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Thalamic gliomas are rare neoplasms that pose significant surgical challenges. The literature is limited to single-institution retrospective case series. We systematically review the literature and describe the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes of adult thalamic gliomas. Relevant articles were identified on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Papers containing cases of adult thalamic gliomas with clinical outcome data were included. A comprehensive review of clinical characteristics and survival analysis was conducted. We included 25 studies comprising 617 patients. The median age was 45 years (male = 58.6%). Glioblastoma was the most frequent histological type (47.2%), and 82 tumors were H3 K27M-mutant. Motor deficit was the most common presenting symptom (51.8%). Surgical resection was performed in 69.1% of cases while adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered in 56.3% and 72.6%, respectively. Other treatments included laser interstitial thermal therapy, which was performed in 15 patients (2.4%). The lesion laterality (P = 0.754) and the surgical approach (P = 0.111) did not correlate with overall survival. The median progression-free survival was 9 months, and the overall two-year survival rate was 19.7%. The two-year survival rates of low-grade and high-grade thalamic gliomas were 31.0% and 16.5%, respectively. H3 K27M-mutant gliomas showed worse overall survival (P = 0.017). Adult thalamic gliomas are associated with poor survival. Complete surgical resection is associated with improved survival rates but is not always feasible. H3 K27M mutation is associated with worse survival and a more aggressive approach should be considered for mutant neoplasms.

Blood blister aneurysms are small, thin-walled, rapidly growing side-wall aneurysms that have proved particularly difficult to treat, and evidence-based guidance for treatment strategies is lacking. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to aggregate the available data and compare the 3 primary treatment modalities.We performed a comprehensive literature search according to PRISMA guidelines followed by an indirect meta-analysis that compares the safety and efficacy of surgical, flow-diverting stents (FDS), and other endovascular approaches for the treatment of ruptured blood blister aneurysms.A total of 102 studies were included for quantitative synthesis, with sample sizes of 687 treated surgically, 704 treated endovascularly without FDS, and 125 treated via flow diversion. Comparatively, FDS achieved significantly reduced rates of perioperative retreatment compared with both surgical (P = 0.025) and non-FDS endovascular (P0.001). The FDS subgroup also achieved a significantly lower incidence of perioperative rebleed (P 0.001), perioperative hydrocephalus (P = 0.012), postoperative infarction (P = 0.002), postoperative hydrocephalus (P0.001), and postoperative vasospasm (P = 0.002) compared with those patients in the open surgical subgroup. Although no significant differences were found among groups on the basis of functional outcomes, angiographic outcomes detailed by rates of radiographic complete occlusion were highest for surgical (90.7%, 262/289) and FDS (89.1%, 98/110) subgroups versus the non-FDS endovascular subgroup (82.7%, 268/324).Flow diversion seems to be an effective treatment strategy for ruptured blood blister aneurysms, with lower rates of perioperative complications compared with surgical and other endovascular techniques, but studies investigating long-term outcomes after flow diversion warrant further study.

Radiation necrosis (RN) represents a serious post-radiotherapy complication in patients with brain metastases. Bevacizumab and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) are viable treatment options, but direct comparative data is scarce. We reviewed the literature to compare the two treatment strategies. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched. All studies of patients with RN from brain metastases treated with bevacizumab or LITT were included. Treatment outcomes were analyzed using indirect meta-analysis with random-effect modeling. Among the 18 studies included, 143 patients received bevacizumab and 148 underwent LITT. Both strategies were equally effective in providing post-treatment symptomatic improvement (P = 0.187, I2 = 54.8%), weaning off steroids (P = 0.614, I2 = 25.5%), and local lesion control (P = 0.5, I2 = 0%). Mean number of lesions per patient was not statistically significant among groups (P = 0.624). Similarly, mean T1-contrast-enhancing pre-treatment volumes were not statistically different (P = 0.582). Patterns of radiological responses differed at 6-month follow-ups, with rates of partial regression significantly higher in the bevacizumab group (P = 0.001, I2 = 88.9%), and stable disease significantly higher in the LITT group (P = 0.002, I2 = 81.9%). Survival rates were superior in the LITT cohort, and statistical significance was reached at 18 months (P = 0.038, I2 = 73.7%). Low rates of adverse events were reported in both groups (14.7% for bevacizumab and 12.2% for LITT). Bevacizumab and LITT can be safe and effective treatments for RN from brain metastases. Clinical and radiological outcomes are mostly comparable, but LITT may relate with superior survival benefits in select patients. Further studies are required to identify the best patient candidates for each treatment group.

Background We implemented a systematic multidisciplinary process to engage new outpatients with cancer in selecting and preparing a medical decision-maker. Measures Templated advance care planning notes and medical power of attorney documents were used in the electronic health record by the third office visit. Intervention Patients were coached to meet with social work from a “culture of yes,” viewed a video about the importance of selecting a prepared medical a decision-maker in English or in Spanish, and referenced cards containing simple explanations of advance directives when responding to advance directive questions. Outcomes A total of 351 patients were evaluated. By visit 3, there was no increase in documented social work advance care planning notes in intervention or scanned medical power of attorney documents in the electronic health record. Conclusions/Lessons Learned This systematic multidisciplinary approach did not engage new outpatients with cancer in preparing a medical decision-maker. More active physician involvement and varied ways of engagement are needed.

PURPOSE: We aim to systematically review and summarize the demographics, clinical features, management strategies, and clinical outcomes of primary and radiation-induced skull-base osteosarcoma (SBO). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were used to identify relevant articles. Papers including SBO cases and sufficient clinical outcome data were included. A comprehensive clinical characteristic review and survival analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: Forty-one studies describing 67 patients were included. The median age was 31 years (male = 59.7%). The middle skull-base was most commonly involved (52.7%), followed by anterior (34.5%) and posterior (12.7%) skull-base. Headache (27%), exophthalmos (18%), and diplopia (10%) were common presenting symptoms. Sixty-eight percent of patients had primary SBO, while 25% had radiation-induced SBO. Surgery was the main treatment modality in 89% of cases. Chemotherapy was administered in 65.7% and radiotherapy in 50%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 months, and the overall 5-year survival was 22%. The five-year survival rates of radiation-induced SBO and primary SBO were 39% and 16%, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SBO is a malignant disease with poor survival outcomes. Surgical resection is the primary management modality, in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Complete surgical resection showed better survival rates compared to partial resection. Radiation-induced SBO has a superior survival outcome as compared to its primary counterpart.

Background: Patients with cancer-related pain use opioids for nociceptive pain, while gabapentinoids are common to treat neuropathic pain. The simultaneous use of opioids with gabapentinoids has be...

BACKGROUND: There is limited information regarding the true frequency of nonmedical opioid use (NMOU) among patients receiving opioid therapy for cancer pain. Data to guide patient selection for urine drug testing (UDT) as well as the timing and frequency of ordering UDT are insufficient. This study examined the frequency of abnormal UDT among patients with cancer who underwent random UDT and their characteristics. METHODS: Demographic and clinical information for patients with cancer who underwent random UDT were retrospectively reviewed and compared with a historical cohort that underwent targeted UDT. Random UDT was ordered regardless of a patient’s risk potential for NMOU. Targeted UDT was ordered on the basis of a physician’s estimation of a patient’s risk for NMOU. RESULTS: In all, 552 of 573 eligible patients (96%) underwent random UDT. Among these patients, 130 (24%) had 1 or more abnormal results; 38 of the 88 patients (43%) who underwent targeted UDT had 1 or more abnormal results. When marijuana was excluded, 15% of the random group and 37% of the targeted group had abnormal UDT findings (P < .001). It took a shorter time from the initial consultation to detect 1 or more abnormalities with the random test than the targeted test (median, 130 vs 274 days; P = .02). Abnormal random UDT was independently associated with younger age (P < .0001), male sex (P = .03), Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye Opener–Adapted to Include Drugs positivity (P = .001), and higher Edmonton Symptom Assessment System anxiety (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 4 patients receiving opioids for cancer pain at a supportive care clinic who underwent random UDT had 1 or more abnormalities. Random UDT detected abnormalities earlier than the targeted test. These findings suggest that random UDT is justified among patients with cancer pain.

The following review will highlight recent studies reporting associations between alcohol and tobacco use with non-medical opioid use in the post-operative period, as well as patients with chronic non-malignant and cancer pain. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances are associated with an increased risk of opioid use disorder in the post-operative setting and in patients with chronic non-malignant and cancer pain. Opioid overdoses are at a national epidemic afflicting the general population. A comprehensive assessment of the risk for opioid use disorder is advocated prior to the prescription of opioids and includes obtaining a family and personal history of any substance use including alcohol and tobacco, as well as any psychiatric mood disorders. Strategies to manage pain in patients with high risk for opioid use disorders include decreased intervals between clinic visits, increase frequency of compliance monitoring with urine drug screens, and psychosocial support.

Simple Summary Primary skull base chondrosarcomas (SBCs) may carry significant tumor-burden by causing severe cranial nerve neuropathies. Current treatment strategies mainly focus on surgical resection and radiotherapy protocols, with a wide range of findings in terms of efficacy and safety. The aim of our systematic review was to comprehensively analyze the current literature on primary SBCs, describing clinical and radiological characteristics, available management strategies, treatment outcomes, and prognoses. We found that most primary SBCs show benign slow-growing patterns but may cause neurological deficits by compressing critical neurovascular structures. Open surgical approaches favor maximal resection with acceptable complication rates, but only a few studies reported the use of newer endoscopic approaches. Proton-based, photon-based, and carbon-based radiotherapy protocols may also allow safe and effective local tumor control as adjuvant treatments or stand-alone strategies in patients not eligible to undergo surgery. Overall, primary SBCs’ prognoses proved to be favorable and comparable to benign skull base neoplasms. Abstract Background: Primary skull base chondrosarcomas (SBCs) can severely affect patients’ quality of life. Surgical-resection and radiotherapy are feasible but may cause debilitating complications. We systematically reviewed the literature on primary SBCs. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies of patients with primary SBCs. Clinical characteristics, management strategies, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: We included 33 studies comprising 1307 patients. Primary SBCs mostly involved the middle-fossa (72.7%), infiltrating the cavernous-sinus in 42.4% of patients. Cranial-neuropathies were reported in 810 patients (62%). Surgical-resection (93.3%) was preferred over biopsy (6.6%). The most frequent open surgical approaches were frontotemporal-orbitozygomatic (17.6%) and pterional (11.9%), and 111 patients (21.3%) underwent endoscopic-endonasal resection. Post-surgical cerebrospinal-fluid leaks occurred in 36 patients (6.5%). Radiotherapy was delivered in 1018 patients (77.9%): photon-based (41.4%), proton-based (64.2%), and carbon-based (13.1%). Severe post-radiotherapy complications, mostly hypopituitarism (15.4%) and hearing loss (7.1%) were experienced by 251 patients (30.7%). Post-treatment symptom-improvement (46.7%) and reduced/stable tumor volumes (85.4%) showed no differences based on radiotherapy-protocols (p = 0.165; p = 0.062). Median follow-up was 67-months (range, 0.1–376). SBCs recurrences were reported in 211 cases (16.1%). The 5-year and 10-year progression-free survival rates were 84.3% and 67.4%, and overall survival rates were 94% and 84%. Conclusion: Surgical-resection and radiotherapy are effective treatments in primary SBCs, with acceptable complication rates and favorable local tumor control.

Background/aim Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a debilitating complication of advanced malignancies. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may alter disease course. We analyzed the role and toxicity of ICIs in LMD. Materials and methods We systematically reviewed the literature reporting on outcome data of patients with LMD treated with ICIs. Results We included 14 studies encompassing 61 patients. Lung-cancer (44.3%), breast-cancer (27.9%), and melanoma (23.0%) were the most frequent primary tumors. Median duration of ICI-treatment was 7-months (range=0.5-58.0): pembrolizumab (49.2%), nivolumab (32.8%), ipilimumab (18.0%). Radiological responses included complete response (33.3%), partial response (12.5%), stable disease (33.3%), progressive disease (20.8%). Twenty-two patients developed ICI-related adverse-events, mild (100%) and/or severe (15.6%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.1 and 6.3 months, and 12-month survival was 32.1%. Survival correlated with ICI agents (p=0.042), but not with primary tumors (p=0.144). Patients receiving concurrent steroids showed worse survival (p=0.040). Conclusion ICI therapy is well-tolerated in patients with LMD, but concurrent steroids may worsen survival.

We sought to systematically assess and summarize the available literature on outcomes following coccygectomy for refractory coccygodynia. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data concerning patient demographics, validated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) for pain relief, disability outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates were extracted and analyzed. A total of 21 studies (18 retrospective and 3 prospective) were included in the quantitative analysis. A total of 826 patients (females = 75%) received coccygectomy (720 total and 106 partial) for refractory coccygodynia. Trauma was reported as the most common etiology of coccygodynia (56%; n = 375), followed by idiopathic causes (33%; n = 221). The pooled mean difference (MD) in pain scores from baseline on a 0–10 scale was 5.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.35 to 6.86) at a 6–12 month follow-up (FU); 5.02 (95% CI: 3.47 to 6.57) at > 12–36 months FU; and 5.41 (95% CI: 4.33 to 6.48) at > 36 months FU. The MCID threshold for pain relief was surpassed at each follow-up. Oswestry Disability Index scores significantly improved postoperatively, with a pooled MD from baseline of − 23.49 (95% CI: − 31.51 to − 15.46), surpassing the MCID threshold. The pooled incidence of complications following coccygectomy was 8% (95% CI: 5% to 12%), the most frequent of which were surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. The pooled incidence of reoperations was 3% (95% CI: 1% to 5%). Coccygectomy represents a viable treatment option in patients with refractory coccygodynia.

Enhanced understanding of the molecular features of glioma has led to an expansion of murine glioma models and successful preclinical studies. However, clinical trials continue to have a high cost, extended production time, and low proportion of success. Studies in large-animal models of various cancer types have emerged to bridge the translational gap between in vitro and in vivo animal studies and human clinical trials. The anatomy and physiology of large animals are of more direct relevance to human disease, allowing for more rigorous testing of treatments such as surgical resection and adjuvant therapy in glioma. The recent generation of multiple porcine glioma models supports their use in high-throughput preclinical studies. The demonstration of spontaneous glioblastoma formation in canines further provides a unique avenue for the study of de novo glioma. The aim of this review was to outline the current status of large animal models of glioma and their value as a transitional step between rodent models and human clinical trials.

Percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) is a minimally invasive technique that has been recently used to treat spinal metastases with a paucity of data currently available in the literature. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Prospective or retrospective studies concerning metastatic spinal neoplasms treated with current generation PCA systems and with available data on safety and clinical outcomes were included. In the 8 included studies (7 retrospective, 1 prospective), a total of 148 patients (females = 63%) underwent spinal PCA. Tumors were located in the cervical (3/109 [2.8%], thoracic (74/109 [68.8%], lumbar (37/109 [33.9%], and sacrococcygeal (17/109 [15.6%] regions. Overall, 187 metastatic spinal lesions were treated. Thermo-protective measures (e.g., carbo-/hydro-dissection, thermocouples) were used in 115/187 [61.5%] procedures. For metastatic spinal tumors, the pooled mean difference (MD) in pain scores from baseline on the 0-10 numeric rating scale was 5.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.24 to 5.82) at a 1-month follow-up and 4.61 (95% CI: 3.27 to 5.95) at the last reported follow-up (range 24-40 weeks in 3/4 studies). Local tumor control rates ranged widely from 60% to 100% at varying follow-ups. Grade I-II complications were reported in 9/148 [6.1%] patients and grade III-V complications were reported in 3/148 [2.0%]) patients. PCA, as a stand-alone or adjunct modality, may be a viable therapy in appropriately selected patients with painful spinal metastases who were traditionally managed with open surgery and/or radiation therapy.

The far-lateral suboccipital approach and its variants, including the transcondylar, supracondylar, and paracondylar approaches, are essential skull base techniques for the neurosurgeon to expose and treat pathologies located at the ventral and ventrolateral craniovertebral junction. An understanding of the surgical anatomy and technical nuances of these approaches is vital for preventing catastrophic brainstem or spinal cord injury, neurovascular injury, and/or cranial nerve injury. This is achieved by carefully studying the location, the rostral-caudal and lateral extents of the lesion itself, and the anatomy of the surrounding structures on preoperative imaging. The amount of bony exposure should be tailored to each specific lesion to avoid unnecessary bone drilling and therefore decrease the risk of potential craniocervical instability. Minimizing retraction of the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord is important for preventing neurologic injury; therefore, appropriate intraoperative head positioning and adequate bony exposure should be ensured, especially for more ventrally located lesions. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the extradural and intradural segments of the vertebral artery, and the lower cranial nerves, in relation to the lesion is also critical. For almost all lesions, the far-lateral suboccipital route with no or minimal condylar drilling is more than adequate for removing the most ventral lesions. Herein, we discuss the indications, general and preoperative considerations, and surgical anatomy and technical nuances of this approach.

Background Various studies suggest that the insular cortex may play an underappreciated role in pediatric frontotemporal/parietal epilepsy. Here, we report on the postsurgical outcomes in 26 pediatric patients with confirmed insular involvement by depth electrode monitoring. Objective To describe one of the largest series of pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy undergoing laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) or surgical resection of at least some portion of the insular cortex. Methods Pediatric patients in whom invasive insular sampling confirmed insular involvement and who subsequently underwent a second stage surgery (LITT or open resection) were included. Complications and Engel Class outcomes at least 1 yr postsurgery were compiled as well as pathology results in the open surgical cases. Results The average age in our cohort was 10.3 yr, 58% were male, and the average length of follow-up was 2.43 ± 0.20 (SEM) yr. A total of 14 patients underwent LITT, whereas 12 patients underwent open resection. Complications in patients undergoing either LITT or open resection were mostly minimal and generally transient. Forty-three percent of patients who underwent LITT were Engel Class I, compared to 50% of patients who underwent open insular resection. Conclusion Both surgical resection and LITT are valid management options in the treatment of medically refractory insular/opercular epilepsy in children. Although LITT may be a less invasive alternative to craniotomy, further studies are needed to determine its noninferiority in terms of complication rates and seizure freedom, especially in cases of cortical dysplasia that may involve extensive regions of the brain.

The Young Neurosurgeons Committee, founded in 1991 by Dr. Roberto C. Heros, has been a vital component of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. It has grown from an opportunity for young neurosurgeons to network with senior neurosurgeons to becoming the major voice of young neurosurgeons and a training ground for the future leaders of organized neurosurgery. The present report has reviewed the leadership involvement of 168 previous Young Neurosurgeons Committee members and briefly highlighted the careers of 4 of these members who have attained leadership positions in neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND Patients with cancer prefer and positively perceive physicians who communicate face-to-face without the use of a computer. However, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the examination room remains a practical necessity. On the basis of existing literature, the authors developed and tested an integration model, PRIME-EHR, that focuses on the best-practice guidelines. To their knowledge, no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to test the effectiveness of such models. METHODS In this double-blind, crossover RCT, 120 eligible patients with cancer were enrolled between April 1, 2019 and February 15, 2020 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The objectives were to compare patients' perceptions of physicians' skills and their overall preference after they watched 2 standardized, scripted video vignettes of physicians: 1 portraying the use of a standard EHR and the other portraying the use of a PRIME-EHR. Actors and patients were blinded to the purpose of the study. Investigators were blinded to the sequence of videos watched by the patients. Validated questionnaires to rate physicians' compassion (0 = best, 50 = worst), communication skills (14 = poor, 70 = excellent), and professionalism (4 = poor, 20 = very good) were used. RESULTS PRIME-EHR, compared with the standard EHR, resulted in better scores for physician compassion (median score, 5 [interquartile range, 0-10] vs 12 [interquartile range, 4-25]; P = .0009), communication skills (median score, 69 [interquartile range, 63-70] vs 61 [interquartile range, 50-69]; P = .0026), and professionalism (median score, 20 [interquartile range, 18-20] vs 18 [interquartile range, 14-20]; P = .0058). The majority of patients preferred physicians who used PRIME-EHR (n = 70 [77%] vs n = 21 [23%]; P

Objective Radiation necrosis (RN) represents a serious post-radiotherapy complication in patients with brain metastases. Bevacizumab and laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) are viable treatment options, but direct comparative data is scarce. We reviewed the literature to compare the two treatment strategies. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched. All studies of patients with RN from brain metastases treated with bevacizumab or LITT were included. Treatment outcomes were analyzed using indirect meta-analysis with random-effect modeling. Results Among the 18 studies included, 143 patients received bevacizumab and 148 underwent LITT. Both strategies were equally effective in providing post-treatment symptomatic improvement (P=0.187, I2=54.8%), weaning off steroids (P=0.614, I2=25.5%), and local lesion control (P=0.5, I2=0%). The mean number of lesions per patient was not statistically significant among groups (P=0.624). Similarly, mean T1-contrast-enhancing pre-treatment volumes were not statistically different (P=0.582). Patterns of radiological responses differed at 6-month follow-ups, with rates of partial regression significantly higher in the bevacizumab group (P=0.001, I2=88.9%), and stable disease significantly higher in the LITT group (P=0.002, I2=81.9%). Survival rates were superior in the LITT cohort, and statistical significance was reached at 18 months (P=0.038, I2=73.7%). Low rates of adverse events were reported in both groups (14.7% for bevacizumab and 12.2% for LITT). Conclusion Bevacizumab and LITT can be safe and effective treatments for RN from brain metastases. Clinical and radiological outcomes are mostly comparable, but LITT may relate to superior survival benefits in select patients. Further studies are required to identify the best patient candidates for each treatment group.

Background Microwave ablation (MWA) is a novel technique that offers several potential advantages over existing ablation systems, which include production of larger ablation zones, shorter procedural times, and more effective heating through high impedance tissues such as bone. Methods A systematic review was performed using inclusion criteria defined as follows: 1) metastatic spinal tumors treated with open or percutaneous MWA alone or in combination with other treatments, 2) available data on pain palliation and/or local tumor control, and 3) retrospective or prospective studies with at least 1 patient. Results A total of 156 patients harboring 196 spinal lesions underwent MWA in the 8 included studies. Most studies employed the use of additional interventions, which included minimally invasive open surgery with pedicle screw fixation, traditional open surgical intervention, and cement augmentation. Despite the variability in time intervals for pain assessment, postoperative pain scores decreased considerably in both percutaneous and open MWA studies. No evidence of tumor progression was additionally seen in >80% of patients at the last follow-up across 5 studies. Complications were reported in 6.5% of all patients who underwent percutaneous MWA and in 12.2% of patients who underwent open MWA. Conclusions This review showed that MWA can be effective in achieving analgesia for up to 6 months in select cases, although most procedures were performed in combination with augmentation and/or open surgery. Local tumor control was additionally successful in most patients, suggestive of a potential curative role for MWA.

Spinal facet joint cysts (FJCs) are an increasingly reported cause of lower back pain, radiculopathy, and neurological deficits owing to their proximity to adjacent nerve roots. The etiology of these cysts has not yet been fully elucidated, although they appear to be related to degenerative changes in the facet joints themselves. Conservative management strategies including physical therapy and oral analgesics rarely result in spontaneous regression of an FJC, often providing only short-term relief. The current treatment modalities reported for FJCs generally range from percutaneous cyst aspiration to decompression surgery with or without instrumented spinal fusion. However, instrumented fusion often results in a higher rate of complications such as pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment disease. The Coflex® (Paradigm Spine, LLC, New York, NY) interlaminar stabilization (ILS) implant is a novel titanium, U-shaped device which acts as a motion-preserving stabilizer and has proven to be a viable alternative to instrumental fusion. Here, we discuss a case of an FJC treated with both decompression and placement of a Coflex ILS device.

Background Skull base osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a challenging treatment-related complication sometimes seen in patients with cancer. Although ORN management strategies for other anatomic sites have been reported, there is a paucity of data guiding the management of skull base ORN. Objective To report a single-center tertiary care series of skull base ORN and to better understand the factors affecting ORN recurrence after surgical management. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with skull base ORN treated at our center between 2003 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were performed to identify predictors of recurrence. Results A total of 31 patients were included in this study. The median age at ORN diagnosis was 61.1 yr (range, 32.8-84.9 yr). Of these 31 patients, 15 (48.4%) patients were initially treated medically. All 31 patients underwent surgery. Three (14.3%) of 21 patients treated with a free flap and 4 (50.0%) of 8 patients who underwent primary closure experienced recurrence. Cox regression analysis revealed that reconstruction with local tissue closure (P = .044) and ongoing treatment for active primary cancer (P = .022) were significant predictors of recurrence. The median overall survival from index surgery for ORN treatment was 83.9 mo. At 12-mo follow-up, 78.5% of patients were alive. Conclusion In this study, we assess the outcomes of our treatment approach, surgical debridement with vascularized reconstruction, on recurrence-free survival in patients with skull base ORN. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to assess current treatment paradigms.

Background Cancer patients often require feeding or venting gastrostomy-tubes (G-tubes) for enteral nutrition or symptom palliation. The administration of most extended-release (ER) opioids via the G-tube or orally followed by clamping of the venting G-tube is contraindicated. Oxymorphone immediate release (IR) may be useful because of its longer half-life compared to other IR opioids. We examined the use of oxymorphone IR administered every 8 hours in patients with G-tubes. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive cancer patients with G-tubes who underwent opioid rotation (OR) to oxymorphone. Demographics, symptoms, morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD), and oxymorphone dose were collected. Successful OR was defined as a 2-point or 30% reduction in pain score and continued use of oxymorphone at follow-up in outpatient setting, or discharge in inpatient setting. Opioid rotation ration (ORR) between MEDD and oxymorphone in patients with successful OR was calculated as MEDD before the OR divided by total oxymorphone dose/day at follow-up or discharge. Results The median age was 56 years, 57.5% were white, 68% male, 47.5% (n=19) had head and neck cancer, 90% had advanced disease, 67.5% (n=27) were inpatient, and 15% (n=6) had venting G-tubes. 25/40 (62.5%) patients had successful OR to oxymorphone. The median ORR from MEDD to oxymorphone was 3.5 (IQR, 3.1-4). There were no independent predictors for successful OR, and ORR did not significantly differ among various groups. Conclusions Oxymorphone IR can be used successfully in cancer patients with G-tubes using an ORR of 3.5 to calculate dose from MEDD.

Most people have some idea of how they want to live their life; however, an estimated two-thirds of Americans have not completed their advance directives. This becomes an issue when up to 90% of patients develop delirium during their final days of life, at which point we depend on advance directives or surrogate decision-makers. Here, we present a case of terminal delirium in a patient with advanced cancer and a history of alprazolam abuse who had not discussed his end-of-life wishes with the medical team or with his estranged family. Treatment was provided to address reversible causes of delirium, including correcting electrolyte imbalances, urinary retention, and administered antibiotics for purulent otitis media. Hyperactive delirium was managed aggressively with intravenous neuroleptics and benzodiazepine, while keeping a balance between somnolence and control of agitative symptoms. Without knowing the patient's wishes, the family continued to struggle with decision making. However, with multidisciplinary team approach patients and caregivers' symptoms were better managed. Family then requested us to transfer him to a local hospice facility. The patient eventually passed away peacefully surrounded by his family members. This case highlights the importance of advance care planning, addressing emotional distress in estranged family members regarding symptom burden, and developing the appropriate treatment regimen for a delirious patient with a history of benzodiazepine abuse. Our case serves as a reminder of the support, guidance, and impact that inpatient palliative care teams can offer to both the patient and caregivers.

Background Social media use continues to gain momentum in academic neurosurgery. To increase journal impact and broaden engagement, many scholarly publications have turned to social media to disseminate research. The Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG) established a dedicated, specialized social media team (SMT) in November 2016 to provide targeted improvement in digital outreach. Objective The goal of this study was to examine the impact of the JNSPG SMT as measured by increased engagement. Methods We analyzed various metrics, including impressions, engagements, retweets, likes, profile clicks, and URL clicks, from consecutive social media posts from the JNSPG’s Twitter and Facebook platforms between February 1, 2015 and February 28, 2019. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized. Results Between February 2015 and October 2016, when a specialized SMT was created, 170 tweets (8.1 tweets/month) were posted compared to 3220 tweets (115.0 tweets/month) between November 2016 and February 2019. All metrics significantly increased, including the impressions per tweet (mean 1646.3, SD 934.9 vs mean 4605.6, SD 65,546.5; P=.01), engagements per tweet (mean 35.2, SD 40.6 vs mean 198.2, SD 1037.2; P Conclusions Social media has been established as a crucial tool for the propagation of neurosurgical research and education. Implementation of the JNSPG specialized SMT had a demonstrable impact on increasing the online visibility of social media content.

Regardless of subtype, diffuse gliomas of adulthood are characterized by inexorable progression through treatment. Cancer recurrence in the context of therapy is by no means unique to gliomas. For many tumors residing outside the central nervous system (CNS), tissue-based analyses are routinely employed to document the molecular and cellular features of disease recurrence. Such interventions are inconsistently applied for gliomas, however, and lack rigorous standardization when they are. While many of the reasons underlying these discrepancies reflect pragmatic realities inherent to CNS disease, the suboptimal employment of histological and molecular assessment at recurrence nevertheless represents a missed opportunity to proactively guide patient management and increase knowledge. Herein, we address this quandary by pairing a succinct description of the histological, biological, and molecular characteristics of recurrent glioma with recommendations for how to better standardize and implement quality pathological assessment into patient management. We hope this review will prompt thoughtful revision of standard operating procedures to maximize the utility of glioma re-biopsy.

BACKGROUND It has been increasingly recognized that the insular cortex plays an important role in frontotemporal-parietal epilepsy in children. The insula, however, cannot be properly interrogated with conventional subdural grids, and its anatomy makes it difficult to implicate the insula with semiology or noninvasive modalities. Frame-based, stereotactic placement of insular depth electrodes for direct extraoperative monitoring is a relatively low-risk maneuver that allows for conclusive interrogation of this region, and, in select cases, can easily be replaced with a laser applicator for minimally invasive treatment via thermoablation. OBJECTIVE To describe the largest reported series of pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy undergoing insular depth electrode placement. METHODS We used current procedural terminology billing records to identify cases of depth electrode insertion performed at our institution. Clinical information from patients undergoing invasive insular sampling was then retrospectively collected. RESULTS Seventy-four insular depth electrodes were placed in 49 patients for extraoperative, inpatient monitoring. The decision to place insular depth electrodes was determined by a multidisciplinary epilepsy team. In 65.3% of cases, direct invasive sampling implicated the insula in seizure onset and prompted either thermoablation or surgical resection of some portion of the insula. There were no serious adverse effects or complications associated with the placement of insular depth electrodes. CONCLUSION Given the low morbidity of insular depth electrode insertion and the high proportion of patients who exhibited insular involvement, it is worth considering whether insular depth electrodes should be part of the standard presurgical evaluation in children with treatment-refractory frontotemporal-parietal epilepsy.

Aim To evaluate the analgesic efficacy, safety, and local tumor control of iodine-125 (125I) seed brachytherapy (BT) for the management of spine and bone metastases. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Data regarding patient demographics, tumor characteristics, procedural parameters, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Results Fourteen studies (7 prospective, 7 retrospective) were included, accounting for 689 patients, in our review. Analgesic efficacy was assessed at baseline and various postoperative time points. Significant improvement in pain was noted at 4- and 24-week follow-ups (p Conclusion 125I seed BT, alone or in conjunction with cement augmentation, may be a viable salvage therapy in appropriately selected patients. However, further studies are needed to analyze the long-term efficacy of this intervention as a palliative and curative modality.

273 Background: To date, studies of machine learning (ML) algorithms within oncology for mortality prediction have focused on structured electronic health record (EHR) data. Given the complex symptom burden of patients with advanced cancers, ML models may be better suited to identify patterns and interactions between symptom burden and outcomes compared to traditional statistical methods. To that end, in this study, we leverage the patient reported outcomes (PRO) data together with clinical EHR-based variables to assess the performance of ML algorithms to predict mortality in patients with advanced cancers. Methods: We randomly selected 689 patients with advanced cancer who had their first Palliative Care encounter between January 2012 and December 2017. 59 patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded from this analysis. The remaining cohort of 630 patients was split 4:1 randomly into a training and validation set to develop and test a supervised ML algorithm (Extreme Gradient Boosting [XGB] tree) to predict the 6-month mortality. Candidate variables for algorithm development included gender, age, ECOG performance status (PS), number of prior systemic therapies, and scores on the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)-FS, a 12-item PRO measure of physical and psychosocial symptom burden include the composite Physical Symptom Score (PHS), a sum of the physical ESAS symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, shortness of breath, appetite, wellbeing, sleep). Results: Overall, 630 patients were included in this 6-month mortality prediction; mean age 59 years, 354 (56%) female; 276 (44%) male. Variables with the most significant impact on the XGB tree mortality prediction were the ESAS symptoms of shortness of breath (1-AUC, 0.295), appetite, ESAS PHS, financial distress, age, and appetite as well as ECOG PS and number of prior systemic therapies. The XGB tree algorithm demonstrated the best overall prediction performance of 6-month mortality in the independent testing set, AUC 0.716 (95% CI 0.63 - 0.81), sensitivity 0.75 (95% CI 0.66 - 0.87), and a positive predictive value 0.67 (95% CI 0.57 - 0.79). Conclusions: Our ML model leveraged PRO-based assessment of symptom burden to correctly identify the majority of patients who died within 6 months. These models are uniquely positioned to not only automatically identify patients at high risk for short-term mortality but also the specific symptoms of concern for clinical intervention. Such models can be applied to available clinical and PRO data to facilitate clinical decision-making. Futures studies on improving model performance with the inclusion of interventions to modify symptom burden are in design.

This cohort study examines the association of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment, including the Global Distress Score, with overall survival rates in patients with advanced cancer.

Objective Patients with bilateral, multiple intracranial aneurysms (IA) can be safely treated using 1 lateral craniotomy. However, in patients with an additional pericallosal artery (PcaA) or distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysm, an interhemispheric approach through a bifrontal craniotomy is needed. We investigated the safety of a single incision with dual ipsilateral craniotomies (“squeeze play”) and compared results with 2 separate staged surgeries. Methods Retrospective data collection and analysis was performed of all cases of multiple IAs including a PcaA or complex ACA aneurysm between 1997 and 2016. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to compare radiologic and clinical outcomes. Results Both the squeeze play group (n = 12) and the control group (n = 16) showed similar female gender and mean age distribution, with a higher mean aneurysm number in the squeeze play group. Indication for surgery was mainly subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) for the control group (12/16). Mean aneurysm diameter of the largest aneurysm treated with the lateral craniotomy was higher in the squeeze play group (15.8 vs. 4.7 mm, P = 0.005), with comparable craniotomy types between both groups. Cumulative estimated blood loss was higher in the control group, with a comparable cumulative operating room time, reoperation rate, and favorable clinical outcome in both groups. Conclusions Single-staged surgery with a single incision and dual ipsilateral craniotomies is a safe treatment for multiple unruptured aneurysms that include PcaA and distal ACA aneurysms. The squeeze play results in clinical and radiologic outcomes comparable with those in a 2-staged control group. In the setting of SAH, 2-staged surgery with a recovery interval is preferred to prevent bilateral manipulation of the acutely injured brain.

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are extremely rare in infants. The optimal treatment strategy is not well established. Both microsurgical and endovascular techniques and strategies have been tried, and in the literature there is a significant variability in outcome. The authors report the presentation and successful endovascular treatment of a large, ruptured, middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm in a 5-week-old girl, one of only a few reported in the literature. Clinical and radiological findings at follow-up are also presented. The authors then review the literature on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in infants, with particular regard to outcome after either endovascular or open surgical management. They also provide recommendations for follow-up in pediatric patients whose intracranial aneurysms have been treated with coil embolization.

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial neoplasms in adults, affecting 150,000–200,000 cancer patients per year in the United States [1, 2]. The most common primary sources of brain metastases are lung cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma, with melanoma most predisposed to metastasize to the brain [3]. Brain metastases traditionally result in poor outcomes and, unfortunately, often indicate the terminal stage of systemic cancer. Brain metastases pose a significant public health issue, as over one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the USA (www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics). In addition to the obvious potential functional burden of brain metastasis to patients, the socioeconomic burden is also profound. A number of studies have demonstrated increased health care utilization and costs for patients after a diagnosis of brain metastasis. In a retrospective review of 132 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, prior to brain metastasis diagnosis, patients had a 6-month healthcare cost of $5983, which increased to over $22,000 after the diagnosis of brain metastasis. This same study found that patient resource utility also substantially increased, with a three-fold increase in outpatient visits and a six-fold increase in inpatient admission [4]. Furthermore, patients with brain metastases missed significantly more workdays, resulting in a salary loss of $2853 per patient over a 6-month period. Similarly, in breast cancer, relative to a matched control cohort, patients with brain metastasis had a mean overall healthcare cost of $99,899 over 12 months compared with $47,719 in patients without metastases [5]. Strategies for the management of brain metastases have developed tremendously over the past decade, including the use of immunotherapy [6, 7] and advancements in radiation techniques [8]. Surgical resection remains a cornerstone in the treatment of brain metastasis. This chapter will focus on the role of surgery in the treatment of patients with metastatic brain disease and discuss current perspectives in the surgical management of this complicated issue.

Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is a rare neurological deficit associated with numerous underlying pathologies. Of these, aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery (PCOM) has been described due to the intimate association with the third cranial nerve in the basal cistern. Less described are other vascular abnormalities and their contribution to ONP. We describe a case of ONP thought to result from a PCOM aneurysm, per the associated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, yet found intraoperatively to be caused by a congenital vascular aberrancy. This is the first case, to our knowledge, of this presentation.

While hematologic malignancies are understood to be a risk factor for dural sinus thrombosis (DST), little data is available regarding the presentation and management of synchronous cases. In this case, a 40-year-old woman with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) developed extensive DST with symptoms refractory to systemic anticoagulation. The decision was made to pursue aggressive endovascular intervention and the patient’s symptoms significantly improved with minimal residual deficits. Here, we report the clinical course and complex management of this rare clinical scenario.

Brainstem tumors are a disparate group of tumors that span the regions of the midbrain to the cervicomedullary junction (Fig. 20.1). They most frequently occur in children and lack a specific gender predilection. Over the past two decades, we have become increasingly more familiar with their characteristic patient symptom complex, their specific neuroimaging features, and a standardized approach to therapy. That said, there are still a number of challenges that are posed by tumors in this critical region of the neuraxis. As each tumor subtype could be the subject of an independent chapter, here, we will review the main patient presentations, the key neuroimaging features, and the goals of surgical and non-operative therapies for children with brainstem tumors.

e24129 Background: Few studies have examined the coping mechanisms among patients with advanced cancer seen by palliative care. The objective of the study was to evaluate coping strategies in advanced cancer patients and identity risk factors for maladaptive coping. Methods: The authors conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey on chemical coping. We prospectively enrolled patients with advanced cancer from a Supportive Care Clinic and documented the patient demographics, symptom expression (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System), Zubrod performance status, substance use history including tobacco, and coping strategies (the Brief COPE Questionnaire). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Results: Among 399 patients, the most common malignancies were gastrointestinal (21%) and breast (19%). Cancer patients frequently incorporated adaptive coping strategies including acceptance (86.7%), emotional support (79.9%), religion (69.4%), active coping (62.4%), instrumental support (48.4%), positive reframing (48.6%), planning (49.6%), and infrequently, humor (18.5%). Common maladaptive strategies included self-distraction (36.6%) and venting (14.5%), while self-blame (6.3%), denial (4.5%), behavioral disengagement (1.8%), and substance use (1.0%) were infrequently reported. On univariate analysis, venting was significantly associated with anxiety and depression, female gender, and tobacco use; and self-distraction was significantly associated with younger age, gender, depression, dyspnea, and a post-secondary education (P

e24201 Background: Our previous RCT found that cancer patients prefer and positively perceive physicians who communicate face-to-face as compared to using the EHR. However, the use of EHR in the examination room remains a practical necessity. Based on the existing literature, our team developed a simple and very short intervention to integrate the EHR into the encounter, which includes optimal positioning of the computer, a proper introduction to the computer, effective time management for data-entry while maintaining patient-physician interaction and use of the EHR as a tool to enhance patient education. Methods: In this double-blind, crossover RCT, 120 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled between April 1, 2019, and September 15, 2019. Our objectives were to compare patients’ perceptions of physicians’ compassion, communication skills, professionalism, and patients’ overall physician preference after watching 2 standardized scripted-video vignettes of physicians: one portraying the use of a standard EHR approach and the other portraying use of an integrated EHR approach. Both actors and patients were blinded to the purpose of the study. Investigators were blinded to the sequence of videos watched by the patients. After viewing each video, patients completed validated questionnaires rating their perception of the physician’s compassion (0 = best, 50 = worst), communication skills (0 = poor, 70 = excellent) and professionalism (0 = poor, 20 = very good). Patients were also asked to rate their overall physician preference. Results: After watching the first video, the integrated EHR, compared to the standard EHR, resulted in better scores for physician compassion (median [interquartile range], (5[0-10] vs 12[4-25]; P = .0009), communication skills (69[63-70] vs 61[50-69]; P = .0026) and professionalism (20[18-20] vs 18[14-20]; P = .0058). The majority of cancer patients preferred an integrated EHR physician as their provider (70[58%] vs 21[18%], P < 0.0001). Patients with college or an advanced degree had a 5 times higher chance of preferring an integrated EHR physician ( P < 0.0171). Conclusions: Cancer patients perceived physicians who used an integrated EHR approach as more compassionate, professional, and with better communication skills. Moreover, they preferred an integrated EHR physician to be their provider. Integrated EHR has the potential to improve communication in oncological settings. Clinical trial information: NCT03856060 .

12006 Background: Terminal agitation commonly occurs in the last days of life and is highly distressing. The role of neuroleptics is controversial and few studies have examined agitation as a primary outcome. We assessed the effect of 3 neuroleptic strategies on refractory agitation in cancer patients with terminal delirium. Methods: In this single-center, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group randomized trial, patients admitted to a palliative and supportive care unit with refractory agitation despite low dose haloperidol were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to (1) haloperidol dose escalation, (2) neuroleptic rotation to chlorpromazine, or (3) combined haloperidol and chlorpromazine. Intravenous medications at equivalent doses were scheduled every 4 h and every 1 h as needed until discharge. The primary outcome was change in Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) from time 0 to 24 hours. With 15 patients per group and 13 measurements over time, we had 90% power to detect an effect size of 0.2 with alpha=2.5%. One way ANOVA was used to examine within group differences. We also compared among groups with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: 68 patients were enrolled and 45 received the blinded study interventions. The median survival was 73 h (95% CI 49, 106 h). RASS decreased significantly within 30 minutes and remained low at 24 hours in the dose escalation group (mean RASS change between 0 and 24 h [95% CI]: -3.6 [-5, -2.2]) v. rotation group (-3.3 [-4.4, -2.2]) v. combination group (-3 [-4.6, -1.4]), with no difference among groups (P=0.71). A majority of patients were perceived to be more comfortable after treatment by blinded caregivers (escalation v. rotation v. combination: 62% v. 71% v. 60%; P=0.83) and bedside nurses (64% v. 75% v. 64%; P=0.82); however, the rotation group had significantly fewer breakthrough restlessness (escalation v. rotation v. combination: 73% v. 19% v. 50%; P=0.009), required fewer upward dose titration (escalation v. rotation v. combination: 27% v. 6% v. 50%; P=0.03) and required less rescue neuroleptics in the first 24 hours (haloperidol equivalent: 4 mg vs. 2 mg vs. 6 mg, P=0.09, trend only). Hypotension was more frequently observed with chlorpromazine. Overall survival did not differ (>0.99). Conclusions: Preliminary data from this study supported that all 3 strategies of neuroleptics reduced agitation and improved comfort in patients with terminal delirium; however, neuroleptic rotation provided better agitation control and confirmatory studies are needed. Clinical trial information: NCT03021486 .

12021 Background: Despite compelling data supporting their use, patient reported outcomes (PROs) are not widely integrated into routine cancer care. In our Palliative Care (PC) practice, all patients complete the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), a simple, validated 10-item PRO tool which uses a 0 to 10 rating of 10 common symptoms (pain, fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, appetite, sleep, dyspnea, well-being, anxiety & depression). Our team has previously validated the Global Distress Score (GDS), a sum of 9 physical + psychosocial ESAS items. Here, we studied the implementation of the GDS as a streamlined way to capture the overall symptom burden while providing prognostic value. Methods: We queried a PC database for patients w metastatic cancer at time of 1st PC visit. GDS was calculated & grouped into 3 cohorts based on previous work & clinical experience: high (GDS of 35+), Moderate (16-34) or Low (0-15). Overall Survival was defined as time from 1st PC visit date to death. Regression analysis, ANOVA and t-tests were conducted. Results: 333 patients met the inclusion criteria: median age 62.4y (range 20.5-88.4y), 25 AYA (15-39y), 169 mid age (35-64y), 140 seniors (65y+); 190 female 143 male; median prior therapies 2 (range 0-11), 227 patients were in 2nd line + above therapy. Median ECOG PS 2; 124 patients w ECOG PS 3 & 33 w ECOG PS 4. 262 patients had died at time of analysis. Lower OS was associated w higher GDS (r 0.21, P < 0.001). OS in Low, Mod, High GDS cohorts was 13.1m, 7.9m, & 3.7m, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no sig OS difference between 3 age cohorts (AYA 5.2m, mid age 6m, seniors 5.4m, p0.56). Conclusions: Higher GDS score was associated with a clinically significant decrease in overall survival highlighting the potential of the ESAS as a PRO tool in prognostication and clinical decision making for patients with advanced cancers with a high symptom burden. In the realm of increasingly complex PRO instruments, the ESAS represents a simple, well-validated tool which, in our studies and 25 years of clinical experience, takes the patient less than a minute to complete, with subscores such as the GDS which carry a highly prognostic utility for patients with advanced cancers.

There is little guidance in the literature on which thrombectomy technique is preferred in patients with acute ischemic stroke and concomitant aneurysms. Here, we present the case of a 58-year-old female with an acute ischemic stroke requiring emergent thrombectomy that was complicated by the presence of multiple, nonruptured intracranial aneurysms. Imaging confirmed an occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery and multiple nonruptured intracranial aneurysms. The patient was administered intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and the thrombus was aspirated via a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT). Her symptoms improved significantly postoperatively with a consequent National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 0. The purpose of this case report is to give an overview and compare various techniques that can help guide the physician for safe, early revascularization while reducing recanalization time in patients having an ischemic stroke who also harbor intracranial aneurysms.

A number of treatment options are available for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) including surgical resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and endovascular embolization. Endovascular embolization may be used pre-operatively to reduce the size of large AVMs and thus reduce surgical complications. Here we present two patients who successfully underwent preoperative embolization of their AVMs and subsequent surgery. Preoperative embolization is a viable option for AVMs to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

The two main treatment modalities of acute intracranial aneurysm rupture are endovascular embolization and surgical clipping, each with its own benefits and risks. Endovascular treatment is associated with better outcomes compared to surgical clipping, but is also associated with high recurrence rates. We present the case of a patient with an acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysm, who subsequently underwent partial endovascular coiling acutely, and later underwent flow diversion therapy with the Pipeline Embolization Device. We also review the literature on this topic for further recommendations on treatment options of acute intracranial aneurysm rupture.

Cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs) are complex vascular lesions, rarely encountered within the pediatric population. Endovascular embolization has revolutionized the management of these lesions and should be regarded as the first-line treatment for the majority of dAVFs; however, in a subset of particularly complicated lesions, traditional routes of access either do not exist or have been eliminated in the course of prior embolization attempts. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with a complicated torcular dAVF refractory to multiple attempts at standard endovascular treatment. He was cured after direct surgical puncture of the superior sagittal sinus to obtain vascular access for coil embolization of the venous sac. We review the technical aspects of this particular case while highlighting the anatomic features of those dAVFs that require nontraditional, surgical access for appropriate treatment. We also describe a simple algorithm, which may help in identifying the small subset of dAVF that requires a hybrid open and endovascular approach to effectively access the fistulous point and achieve disconnection.

Purpose To present the first reported case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy in association with Susac syndrome. Method Case report. Results A young female patient presented with unilateral sudden loss of vision of her right eye to count fingers. There were numerous cotton wool spots in a multifocal pattern concentrated around the right macula and optic disk. Clinical examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging were consistent with paracentral acute middle maculopathy, and fluorescein angiography showed features of retinal arteriole vasculitis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple white matter lesions in a pericallosal distribution. High-dose corticosteroid therapy was commenced, and visual acuity gradually improved to 6/6 corrected. The patient reported hearing impairment and was diagnosed with Susac syndrome for which she has responded extremely well to long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion Paracentral acute middle maculopathy can occur in association with Susac syndrome. Susac syndrome may present only with multifocal retinal ischemia, and such patients with paracentral acute middle maculopathy should be checked for characteristic magnetic resonance imaging lesions and hearing loss.

Ischemic stroke is an uncommon cause of death among teenagers and young adults; however, the etiologies differ when compared to ischemic strokes in older individuals. Large-vessel atherosclerosis and small-vessel disease causing ischemic stroke are rare for the teenage population, while cervicocerebral arterial dissections account for up to 20% of ischemic strokes. Here, we present the case of a 16-year-old male who developed internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) after a head injury and subsequently developed ischemic stroke and seizures.

Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) are defined as abnormal connections between the carotid circulation and cavernous sinus. CCFs can be categorized as being direct or indirect. Direct CCFs are usually associated with trauma, whereas indirect CCFs are associated with revascularization following cavernous sinus thrombosis. We present a case of a 53-year-old male who presented with tinnitus, proptosis, conjunctivitis, and blurry vision. The patient had a recent endovascular transvenous embolization that was only partially successful, with a residual carotid cavernous fistula draining to the left superior ophthalmic vein and multiple cortical veins. A physical examination of the patient showed elevated intraocular pressures bilaterally. The patient had a high-flow indirect carotid cavernous fistula with bilateral superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and retrograde cortical vein drainage. The SOV was punctured with a micropuncture needle and was used to successfully gain access to the cavernous sinus. Multiple coils were placed in the posterior aspect of the sinus until there was complete occlusion of venous flow. Coils were packed up to the posterior aspect of the orbit near the junction of the cavernous sinus with the SOV, and the embolization was successful. Indirect CCFs have gradual onset and are usually low-flow. Low-flow CCFs might improve with medical management.Some CCFs may cause ocular manifestations and can be symptomatically managed with prism therapy or ocular patching for diplopia, lubrication for keratopathy, or topical agents for elevated intraocular pressures. However, patients presenting with persistent ocular morbidity may require surgical or endovascular intervention.

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations can be further complicated by the development of aneurysms, which themselves carry the risk of rupture and hemorrhage. New endovascular techniques allow for more treatment options for these lesions in the setting of arteriovenous malformations. Here we present the case of a patient who developed an aneurysm in the setting of an arteriovenous malformation and subsequently underwent successful endovascular treatment via percutaneous access of the vertebral artery along with reviewing the literature on further treatment options and developments.