. When treating CP-UIAs, tumor-related symptoms, risk of aneurysm rupture, the spatial relationship between the tumor and IA, and the approach for tumor resection should be considered.

Sinonasal seromucinous hamartoma: a single institution case series combined with a narrative review of the literature.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and histopathological characteristics of sinonasal seromucinous hamartomas (SHs). Eight patients with sinonasal SH and treated at a tertiary hospital between November 2005 and September 2023 were included. Additionally, a systematic review of published articles was conducted, analyzing 48 cases of SH described in the literature. Among the eight patients treated at our institution, tumors originated from the posterior nasal cavity in four patients and middle turbinate and middle meatus were the primary origin in two patients each. Coexistence of inflammatory nasal polyps (NPs) was observed in four cases. Histopathologically, four patients exhibited focal respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) features, and low-grade dysplasia was found in one patient. A combined analysis with previous literature revealed that 46.3% of all cases originated in the anterior nasal cavity. The proportions of cases accompanied by NPs and those with focal REAH features were 20.5% and 39.1%, respectively. Additionally, the frequencies of cases exhibiting dysplastic features (5.4%) and recurrence (2.1%) were low. Remarkably, tumors originating from the anterior region tended to have a higher frequency of dysplasia than those originating from the posterior region, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.0996). Patients with sinonasal SH showed favorable treatment outcomes following surgical resection. Focal REAH features and accompanying NPs were frequently observed. A substantial proportion of cases originate in the anterior nasal cavity, and these tumors may exhibit a high tendency for dysplasia.

Risk Factors for Complications in Patients Undergoing Temporal Bone Resection and Neck Dissection: Insights From a National Database.

Temporal bone resection (TBR) with or without neck dissection (ND) is performed for otologic malignancies with occult or clinical cervical lymph node metastases. To date, characterization of post-operative complications in single institution case series may be non-representative of real-world outcomes. Here, we used data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to comprehensively assess the complications encountered, their frequencies, and to identify underlying risk factors to improve future outcomes. The population was patients undergoing TBR and ND derived from the NIS between the years of 2017 and 2019. We utilized ICD-10 diagnosis codes to identify patients with post-operative complications, those discharged to non-home facilities (DNHF), and those with increased length of stay (LOS). Multivariable regression was performed to identify significant variables related to the above outcomes. Ninety of 277 patients that underwent LTBR with ND had postoperative complications. Wound complications were the most frequent complication, occurring in 11 (4%) of patients, followed by CSF leak (n = 6; 2.2%), with acute respiratory failure being the most common medical complication (n = 4; 1.4%). Sixteen percent (45/277) were discharged to a facility besides home. Dementia (OR = 7.96; CI95 3.62-17.48), anemia (OR = 2.39; CI95 1.15-4.99), congestive heart failure (OR = 5.31; CI95 1.82-15.45), COPD (OR = 3.70; CI95 1.35-10.16), and history of prior stroke (OR = 8.50; CI95 1.55-46.68) increased the odds of DNHF. When evaluating LOS (median = 5 days, IQR = 1, 9), anemia (OR = 5.49; CI95 2.86-10.52), and Medicaid insurance (OR = 3.07; CI95 1.06-10.52) were found to increase the LOS. The vast majority of patients undergoing LTBR with ND have no complications and are discharged within a week. Liver disease is a risk factor for medical complications and increased charges. Patients with dementia or a prior stroke are at risk for DNHF, and those with prior anemia are at risk for a wound complication. This study identified factors related to worse post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing temporal bone resection and neck dissection. Although safe for most patients, an existing diagnosis of liver disease, stroke, dementia, and anemia specifically are at risk for developing negative outcomes. 3.

Robotic endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: A single institution case series

BackgroundRobotic-assisted, endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (RE-TLIF) is a promising, minimally invasive surgical option for degenerative lumbar spondylosis/spondylolisthesis; however, outcomes data and efficacy are limited, especially in multilevel disease. Here, we present the first reported series of patients that underwent either single or multilevel RE-TLIF. MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 23 consecutive patients who underwent a single level or multilevel RE-TLIF by a single surgeon. Variables included demographics, perioperative results, pain scores, and functional outcome scores. ResultsEighteen patients (78.3 %) underwent single level RE-TLIF and 5 patients (21.7 %) underwent multilevel RE-TLIF. The median reduction of visual analog scale (VAS) for low back pain (LBP) of all subjects was 6 (IQR = 4.5, 6.5) with no significant difference between single level and multilevel RE-TLIF (p = 0.565). The median reduction of VAS for leg pain of all subjects 7 (IQR = 6, 8) with no significant difference between single level and multilevel RE-TLIF (p = 0.702). Median blood loss was 25 cc (IQR = 25, 25) and 50 cc (IQR = 25, 100) for single and multilevel RE-TLIF, respectively (p = 0.025), whereas median length of stay was 1 (IQR = 1, 1; mean = 1.0 ± 00.18) days and 1 (IQR = 1, 2; mean = 1.4 ± 00.54) days, respectively (p = 0.042). One major complication was observed requiring reoperation for demineralized bone matrix migration resulting in an L5 radiculopathy. ConclusionsSingle and multi-level RE-TLIF appears to be a safe and efficacious approach with comparable outcomes to open and other minimally invasive approaches. Additionally, we observed favorable accuracy in robot-assisted pedicle screw, endoscope, and interbody device placement.

Subtemporal Approach for the Treatment of Ruptured and Unruptured Distal Basilar Artery Aneurysms: Is There a Contemporary Use?

Distal basilar artery aneurysms (DBAs) are high-risk lesions for which endovascular treatment is preferred because of their deep location, yet indications for open clipping nonetheless remain. The subtemporal approach allows for early proximal control and direct visualization of critical posterior perforating arteries, especially for posterior-projecting aneurysms. Our objective was to describe our clinical experience with the subtemporal approach for clipping DBAs in the evolving endovascular era. This was a retrospective, single-institution case series of patients with DBAs treated with microsurgery over a 21-year period (2002-2023). Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected for analysis. Twenty-seven patients underwent clipping of 11 ruptured and 16 unruptured DBAs with a subtemporal approach (24 female; mean age 53 years). Ten patients had expanded craniotomies for treatment of additional aneurysms. The aneurysm occlusion rate was 100%. Good neurological outcomes as defined by the modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 and Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≥4 were achieved in 21/27 patients (78%). Two patients died before hospital discharge, one from vasospasm-induced strokes and another from an intraoperative myocardial infarction. These results demonstrate that microsurgical clip ligation of DBAs using the subtemporal approach remains a viable option for complex lesions not amenable to endovascular management.