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The objectives of this study are to identify risk factors for and to evaluate clinical outcomes of platelet transfusion in glioblastoma surgery. The medical records of adult patients who underwent craniotomy for glioblastoma resection at a single academic medical center were retrospectively reviewed. We stratified patients into 2 groups: those who were transfused at least 1 unit of platelets intraoperatively or postoperatively (no more than 7 days after surgery), and those who were not transfused with platelets. Through the use of a 1:3 matched cohort analysis, we compared complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, and mortality, across groups. One hundred and five consecutive adult patients were included in this study. Thirteen patients (12.38%) received platelet transfusions. Prior antiplatelet therapy (odds ratio [OR] 8.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.36–28.58), preoperative platelet count less than 200,000 cells/µL (OR 8.46, 95% CI: 2.16–33.22), and longer operative times (OR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.10–2.72) were significant risk factors for platelet transfusion. There were no significant differences in the outcomes of interest in the matched cohort analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to shed light on racial disparities among Hispanic and African American adult brain tumor patients treated at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center compared to the general populations of Los Angeles County (LAC) and Torrance, California (CA). A retrospective review of patients admitted to the neurosurgery service at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center during years 2006 through 2010 was performed. Government census data was queried and pertinent national statistics were retrieved. Brain tumor patients at Harbor-UCLA were compared to the general populations of LAC and Torrance. A total of 271 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 46.9 years. Hispanics comprised the majority of neurosurgical patients (n = 151, 55.7%), followed by African Americans (n = 35, 12.9%). A greater percentage of Hispanic patients were treated at Harbor-UCLA relative to the general Hispanic populations of LAC and Torrance ( p  < .001). A greater percentage of African American patients were treated at Harbor-UCLA relative to the general African American populations of LAC and Torrance ( p  = .035 and p  < .001, respectively). Our data revealed significant racial disparities amid the Harbor-UCLA Hispanic and African American patient populations compared to the general Angeleno populations of LAC and Torrance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To accurately describe patient characteristics and the clinical presentation of fatal colloid cysts. Methods A systematic literature search of 3 popular databases was performed. Inclusion criteria were individuals with sudden-onset death and colloid cysts identified on imaging and/or autopsy. The cause of death must have been ascribed to the colloid cyst to be eligible for data extraction. Deaths precipitated by lumbar puncture were excluded. Clinical data were extracted and descriptive statistics were ascertained. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare adults with pediatric patients. Results A total of 107 patients were included in the quantitative synthesis. The mean age was 28.5 years (standard deviation 13.3, range 6–79 years). Male and female patients were affected equally. Headache was the most frequent symptom ( n = 86, 80%). There were 6 patients (5 adults and 1 child) who reported positional headaches. The mean duration of signs and symptoms was shorter in adults versus pediatric patients (2.1 days vs. 6.5 days, P = 0.02), and more adults presented with signs and symptoms for less than 24 hours than did pediatric patients (38% vs. 6%, P = 0.01). Colloid cyst mean diameter was 2.0 cm (standard deviation 1.1, range 0.5–7.9 cm) and 96% measured 1 cm or larger. Conclusions Our data suggests that the prodrome preceding sudden death in the setting of a colloid cyst may be shorter in adults. Also, most fatal colloid cysts measured 1 cm or larger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess the use of functional scores in the evaluation of patients with dural arteriovenous fistula and Foix-Alajouanine syndrome. Methods We systematically surveyed the literature to identify relevant patients. Aminoff-Logue Scale (ALS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were ascertained and combined to form a novel functional score, the Aminoff-Rankin Composite (ARC) score. We compared functional scores between surgery and embolization groups and ran one-sided point-biserial analyses to test our expectation that positive correlations exist between functional scores and treatment outcomes. Finally, we reviewed the pathogenesis of dural arteriovenous fistula formation. Results The quantitative synthesis included 18 patients. Surgery alone was performed in 11 patients (61.11%); 7 patients underwent embolization alone (38.89%). There were no significant differences in functional scores or symptom outcomes when we compared surgery to embolization. The pre-intervention ALS gait, mRS, and ARC scores were correlated with improved symptoms ( r pb = 0.43, P = 0.04; r pb = 0.47, P = 0.02; r pb = 0.48, P = 0.04, respectively). In patients whose symptoms were improved, post-intervention ALS gait and micturition scores (2.55 vs. 4.43, P = 0.02 and 1.09 vs. 2.71, P = 0.01, respectively) and post-intervention ARC scores (6.66 vs. 11.57, P = 0.01) were on average lower than in patients whose symptoms were unimproved. Conclusions We believe that patients with dAVF and Foix-Alajouanine syndrome present with worse function (higher functional scores) as a result of an acute myelopathic episode, and that if diagnosed and treated appropriately, will experience some level of symptom improvement that is evidenced by reduced post-intervention functional scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) is a cell surface protein that has recently emerged as an object of neuro-oncological interest due to its potential to be utilized as a biomarker and target for antibody therapies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that EMP2 is associated with disease prognosis in a number of human cancers, including glioblastoma. The four large extracellular domains of EMP2 and its association with the extracellular matrix makes it an attractive target for future cancer therapies. Translational research suggests that EMP2 may be targeted with antibodies to improve tumor control and survival in a variety of murine models and cancer types. However, in order to translate these preclinical findings into the clinic, future research will need to focus on elucidating the role EMP2 in the normal human body by better understanding its molecular and chemical interactions. The focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into current research endeavors, discuss the potential for clinically translatable applications, and predict the future directions of such research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a rare defect of the arcuate eminence that causes an abnormal connection between the superior semicircular canal and middle cranial fossa. Patients often present with a variety of auditory and vestibular symptoms. Trigger avoidance is the initial strategy, but surgery may be necessary in debilitating cases. We retrospectively reviewed SSCD patients undergoing repair via a middle fossa craniotomy between March 2011 and September 2015. Forty-nine patients undergoing 58 surgeries were identified. Autophony was the most common symptom at presentation ( n = 44; 90%). Mean follow-up was 10.9 months, with 100% of patients reporting resolution of at least one symptom. Aural fullness was the most commonly resolved symptom following surgical repair ( n = 19/22; 86%). Hearing loss ( n = 11/25; 44%) and tinnitus ( n = 11/38; 29%) were the most common symptoms to persist following surgery. The most common symptom to develop after surgery was disequilibrium ( n = 4/18; 22%). Upon comparing the overall pre-operative and post-operative groups, the number of patients with autophony ( p < 0.0001), aural fullness ( p = 0.0006), hearing loss ( p = 0.0119), disequilibrium ( p = 0.0002), sound- and pressure-induced vertigo ( p < 0.0001), and tinnitus ( p < 0.0001) were significantly different. Improved clinical outcomes were demonstrated in patients undergoing SSCD repair through a middle cranial fossa approach. The most common presenting symptom (autophony) was also most likely to resolve after surgery. Hearing loss is less amenable to surgical correction. Disequilibrium developed in a small number of patients after repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare spine surgery outcomes in elderly patients (80–103 years old) versus general adult patients (18–79 years-old) in the United States. Methods Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Research Databases (2000–2012) were queried. Patients with a diagnosis of degenerative disease of the spine without concurrent spinal stenosis, spinal stenosis without concurrent degenerative disease, or degenerative disease with concurrent spinal stenosis and who had undergone decompression without fusion, fusion without decompression, or decompression with fusion procedures were included. Indirect outcome measures included length of stay, in-hospital mortality, in-hospital and 30-day complications, and discharge disposition. Results Patients ( N = 155,720) were divided into elderly ( n = 10,232; 6.57%) and general adult ( n = 145,488; 93.4%) populations. Mean length of stay was longer in elderly patients versus general adult patients (3.62 days vs. 3.11 days; P < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (0.31% vs. 0.06%; P < 0.0001). In-hospital and 30-day complications were more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (11.3% vs. 7.15% and 17.8% vs. 12.6%; P < 0.0001). Nonroutine discharge was more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (33.7% vs. 16.2%; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results revealed significantly longer hospital stays, more in-hospital mortalities, and more in-hospital and 30-day complications after decompression without fusion, fusion without decompression, or decompression with fusion procedures in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been used in cranioplasty since the early 2000s. However, there remains limited data that compares its long-term complication rate to autologous grafts and titanium mesh implants. To compare complication and implant failure rates after PEEK, autologous and titanium mesh cranioplasties, the authors of this study conducted a systematic review using the PubMed database. Studies that contained outcome data on complication rates of PEEK cranioplasty patients and studies that compared outcomes of patients who underwent PEEK cranioplasties versus other materials were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios using the Mantel–Haenszel method were used for analysis. Fifteen articles, comprised of 183 PEEK cranioplasty patients were included. Of these patients, 15.3% developed post-operative complications and 8.7% experienced implant failure requiring reoperation. Patients who underwent cranioplasties with PEEK implants had 0.130 times the odds of developing post-operative complications ( P = 0.065) and 0.574 times the odds of implant failure compared to patients with autologous bone graft cranioplasties ( P = 0.629). Patients who had undergone PEEK cranioplasties had 0.127 times the odds of developing post-op complications ( P = 0.360) and 0.170 times the odds of implant failure compared to individuals who had undergone titanium mesh cranioplasties ( P = 0.168). The analysis was severely limited by the paucity in literature. However, there was a trend toward lower post-operative complication rates following PEEK cranioplasty versus autologous grafts, and lower implant failure rates with PEEK versus titanium mesh implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pineal germ cell tumors (GCTs) are primarily seen in pediatric and Asian populations. These tumors are divided into germinomatous and non-germinomatous GCTs (NGGCTs). GCTs are thought to arise by misplacement of totipotent stem cells en route to gonads during embryogenesis. Intracranial GCTs display an affinity to develop along the pineal-suprasellar axis and have variable manifestations dependent upon the location of the tumor. Management and outcomes are driven by histopathologies. In this study, we highlight two cases of pineal GCTs and present a review of the literature with an emphasis on histopathologies and biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atypical meningioma (AM) is an aggressive subtype of meningioma associated with a high recurrence rates (RR) following surgical resection. Recent studies have compared outcomes of various treatment strategies, but advantages of adjuvant radiosurgery (ARS) over serial surveillance (SS) following subtotal resection (STR) remain unclear. To further elucidate this issue, we systematically analyzed the current literature on AM and compared outcomes of ARS versus SS after STR. Methods Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were queried using relevant search terms. Retrospective case series that described patients with AM treated with ARS and SS after STR were included. Tests of proportions were performed to detect significant variations in RR, 5-year progression-free survival (PFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS) between the treatment strategies (ARS vs. SS) and among individual studies. Results A total of 619 patients (263 in the ARS group and 356 in the SS group) were identified. Mean RR, 5-year PFS, and 5-year OS were 53.5%, 50.3%, and 74.9%, respectively, for ARS versus 89.8%, 19.1%, and 89.8% for SS. RR differed between treatment strategies and ARS studies ( P < 0.001), and 5-year PFS differed among treatment strategies, ARS, and SS studies ( P < 0.001, P = 0.007, and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions The data presented here show significant differences in RR and 5-year PFS between ARS and SS, suggesting a potential benefit of ARS. As our understanding of the clinical outcomes of various treatment strategies for AM increases, we also move closer to integrating modalities, such as radiosurgery, into management guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a novel minimally invasive modality that uses heat from laser probes to destroy tissue. Advances in probe design, cooling mechanisms, and real-time MR thermography have increased laser utilization in neurosurgery. The authors perform a systematic analysis of two commercially available MRgLITT systems used in neurosurgery: the Visualase® thermal therapy and NeuroBlate® Systems. Data extraction was performed in a blinded fashion. Twenty-two articles were included in the quantitative synthesis. A total of 223 patients were identified with the majority having undergone treatment with Visualase ( n = 154, 69%). Epilepsy was the most common indication for Visualase therapy ( n = 8 studies, 47%). Brain mass was the most common indication for NeuroBlate therapy ( n = 3 studies, 60%). There were no significant differences, except in age, wherein the NeuroBlate group was nearly twice as old as the Visualase group ( p < 0.001). Frame, total complications, and length-of-stay (LOS) were non-significant when adjusted for age and number of patients. Laser neurosurgery has evolved over recent decades. Clinical indications are currently being defined and will continue to emerge as laser technologies become more sophisticated. Head-to-head comparison of these systems was difficult given the variance in indications (and therefore patient population) and disparate literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurosurgery has undergone a technological revolution over the past several decades, from trephination to image-guided navigation. Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) represent some of the newest modalities being integrated into neurosurgical practice and resident education. In this review, we present a historical perspective of the development of VR and AR technologies, analyze its current uses, and discuss its emerging applications in the field of neurosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The operative management of scoliosis in the elderly remains controversial. The authors of this study sought to evaluate outcomes in elderly patients with scoliosis undergoing deformity correction. Patient data was obtained from a 5% sample of the Medicare Provided Analysis and Review database (MEDPAR). Patients over 65 years of age with scoliosis undergoing corrective surgery were identified between the years 2005 to 2011. A total of 453 patients were analyzed: 262 (57%) between ages 66 to 74 years, and 191 (42%) over the age of 75 years. Female predominance (78%) was observed in this sample. Pre-diagnosis follow-up averaged 118 months. Post-surgery follow-up averaged 33 months. Patients between 66 and 74 years old were mostly discharged home, while patients over the age of 75 years were discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) (38.55% versus 34.04%, p value = 0.0011). Readmission rates were lower in patients between 66 and 74 years old when compared to patients over the age of 75 years (9.92% versus 17.28%, p value = 0.0217). Complication rates 30-days after discharge were less in patients between 66 and 74 years, compared to those over 75 years (21% versus 26.6%, respectively), but this was not statistically significant. These findings suggest varying outcomes following scoliosis surgery in the elderly, but interpretation of these results is weakened by the inherent limitations of database utilization. Future prospective studies are needed to understand risk factors and other confounding variables, such as discharge disposition, that may influence outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gangliogliomas (GG) are rare tumors of the nervous system. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes of low and high-grade GG have been difficult to elucidate in the adult population. This study aims to further elaborate on GG treatment and overall survival utilizing a larger cohort than previously published. The USA National Cancer Database was utilized to evaluate adult (age 18 years and older) patients diagnosed with GG between 2004 and 2006. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan–Meier overall survival estimates were provided. A total of 198 adult GG patients were diagnosed between 2004 and 2006. Of these, 181 (91.4%) were low-grade and 17 (8.6%) high-grade GG. Overall, the median age was 36 years; approximately 50% of patients were female, and 86.5% Caucasian. Most patients (59%) had near/gross total resection. Radiation and chemotherapy were prescribed in 18 (9.1%) and 11 (5.7%) patients, respectively. Radiation (64.7% versus 3.9%, p < .0001) and chemotherapy (47.1% versus 1.7%, p < .0001) were more frequently given to patients with high-grade tumors than low-grade. The median overall survival of high-grade GG was 44.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.5–92.5) while the corresponding estimate for low-grade tumors was not reached. Older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.72, 95% CI: 1.26–2.34) and high tumor grade (HR 3.91, 95% CI: 1.43–10.8) were found to be associated with poor survival. Adult GG have a temporal lobe predilection and overall gross total resection rate of 59%. Older patients with high-grade tumors had an increased hazard of mortality. High-grade GG were significantly more likely to be treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To retrospectively compare ideal radiosurgical target volumes defined by a manual method (surgeon) to those determined by Adaptive Hybrid Surgery (AHS) operative planning software in 7 patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). Methods Four attending surgeons (3 neurosurgeons and 1 ear, nose, and throat surgeon) manually contoured planned residual tumors volumes for 7 consecutive patients with VS. Next, the AHS software determined the ideal radiosurgical target volumes based on a specified radiotherapy plan. Our primary measure was the difference between the average planned residual tumor volumes and the ideal radiosurgical target volumes defined by AHS (dRV AHS-planned ). Results We included 7 consecutive patients with VS in this study. The planned residual tumor volumes were smaller than the ideal radiosurgical target volumes defined by AHS (1.6 vs. 4.5 cm 3 , P = 0.004). On average, the actual post-operative residual tumor volumes were smaller than the ideal radiosurgical target volumes defined by AHS (2.2 cm 3 vs. 4.5 cm 3 ; P = 0.02). The average difference between the ideal radiosurgical target volume defined by AHS and the planned residual tumor volume (dRV AHS-planned ) was 2.9 ± 1.7 cm 3 , and we observed a trend toward larger dRV AHS-planned in patients who lost serviceable facial nerve function compared with patients who maintained serviceable facial nerve function (4.7 cm 3 vs. 1.9 cm 3 ; P = 0.06). Conclusions Planned subtotal resection of VS diverges from the ideal radiosurgical target defined by AHS, but whether that influences clinical outcomes is unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a bony defect in the osseous shell of the petrous temporal bone. The pathophysiological association between osteoporosis and SSCD remains poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between bone metabolic markers and symptoms in patients with SSCD. Methods We collected patient demographics and clinical parameters for adult patients diagnosed with SSCD on high-resolution computed tomography scans. We used point-biserial correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between bone metabolic markers and symptoms in patients with SSCD. We compared clinical symptoms before and after surgical repair of SSCD through a middle fossa craniotomy using McNemar's test for paired comparisons of binary measures. Results We included a total of 99 patients (64 females and 35 males; average age 52 years; 118 surgeries). The level of serum calcium correlated with the need for a second surgery ( r pb = −0.35, P = 0.001). Postoperative calcium supplementation negatively correlated with improvement in dizziness ( r pb = −0.36, P = 0.01). The level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated with preoperative hyperacusis ( r pb = −0.98, P = 0.02) and postoperative autophony ( r pb = 0.96, P = 0.04). Postoperative vitamin D supplementation positively correlated with hearing decline ( r pb = 0.04, P = 0.04) The level of thyroid stimulating hormone correlated with preoperative autophony, amplification, and tinnitus ( r pb = −0.71, r pb = −0.75, r pb = −0.70, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Bone metabolic markers could be important in the clinical assessment of SSCD patients and could be potential targets for symptom management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine if end-stage liver disease (ESLD) in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with increased mortality. Methods This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 53 patients (33 in ESLD cohort and 20 in non-ESLD cohort) who received neurosurgical care between 2006 and 2017. ESLD was defined clinically as severely impaired liver function and at least 1 major complication of liver failure. The primary outcome was mortality. Results Overall, in-hospital, and 30-day mortality rates were higher in the ESLD cohort versus the non-ESLD cohort (79 vs. 30%, 79 vs. 20%, and 64 vs. 25%, all P ≤ 0.01). We identified a significant difference in overall survival between ESLD and non-ESLD cohorts on Kaplan-Meier analysis ( P = 0.004 with log-rank and Wilcoxon tests). Odds of overall, in-hospital, and 30-day mortality in the ESLD cohort were 8.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44–30.84), 14.86 (95% CI, 3.75–58.90), and 5.25 (95% CI, 1.53–18.08). Other predictors of overall mortality included primary admission diagnosis of liver disease (odds ratio [OR] = 9.60; 95% CI, 3.75–58.90), higher Child-Pugh (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 2.66–34.67) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.20) scores, lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61–0.88), ICH that developed in the hospital (OR = 4.11; 95% CI, 1.21–13.98), and intraparenchymal hemorrhage (OR = 9.23; 95% CI, 1.72–49.56). Conclusions ESLD in patients with ICH is associated with increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To report a single-institution experience with isolated transverse process fractures (ITPFs) and provide increasing support for the development of evidence-based guidelines. The authors also evaluated the presence of concerning symptoms or red flags that may indicate additional, underlying injuries in the setting of ITPFs. Methods The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center patient database was queried (years 2005–2016) using International Classification of Diseases , Ninth Revision, code 805: fracture of the vertebral column without mention of spinal cord injury. Results A total of 129 patients with ITPFs were identified. Mean age was 38.1 years (range 15–92 years). Women were more likely to present with abdominal pain and associated kidney injury ( P = 0.018 and P = 0.012, respectively). Motor vehicle accident (MVA) was the most common mechanism of injury ( n = 81, 62.8%) and was associated with thoracic ( P = 0.032) and lower extremity pain/injury ( P = 0.005). Back pain was the most common presenting symptom ( n = 71, 64.6%) and was associated with intraabdominal and lower extremity injuries ( P = 0.032 and P = 0.016, respectively). Chest and neck pain were associated with vascular injuries ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Spine consult (neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery) was frequent ( n = 94, 72.9%) and was more common after MVA versus fall ( P = 0.018). Conclusions Several factors were identified as significant markers of associated injuries, including female sex, MVA, and presenting symptoms. Neck and chest pain were significantly associated with vascular injuries. Clinicians should maintain high indices of suspicion for associated injuries in patients with ITPFs, especially after high-velocity mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To review the literature on isolated transverse process fractures (ITPFs) and provide evidence for the current practice of conservative management. Methods The PubMed database was searched for published literature related to ITPFs. Baseline patient (age, sex, presentation, and mechanism of injury) and fracture (number of fractures, level, and single or multisegmental) characteristics were extracted. Management and outcomes were also recorded. Statistical comparisons were ascertained through n–1 Pearson χ 2 tests. Results A total of 4 studies comprised of 398 patients with 819 ITPFs were evaluated. Mean age was 33.5 years (69% men and 31% women). No patients presented with neurologic deficits. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (MVA), followed by fall. MVAs were more commonly the cause of ITPFs in pediatric versus adult patients (88% vs. 65%, respectively; P = 0.0001). Falls were more commonly the cause of ITPFs in adults than in children (18% vs. 9%, respectively; P = 0.05). Management strategies involved unrestricted movement, bracing, and orthotics. Radiologic evidence of spinal instability or deformity was not reported in any of the cases. Mean follow-up was 20.5 months. Conclusions Our data suggests that nonsurgical management of ITPFs leads to complete resolution of the fracture without evidence of permanent neurologic deficit or spinal instability. However, interpretation of our results is limited by the paucity of meaningful literature reporting on long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, the results provide support for conservative management and highlight the existing need to identify markers or scenarios where the diagnosis of ITPF is actually likely to be erroneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neurosurgery residency is becoming an increasingly competitive match. The process of screening and ranking applicants is a multifactorial process that lacks uniformity across residency programs. A significant factor is the applicant's performance on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1. USMLE Step 1 scores are often used to project future success in residency and performance on specialty boards like the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) examination. The authors of this study investigate the strength of correlations between USMLE Step 1 and ABNS scores. Methods Data were extracted from records of graduating residents from the neurosurgery residency program at the University of California, Los Angeles, between 2003 and 2010. Twenty-one residents were selected. USMLE Step 1 scores were deidentified and paired with ABNS scores. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. Results Higher USMLE Step 1 scores significantly correlated with higher ABNS scores ( P = 0.01; Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.7). Conclusions USMLE Step 1 and ABNS scores are directly correlated. USMLE Step 1 scores will continue to be a valuable measure of projected success on ABNS written examinations, but more sophisticated measures are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a retrospective analysis in a cohort of 1185 patients at our institution who were identified as undergoing ≥1 head computed tomography (CT) examinations during their inpatient stay on the neurosurgery service, to quantify the number, type, and associated radiation burden of head CT procedures performed by the neurosurgery service. CT procedure records and radiology reports were obtained via database search and directly validated against records retrieved from manual chart review. Next, dosimetry data from the head CT procedures were extracted via automated text mining of electronic radiology reports. Among 4510 identified adult head CT procedures, 88% were standard head CT examinations. A total of 3.65 ± 3.60 head CT scans were performed during an average adult admission. The most common primary diagnoses were neoplasms, trauma, and other hemorrhage. The median cumulative effective dose per admission was 5.66 mSv (range, 1.06–84.5 mSv; mean, 8.56 ± 8.95 mSv). The median cumulative effective dose per patient was 6.4 mSv (range, 1.1–127 mSv; mean, 9.26 ± 10.0 mSv). The median cumulative radiation burden from head CT imaging in our cohort equates approximately to a single chest CT scan, well within accepted limits for safe CT imaging in adults. Refined methods are needed to characterize the safety profile of the few pediatric patients identified in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective therapy for a variety of intracranial pathology that were treated solely with open neurosurgery in the past. The technique was developed from the combination of therapeutic radiation and stereotactic devices for the precise localization of intracranial targets. Although stereotactic radiosurgery was originally performed as a partnership between neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists, this partnership has weakened in recent years, with some procedures being performed without neurosurgeons. At the same time, neurosurgeons across the United States and Canada have found their stereotactic radiosurgery training during residency inadequate. Although neurosurgeons, residency directors, and department chairs agree that stereotactic radiosurgery education and exposure during neurosurgery training could be improved, a limited number of resources exist for this kind of education. This review describes the history of stereotactic radiosurgery, assesses the state of its use and education today, and provides recommendations for the improvement of neurosurgical education in stereotactic radiosurgery for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Duraplasty, a common neurosurgical intervention, involves synthetic or biological graft placement to ensure dural closure. The objective of this study is to advance our understanding of the use of dural substitutes in cranial surgery. Methods The PubMed database was systematically searched to identify studies published over the past decade (2007–2017) that described duraplasty procedures. Clinical data were disaggregated and analyzed for the comparisons of biological versus synthetic grafts. Results A total of 462 cases were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, the most common indication for duraplasty was tumor resection (53%). Allografts were more frequently used in decompression for Chiari malformations compared with xenografts and synthetic grafts ( P < 0.001). Xenografts were more frequently used in decompressive hemicraniectomy procedures for evacuation of acute subdural hematomas over allografts and synthetics ( P < 0.001). Synthetic grafts were more frequently used in tumor cases than biological grafts ( P = 0.002). The cumulative complication rate for dural substitutes of all types was 11%. There were no significant differences in complication rates among the 3 types of dural substitutes. Conclusions Dural substitutes are commonly used to ensure dural closure in a variety of cranial procedures. This study provides greater insight into duraplasty practices and highlights the moderate complication rate associated with the procedure. Future studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of such procedures in larger prospective cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs). NF2-associated VSs (NF2-VSs) are routinely treated with microsurgery; however, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as an effective alternative in recent decades. To elucidate the role of SRS in NF2-VSs, a systematic review of the literature was conducted to compare outcomes of SRS versus surgery. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried using relevant search terms. Retrospective studies investigating outcomes of NF2-VS patients treated with either SRS or surgery were included. Single-patient case reports were excluded. Outcome measures between the SRS and surgery groups were compared using χ 2 2-sample tests for equality of proportions on the pooled patient data. Results A total of 974 patients (485 SRS, 489 surgery) were identified. The mean 5-year local control rate for SRS was 75.1%, and the mean recurrence rate for surgery was 8.1%. The mean hearing and facial nerve preservation rates were 40.1% and 92.3%, respectively, for SRS and 52.0% and 75.7%, respectively, for surgery. Rates of hearing preservation were higher after surgery than after SRS ( P = 0.006), whereas rates of facial nerve preservation were higher after SRS than after surgery ( P < 0.001). Conclusions SRS appears to be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for NF2-VS. Although rates of hearing preservation were higher in the surgery cohorts, SRS demonstrated high rates of local control and significantly lower facial nerve complications. Certain patients may therefore benefit more from SRS than surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To present an illustrative case of fourth ventricular epidermoid cyst and review the literature to identify predictors of surgical outcomes. Methods A case of fourth ventricular epidermoid cyst is presented and a systematic review of 5 popular databases was performed by independent authors. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify clinical predictors of outcomes. Results A 21-year-old woman presented with 3 months of headaches and visual obscurations and was diagnosed with a multilobulated mass in the fourth ventricle. The patient underwent suboccipital craniotomy. Complete removal of the mass was achieved and the final diagnosis was consistent with an epidermoid cyst. The systematic review identified 23 studies that reported 37 patients. Mean age was 42.8 years. Mean length of time between symptom onset and diagnosis was 4.43 years. Age ( P = 0.049) and duration of symptoms ( P < 0.001) were significantly different between patients who experienced symptom improvement and those who did not. Duration of symptom onset to diagnosis was a significant predictor of poor outcomes (odds ratio, 1.19, 95% confidence interval, 1.003–4.785). Conclusions Our review found that in patients with fourth ventricular epidermoid cysts, unfavorable outcomes were predicted by older age and by longer intervals from symptom onset to diagnosis. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for fourth ventricular epidermoid cysts in patients presenting with cerebellar signs and visual disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]