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Introduction: Intraparenchymal meningiomas in the basal ganglia are extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge, only three case reports have been published to date. Owing to concerns regarding major vessels, gross total resection (GTR) is difficult to achieve; therefore, subtotal resection and radiation therapy are often chosen as treatment options. We present a pediatric case with an intraparenchymal meningioma in the left basal ganglia that was successfully treated with GTR. We also reviewed the relevant literature to discuss the pathogenesis, radiological findings, and treatment methods of this rare disease., Case Report: A 4-year-old girl presented with progressive right facial paralysis, aphasia, and right incomplete hemiplegia. Imaging revealed a mass lesion in the left basal ganglia and unilateral obstructive hydrocephalus. Neuroendoscopic septostomy, tumor biopsy, and cerebrospinal fluid reservoir placement were performed, and the initial pathological diagnosis was suspected glioma. Thus, craniotomy was performed to remove the tumor, which was white, elastic, and well-defined. Intraoperative rapid pathology revealed a meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient experienced transient worsening of the right incomplete hemiplegia, which subsequently improved. The final pathological diagnosis was a fibrous meningioma., Conclusion: Surgery for intraparenchymal meningiomas in the basal ganglia is challenging owing to the proximity of major blood vessels; however, GTR may be preferable to subtotal resection, considering the possibility of recurrence. Even in cases of intraparenchymal tumors, it is important to consider meningioma as a differential diagnosis and to carefully plan the appropriate treatment., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background and Purpose: After successful mechanical thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery occlusion, basal ganglia infarction is commonly detectable. Whilst the functional outcome of these patients is often good, less knowledge is available about the cognitive outcome. The aim of our study was to assess the presence of cognitive impairment within 1 week after thrombectomy., Methods: In all, 43 subjects underwent a general cognitive assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and an extensive battery of tests. Patients were classified as cognitively impaired (CImp) or not (noCImp) according to a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score below 18., Results: Cognitively impaired and noCImp subjects did not differ either in their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admittance, or in their Fazekas score and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score. At discharge, CImp subjects showed higher scores than noCImp subjects on NIHSS (p = 0.002) and mRS (p < 0.001). The percentage of pathological performances on each neuropsychological test in the whole sample and in CImp and noCImp patients shows a similar cognitive profile between the groups., Conclusions: Some patients who underwent thrombectomy experienced a detectable cognitive impairment that probably led to worse NIHSS and mRS. The neuropsychological profile of such cognitive impairment at the acute stage consists of wide deficits in numerous cognitive domains, suggesting that basal ganglia damage may lead to complex functional impairments., (© 2023 The Authors. European Journal of Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Neurology.)

Objective: To evaluate the hematoma clearance and safety of small bone window craniotomy through the lateral fissure Rolandic point-insular lobe approach for patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) in posterior basal ganglia., Methods: This retrospective study enrolled a total of 86 patients with HICH in the posterior basal ganglia region who underwent surgery between January 2020 and December 2021. These patients were divided into two groups: the conventional group and the study group. The intraoperative information, postoperative hematoma clearance rate, increasing rate of cerebral edema and rebleeding occurrence rate, postoperative complication rate, and prognoses were compared between the two groups. Additionally, we observed and compared the rate of postoperative cerebral hematoma increase, as well as the neurological function and activities of daily living (ADL) at admission, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery in both groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore factors affecting the prognosis of patients with HICH in the posterior basal ganglia region after small bone window craniotomy through the lateral fissure Rolandic point-insular lobe approach., Results: The study group exhibited significantly shorter automatic eye-opening times and hospital stays compared to the conventional group ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the study group demonstrated better hematoma clearance rates, lower rates of cerebral hematoma at postoperative 48 h and 72 h, and lower rates of rebleeding compared to the conventional group ( P < 0.05). At 3 and 6 months postsurgery, the study group exhibited a significantly greater improvement in neurological function and ADL compared to the conventional group ( P < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was lower than that in the conventional group ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the prognosis of the study group was significantly better than that of the conventional group at the 6-month follow-up ( P < 0.05)., Conclusion: A small bone window craniotomy via transsylvian Rolandic point-insular approach has been shown to improve the hematoma clearance rate in patients with HICH in the posterior basal ganglia region while also reducing the incidence of complications. This approach is highly safe and feasible for implementation in clinical practice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 Guobing Wang et al.)

Objective: Anatomical taxonomy is a practical tool that has successfully guided clinical decision-making for patients with brain arteriovenous malformations and brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). Deep CMs are similarly complex lesions that are difficult to access and highly variable in size, shape, and position. The authors propose a novel taxonomy for deep CMs in the basal ganglia based on clinical presentation (syndromes) and anatomical location., Methods: The taxonomy system was developed and applied to an extensive 2-surgeon experience over 19 years (2001-2019). Lesions involving the basal ganglia were identified and subtyped on the basis of the predominant superficial presentation identified on preoperative MRI. Three subtypes of basal ganglia CMs were defined: caudate (31, 57%), putaminal (16, 30%), and pallidal (7, 13%). Neurological outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Postoperative mRS scores ≤ 2 were defined as a favorable outcome, and scores > 2 were defined as a poor outcome. Clinical and surgical characteristics and neurological outcomes were compared among subtypes., Results: Fifty-four basal ganglia lesions were identified in 54 patients. Each basal ganglia CM subtype was associated with a recognizable constellation of neurological symptoms. The most common symptoms at presentation were severe or worsening headaches (25, 43%), mild hemiparesis (13, 24%), seizures (7, 13%), and dysmetria or ataxia (6, 11%). Patients with caudate CMs were the most likely to present with headaches and constitutional symptoms. Patients with putaminal CMs were the most likely to present with hemibody sensory deficits and dysmetria or ataxia. Patients with pallidal CMs were the most likely to present with mild hemiparesis and visual field deficits. A single surgical approach was preferred (> 80% of cases) for each basal ganglia subtype: caudate (contralateral transcallosal-transventricular, 28/31, 90%), putaminal (transsylvian-anterior transinsular, 13/16, 81%), and pallidal (transsylvian supracarotid-infrafrontal, 7/7, 100%). Most patients with follow-up had stable or improved mRS scores postoperatively (94%, 44/47); mRS scores of > 2 at final follow-up did not differ among the 3 basal ganglia subtypes., Conclusions: The study confirms the authors' hypothesis that this taxonomy for basal ganglia CMs meaningfully guides the selection of surgical approach and resection strategy. Furthermore, the proposed taxonomy can increase the diagnostic acumen at the patient bedside, help identify optimal surgical approaches, enhance the consistency of clinical communications and publications, and improve patient outcomes.

Objective: To compare the perioperative indexes and long-term effects of craniotomy and neuro-endoscopic hematoma removal in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) in the basal ganglia region., Methods: This study involved 128 patients with HICH in the basal ganglia region who were admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to June 2022. They were divided into 2 groups according to the random number table method. The craniotomy group (n = 70) underwent microsurgery with small bone window craniotomy with a side cleft, and the neuro-endoscopy group (n = 58) underwent small bone window neuro-endoscopic surgery. A 3-dimensional Slicer was used to calculate the hematoma volume and clearance rate and the postoperative brain tissue edema volume. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative intracranial pressure, complications, mortality, and improvement in the modified Rankin scale score at 6 months postoperatively were compared between the two groups., Results: The clearance rate was significantly higher in the neuro-endoscopy group than in the craniotomy group (94.16% ± 1.86% versus 90.87% ± 1.89%, P < 0.0001). The operation time was significantly lower in the neuro-endoscopy group than in the craniotomy group (89.9 ± 11.7 versus 203.7 ± 57.6 min, P < 0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the craniotomy group (248.31 ± 94.65 versus 78.66 ± 28.96 mL, P < 0.0001). The postoperative length of stay in the intensive care unit was 12.6 days in the neuro-endoscopy group and 14.0 days in the craniotomy group with no significant difference ( P = 0.196). Intracranial pressure monitoring showed no significant difference between the two groups on postoperative days 1 and 7. Intracranial pressure was significantly higher in the craniotomy group than in the neuro-endoscopy group on postoperative day 3 (15.1 ± 6.8 versus 12.5 ± 6.8 mm Hg, P = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the mortality or outcome rate at 6 months postoperatively between the two groups., Conclusions: In patients with HICH in the basal ganglia region, neuro-endoscopy can significantly improve the hematoma clearance rate, reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and postoperative cerebral tissue edema, and improve surgical efficiency. However, the long-term prognosis of patients who undergo craniotomy through the lateral fissure is similar to that of patients who undergo neuro-endoscopic surgery., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: The current treatment spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is limited., Aim: To determine the optimal time window for minimally invasive surgery in patients with sICH., Materials and Methods: sICH patients with a hematoma volume of 30-80 mL in the basal ganglia region were included in our study. A total of 357 patients were divided into groups according to different operative times from ICH onset (group 1: 0-6 h, group 2: 6-12 h, group 3: >12 h) and hematoma volumes (30-50 mL and >50 mL). All patients were followed-up for three months' post-operation, and their clinical outcomes were compared., Results: In the three groups of patients with hematoma volumes of 30-50 mL, the rebleeding and mortality rate were higher in group 1 than groups 2 and 3 ( p  < .05). The activities of daily living evaluated by Barthel Index (BI) three months' post-operation was significantly lower in group 3 than other groups ( p  < .05) and group 2 had the highest proportion of good outcomes. Among the patients with the hematoma volumes of 50-80 mL, the rebleeding risk was higher in group 1 than groups 2 and 3 ( p  < .05). However, there were no significant differences in mortality rates among these three groups. Moreover, group 1 had significantly higher BI than groups 2 and 3 ( p  < .05)., Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery is safe and effective in patients with sICH. 6-12 h after sICH onset is the optimal surgical window for patients with hematoma volumes of 30-50 mL, while ultra-early (≤6 h) may achieve better results in patients with hematoma volumes of >50 mL.

Objective: To compare the prognosis of patients with spontaneous basal ganglia intracerebral hematoma treated by endoscopic evacuation, craniotomy, or puncture aspiration., Methods: This retrospective observational study included information from patients with basal ganglia hematoma who received craniotomy, endoscopic evacuation, or puncture aspiration in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC between January 2016 and May 2021. Patients were grouped according to their treatment method for comparison., Results: From a total of 184 patients, 62 cases (51 males, aged 54.44 ± 9.92 years) received craniotomy, 64 cases (45 males, aged 53.97 ± 11.87 years) received endoscopic evacuation, and 58 cases (43 males, aged 54.25 ± 10.35 years) received puncture aspiration. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics among three surgical procedures. Patients in the endoscopy group had the shortest hospital stay (15.16 ± 4.89 days vs. 17.88 ± 5.97 and 20.77 ± 6.96 days), lowest infectious meningitis [1(1.6 %) vs. 2(3.4%) and 8(12.9%)] and pulmonary infection [3(4.7%) vs. 5(8.6%) and 13(21.0%)] rates, and highest hematoma removal rate (90.39 ± 5.22% vs. 35.87 ± 6.23 and 84.76 ± 4.91%) and Glasgow outcome scale 6 months after surgery (4.41 ± 0.53 vs. 3.74 ± 1.09 and 3.81 ± 1.03). The occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding, epilepsy, and mortality were similar (all p > 0.05) among the groups., Conclusion: Patients with spontaneous basal ganglia intracerebral hematoma who received endoscopic evacuation might have better prognosis than those treated with craniotomy or puncture aspiration. In future, endoscopic surgery could become the most common method for treating spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhages., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Deep-seated unruptured AVMs located in the thalamus, basal ganglia, or brainstem have a higher risk of hemorrhage compared to superficial AVMs and surgical resection is more challenging. Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide a comprehensive summary of the stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) outcomes for deep-seated AVMs. This study follows the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Statement. We conducted a systematic search in December 2022 for all reports of deep-seated arteriovenous malformations treated with SRS. Thirty-four studies (2508 patients) were included. The mean obliteration rate in brainstem AVM was 67% (95% CI: 0.60-0.73), with significant inter-study heterogeneity (tau 2 = 0.0113, I 2 = 67%, chi 2 = 55.33, df = 16, p-value < 0.01). The mean obliteration rate in basal ganglia/thalamus AVM was 65% (95% CI: 0.58-0.72) with significant inter-study heterogeneity (tau 2 = 0.0150, I 2 = 78%, chi 2 = 81.79, df = 15, p-value < 0.01). The presence of deep draining veins (p-value: 0.02) and marginal radiation dose (p-value: 0.04) were positively correlated with obliteration rate in brainstem AVMs. The mean incidence of hemorrhage after treatment was 7% for the brainstem and 9% for basal ganglia/thalamus AVMs (95% CI: 0.05-0.09 and 95% CI: 0.05-0.12, respectively). The meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation (p-value < 0.001) between post-operative hemorrhagic events and several factors, including ruptured lesion, previous surgery, and Ponce C classification in basal ganglia/thalamus AVMs. The present study found that radiosurgery appears to be a safe and effective modality in treating brainstem, thalamus, and basal ganglia AVMs, as evidenced by satisfactory rates of lesion obliteration and post-surgical hemorrhage., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Basal ganglia hemorrhage, which is characterized by excessive incapacity charge and high mortality rates, is surgically treated by minimally invasive hematoma puncture and drainage. We aimed at determining the efficacy of laser-guided minimally invasive hematoma puncture and drainage for treatment of basal ganglia hemorrhage. A total of 61 patients with hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage were recruited at the Binzhou Medical University Hospital, between October 2019 and January 2021, and their clinical information retrospectively analyzed. Based on the surgical approach used, patients were assigned into either laser navigation or small bone window groups depending on the surgical approach. Then, we compared the operation times, intraoperative blood loss, clinic stay, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) rating at 30 days, Barthel index (BI) rating at 6 months, postoperative pneumonia incidences, and intracranial contamination complications between groups. Intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and sanatorium were significantly low in laser navigation group, relative to the small bone window group. At the same time, there were no significant differences between the groups with regard to postoperative hematoma volume, lung contamination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, and intracranial contamination, as well as the 6-month BI and 30-day GOS rating. There were no deaths in either group. Compared with the traditional small bone window surgery, laser-guided puncture and drainage is a low-cost, accurate, and safe method for the treatment of basal ganglia hemorrhage, which is suitable for promotion in developing countries and economically underdeveloped areas., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The basal ganglia, a group of subcortical nuclei located deep in the insular cortex, are responsible for many functions such as motor learning, emotion, and behavior control. Nowadays, because it has been shown that deep brain stimulation and insular tumor surgery can be performed by endovascular treatment, the importance of the vascular anatomy of the basal ganglia is being increasingly recognized., Objective: To explain the arterial blood supply of the basal ganglia using white matter dissection., Methods: The Klingler protocol was used to prepare 12 silicone-injected human hemispheres. The dissections were performed from lateral to medial with the fiber dissection technique to preserve arteries., Results: The globus pallidus blood supply came from the medial lenticulostriate, lateral lenticulostriate, and anterior choroidal arteries; the substantia nigra and subthalamic nucleus were supplied by the branches of posterior cerebral artery; the putamen was supplied by the lateral and medial lenticulostriate arteries; and the caudate nucleus was supplied by the lateral lenticulostriate and medial lenticulostriate arteries and the recurrent artery of Heubner., Conclusion: Knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the basal ganglia and its vascular supply is essential for avoiding postoperative ischemic complications in surgeries related to the insula. In addition, knowledge of this anatomy and vascular relationship opens the doors to endovascular deep brain stimulation treatment. This study provides a 3-dimensional understanding of the blood supply to the basal ganglia by examining it using the fiber dissection technique. Further studies could use advanced imaging modalities to explore the vascular relationships with critical structures in the brain., (Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2023. All rights reserved.)

Background: Few cytoreductive surgical tools are available for newly diagnosed basal ganglia gliomas. Current reports showed high associated morbidity and mortality. Given their deep localization, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is still a rare indication. Moreover, few reports account for which of the available options have better outcomes., Objective: To retrospectively analyze our experience with LITT and compare its safety, feasibility, and efficacy with needle biopsy for the management of adult basal ganglia gliomas., Methods: Twenty-two patients with gliomas from the midline (e.g. thalamus and lenticular nucleus) managed with either LITT/biopsy or needle biopsy from 2015 to 2021 were included. Records regarding location, diagnosis, Karnofsky Performance Score, length of hospital stay, preoperative lesion and ablation volume, perioperative complications, and data of adjuvant treatment were collected. Overall survival was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier analysis., Results: Seven patients had LITT, and 15 underwent biopsy. The overall mean age was 60.9 years (25-82 years). The average tumor volume in the former was 16.99 cm 3 and 17.65 cm 3 in the latter. No postsurgical complications were found in the LITT group, and 1 patient had a postsurgical hemorrhage after biopsy. The mean overall survival was 20.28 ± 9.63 months in the LITT group, which was greater but not statistically significant than in the biopsy group (13.85 ± 4.48 months; P = .78)., Conclusion: Our results show that laser ablation may be both feasible and safe in adult basal ganglia gliomas. Given the lack of safe cytoreductive treatment options, LITT should be considered as a valid choice for these patients., (Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2022. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of convection-enhanced delivery of autologous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for enhancing intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the basal ganglia during stereotactic neurosurgery., Methods: This pilot study was conducted in 4 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent MRI-guided deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). CSF was obtained via lumbar puncture after general anesthesia and prior to incision. A frameless stereotaxy system was installed, and an infusion catheter was inserted to the GPi using intraoperative MRI. Infusion of autologous CSF was performed at a convective rate of 5 µL/min with a maximum volume of infusion (Vi) of 500 mL. T2-weighted MRI scans were obtained every 15 min up to a maximum of 105 min in order to calculate the volume of distribution (Vd). Safety was assessed with adverse event monitoring, and clinical outcomes were measured with changes in unmedicated UPDRS part III and PDQ-39 scores from baseline to 6 months postoperatively., Results: All four infusions were safe and without adverse events. The mean unmedicated UPDRS part III and PDQ-39 scores improved by 24% and 26%, respectively. The Vd:Vi ratio ranged from 2.2 to 2.8 and peaked 45 min from the onset of infusion, which is when the borders of the GPi could generally be visualized based on T2-weighted MRI. Two patients underwent refinement of the stereotactic targeting based on infusion-enhanced images., Conclusions: The convective administration of autologous CSF to deep brain structures appears safe and feasible for enhancing intraoperative MRI during stereotactic procedures. Infusion-enhanced imaging with target-specific infusates could be developed to visualize neurochemical circuits or cellular regions that currently are not seen with anatomic/structural MRI., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) seriously endangers the quality of life of patients and can even lead to death. Craniotomy is a common treatment method for HICH., Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of two different sizes of craniotomy in patients with HICH, as well as to evaluate their effects on C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood lactate levels., Materials and Methods: A total of 72 patients with HICH in the basal ganglia were operated on in our hospital from February 2017 to March 2019 and randomly divided into two groups: the small bone window (SBW) group (n = 37) and the large bone flap group (n = 35). The curative effects of the two kinds of operations were evaluated by the length of operation, the days of hospitalization, the rate of hematoma clearance, the rate of rebleeding, and the incidence of complications. Additionally, the levels of CRP and lactate were compared between the two groups., Results: The results showed that the average intraoperative time, hospital stay, rebleeding rate, and postoperative complications of patients in the SBW group were less than those in the large bone flap group. Moreover, the number of patients in the SBW group with good postoperative recovery, including class V and class IV, was higher than that in the large bone flap group. Minimally invasive craniotomy with SBW reduced the lactic acid and CRP levels more quickly than the large bone flap group., Conclusions: An SBW was superior to a large bone flap in terms of the operative effect and lactate and CRP levels. It is concluded that an SBW has significant advantages over a large bone flap., Competing Interests: None

Background: Surgery plays a major role in treating hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia; however, some patients suffer from neurological impairment after surgery. Studies have confirmed that stereotactic hematoma aspiration guided by computed tomography (CT) has significant value for patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia, but little is known about the optimal timing for the operation. This study sought to explore the effect of CT-guided stereotactic hematoma aspiration timing on the recovery of neurological function in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia., Methods: The data of 110 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia admitted to the Union Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Based on the timing of their operations, the patients were allocated to the early treatment group (within 24 hours, n=50) and late treatment group (after 24 hours, n=60). The postoperative recovery of the 2 groups was compared., Results: There were no significant differences in terms of age, gender, amount of cerebral hemorrhage, hemorrhage ruptured into ventricle rate, Glasgow Coma Scale score, hypertension grade, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and operation duration between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Additionally, there was no difference in the preoperative National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores of the patients in the 2 groups (22.50±4.90 vs. 23.83±5.35, P=0.179). Compared to the late treatment group, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of the patients in the early treatment group was significantly lower 3 and 6 months after the operation (5.90±4.02 vs. 9.23±3.47, P<0.001; 4.54±2.56 vs. 6.50±3.07, P<0.001, respectively). The Glasgow Outcome Scale score of patients in the early treatment group was significantly better than that of patients in the late treatment group (P=0.035). No significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection, intracranial infection, rebleeding, and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis between the 2 groups (P>0.05)., Conclusions: Early CT-guided stereotactic hematoma aspiration may improve the postoperative neurological function of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia.

Background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular congenital lesions that affect mainly patients during their productive years of life. In order to obtain a better quality of life for patients with this disease, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. Radiosurgery is one of the treatment modalities available for AVMs, but many factors may influence the effectiveness of this strategy. Classically, it has been said that deep-seated lesions have a particular behavior compared with AVMs in other regions, but a differentiation between thalamic lesions and those located in the basal ganglia has not been made., Methods: Institutional records for central core AVMs treated with radiosurgery between January 2004 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Brainstem lesions were excluded from the analysis., Results: Forty-nine patients with deep-seated AVMs were included. Forty-three (87.8%) were located in the thalamus and 6 (12.2%) in the area of basal ganglia. The nidus mean volume was 4.1 cm 3 (SD: 4.1), the maximum diameter mean was of 19.5 mm (SD: 8.0). The prescription dose was 18.2 Gy (SD: 2.1), and the follow-up time was 75.8 months (SD: 32.5). There was a greater obliteration rate in thalamic AVMs compared with those located in the basal ganglia: 81.4% versus 33.3% (P = 0.026), respectively. There was no association between categorical variables and obliteration rate., Conclusions: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a good option for patients with thalamic and basal ganglia AVMs, but a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making is mandatory in order to achieve the best results., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cluster headache (CH) refers to the most painful primary headache that sometimes leads to poor quality of life and associated disability. So far, no treatment has been found to cure CHs. In this study, we introduce a novel and effective surgery for CH., Methods: We studied 6 patients with CH diagnosed according to the criteria of the Headache Classification Committee of the IHS, third edition, who were eligible for surgical treatment on the basis of strong requirements. All of them underwent temporal craniectomy and transection of the greater superficial petrosal nerve and deep petrosal nerve pathway to the sphenopalatine ganglion., Results: All 6 patients had the surgery for CH and follow-up per 3 months. We significantly cured their pain and autonomic dysfunction. In the follow-up process none of the patients had reoccurring alacrimia. All of them had reduction of secretion of nasal, oral mucosa, and parotid and were satisfied with the surgery., Conclusions: All 6 patients with CH received surgery by transection greater superficial petrosal nerve and deep petrosal nerve pathway to the sphenopalatine ganglion and were completely cured, and adverse events and serious complications did not occur., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To consider an unusual presentation of a frontal lobe dermoid cyst. Intracranial masses very rarely present with movement disorders. We describe a highly unusual presentation of an intracranial dermoid with unilateral choreoathetosis, akathisia and facial tics., Material: A 63-year-old man presented with left-sided akathisia and tardive dyskinesia of his upper limb, attributed to a dermoid cyst in the right frontal lobe. Resection of the cyst led to a complete resolution of his symptoms without neurological deficit., Conclusion: Pathogenic mechanisms of such symptoms may include compression and ischaemia of the basal ganglia and other nigrostriatal structures, as well as dysfunction of the supplementary motor area and mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways.

Background: There are few articles about the surgical techniques of thalamic glioma and the lesions in the basal ganglia area. According to three existing cases and the literature review (Twelve articles were summarized which mainly described the surgical techniques), we discuss the surgical characteristics of lesions of the thalamus and basal ganglia area and summarize the relevant surgical skills., Case Presentation: Of the three cases, two were thalamic gliomas and one was brain abscess in basal ganglia. According to the three-dimensional concept of the "Four Walls, Two Poles", lesions of the thalamus and basal ganglia were surgically removed, and the operative effect was analysed by relevant surgical techniques. Surgical resection of the lesions of the thalamus and basal ganglia area according to the three-dimensional concept of the "Four Walls, Two Poles" has achieved good surgical results. Relevant surgical techniques, such as the use of retractors, the use of aspirators, the choice of surgical approaches, and the haemostasis strategy, also played an important role in the operation process., Conclusions: In the presented three cases the three-dimensional concept of the "Four Walls, Two Poles" allowed for safe surgical resection of lesions of the thalamus and basal ganglia.

Introduction: Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been used to treat cavernous malformations (CMs) located in basal ganglia and thalamus. However, previous reports are limited by small patient population., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 53 patients with CMs of basal ganglia and thalamus who underwent GKRS at West China Hospital between May 2009 and July 2018. All patients suffered at least once bleeding before GKRS. The mean volume of these lesions was 1.77 cm3, and the mean marginal dose was 13.2 Gy. After treatment, patients were followed to determine the change in symptom and hemorrhage event., Results: The mean follow-up period was 52.1 months (6.2-104.3 months). The calculated annual hemorrhage rate (AHR) was 48.5% prior to GKRS and 3.0% after treatment (p < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that 2-, 3-, and 5-year hemorrhage-free survival were 88, 80.9, and 80.9%, respectively. Preexisting symptoms were resolved in 11 patients, improved in 14, and stable in 5. Only 2 patients (3.8%) developed new neurological deficit., Conclusion: Our study suggests that AHR after GKRS was comparable to the recorded AHR of natural history (3.1-4.1%) in previous studies. GKRS is a safe and effective treatment modality for CMs of basal ganglia and thalamus. Considering the relative insufficient understanding of natural history of CMs, future study warrants longer follow-up., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Traumatic basal ganglia hematomas (TBGHs) are uncommon events in patients with closed head injuries. The overall prognosis is poor, particularly when large hematoma exists. This study was designed to compare surgical evacuation through transsylvian-transinsular approach with conservative management in large TBGHs., Methods: Thirty-two patients, admitted between July 2002 and July 2013, with closed head injury and TBGH more than 25 mL were included in this study. Among these patients, sixteen were conservatively managed whereas another sixteen patients underwent hematoma evacuation via transsylvian-transinsular approach. The modified Rankin scale was used to assess the functional outcomes of patients for at least 6 months after treatment., Results: There were no significant differences between two groups with respect to age (21.0 vs. 18.9 years, P=0.635), sex (P=0.220), and admission GCS Score (7.5 vs. 6.5, P=0.234). The patients treated with surgical approach revealed a better functional outcome compared to the conservative group (68.8% vs. 31.3%, P=0.043). The mean of late TBGH volume in the conservative group was less than surgical group (33.9 mL vs. 40.0 mL, P=0.047). The mortality rates were not significantly different between the surgical and conservative groups (18.8% vs. 37.5%, P=1.000)., Conclusions: This study suggests that hematoma evacuation through a transsylvian-transinsular approach improves the functional outcome in patients with TBGH.

Objective: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapy for different neurological diseases, despite the lack of comprehension of its mechanism of action. The use of nonhuman primates (NHPs) has been historically important in advancing this field and presents a unique opportunity to uncover the therapeutic mechanisms of DBS, opening the way for optimization of current applications and the development of new ones. To be informative, research using NHPs should make use of appropriate electrode implantation tools. In the present work, the authors report on the feasibility and accuracy of targeting different deep brain regions in NHPs using a commercially available frameless stereotactic system (microTargeting platform)., Methods: Seven NHPs were implanted with DBS electrodes, either in the subthalamic nucleus or in the cerebellar dentate nucleus. A microTargeting platform was designed for each animal and used to guide implantation of the electrode. Imaging studies were acquired preoperatively for each animal, and were subsequently analyzed by two independent evaluators to estimate the electrode placement error (EPE). The interobserver variability was assessed as well., Results: The radial and vector components of the EPE were estimated separately. The magnitude of the vector of EPE was 1.29 ± 0.41 mm and the mean radial EPE was 0.96 ± 0.63 mm. The interobserver variability was considered negligible., Conclusions: These results reveal the suitability of this commercial system to enhance the surgical insertion of DBS leads in the primate brain, in comparison to rigid traditional frames. Furthermore, our results open up the possibility of performing frameless stereotaxy in primates without the necessity of relying on expensive methods based on intraoperative imaging.

Surgical resection of basal ganglia (BG) and thalamic cavernous malformations (CMs) has not yet become standardized in the field of neurosurgery due to the eloquent location of these lesions and the relative paucity of literature on the subject. This review presents a consolidation of the available literature on outcomes and complication rates after surgical resection of these lesions. A systematic literature review was performed via PubMed database for articles published between 1985 and 2019. Studies comprising ≥2 patients receiving surgery for BG or thalamic CMs with available follow-up data were included. Pooled data included patient demographics, CM preoperative characteristics, and surgical outcomes Twenty studies comprising 227 patients were included for analysis. Complete resection was achieved in 94.7% (fixed-effects pooled estimate [FE]: 94.9%[91.0%-97.8%]; random-effects pooled estimate [RE]: 90.0%[79.8%-96.9%]), and hemorrhage of incompletely resected CMs occurred in 50% (FE: 55.9%[25.9%-83.6%]; RE: 55.9%[25.9%-83.6%]) of patients. Early morbidity was observed in 24.0% (FE: 24.9%[17.8%-32.6%]; RE: 24.9%[17.8%-32.6%]). At final follow-up, 67.3% (FE: 67.7%[58.8%-76.0%]; RE: 67.8%[52.2%-81.6%]) and 20.6% (FE: 20.6%[13.6%-28.6%]; RE: 20.9%[9.8%-34.9%]) had improvement and stability of preoperative symptoms, respectively. Mortality rate was 1.3% (FE: 2.3%[0.6%-5.1%]; RE: 2.3%[0.6%-5.1%]). Therefore, high cure rates with low rates of postoperative morbidity can be achieved in BG or thalamic CM surgery. Most patients had improved neurological function at final follow-up. Complete resection should be attempted to reduce rates of repeat hemorrhage., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objective: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the basal ganglia (BG) and thalamus are associated with elevated risks of both hemorrhage if left untreated and neurological morbidity after resection. Therefore, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become a mainstay in the management of these lesions, although its safety and efficacy remain incompletely understood. The aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of SRS for BG and thalamic AVMs and determine predictors of successful endpoints and adverse radiation effects., Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed data on patients with BG or thalamic AVMs who had undergone SRS at eight institutions participating in the International Gamma Knife Research Foundation (IGKRF) from 1987 to 2014. Favorable outcome was defined as AVM obliteration, no post-SRS hemorrhage, and no permanently symptomatic radiation-induced changes (RICs). Multivariable models were developed to identify independent predictors of outcome., Results: The study cohort comprised 363 patients with BG or thalamic AVMs. The mean AVM volume and SRS margin dose were 3.8 cm3 and 20.7 Gy, respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 86.5 months. Favorable outcome was achieved in 58.5% of patients, including obliteration in 64.8%, with rates of post-SRS hemorrhage and permanent RIC in 11.3% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Independent predictors of favorable outcome were no prior AVM embolization (p = 0.011), a higher margin dose (p = 0.008), and fewer isocenters (p = 0.044)., Conclusions: SRS is the preferred intervention for the majority of BG and thalamic AVMs. Patients with morphologically compact AVMs that have not been previously embolized are more likely to have a favorable outcome, which may be related to the use of a higher margin dose.

Background: The basal ganglia and thalamus are uncommon locations for infiltrating gliomas. Tumors here are usually managed with biopsy and adjuvant therapy, with relatively poor results. Rarely do patients undergo extensive surgical intervention. It seems reasonable to suggest that successful cytoreduction may help these patients. However, this hypothesis has not been studied because of the general view that it is not possible to remove deep-seated brain tumors with acceptable outcomes., Methods: Through retrospective data collection, we describe a small case series of patients undergoing awake contralateral, transcallosal surgery for deep-seated brain tumors affecting the basal ganglia. We describe our patient cohort, report on patient outcomes, and describe our surgical technique., Results: Four patients underwent awake contralateral, transcallosal surgery for glioblastoma invading the basal ganglia. All 4 patients demonstrated hemibody weakness contralateral to the side of their tumors, with 3 patients confined to wheelchairs at presentation. Their ages ranged from 25 to 64 years. Tumor volumes ranged from 14 to 93 cm 3 . More than 50% resection of each tumor was achieved during surgery. In 2 cases, approximately 90% resection was achieved. Motor strength improved in 1 patient who presented with hemiplegia. Two patients required ventriculoperitoneal shunting for complications related to hydrocephalus. At the writing of this article, 2 of our patients were still alive, functional, and free of tumor progression., Conclusions: We present the results of our attempts to resect large gliomas infiltrating the basal ganglia in 4 patients. Our technique combined a contralateral, transcallosal approach with awake neuromonitoring. Our results suggest it is possible to remove these tumors with reasonable outcomes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Maximal safe resection prolongs the survival of patients with glioblastoma (GB). However, whether total resection of the enhanced lesion is pursued or abandoned depends on preoperative judgments based on the findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Anatomically, medial temporal tumor tends to invade toward the temporal stem, insula, and basal ganglia, representing tumor with high surgical risk. In the present study, we describe the key radiologic features of medial temporal GB to achieve extent of resection., Methods: We reviewed all GB cases located in the temporal lobe (tGB) treated between April 2013 and March 2018 at Kitasato University Hospital. On the basis of MRI, tGB was simply classified into 3 groups: medial tGB and nonmedial tGB, and medial tGB was further subdivided into invading type and mimicking type. We focused on the resectability of medial tGB., Results: Twenty-seven patients with tGB were identified. Twenty were included in the nonmedial tGB, and 7 were in the medial tGB. All medial tGB seemed to invade into the basal ganglia and/or the lenticulostriate arteries, but detailed examination revealed 2 types of tumor, invading type (3 cases) and mimicking type (4 cases). The invading type had true involvement of the basal ganglia and/or lenticulostriate arteries, whereas the mimicking type had no involvement of these structures. This new classification is highly effective, as the former is unresectable, but the latter is totally resectable., Conclusions: Medial tGB is a challenging tumor for maximal safe resection, so our classification will help to identify cases of removable medial tGB., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: While multiple trials have employed stereotactic stem cell transplantation, injection techniques have received little critical attention. Precise cell delivery is critical for certain applications, particularly when targeting deep nuclei., Methods: Ten patients with a history of ischemic stroke underwent CT-guided stem cell transplantation. Cells were delivered along 3 tracts adjacent to the infarcted area. Intraoperative air deposits and postoperative T2-weighted MRI fluid signals were mapped in relation to calculated targets., Results: The deepest air deposit was found 4.5 ± 1.0 mm (mean ± 2 SEM) from target. The apex of the T2-hyperintense tract was found 2.8 ± 0.8 mm from target. On average, air pockets were found anterior (1.2 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.04) and superior (2.4 ± 1.0 mm, p < 0.001) to the target; no directional bias was noted for the apex of the T2-hyperintense tract. Location and distribution of air deposits were variable and were affected by the relationship of cannula trajectory to stroke cavity., Conclusions: Precise stereotactic cell transplantation is a little-studied technical challenge. Reflux of cell suspension and air, and the structure of the injection tract affect delivery of cell suspensions. Intraoperative CT allows assessment of delivery and potential trajectory correction.

Objective: Hemorrhage in the basal ganglia is a common type of intracerebral hemorrhage and has high mortality and poor prognosis. In our study, we aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes and functional recovery after evacuation of hematoma using either craniotomy or endoscopy., Methods: We analyzed retrospective data from 58 patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage who were treated with hematoma evacuation using either craniotomy or endoscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging and a navigation system were used for calculating hematoma volume and for navigation during surgery. Clinical information and surgical outcomes were recorded. At 6-month follow-up, the recovery of neurologic function and the results of the Aphasia Battery of Chinese test were assessed., Results: The endoscopy group showed lower intraoperative blood loss (75.36 ± 45.56 vs. 462.67 ± 120.08 mL, P < 0.001), shorter operation time (1.59 ± 0.30 vs. 4.17 ± 0.86 hours, P < 0.001), and a higher hematoma clearance rate (0.93% ± 0.05% vs. 0.88% ± 0.13%, P = 0.04) than the craniotomy group, respectively. No significant differences in mortality were identified, but a trend toward lower mortality in the endoscopy group was apparent (7.14% in the endoscopy group vs. 16.67% in the craniotomy group, P = 0.43). Assessment of neurologic recovery indicated significant differences in the modified Rankin Scale grades between the 2 groups (χ 2  = 4.381, P = 0.036). Listening comprehension and speaking ability were also better in the endoscopy group than the craniotomy group (χ 2  = 4.693, P = 0.03)., Conclusions: Evacuation by endoscopy had better surgical outcomes, recovery of neurologic function, and aphasia recovery than evacuation by craniotomy. It appears that endoscopy is the surgical treatment of choice for middle-aged and elderly patients with a basal ganglia hemorrhage volume of >35 mL., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most devastating forms of cerebrovascular pathology. However, its treatment remains a matter of debate among neurosurgeons and neurologists. The study was to explore the efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (stereotactic catheter drainage, SCD) for patients with severe intracerebral hemorrhage (Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS) score ≤ 8 and hematoma volume ≥ 30 cm3) and to determine predisposing factors for good clinical outcome. A total of 75 patients with severe ICH were included in this retrospective study. Patients were assigned to the SCD group (n=38) or the conventional craniotomy group (n=37). Patients were followed up for 12 months postoperatively, and their clinical parameters were compared. During the operation, the SCD group exhibited a lower bleeding volume ( p <0.001) and shorter operating time ( p <0.001) than the conventional craniotomy group. For postoperative efficacy, the rates of pneumonia and tracheotomy were lower ( p =0.002 and p =0.027, respectively), and the duration of hospital and neurosurgery intensive care unit (NSICU) in days were significantly shorter in the SCD group ( p =0.046 and p =0.047, respectively). Furthermore, patients in the SCD group showed improved modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge ( p <0.018) and at 12-month follow up ( p <0.001). Predisposing factors for good clinical outcomes were hematoma volume (<50 cm3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.043-1.956, p <0.046), initial GCS score (>6, 95% CI: 3.248-187.466, p <0.001), hypertension (none, 95% CI: 1.440-2.922, p <0.001), and treatment modality (SCD, 95% CI: 1.422-3.226, p <0.001). Taken together, SCD surgery is safe and effective in patients with severe ICH and has fewer complications and better clinical outcomes than conventional craniotomy.

Objective: With the increasing use of flow diversion as treatment for intracranial aneurysms, there is a concomitant increased vigilance in monitoring complications. The low porosity of flow diverters is concerning when the origins of vessels are covered, whether large circle of Willis branches or critical perforators. In this study, the authors report their experience with flow diverter coverage of the lenticulostriate vessels and evaluate their safety and outcomes., Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 5 institutional databases of all flow diversion cases from August 2012 to June 2018. Information regarding patient presentation, aneurysm location, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. Patients who were treated with flow diverters placed in the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA), proximal anterior cerebral artery, or distal internal carotid artery leading to coverage of the medial and lateral lenticulostriate vessels were included. Clinical outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish risk factors for lenticulostriate infarct., Results: Fifty-two patients were included in the analysis. Postprocedure cross-sectional images were available in 30 patients. Two patients experienced transient occlusion of the MCA during the procedure; one was asymptomatic, and the other had a clinical and radiographic ipsilateral internal capsule stroke. Five patients had transient symptoms without radiographic infarct in the lenticulostriate territory. Two patients experienced in-stent thrombosis, leading to clinical MCA infarcts (one in the ipsilateral caudate) after discontinuing antiplatelet therapy. Discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy prior to 6 months was the only variable that was significantly correlated with stroke outcome (p < 0.01, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0-0.43), and this significance persisted when controlled for other risk factors, including age, smoking status, and aneurysm location., Conclusions: The use and versatility of flow diversion is increasing, and safety data are continuing to accumulate. Here, the authors provide early data on the safety of covering lenticulostriate vessels with flow diverters. The authors concluded that the coverage of these perforators does not routinely lead to clinically significant ischemia when dual antiplatelet therapy is continued for 6 months. Further evaluation is needed in larger cohorts and with imaging follow-up as experience develops in using these devices in more distal circulation.

Oculomotor abnormalities are fast becoming a proxy for disease diagnosis and progression. Saccades-ballistic eye movements-are known to be affected by dopaminergic cell loss in the basal ganglia, caused by Parkinson's disease. Pharmaceutical and neurosurgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation and functional neurosurgery have both been noted to have an effect on saccades. Comparing and contrasting these effects may yield insights into Parkinson's disease pathophysiology, and the mechanisms of pharmacological and neurosurgical treatments. Computational models of saccadic control, such as the LATER model, can help to interpret the distribution of saccadic latencies, providing a framework for objectively comparing the effects of pharmaceutical interventions and deep brain stimulation., (© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The risk of hemorrhages after stereotactic biopsy is known to be low. Nevertheless hemorrhages in eloquent areas result in neurological deficit for the patients. Since the basal ganglia resemble a particularily high vascularized and eloquent location, which is often the source of hypertensive hemorrhages, we aimed to analyse possible risk factors for hemorrhage after stereotactic biopsy in this region., Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis including patients who underwent stereotactic biopsies of lesions in the basal ganglia between January 2012 and January 2017. 63 patients were included in this study. We accessed age, gender, histopathological diagnosis, hypertension, blood pressure intraoperative, anticoagulative medication and postoperative hemorrhage., Results: Fishers exact test revealed no significant p-values concerning anticoagulative therapy, gender, smoking and hypertension concerning postoperative hemorrhage. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-Test showed no significant correlation for systolic blood pressure intraoperative, number of tissue samples and age with hemorrhage. A trend for lymphoma in correlation with postoperative hemorrhage was in patients with Lymphoma (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Test)., Conclusion: Stereotactic biopsies even in eloquent areas as the basal ganglia are a safe procedure even if patients suffer under hypertension or are smoker. None of the here examined risk factors showed a significant correlation with postoperative hemorrhage. Accessing tumor tissue for histopathological diagnosis is mandatory for adequate therapy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We compared the firing rates and proportion of patterns of oscillatory neurons in the subthalamic nucleus (STN), globus pallidus internus (GPi), and ventrolateral thalamus (VL) in Parkinson disease (PD). Twenty-nine patients with PD who underwent stereotactic neurosurgery were included in the study. Microelectrode recordings in the STN (n = 16), GPi (n = 9), and VL (n = 9) were performed. Power spectral analysis was used to explore neuronal oscillation. Of 76 STN neurons, 39.5% were tremor frequency oscillatory neurons (4-6 Hz, TFB) and 28.9% were β frequency oscillatory neurons (βFB); their mean spontaneous firing rate (MSFR) was 44.2 ± 7.6 Hz (n = 52). Of 62 GPi neurons, 37.1% were TFB oscillatory neurons and 27.4% were βFB oscillatory neurons; the MSFR was 80.9 ± 9.6 Hz. Of 69 V L neurons, 65.2% were TFB oscillatory neurons and 11.6% were βFB oscillatory neurons; the MSFR was 26.7 ± 5.0 Hz. The increased MSFR of GPi and reduced MSFR of VL oscillatory neurons in parkinsonian patients further support prediction of a pathophysiology model of PD. The high proportion of βFB oscillatory neurons in the STN and GPi suggests that dopaminergic deficits result in abnormal β oscillatory synchronization in the basal ganglia in the parkinsonian state. The high proportion of TFB oscillatory neurons in the VL demonstrates that both the basal ganglia and cerebellothalamic circuits are involved in the generation of parkinsonian tremor; the latter circuit might have a more important role in tremor genesis., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe in detail the cortical and subcortical anatomy of the central core of the brain, defining its limits, with particular attention to the topography and relationships of the thalamus, basal ganglia, and related white matter pathways and vessels. METHODS The authors studied 19 cerebral hemispheres. The vascular systems of all of the specimens were injected with colored silicone, and the specimens were then frozen for at least 1 month to facilitate identification of individual fiber tracts. The dissections were performed in a stepwise manner, locating each gray matter nucleus and white matter pathway at different depths inside the central core. The course of fiber pathways was also noted in relation to the insular limiting sulci. RESULTS The insular surface is the most superficial aspect of the central core and is divided by a central sulcus into an anterior portion, usually containing 3 short gyri, and a posterior portion, with 2 long gyri. It is bounded by the anterior limiting sulcus, the superior limiting sulcus, and the inferior limiting sulcus. The extreme capsule is directly underneath the insular surface and is composed of short association fibers that extend toward all the opercula. The claustrum lies deep to the extreme capsule, and the external capsule is found medial to it. Three fiber pathways contribute to form both the extreme and external capsules, and they lie in a sequential anteroposterior disposition: the uncinate fascicle, the inferior fronto-occipital fascicle, and claustrocortical fibers. The putamen and the globus pallidus are between the external capsule, laterally, and the internal capsule, medially. The internal capsule is present medial to almost all insular limiting sulci and most of the insular surface, but not to their most anteroinferior portions. This anteroinferior portion of the central core has a more complex anatomy and is distinguished in this paper as the "anterior perforated substance region." The caudate nucleus and thalamus lie medial to the internal capsule, as the most medial structures of the central core. While the anterior half of the central core is related to the head of the caudate nucleus, the posterior half is related to the thalamus, and hence to each associated portion of the internal capsule between these structures and the insular surface. The central core stands on top of the brainstem. The brainstem and central core are connected by several white matter pathways and are not separated from each other by any natural division. The authors propose a subdivision of the central core into quadrants and describe each in detail. The functional importance of each structure is highlighted, and surgical approaches are suggested for each quadrant of the central core. CONCLUSIONS As a general rule, the internal capsule and its vascularization should be seen as a parasagittal barrier with great functional importance. This is of particular importance in choosing surgical approaches within this region.

Background: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are present in up to 0.5% of the general population. Although CCMs have been considered congenital lesions, numerous reports have observed de novo formations in patients with the familial form of CCM and in patients after cranial radiotherapy. Outside of these circumstances, there is scant evidence as to the potential etiologies of CCM., Case Description: We present a 48-year-old woman with a medical history of endometrial hyperplasia concomitant endometrial polyps demonstrating a large de novo CCM, which grew to a large size in a period of 20 months. A previous magnetic resonance imaging scan showed no abnormalities. This CCM exhibited aggressive biological behavior characterized by recurrent overt bleeding and seizure. Histopathologic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of CCM. Here, we discuss the growth mechanisms of these lesions., Conclusions: Given the patient's medical history and imaging findings, we propose that de novo CCMs can arise directly from angiogenic proliferation, secondary to BCL-2 overexpression from underlying causes. We hypothesize that inappropriate secretion of estrogen could have set off a genetic cascade with attendant endothelial proliferation. Thus, female hormones may play an important role in influencing the biological behavior of CCMs. The relationship between estrogen and CCM needs further investigation., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Surgical treatment is widely used for haematoma removal in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) patients, but there is controversy about the selection of surgical methods. The CT angiography (CTA) spot sign has been proven to be a promising factor predicting haematoma expansion and is recommended as an entry criterion for haemostatic therapy in patients with ICH. This trial was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two surgical methods (haematoma removal by craniotomy and craniopuncture combined with urokinase infusion) for patients in the early stage (≤6h from symptom onset) of spontaneous ICH with a moderate haematoma volume (30 ml - 60 ml)., Patients and Methods: From January 2012 to July 2017, 196 eligible patients treated in our institution were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into the CTA spot sign positive type and CTA spot sign negative type according to the presence or absence of the CTA spot sign. For each type, the patients were randomly assigned to two groups, i.e., the craniotomy group, in which patients underwent craniotomy with haematoma removal, and the craniopuncture group, in which patients underwent minimally invasive craniopuncture combined with urokinase infusion therapy. Neurological function was evaluated with the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) at day 14. The disability level and the activities of daily living were assessed using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) at day 90. Case fatalities were recorded at day 14 and 90. Complications were recorded during hospitalization., Results: For the CTA spot sign positive type, the craniotomy group had a higher SSS than that in the craniopuncture group (P < 0.05) at day 14. The rebleeding rate was higher in the craniopuncture group than that in the craniotomy group (P < 0.05) during hospitalization. The craniotomy group had a lower mRS than that in the craniopuncture group (P < 0.01) and had a higher BI than that in the craniopuncture group (P < 0.05) at day 90. There was no statistically significant difference in the fatality rate between the two groups. For the CTA spot sign negative type, there were no significant differences in the SSS, mRS, BI, fatality rate and complication rate between the two groups., Conclusion: ICH can be divided into the CTA spot sign positive and negative type according to the presence or absence of the CTA spot sign. For the CTA spot sign positive type, patients can benefit from craniotomy with haematoma removal, which can reduce the postoperative rebleeding rate and improve the prognosis. For the CTA spot sign negative type, both craniotomy and craniopuncture are applicable. Considering simple procedure and minor surgical injury, craniopuncture can be a more reasonable choice., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Penetrating brain injury (PBI) caused by a nail gun is an extremely rare neurosurgical emergency that poses a challenge for neurosurgeons because of its rarity and complexity., Case Description: Here we present 3 cases of PBI caused by a nail gun. In the first case, the nail entered through the right parietal bone and lodged in the right parietal lobe and basal ganglia. In the second case, the nail entered through the right occipital bone and lodged in the right occipital lobe. In the third case, the nail entered through the right parietal bone and lodged in the right frontal and parietal lobes. All patients underwent surgical removal of the nail. The first patient presented with reduced left-side strength, whereas the second and third patients were neurologically intact on presentation., Conclusions: PBI caused by a nail gun can present with differing clinical manifestations, and most cases require immediate surgery. A rational management strategy should provide a good postoperative prognosis with minimal neurologic deficits in these patients., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Brain abscesses are well-known to neurologic surgeons with well-recognized presentations, which include seizures, neurologic deficit, and headache. Rare symptoms may lead to a delay in diagnosis, which can be life threatening in the setting of a brain abscess., Case Description: We present the case of a 46-year-old male with intractable hiccups found to have an abscess of the right basal ganglia. The brain abscess was treated by frameless stereotactic-guided aspiration. The patient's hiccups improved after surgical aspiration and medical management., Conclusions: A comprehensive literature review confirmed brain abscess as a rare cause of intractable hiccups. In addition, there are few reports of lesions of the basal ganglia causing intractable hiccups. Aspiration and medical therapy resulted in resolution of the hiccups. Knowledge of the hiccup reflex arc and unusual presentation of basal ganglia lesions may shorten time to diagnosis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Since its introduction, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has become an important tool in neuroscience given its unprecedented ability to image brain white matter in vivo. The interest in understanding the mechanisms of action of Deep Brain Stimulation in different targets and indications, together with the constant drive towards the improvement in long-term clinical outcomes, has found a logical complement in the application of tractography in this field. Diffusion tensor imaging has been traditionally associated with an increased susceptibility to MRI artifacts, and expensive computational resources. Recent advances have however improved these restrictions, allowing for countless applications in Neurosurgery, as demonstrated by the large number of original research papers published in the last decade. In this chapter, we review the current status of the implementation of DTI during DBS of the basal ganglia, discussing the findings, potential challenges and the expected improvements in surgical outcomes deriving by the routine use of tractography in functional neurosurgery., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Management of deep-seated and midline gliomas originating from thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and brainstem presents significant challenges. Aggressive resection of such tumors is frequently impossible due to excessive morbidity and mortality rates; thus, combinations of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options should be always considered. In each individual case, there should be reasonable clinical judgment with regard to the optimal outcome providing the best possible prognosis for the patient, with high quality of life and minimal risk of complications., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Modern functional neurosurgery for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonia involves the placement of focal lesions or the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) within circuits that modulate motor function. Precise targeting of these motor structures can be further refined by the use of electrophysiological approaches. In particular, microelectrode recordings enable the delineation of neuroanatomic structures. In the course of these operations, there is an opportunity not only to map basal ganglia structures but also to gain insights into how disturbances in neural activity produce movement disorders. In this review, we aim to highlight what the field has uncovered thus far about movement disorders through DBS. The work to date lays the foundation for future studies that will shed further light on dysfunctional circuits mediating diseases of the nervous system and how we might modulate these circuits therapeutically.

Identification of brain structures traversed during implantation of deep brain-stimulating (DBS) electrodes into the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently relies on subjective correspondence between kinesthetic response and multiunit activity. However, recent work suggests that local field potentials (LFP) could be used as a more robust signal to objectively differentiate subcortical structures. The goal of this study was to analyze the spectral properties of LFP collected during STN-DBS in order to objectively identify commonly traversed brain regions and improve our understanding of aberrant oscillations in the PD-related pathophysiological cortico-basal ganglia network. In 21 PD patients, LFP were collected and analyzed during STN-DBS implantation surgery. Spectral power for delta-, theta-, alpha-, low-beta-, and high-beta-frequency bands was assessed at multiple depths throughout the subcortical structures traversed on the trajectory to the ventral border of STN. Similar to previous findings, beta-band oscillations had an increased magnitude within the borders of the motor-related area of STN, however, across several subjects, we also observed increased high-beta magnitude within the borders of thalamus. Comparing across all patients using relative power, we observed a gradual increase in the magnitude of both low- and high-beta-frequency bands as the electrode descended from striatum to STN. These results were also compared with frequency bands below beta, and similar trends were observed. Our results suggest that LFP signals recorded during the implantation of a DBS electrode evince distinct oscillatory signatures that distinguish subcortical structures., (© 2017 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)

Background: Minimally invasive endoscopic hematoma evacuation is a promising treatment option for intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the technique still needs improvement. We report our clinical experience of using this technique to evacuate deep-seated basal ganglia hematomas., Methods: The frontal approach was used in most patients. The preoperative and postoperative hematoma volumes, Glasgow Coma Scale, hematoma evacuation rate, 30-day mortality, and long-term outcome defined by the modified Rankin Scale were analyzed retrospectively. The surgical duration per milliliter of clot (DPM) was calculated. The learning curve for this technique was determined based on the relation between the DPM and evacuation rate per the number of cases experienced., Results: A total of 24 patients were enrolled. The evacuation rate was 87% ± 10%. The average Glasgow Coma Scale score recovered from 8 to 13 after surgery. Twenty-one patients had follow-up data. The follow-up time was 13 ± 6 months. The 30-day mortality after surgery was zero. Forty-eight percent of patients (10/21) achieved a favorable outcome. The DPM (P = 0.92) and evacuation rate (P = 0.64) did not change substantially with the number of cases experienced., Conclusions: Endoscopic port surgery for hematoma evacuation via the frontal approach is a safe surgical option for deep-seated basal ganglia hematomas. This technique is minimally invasive and may be helpful to provide better long-term outcomes for selected patients. For neurosurgeons, the learning curve for this technique is steep, which implies that the skills needed for our technique can be easily acquired., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The oncogenesis and biologic behaviors of benign glandular schwannoma have not been clinically unveiled because of its rarity and variability., Case Description: However, we report a young male patient who presented with a benign glandular schwannoma in the basal ganglia, a site that has not been reported in any literature. Histologically, the samples are composed of spindle-shaped cells and variable glandular structures. The spindle-shaped cells are identified with the appearance of Antoni A and Antoni B zones. Moreover, the glandular structures are lined by stratified epithelial cells, glandular epithelium cells, intestinal epithelial cells, and few degenerative syncytial macrophage cells. Hemorrhage, necrosis and cystic changes were observed in the specimen cells, but no mitotic figures were found. The immunohistochemical results showed that the spindle cells were stained with S-100 protein, but lacked carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin pan (AE1/AE3) (CK), synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and glial fibrillary acidic protein reactivity after surgery. Meanwhile, the glandular epithelium cells mostly consisted of glandular epithelium and stratified epithelium cells stained with CEA, chromogranin A, and CK antigen., Conclusions: Therefore, the morphologic and immunohistochemical findings support the diagnosis of benign glandular schwannoma., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: A 72-year-old man with bilateral chronic subdural hematomas was admitted to our department and treated using a YL-1 type hematoma aspiration needle. The treatment was complicated by hemorrhage of the basal ganglia and brainstem. This patient had no history of hypertension. We evaluated the relevant literature to analyze the causes of cerebral hemorrhage in similar patients., Conclusions: This case report illustrates that the stability of the intracranial pressure should be closely monitored during the surgical treatment of chronic subdural hematomas, and large fluctuations in the cerebral perfusion pressure should be avoided during the operation. We also propose improvements in the technical details of the operative treatment of chronic subdural hematomas., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To study the curative effect and prognosis of patients with basal ganglia cerebral hemorrhages treated using a transcortical-sulcus approach and compare with results obtained using the traditional cerebral cortex approach., Methods: Clinical data were collected from 106 patients with hypertensive hemorrhage in the basal ganglia who were treated using either a transcortical-sulcus approach or traditional cerebral cortex approach. The rate of rehemorrhage, incidence of epilepsy, and 3-month efficacy (defined by an activities of daily living score) rate between the 2 groups were compared., Results: The 3-month efficacy rates of patients treated using the transcortical-sulcus and traditional cerebral cortex surgical approaches were 78.4% and 60%, respectively (P < 0.05). The incidence of epilepsy was lower in the transcortical-sulcus approach group compared with the traditional approach group, and significant differences were detected between the 2 groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The transcortical-sulcus approach can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhages in the basal ganglia and reduce the incidence of postoperative seizures., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Intraparenchymal meningiomas are rare. To date, no such lesion has been reported within the basal ganglia of a paediatric patient. Here, we describe the case of a 15-year-old-boy who presented with symptoms referable to a cystic, calcified, left basal ganglia intraparenchymal meningioma and discuss the surgical management of this lesion.