Brain Herniation Research Articles

Surgical aspects of classification and neuroimaging characteristics of idiopathic hydrocephalus in adults

Background. Hydrocephalus can be developing by a traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, tumor, meningitis of congenital malformation of the central nervous system. When the cause of the hydrocephalus is unclear it is supposed as idiopathic hydrocephalus. The most important classification features are the etiology and level of CSF obstruction. The classification was improved and developed with diagnostic and surgical methods simultaneously. Currently, the neurosurgeons have the possibility for usage of various methods and techniques of surgical treatment with their advantages and disadvantages. Systematization of radiological parameters is necessary to make a decision about the type of the surgery.Aim. To analyze and systematize the neuroimaging characteristics of various forms of idiopathic hydrocephalus in adults, to assess the possible classification of idiopathic hydrocephalus.Materials and methods. Between October 2011 and March 2021 290 patients with idiopathic adult hydrocephalus were operated at the N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery of the Ministry of Health of Russia: onset of symptoms in adulthood; no indications of the etiology of hydrocephalus and congenital hydrocephalus. The age of the patients was 50 ± 18.2 (18–85) years. The magnetic resonance images of patients were evaluated for the size of the ventricles, condition of convexital and basal subarachnoid spaces, obstruction of the CSF pathways, and changes in the position of the premamillary membrane, septum pellucidum, the roof of the 3rd ventricle and the tonsils of the cerebellum, the size of the sella turcica, the angle of the corpus callosum. The frequency of each of these parameters is statistically estimated for each form of idiopathic hydrocephalus.Results. Aqueduct stenosis has become the most frequent form of idiopathic hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus in obstruction of the foramen of Monroe, aqueduct, foramen of Magendie, and cisterns of the posterior cranial fossa was significantly more characteristic of young people (p <0.05). Hydrocephalus with obstruction of convexital CSF spaces can be called hydrocephalus of the elderly (p <0.001). Hydrocephalus without verified signs of occlusion CSF pathways occurs equally in all age groups. The FOHR index was significantly more important, and only in case of cisternal obstruction. Enlargement one or both lateral ventricles and flattening of the roof of the 3rd ventricle is characterized for Monro’s foramen obstruction (p <0.001). The membrane at the outlet of the 4th ventricle and the absence of the “flow void” was typically only for patients with obstruction of the foramen of Magendie (p <0.001). Ventral dislocation of the premamillary membrane was characteristic of obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct, the foramen of Magendie, and cisterns of the posterior cranial fossa. Compression of the convexital CSF spaces occurred in case of obstruction of the aqueduct, the foramen of Magendie, but CSF spaces of the posterior cranial fossa – only with obstruction of the foramen of Magendie. Dilation of the 4th ventricle was significantly associated with obstruction of the foramen of Magendie and cisterns of the posterior cranial fossa (p <0.05). DESH symptom was significantly associated with obstruction of convexital CSF spaces (p <0.001). Additional membranes in the cisterns of the posterior fossa were found only in cases of cisternal obstruction (p <0.001). Cerebellar tonsils herniation was observed with obstruction of the foramen of Monroe, cerebral aqueduct, and foramina of Magendie.Conclusion. Because of statistical analysis, general signs found in all types of hydrocephalus, and private ones, characterizing only specific signs of the type of the disease, both were found. The classification is logical and justified, it is well applicable in neurosurgical and radiological practice. It allows rational planning of diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients. A modern magnetic resonance imaging protocol should include T2 scans (with “flow void”) and FIESTA/CISS scans in the required planes, axial FLAIR scans.

High Plasma Fibrinogen Level Elevates the Risk of Cardiac Complications Following Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Cardiac complications are related to poor prognosis after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study aims to predict the cardiac complications arising from small intracranial hematoma at ultraearly stage. The data of this work were derived from the Risk Stratification and Minimally Invasive Surgery in Acute ICH Patients study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03862729). This work included patients with ICH but without brain herniation, as confirmed by a brain computed tomography scan within 48hours of symptom onset. Every Patient's information recorded at the emergent department, including clinical, laboratory, electrocardiogram, and medical records, was derived from the electronic data capture. Cardiac complications were defined as the occurrence of myocardial damage, arrhythmias, and ischemic electrocardiogram changes during hospitalization. Variables associated with cardiac complications were filtrated by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Independent risk factors were used to form the early predictive model. The restricted cubic splines were employed to investigate the nonlinear associations in a more sophisticated and scholarly manner. A total of 587 ICH patients were enrolled in this work, including 72 patients who suffered from cardiac complications after ICH. Out of the 78 variables, 24 were found to be statistically significant in the univariate logistic regression analysis. These significant variables were then subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis and utilized for constructing risk models. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed high plasma fibrinogen (FIB) level [odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation (SD) 1.327, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.037-1.697; P=0. 024)] and older age (OR per SD 1.777, 95% CI 1.344-2.349; P ＜0.001) were associated with a higher incidence of cardiac complications after ICH. High admission pulse rate (OR 0.620, 95% CI 0.451-0.853; P=0. 003) was considered a protective factor for cardiac complications after ICH. In the restricted cubic spline regression model, FIB and cardiac complications following ICH were positively correlated and almost linearly (P for nonlinearity=0.073). The reference point for FIB in predicting cardiac complications after ICH was 2.64g/L. Emergent factors, including plasma FIB level, age, and pulse rate, might be independently associated with cardiac complications after ICH, which warrants attention in the context of treatment.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies to Severe Hyponatremia in the Intensive Care Unit.

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in critically ill patients and is linked to heightened morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. However, its causal role in these poor outcomes and the impact of treatment remain unclear. Plasma sodium is the main determinant of plasma tonicity; consequently, hyponatremia commonly indicates hypotonicity but can also occur in conjunction with isotonicity and hypertonicity. Plasma sodium is a function of total body exchangeable sodium and potassium and total body water. Hypotonic hyponatremia arises when total body water is proportionally greater than the sum of total body exchangeable cations, that is, electrolyte-free water excess; the latter is the result of increased intake or decreased (kidney) excretion. Hypotonic hyponatremia leads to water movement into brain cells resulting in cerebral edema. Brain cells adapt by eliminating solutes, a process that is largely completed by 48 h. Clinical manifestations of hyponatremia depend on its biochemical severity and duration. Symptoms of hyponatremia are more pronounced with acute hyponatremia where brain adaptation is incomplete while they are less prominent in chronic hyponatremia. The authors recommend a physiological approach to determine if hyponatremia is hypotonic, if it is mediated by arginine vasopressin, and if arginine vasopressin secretion is physiologically appropriate. The treatment of hyponatremia depends on the presence and severity of symptoms. Brain herniation is a concern when severe symptoms are present, and current guidelines recommend immediate treatment with hypertonic saline. In the absence of significant symptoms, the concern is neurologic sequelae resulting from rapid correction of hyponatremia which is usually the result of a large water diuresis. Some studies have found desmopressin useful to effectively curtail the water diuresis responsible for rapid correction.

Multiple Medullary Schwannoma Associated with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Cauda Equina Syndrome: Case Report

Abstract Introduction Schwannoma is a Schwann cells neoplasm that can occur in various parts of the nervous system, including the medullar region of the cauda equina. Bone involvement is uncommon. Objective To report a multiple schwannoma case that was initially diagnosed as cauda equina syndrome. Clinical Case We report the case of a 44-year-old male who presented with pain irradiating to the lower limbs, urinary retention, and saddle paresthesia. Imaging exams revealed tumors in the cervical spine and in the T12/L1, L2/L3, and L3/L4 levels, the last three causing nervous compression. Histopathological analyses confirmed a Schwannoma pattern. Results The case was solved by surgical resection. Conclusion The case was solved and, in the end, the patient was stable and with improved pain and waits for a cervical surgery.

Peritumoral Edema in Gliomas: A Review of Mechanisms and Management.

Treating malignant glioma is challenging owing to its highly invasive potential in healthy brain tissue and the formation of intense surrounding edema. Peritumoral edema in gliomas can lead to severe symptoms including neurological dysfunction and brain herniation. For the past 50 years, the standard treatment for peritumoral edema has been steroid therapy. However, the discovery of cerebral lymphatic vessels a decade ago prompted a re-evaluation of the mechanisms involved in brain fluid regulation and the formation of cerebral edema. This review aimed to describe the clinical features of peritumoral edema in gliomas. The mechanisms currently known to cause glioma-related edema are summarized, the limitations in current cerebral edema therapies are discussed, and the prospects for future cerebral edema therapies are presented. Further research concerning edema surrounding gliomas is needed to enhance patient prognosis and improve treatment efficacy.

Assessing the Prevalence of Ectopic Cerebellar Tonsils and Accompanying Symptoms in Individuals with Various Headaches.

Chiari malformation exhibits well-defined clinical signs, symptoms, and incidence rates in clinical studies. However, cerebellar tonsil ectopia presents with ambiguous symptoms and undetermined incidence rates in numerous studies. Our objective was to determine the incidence of cerebellar tonsil ectopia in individuals with headaches and identify additional clinical symptoms. This aims to improve diagnosis accuracy for clinicians and neurologists, leading to more effective treatment approaches. A cross-sectional study conducted in 2022 included 2305 participants aged 4-78 years presenting with headache. Chiari malformation was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, with a definition of cerebellar tonsil herniation extending beyond 5mm into the cervical canal. The prevalence of Chiari malformation was 3.4%, with no significant gender difference (p = 0.72). There was a significant correlation between Chiari malformation and headache exacerbation due to the Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.001) and the presence of vertigo (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between Chiari malformation and accompanying symptoms such as nausea (p = 0.43), photophobia (p = 0.2), phonophobia (p = 0.52), and speech disorders (p = 0.45). These findings suggest a notable prevalence of Chiari malformation among headache patients and its association with specific headache characteristics, such as acute and occipital headaches, exacerbation by the Valsalva maneuver, and the co-occurrence of vertigo. These results underscore the need to consider Chiari malformation in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with these specific headache features.

Congenital hypovitaminosis A in dairy cattle

AbstractHypovitaminosis A negatively impacts the health of ruminants feeding on low‐fresh forage diets for long periods of time. Although this disease is characterised by different clinical presentations, its congenital form is underreported. Here, we describe an outbreak of vitamin A deficiency that affected 30% of calves born in a dairy heifer herd. At birth, the affected animals showed weakness, ataxia, mydriasis, bluish coloration of the tapetum lacidum and blindness as the main clinical signs. The gross pathological findings at postmortem examination revealed cerebellar herniation, flattened gyri and narrowed sulci of the cerebral cortex in an affected calf. Histopathology showed squamous metaplasia of the efferent ducts in the parotid gland and hyperkeratosis of the ruminal mucosa. In addition, the plasma levels of vitamin A in the heifers and calves were below the reference values. These results confirmed the first reported case of congenital hypovitaminosis A in cattle in Argentina.

Effect of thin-split encephalomyosynangiosis on transient neurological events in revascularization surgery for pediatric patients with moyamoya disease.

Transient neurological events (TNEs) are among the most important events after revascularization surgery in pediatric patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). Although hemodynamic changes and crying are representative factors of TNEs, brain compression by encephalomyosynangiosis (EMS) is another important cause of TNEs. Therefore, the authors assumed that making the EMS as thin as possible reduces the frequency of TNEs. However, thin-split EMS can lead to insufficient development of collateral vessels. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of thin-split EMS in combined revascularization surgery on postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients with MMD. The authors retrospectively included 56 consecutive combined revascularization surgeries in the anterior cerebral circulation in pediatric patients with MMD. These surgeries were classified into the former group and thin-split EMS group. The temporal muscle was halved in the former EMS group and split as thinly as possible in the thin-split EMS group. The authors performed between-group comparisons of postoperative stroke events and TNEs during the acute period and the development of collateral flow and stroke events during the chronic period. Former and thin-split EMS procedures were performed in 37 and 19 patients, respectively. TNEs without crying or hemodynamic changes were observed significantly less frequently in the thin-split EMS group than in the former EMS group (0 [0.0%] in the thin-split EMS group vs 9 [24.3%] in the former EMS group, p = 0.021). There were no significant between-group differences in the development of indirect bypass during the chronic period (good: 34 [91.9%] and poor: 3 [8.1%] in the former EMS group vs good: 16 [84.2%] and poor: 3 [15.8%] in the thin-split EMS group; p = 0.397). Additionally, there were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of chronic clinical events, including death or stroke. Thin-split EMS can reduce TNEs that do not accompany crying or hemodynamic changes. Furthermore, the procedure has sufficient prevention effects against stroke events during the chronic postoperative period in pediatric patients with MMD.

Neuroendoscopy surgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage with concurrent brain herniation: a retrospective study of comparison with craniotomy.

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage combined with cerebral hernia (HIH-CH) is a serious condition. Neuroendoscopy can effectively remove intracranial hematoma, but there is no relevant research support for its utility in patients with HIH-CH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopy in patients with HIH-CH. Patients with HIH-CH who received craniotomy or neuroendoscopy treatment were included. The patients were divided into craniotomy (CHE) group and neuroendoscopy (NEHE) group. Clinical data and follow-up outcome of the two groups were collected. The primary outcome was hematoma clearance. The hematoma clearance rate (%) of patients in NEHE group was 97.65 (92.75, 100.00), and that of patients in CHE group was 95.00 (90.00, 100.00), p > 0.05. The operation time and intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in NEHE group were significantly less than those in CHE group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the volume of residual hematoma and the incidence of rebleeding between the two groups (p > 0.05). The length of stay in ICU in NEHE group was significantly shorter than that in CHE group (p < 0.05). Neuroendoscopy can safely and effectively remove the intracranial hematoma in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage and cerebral hernia, significantly shorten the operation time, reduce the amount of intraoperative hemorrhage, shorten the ICU stay.

Perioperative Nursing Influence on Cerebrospinal Fluid Biochemical Markers in Cerebral Hemorrhage Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Intracranial Hematoma Removal Surgery

Background: Cerebral hemorrhage refers to a hemorrhagic disease caused by primary non-traumatic rupture of blood vessels in the brain parenchyma. It is a common acute cerebrovascular disease in the elderly. Objectives: To observe the effect of perioperative nursing on minimally invasive intracranial hematoma removal surgery in patients with cerebral hemorrhage. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 106 patients undergoing treatment for minimally invasive internal hematoma (MIRIH) at the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China, between January and December 2022. These patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely the control and observation groups (n=53 each). The observation group received perioperative care in addition to routine care. Differences between groups were compared using t-tests and Chi-square tests. Results: On the first day, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the groups. However, on the 7th and 14th days of admission, the observation group showed an increase in potassium ions and a decrease in chloride ions, lactate dehydrogenase, trace microalbumin, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). The observation group also had a lower incidence of postoperative complications, including pneumonia, lower limb vein thrombosis, and cerebral hernia, compared to the control group (P&lt;0.05). NIHSS scores on days 7 and 14 were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (day 7: 9.60±4.11 vs 12.02±2.83, P&lt;0.05; day 14: 6.77±3.47 vs 9.19±2.86, P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative nursing leads to improvement in electrolyte/metabolic levels, neurological recovery, and reduction in post-MIRIH surgical complications.

New minimally-invasive approach in adult for Chiari I malformation.

Chiari I malformation is defined by tonsillar herniation through the foramen magnum. There is no consensus on the treatment of Chiari malformation. A simple follow-up is recommended for asymptomatic cases. The classic approach is the midline sub-occipital craniotomy. For four years, we operated on six patients with Chiari malformation I using our endoscopic minimally invasive sub-occipital approach. We compared the results with six other patients operated by the classical sub-occipital approach. Patients operated by endoscopic approach had shorter hospital stays, and wounds healed faster and smoother. Mid-term results were similar in the two groups. This paper proposes a new endoscopic Minimally invasive paramedian sub-occipital approach for Chiari malformation I. Although the number of cases is limited, the results look promising. We need to gather more cases to have significant numbers to perform a global comparison between the two approaches and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Initial experience with minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage in the setting of radiographic herniation

BackgroundSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can rapidly result in cerebral herniation, leading to poor neurologic outcomes or mortality. To date, neither decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) nor hematoma evacuation have been conclusively shown to improve outcomes for comatose ICH patients presenting with cerebral herniation, with these patients largely excluded from clinical trials. Here we present the outcomes of a series of patients presenting with ICH and radiographic herniation who underwent emergent minimally invasive (MIS) ICH evacuation. MethodsWe reviewed our prospectively collected registry of patients undergoing MIS ICH evacuation at a single institution from 01/01/2017 to 10/01/2021. We selected all consecutive patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) ≤ 8 and radiographic herniation for this case series. Clinical and radiographic variables were collected, including admission GCS score, preoperative and postoperative hematoma volumes, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at last follow-up. ResultsOf 176 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation during the study time period, a total of 9 patients presented with GCS ≤ 8 and evidence of radiographic herniation. Among these patients, the mean age was 62 ± 12 years, the median GCS at presentation was 5 [IQR 4-6], the mean preoperative hematoma volume was 94 ± 44 mL, the mean time from ictus to evacuation was 12 ± 5 h, and the mean postoperative hematoma volume was 11 ± 16 mL, for a median evacuation percentage of 97% [83-99]. Three patients (33%) died, four (44%) survived with mRS 5 and two (22%) with mRS 4. Patients had a median NIHSS improvement of 5 compared to their initial NIHSS. Age was very strongly correlate to improvements in NIHSS (r2 = 0.90). ConclusionData from this initial experience suggest emergent MIS hematoma evacuation in the setting of ICH with radiographic herniation is feasible and technically effective. Further randomized studies are required to determine if such an intervention offers overall benefits to patients and their families.

The Kinetics of Transtentorial Brain Herniation: Kernohan-Woltman Notch Phenomenon Revisited.

To critically review recent literature in understanding the pathological consequences of transtentorial brain herniation resulting from unilateral expanding supratentorial mass lesions. Modern neuroimaging assists in understanding the consequences of transtentorial brain herniation with the development of the Kernohan-Woltman notch phenomenon. MRI studies in post-operative patients undergoing craniotomy and removal of expanding unilateral hemispheric mass lesions (usually an extradural or subdural hematoma) have shown striking findings in the contralateral crus cerebri suggestive of damage as a result of impact against the free margin of the opposite tentorium as suggested by Kernohan and Woltman nearly a century back in autopsy studies. MR changes include T1 hypointensity, T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity, DW1 hyperintensity with restriction of diffusion, presence of hypointensity in GRE sequences and evidence of axonal damage in the corticospinal tracts in the cerebral peduncle in diffusion tensor imaging and MR tractography. The pathological basis of such changes may be variable or a combination of several pathological processes, which may all be related to the impact/compression of the contralateral crus with the tentorial margin. These include contusion, compression, demyelination, and perhaps most importantly microvascular damage including microbleeds. The role of uncal herniation is debatable. It appears that as a result of massive lateral shift in the supratentorial compartment, there is a transient forceful impact of the opposite cerebral peduncle against the rigid tentorial border to induce one or more of the abovementioned phenomena to explain the imaging findings. The limitation of these studies is that most of them have been done in the post-operative periods and surgical manipulations can surely alter anatomical relationships between intracranial structures. The exact sequence of events happening intracranially in the face of rapidly expanding supratentorial mass lesions is largely unknown. Even with rapid progress in neuroimaging, documentation of such changes during life are difficult, principally for logistic reasons. Consequently, the very truth of the much taught about phenomenon of uncal herniation and the resultant Kernohan-Woltman notch phenomenon and the false localizing sign of unilateral motor weakness and contralateral pupillary dilation have been questioned. Animal experimentation and autopsy studies have not contributed much in our understanding of the actual process happening intracranially in such an emergent situation. The midbrain undoubtedly is the key structure bearing the brunt of the effect of brain shift which is more lateral than downward in cases with unilateral expanding lesions. Structural changes in the cerebral peduncles have now been visualized with modern neuroimaging. These alterations may result from the interplay of one or more factors which include compression, contusion, demyelination, and perhaps most importantly microvascular ischemia and hemorrhage resulting from a forceful yet transient impact of the cerebral peduncle with the tough tentorial margin. The last mentioned hypothesis would be in conformity with Kernohan and Woltman's concept of elastic deformation of the midbrain. In the present article an attempt is made to provide a historical account of the changing concepts in relation to brain herniation as systematically and chronologically as possible, and then, critically review recent neuroimaging observations with a view to hypothesize on the sequence of events during transtentorial brain herniation.

Case Report on Myleomeningiocele with Cerebellar Tonsillar

Myelomeningocele is a form of neural tube abnormality that causes the spinal cord and meninges to protrude through a hole in the spinal column. It is uncommon for myelomeningocele to be associated with cerebellar tonsillar herniation. This instance demonstrates the difficulties in detecting and controlling this comorbid illness. Myelomeningocele with cerebellar tonsillar herniation is a severe congenital disorder involving the protrusion of the spinal cord and meninges through a defect in the vertebral column, accompanied by downward displacement of the cerebellar tonsils. It is associated with significant neurological and physical impairments, requiring comprehensive medical management and rehabilitation. Early diagnosis, intervention, and on-going multidisciplinary care are crucial for individuals affected by this condition to maximize their potential and improve their overall well-being. We present a case of a female child who was admitted to the NICU for further evaluation and management of myelomeningocele. On examination, the child was active with vitals stable. On local examination, swelling is present at the Lumbosacral region of size 5*4 cm. All investigations and septic screens sent reports within normal limits. MRI was done s/o Spina bifid occulta with LS myelomeningocele with cerebellar tonsillar descent (likely Arnold Chiari Malformation type.

Normalcy in Post-operative Period After Bilateral IJV Ligation: A Rare Case Report.

Ligation of bilateral IJV causes interruption of major part of venous drainage from Dural venous sinuses that causes complications such as gross facial edema, increased intracranial pressure, brain compression, coma and even death increasing the morbidity and mortality post-operatively. This case report illustrates a case of normalcy noted in post-operative period in a patient after ligation of bilateral IJV in left lower alveolus cancer.

Procalcitonin/Albumin Ratio Predicts the Outcome After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

The procalcitonin/albumin ratio (PAR), a novel inflammation-based index, has been reported to predict the prognosis following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and bacterial infection. However, whether PAR can predict the outcome of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum PAR levels and prognosis at 6months after STBI. We retrospectively enrolled 129 patients diagnosed with STBI and collected relevant clinical and laboratory data. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association of PAR with the prognosis of STBI. The receiver operating characteristics curve was performed to examine the predictive use of PAR for prognosis. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was also performed to improve the reliability of the results. The primary outcome measures were expressed as a score on the modified Rankin Scale at 6months. The unfavorable prognosis group had advanced age, lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, higher rate of cerebral hernia and intracranial infection, higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), elevated PAR, and higher rate of pneumonia. Multivariate analysis showed that PAR (before PSM: odds ratio 3.473, 95% confidence interval 2.983-4.043, P < 0.001; after PSM: odds ratio 5.358, 95% confidence interval 3.689-6.491, P < 0.001) was independently associated with unfavorable outcome. The area under the curve of the PAR for predicting an unfavorable outcome was higher than that of the CAR and NLR. The PAR might be a novel independent risk factor of the outcome after STBI. Moreover, PAR was a better biomarker in predicting the outcome of patients with STBI than CAR and NLR.

The Osaka prognostic score and Naples prognostic score: novel biomarkers for predicting short-term outcomes after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectivesPoor immune-nutritional status has been associated with an unfavorable outcome in critical illness. The Osaka prognostic score (OPS) and the Naples prognostic score (NPS), based on inflammatory and nutritional status, has been shown to predict prognosis following cancer and other diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the OPS and NPS and the short-term outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients hospitalized with spontaneous ICH (n = 340) at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between August 2016 and August 2021. Inclusion criteria included patients aged between 18 and 70, and if a blood sample was taken for laboratory testing within 24 h of admission (serum C-reactive protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and counts for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were collected on admission). Exclusion criteria included a non-spontaneous cause of ICH and patient death during hospitalization. Patients were divided into four groups based on OPS or five groups according to NPS. Outcomes were evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at six months post-ICH hospitalization. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a mRS score ≥ 3.ResultsA total of 289 patients met our inclusion criteria. The unfavorable outcome group had older age, a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, a higher rate of complications and cerebral herniation, a longer hospital stay, and higher OPS and NPS when compared with the favorable outcome group. Univariate analysis showed that both OPS and NPS were strongly correlated with mRS (r = 0.196,P < 0.001; r = 0.244, P = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis further showed that OPS and NPS were both independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes for patients with ICH with adjusted odds ratios of 1.802 (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.140–2.847, P = 0.012) and 1.702 (95% CI: 1.225–2.635, P = 0.02), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of NPS for predicting a poor outcome was 0.732 (95% CI: 0.665–0.799), which was similar to the AUC of OPS 0.724 (95% CI: 0.657–0.792).ConclusionsIn this cohort, a higher OPS and NPS on admission was associated with poor outcome at six months following ICH, supporting their potential role as markers for predicting the outcome of patients with ICH.

Hinge craniotomy versus standard decompressive hemicraniectomy: an experimental preclinical comparative study.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the most common surgical procedure to manage increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Hinge craniotomy (HC), which consists of fixing the bone operculum with a pivot, is an alternative method conceived to avoid some DC-related complications; nonetheless, it is debated whether it can provide enough volume expansion. In this study, we aimed to analyze the volume and ICP obtained with HC using an experimental cadaver-based preclinical model and compare the results to baseline and DC. Baseline conditions, HC, and DC were compared on both sides of five anatomical specimens. Volume and ICP values were measured with a custom-made system. Local polynomial regression was used to investigate volume differences. The area of the bone opercula resulting from measurements was 115.55 cm2; the mean supratentorial volume was 955 mL. HC led to intermediate results compared to baseline and DC. At an ICP of 50 mmHg, HC offers 130 mL extra space but 172 mL less than a DC. Based on local polynomial regression, the mean volume difference between HC and the standard craniotomy was 10%; 14% between DC and HC; both are higher than the volume of brain herniation reported in the literature in the clinical setting. The volume leading to an ICP of 50 mmHg at baseline was less than the volume needed to reach an ICP of 20 mmHg after HC (10.05% and 14.95% from baseline, respectively). These data confirm the efficacy of HC in providing sufficient volume expansion. HC is a valid intermediate alternative in case of potentially evolutionary lesions and non-massive edema, especially in developing countries.

Chronological Volume Changes of the Temporal Muscle Pedicle Used for Encephalo-myo-synangiosis in Combined Revascularization for Moyamoya Disease: A Prospective Observational Study.

Although postoperative neurological events due to brain compression by the swollen temporal muscle are a rare complication, the chronological volume changes of the temporal muscle pedicle and their clinical impact have not yet been documented. This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the chronological volume changes in the temporal muscle pedicle in Moyamoya disease (MMD). Eighteen consecutive combined revascularization procedures using the temporal muscle were performed for symptomatic MMD in 2021. The postoperative pedicle volume was quantified using repeated computed tomography images on postoperative days (PODs) 0, 1, 7, 14, and 30. Postoperative neurological events with radiological evaluations and collateral development evaluated using magnetic resonance angiography obtained 6 months after surgery were studied. On average, the postoperative temporal muscle pedicle volume was most significantly increased by as much as 112% ± 9.6% on POD 7 (P < 0.001) and decreased by as little as 52% ± 21% on POD 30 (P < 0.0001) relative to POD 0. One exceptional patient (overall incidence, 5.6%) demonstrated postoperative transient neurological events due to brain compression by the swollen temporal muscle with decreased focal cerebral blood flow in the adjacent cortical area. The postoperative collateral development via direct and indirect revascularizations was confirmed in 16 (89%) and 12 (67%) hemispheres, respectively. All patients, except for one rebleeding case, showed independent outcomes at the mean latest follow-up period on 290 ± 96 days after surgery. Our observations confirmed the temporal profile of muscle pedicle volume changes after combined revascularization. Through routine attempts to avoid the unfavorable effects of temporal muscle swelling, combined revascularization can provide favorable outcomes in symptomatic MMD.

A Critical Update of the Classification of Chiari and Chiari-like Malformations.

Chiari malformations are a group of craniovertebral junction anomalies characterized by the herniation of cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum, often accompanied by brainstem descent. The existing classification systems for Chiari malformations have expanded from the original four categories to nine, leading to debates about the need for a more descriptive and etiopathogenic terminology. This review aims to examine the various classification approaches employed and proposes a simplified scheme to differentiate between different types of tonsillar herniations. Furthermore, it explores the most appropriate terminology for acquired herniation of cerebellar tonsils and other secondary Chiari-like malformations. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have revealed a higher prevalence and incidence of Chiari malformation Type 1 (CM1) and identified similar cerebellar herniations in individuals unrelated to the classic phenotypes described by Chiari. As we reassess the existing classifications, it becomes crucial to establish a terminology that accurately reflects the diverse presentations and underlying causes of these conditions. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion by offering insights into the evolving understanding of Chiari malformations and proposing a simplified classification and terminology system to enhance diagnosis and management.