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Cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for trauma is a neurosurgical procedure that aims to restore esthesis, improve cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics, and provide cerebral protection. In turn, this can facilitate neurological rehabilitation and potentially enhance neurological recovery. However, CP can be associated with significant morbidity. Multiple aspects of CP must be considered to optimize its outcomes. Those aspects range from the intricacies of the surgical dissection/reconstruction during the procedure of CP, the types of materials used for the reconstruction, as well as the timing of the CP in relation to the DC. This article is a narrative mini-review that discusses the current evidence base and suggests that no consensus has been reached about several issues, such as an agreement on the best material for use in CP, the appropriate timing of CP after DC, and the optimal management of hydrocephalus in patients who need cranial reconstruction. Moreover, the protocol-driven standards of care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in high-resource settings are virtually out of reach for low-income countries, including those pertaining to CP. Thus, there is a need to design appropriate prospective studies to provide context-specific solid recommendations regarding this topic.

Study Design.Retrospective multicenter study.Objective.Analysis of impact of conservative and surgical treatments on functional outcome of geriatric odontoid fractures.Summary of Background Data.Treatment of odontoid fractures in aged population is still debatable.Methods.One hundred fourty-seven consecutive odontoid fractures in elderly patients were classified according to Anderson-D'Alonzo and Roy-Camille classifications. Philadelphia type collar was always positioned and kept as a treatment whenever acceptable. Halo-vest, anterior screw fixation, C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis, and occipito-cervical fixation were the other treatments adopted. Conservative or surgical treatment strategy was more significantly influenced by antero-posterior displacement (< or >5 mm) and by surgeon decision. On admission ASA, modified Rankin scale (mRS-pre) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were assessed. Modified Rankin scale (mRS-post), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Smiley Webster Pain Scale (SWPS) were administered 12 to 15 months after treatment to estimate functional outcome in terms of general disability, neck-related disability, and ability to return to work/former activity. Risk of treatment crossover was calculated considering factors affecting outcome. Fracture healing process in terms of fusion-stability, no fusion-stability, no fusion-no stability was evaluated at 12 months through a cervical computed tomography (CT) scan. Dynamic cervical spine x-rays were obtained whether necessary. No fusion-stability was considered an adequate treatment goal in our geriatric population. Chi square/Fisher exact test and logistic regression were performed for statistical anal.Results.Overall 67 patients were treated conservatively whereas 80 underwent surgery. Collar was adopted in 45 patients, while anterior odontoid fixation and C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis were preferred for 30 patients each. 79.8% of patients showed good outcomes according to NDI. No significant differences were observed between patients of 65 to 79 years and more than or equal to 80 years (P=0.81). CCI greatly correlated with mRS-post, with higher indexes in 68.8% of cases characterized by good outcomes (P=0.05). mRS-pre correlated with NDI (P

Introduction: There is an ongoing debate whether Decompressive Craniectomy (DC) serves as an independent risk factor for the development of Post-traumatic Hydrocephalus (PTH). Research question: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the incidence of PTH in TBI patients that underwent DC versus those that were managed without DC. Materials and methods: The literature was systematically reviewed to identify studies with specific inclusion criteria: (1) Randomized Controlled Trials and observational studies with more than 10 patients in each study arm, (2) comparing the incidence of PTH, (3) in patients aged ≥15 years old, (4) that either underwent DC or received other treatment (non-DC). (5) Only studies in English were included and (6) no restrictions were applied on publication date. The pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS and RoB 2.0 tools. Results: Evidence from six articles was synthesized, incorporating data from 2522 patients. A statistically significant higher occurrence of PTH [OR (95% CI): 4.84 (2.51, 9.31); Pz ​

Purpose Given its biological and anatomic features, autologous bone is the first choice for cranioplasty after bone decompression. When autologous bone is not available or must be replaced, surgeons can choose among various materials to create an alloplastic cranioplasty. The Italian Society for Neurosurgery promoted a prospective study conducted at 4 Italian neurosurgical units to compare different methods of cranioplasty and to assess the clinical results and incidence of complications. Materials and Methods Patients older than 14 years who underwent repositioning of autologous bone or 3-dimensional image-guided reconstruction with prostheses made of an alloplastic material (polyetheretherketone, polymethylmethacrylate, or hydroxyapatite) after cranial decompression were enrolled prospectively from January 2008 through December 2013. The collected data included the material used to produce the prosthesis, the type of cranioplasty (primary or secondary), and complications that required surgical removal of the prosthesis (eg, infection, bone resorption, and fracture of the cranioplasty). Results Ninety-six patients met the study criteria. Fifty cases were reconstructed with hydroxyapatite, 31 with bone, 13 with polymethylmethacrylate, and 2 with polyetheretherketone. Seven patients (7.3%) developed complications related to the cranioplastic implant that required reoperation. These complications included infection (4 cases), bone resorption (2 cases), and fracture of the cranioplastic prosthesis (1 case). Statistical analysis showed a higher rate of complications with the use of autologous bone versus alloplastic materials (P = .03). Owing to the limited number of cases, no statistically meaningful complication was seen among the different alloplastic materials or when the cranioplastic implant was placed as secondary treatment. Conclusions These data and those of other reports suggest that cranioplasty conducted using alloplastic 3-dimensional reconstruction materials have a lower rate of complications than those conducted using autologous bone.

About 5.48 million people are estimated to suffer from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year (73 cases per 100,000 people). The WHO estimates that almost 90% of deaths due to injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the 85% of population live. Of these trauma-related deaths TBI is the main cause of one-third to one-half and represents the greatest cause of death and disability globally among all trauma-related injuries. The primary causes of TBI vary by age, socioeconomic factors, and geographic region, so any planned interventions must take in account this variability. The road traffic injuries (RTI) scenario is still strictly connected to the analysis of the global incidence of TBI, and to the reason why the LMICs experience nearly 3 times as many cases of TBI proportionally than high-income countries (HICs). The proportion of TBIs resulting from road traffic collisions was greatest in Africa and Southeast Asia (both 56%) and lowest in North America (25%). In HICs, falls and RTIs were reported most frequently as cause of TBI, but the traumas attributable to RTIs dropped from 39% in 2003 to 24% in 2012, while those attributable to falls increased from 43% to 54% respectively, with an increase TBI in the elderly (>65 years) due to falls. Differently from HICs, the population with the peak of TBI incidence is younger in LMICs, with an age between 28.8 and 33.1, as extensively reported. The burden of disease is significant; between 1,730,000 and 1,965,000 lives could be saved if global trauma care were improved in LMICs. Clinical practice recommendation should be developed and created in environments where the severe TBI mainly occurs. The applicability of high-income-country clinical research standards in LMICs is an important topic for future international research.

Analysis of functional outcome of elderly patients with type II odontoid fractures treated conservatively in relation to their radiological outcome. A total of 50 geriatric patients with type II odontoid fractures were treated with Aspen/Vista collars. On admission, each patient was assessed assigning ASA score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS-pre) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). From 12–15 months after treatment, functional evaluations were performed employing a second modified Rankin Scale (mRS-post) together with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Smiley-Webster pain scale (SWPS). Radiological outcome was evaluated through dynamic cervical spine X-rays at 3 months and cervical spine CT scans 6 months after treatment. Three different conditions were identified: stable union, stable non-union and unstable non-union. Surgery was preferred whenever a fracture gap > 2 mm, an antero-posterior displacement > 5 mm, an odontoid angulation > 11° or neurological deficits occurred. Among the 50 patients, 24 reached a stable union, while 26 a stable non-union. Comparing the two groups, no differences in ASA (p = 0.60), CCI (p = 0.85) and mRS-pre (p = 0.14) were noted. Similarly, no differences in mRS-post (p = 0.96), SWPS (p = 0.85) and NDI (p = 0.51) were observed between patients who reached an osseous fusion and those with a stable fibrous non-union. No effects of age, sex, ASA, mRS-pre, fracture dislocation and radiological outcome were discovered on functional outcome. At logistic regression analysis, female sex and high values of CCI emerged associated with worse NDI. In geriatric type II odontoid fractures, pre-injury clinical status and comorbidities overcome imaging in determining post-treatment level of function. Hard collar immobilization led to a favourable functional outcome with mRS-post, NDI and SWPS values diffusely encouraging whatever a bony union or a fibrous non-union was obtained. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, accuracy, and relevance on surgical outcome of D-wave monitoring combined with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) during resection of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors.METHODSClinical and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) data obtained in 108 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for IDEM tumors at the Institute for Scientific and Care Research “ASMN” of Reggio Emilia, Italy, were prospectively entered into a database and retrospectively analyzed. The IONM included SSEPs, MEPs, and—whenever possible—D-waves. All patients were evaluated using the modified McCormick Scale at admission and at 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up .RESULTSA total of 108 patients were included in this study. A monitorable D-wave was achieved in 71 of the 77 patients harboring cervical and thoracic IDEM tumors (92.2%). Recording of D-waves in IDEM tumors was significantly associated only with a preoperative deeply compromised neurological status evaluated using the modified McCormick Scale (p = 0.04). Overall, significant IONM changes were registered in 14 (12.96%) of 108 patients and 9 of these patients (8.33%) had permanent loss of at least one of the 3 evoked potentials. In 7 patients (6.48%), the presence of an s18278 caudal D-wave was predictive of a favorable long-term motor outcome even when the MEPs and/or SSEPs were lost during IDEM tumor resection. However, in 2 cases (1.85%) the D-wave permanently decreased by approximately 50%, and surgery was definitively abandoned to prevent permanent paraplegia. Cumulatively, SSEP, MEP, and D-wave monitoring significantly predicted postoperative deficits (p = 0.0001; AUC = 0.905), with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 97%. Comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of these tests, D-waves appeared to have a significantly greater predictive value than MEPs and especially SSEPs alone (0.992 vs 0.798 vs 0.653; p = 0.023 and p < 0.001, respectively). On multiple logistic regression, the independent risk factors associated with significant IONM changes in the entire population were age older than 65 years and an anterolateral location of the tumor (p < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSD-wave monitoring was feasible in all patients without severe preoperative motor deficits. D-waves demonstrated a statistically significant higher ability to predict postoperative deficits compared with SSEPs and MEPs alone and allowed us to proceed with IDEM tumor resection, even in cases of SSEP and/or MEP loss. Patients older than 65 years and with anterolateral IDEM tumors can benefit most from the use of IONM.

After failing of autologous cranioplasty or when the bone flap is unavailable, the alloplastic (heterologous) materials are the choice for cranial reconstruction. No agreement has been reported about the material with a significant lower risk of septic complications. This is due to extremely heterogeneous prognostic factors related not only to the material used but also to the surgical procedures and/or to the timing of the procedure. More attention should be focused on the material whose characteristic could enable a delay in bacterial colonization, where an antibiotic therapy could be effective, without need of prosthesis removal. Four cases of severe septic complication following cranioplasty with porous hydroxyapatite (HA) prosthesis are presented. Patients were conservatively treated, without heterologous bone flap removal. All of our patients presented reasons for delaying HA cranioplasty removal: patients #1, 3, and 4 had an associated shunted hydrocephalus and the need for not removing the prosthesis was related to the predictable recurrence of overshunting and/or sinking skin flap syndrome. In patient #4, the revision surgery would have also damaged the microvascular flap with latissimus dorsi muscle used by plastic surgeon for skin reconstruction. In patient #2, the patient refused revision surgery. In all cases, systemic and/or radiological signs of infection were observed. In patient #2 the infective process surrounded completely the HA prosthesis, while it was located in the epidural region in patients #1 and 4. In patient #3, a surgical curettage of the infected wound was performed over the HA prosthesis. Following prosthesis retention management with antibiotic therapy, all patients revealed systemic and/or radiological signs of sepsis resolution at follow-up. The possibility to avoid a prosthesis removal with effective antibiotic treatment is mainly due to the combination of three factors: targeted antibiotic therapy, good anatomical area revascularization (resulting of an "in situ" intake of antibiotics), and the biomimetism of HA prosthesis. Further investigations in a larger number of cases need to confirm these observations.

Esta revisión describe la base de evidencia que ha ayudado a definir el papel de la craniectomía descompresiva (CD) en la manejo de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico (TBI). Hallazgos recientes La publicación de dos ensayos aleatorizados (DECRA y RESCUEicp) ha fortalecido la base de pruebas. Los El ensayo DECRA mostró que la CD bifrontal neuroprotectora para la hipertensión intracraneal moderada no es útil, mientras que la El ensayo RESCUEicp encontró que la CD de último nivel para la hipertensión intracraneal severa y refractaria puede reducir significativamente la mortalidad tasa, pero se asocia con una tasa más alta de discapacidad. Estos hallazgos han reabierto el debate sobre (1) las indicaciones de la CD en varios subtipos de LCT, (2) técnicas alternativas (por ejemplo, craneotomía con bisagra), (3) tiempo y material óptimos para la reconstrucción craneal, y (4) el papel de la toma de decisiones compartida en la atención de TBI. Además, el papel de la CD primaria al evacuar un subdural agudo El hematoma se encuentra actualmente en evaluación en el contexto del ensayo aleatorizado RESCUE-ASDH. Esta revisión proporciona una descripción general de la base de evidencia actual, analiza sus limitaciones y presenta una perspectiva sobre el papel de la CD, ya que existe un creciente reconocimiento de que la atención también debe centrarse en los ingresos bajos y medios países debido a su carga de LCT mucho mayor. This review describes the evidence base that has helped define the role of decompressive craniectomy (DC) in the management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent Findings The publication of two randomized trials (DECRA and RESCUEicp) has strengthened the evidence base. The DECRA trial showed that neuroprotective bifrontal DC for moderate intracranial hypertension is not helpful, whereas the RESCUEicp trial found that last-tier DC for severe and refractory intracranial hypertension can significantly reduce the mortality rate but is associated with a higher rate of disability. These findings have reopened the debate about (1) the indications for DC in various TBI subtypes, (2) alternative techniques (e.g., hinge craniotomy), (3) optimal time and material for cranial reconstruction, and (4) the role of shared decision-making in TBI care. Additionally, the role of primary DC when evacuating an acute subdural hematoma is currently undergoing evaluation in the context of the RESCUE-ASDH randomized trial. This review provides an overview of the current evidence base, discusses its limitations, and presents a global perspective on the role of DC, as there is growing recognition that attention should also focus on low- and middle-income countries due to their much greater TBI burden.

Background Methylation of MGMT promoter has been identified as a favourable predictive factor of benefit from XRT/TMZ→TMZ. Patients with non-resectable glioblastoma (GBM) generally exhibit a poor prognosis, even after XRT/TMZ. Few data are available concerning the predictive value of MGMT promoter methylation in this population. Methods This is an observational retrospective study in patients with malignant brain glioma, treated between June 2008 and October 2011 and followed up until April 2012 at the Neurosurgery-Neurotraumatology Unit of the University Hospital of Parma and at the Neurosurgery Unit of IRCCS "ASMN" of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The medical records of an overall number of 174 patients with a newly diagnosed GBM were reviewed. Volumetry analysis of the lesions was performed on pre- and post-operative neuroimaging by Voxar 3D Ebit AET software. The genetic characterization was performed on paraffin embedded tissue from all resected tumours. Isolation of nucleic acids, bisulfite modification of DNA, methylation-specific PCR and sequencing analyses were done mainly on fresh tissue from biopsy withdrawals. Within 3–4 weeks after either biopsy or surgery, patients were assigned to receive XRT/TMZ→TMZ: treatment included XRT (60Gy in 30 fractions)/TMZ (daily dose of 75mg/m 2 )/TMZ (150–200mg/m 2 per day for 5 days of every 28-day cycle). Results and discussion A total of 55 consecutive patients (23 men, 22 women) fulfilled inclusion criteria consisting of age over 18 years, supratentorial histologically proven primary malignant glioma, complete determination of the MGMT methylation status, no prior history of surgery, XRT and/or chemotherapy, adequate clinical and radiological follow-up no lesser than 6 months. Twenty-three patients underwent neuronavigation needle biopsy (B Group) and thirty-two patients were operated with craniotomy for tumour resection (R Group). The pre-operative mean age was similar between groups (61.7±10.7 vs 60.3±11.8 years in the B and R groups respectively; p >0.05). The B groups showed a slightly lower KPS than the R Group (82.1±17.3 vs 90.3±14.1 respectively; p >0.05). The mean pre-operative volume of the tumour did not differ between groups (46.2±40.2cm 3 vs 44.1±33.2cm 3 in the R Group and B Group respectively; p >0.05). The MGMT promoter was methylated in 12 patients (51.2%) of B Group and in 17 patients (53.1%) of R Group. XRT/TMZ→TMZ was accomplished in 11 patients (47.8%) of B Group and in 24 patients (75%) of R Group; in 24/29 methylated patients (82.8%) and in 11/26 unmethylated patients (42.3%). Survival analysis of methylated vs unmethylated tumours was statistically significant (Log Rank Mantel Cox: 0.019 in B Group and 0.023 in R Group). In B Group the mean overall survival (OS) of methylated patients was 11.4 months (IC 95% 6.5–16.4) vs 4.8 months (95% IC, 2.6–7.0) of unmethylated patients. In R Group the mean OS was 21.7 months (95% IC, 16.9–26.6) for methylated patients and 14.0 months (95% IC, 8.5–19.4) for unmethylated patients. At the multivariate Cox regression analysis conducted on the total population (55 patients), XRT and TMZ were found to be predictive of OS. In the R Group, KPS, XRT and TMZ correlated with a better outcome. In the B Group, XRT and MGMT promoter methylation were favourably related with OS. Conclusion MGMT promoter unmethylation has a predominant unfavourable impact on clinical outcomes even in the subpopulation of patients with non-resectable GBM. The unmethylated MGMT promoter status could be considered the main predictor of poor prognosis in biopsied GBM, due to the greater probability of patients not having benefits from adjuvant therapies and not being able to accomplish XRT/TMZ→TMZ. The frameless neuronavigation biopsy technique is safe and effective for predictive evaluation and could help in treatment decision making.

Background While intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) for intramedullary tumors has become a standard in neurosurgical practice, IOM for intradural extramedullary tumors (IDEMs) is still under debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of IOM during surgery for IDEMs. Methods From March 2008 to March 2013, 68 patients had microsurgery with IOM for IDEMs (31 schwannomas, 25 meningiomas, 6 ependymomas of the cauda/filum terminalis, 4 dermoid cysts and 2 other lesions). The IOM included somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and – in selected cases – D-waves. Also preoperative and postoperative neurophysiological assessment was performed with SEPs and MEPs. All patients were evaluated at admission and at follow up (minimum 6 months) with the Modified McCormick Scale (mMCs). Results Three different IOM patterns were observed during surgery: no change in evoked potentials (63 cases), transitory evoked potentials change (3 cases) and loss of evoked potentials (2 cases). In the first setting surgery was never stopped and a radical tumor removal was achieved (no stop surgery group). In 3 cases of transitory evoked potentials change, surgery was temporarily halted but the tumors were at the end completely removed (stop and go surgery group). In 2 more patients the loss of evoked potentials led to an incomplete resection (stop surgery group). No patients presented a worsening of the pre-operative clinical conditions (at admission 47 patients presented mMCs 1–2 and 21 patients mMCs 3–5, while at follow up 62 patients are mMCS 1–2 and 6 patients mMCs 3–5). Conclusions In our series significant IOM changes occurred in 5 out of 68 patients with IDEMs (7.35%), and it is conceivable that the modification of the surgical strategy – induced by IOM – prevented or mitigated neurological injury in these cases. Vice versa, in 63 patients (92.65%) IOM invariably predicted a good neurological outcome. Furthermore this technique allowed a safer tumor removal in IDEMs placed in difficult locations as cranio-vertebral junction or in antero/antero-lateral position (where rotation of spinal cord can be monitored) and even in case of tumor adherent to the spinal cord without a clear cleavage plane.

The endoscopic technique has been recognised as a viable and safe alternative to microsurgery for the treatment of third-ventricle colloid cyst. However, the standard precoronal endoscopic approach does not always provide an adequate visualisation of the attachment of the cyst to the velum interpositum. Using a more anterior approach, it is easier to reach the roof of the cyst and its possible adherences with the tela choroidea.The authors describe step by step the anterior trans-frontal endoscopic approach for management of third ventricle colloid cyst.The described approach has shown to be safe, quick and effective for the treatment of third-ventricle colloid cyst.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) originate from the diffuse neuroendocrine system. These can arise in almost every organ of the body, although they are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. The skull base and sellar region are extremely rare sites for neuroendocrine carcinoma. Consequently, in this case, both diagnosis and definition of surgical goals, as well as further treatment strategies were challenging. Case Description: A 65-year-old woman was admitted to our Neurosurgery Department with a rapidly progressive visus reduction, drowsiness, polyuria, and polydipsia. Neuroimaging showed a sellar/suprasellar mass (diameter of 2 cm) with a heterogeneous signal compressing the optic chiasm and extending laterally toward the cavernous sinus. Differential diagnosis based on imaging included pituitary macroadenoma or metastasis. The patient underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. A total resection of the mass was impossible because of the infiltration of the optic chiasm and the intraoperative histological diagnosis of malignant epithelial neoplasm. Further histological evaluation revealed that the lesion was a NET with no other primary or metastatic sites detectable. Subsequently, the patient was successfully treated with fractioned stereotactic radiotherapy and polychemotherapy. Four years after the surgery, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed stability of the residual disease. Neurologic examination revealed a complete visual recovery. Conclusions: Primary pituitary NET, though rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of sellar lesions. A multimodality treatment approach is needed. Finally, the present case highlights, that in the case of a pituitary lesion infiltrating the optic chiasm, including NET, the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal subtotal resection followed by fractioned stereotactic radiotherapy and chemotherapy may represent an effective and safe choice of treatment.

Object Traumatic parenchymal mass lesions are common sequelae of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). They occur in up to 8.2% of all TBI cases and 13%–35% of severe TBI cases, and they account for up to 20% of surgical intracranial lesions. Controversy exists concerning the association between radiological and clinical evolution of brain contusions. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of unfavorable outcome, analyze the evolution of brain contusions, and evaluate specific indications for surgery. Methods In a retrospective, multicenter study, patients with brain contusions were identified in separate patient cohorts from 11 hospitals over a 4-year period (2008–2011). Data on clinical parameters and course of the contusion were collected. Radiological parameters were registered by using CT images taken at the time of hospital admission and at subsequent follow-up times. Patients who underwent surgical procedures were identified. Outcomes were evaluated 6 months after trauma by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended. Results Multivariate analysis revealed the following reliable predictors of unfavorable outcome: 1) increased patient age, 2) lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at first evaluation, 3) clinical deterioration in the first hours after trauma, and 4) onset or increase of midline shift on follow-up CT images. Further multivariate analysis identified the following as statistically significant predictors of clinical deterioration during the first hours after trauma: 1) onset of or increase in midline shift on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001) and 2) increased effacement of basal cisterns on follow-up CT images (p < 0.001). Conclusions In TBI patients with cerebral contusion, the onset of clinical deterioration is predictably associated with the onset or increase of midline shift and worsened status of basal cisterns but not with hematoma or edema volume increase. A combination of clinical deterioration and increased midline shift/basal cistern compression is the most reasonable indicator for surgery.

In their article “Comparison of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Titanium Cranioplasty after Decompressive Craniectomy,” Thien et al. (21) compare 24 patients with a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cranioplasty with 108 patients with a titanium cranioplasty. The authors observed no differences in the complication rates between those patients undergoing PEEK and those undergoing titanium cranioplasty, and they provide additional information about the risks of complications associated with both materials. According to the authors, this is the largest published series of PEEK cranioplasties and one of the few reports in which titanium and PEEK cranioplasty are compared. The authors performed cranioplasty at least 8 weeks after decompressive craniectomy, provided that the patient was medically well with no brain swelling and no ongoing issues such as sepsis. Nevertheless, they do not report any specific protocol for the assessment of recovery from any kind of infection. The authors found that the only factor associated with cranioplasty complications was a previous “deep” infection, defined as “cranial infection involving deep soft tissue, spaces and/or brain.” There is clear, renewed interest in the methods and complications of cranioplasties, which is obviously directly related to the increasing number of reports about decompressive craniectomy. Unfortunately, like for decompressive craniectomies, very few perspective studies are available about cranial reconstruction. The aims of the cranioplasty are protection of the brain, restoration of the brain’s hydrodynamic conditions, and cosmetics. This procedure is always a second step performed after a previous surgical procedure where autologous bone has been removed. The bone decompression is a form of “cure” of an otherwise-nontreatable intracranial pressure increase in different pathologies like traumatic, vascular, or infectious diseases. Complications related to the vault reconstruction obviously also are related to the complications caused by the “first” pathology and to the previous surgical procedures.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring represents an important tool in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although current information exists regarding ICP monitoring in secondary decompressive craniectomy (DC), little is known after primary DC following emergency hematoma evacuation. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for TBI and ICP monitoring after primary DC. Exclusion criteria were ICU length of stay (LOS)

Background Intracranial Ewing sarcoma (ES) and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNETs) are extremely rare and poorly differentiated neoplasms. Immunohistochemical and cytogenetic findings support the possibility of a unique nosologic entity. Primary intracranial localization of this tumor is extremely rare; a few cases are reported in the literature, with only some confirmed by genetic studies. Case Description We report a 12-year-old patient with a sellar/suprasellar mass with intraventricular extension that in all its features mimicked a transinfundibular craniopharyngioma. The patient underwent complete resection of the lesion via an endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum approach 6 days after ventriculoperitoneal shunt for acute obstructive hydrocephalus. Histopathologic and genetic examination demonstrated ES/pPNET. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of a rearrangement of the EWSR1 gene by fluorescent in situ hybridization and identification of the diagnostic t(11;22) translocation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The patient remained in complete clinical remission 12 months after tumor resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with no radiologic evidence of tumor recurrence. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary intrasellar/suprasellar-intraventricular ES/pPNET confirmed by molecular genetic analysis. Extensive investigations, including pathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic studies, are needed for differentiation of these tumors from other, more common sellar/suprasellar tumors. Our case highlights that an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach is mandatory to guarantee a favorable outcome.

n an article recently published in WORLD NEUROSURGERY, Gupta et al. examined Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines I adherence rates and their relationship to in-hospital mortality and long-term outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this retrospective study, 400 adult patients were enrolled: 200 patients were treated in the United States at the Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in Seattle and 200 patients were treated in India at the Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre (JPNATC) in New Delhi. JPNATC and HMC are academic high-volume Level 1 trauma centers with a dedicated neurointensive care unit with similar characteristics, such as nursepatient ratios and monitoring. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge were recorded at each site (GOS score 1e3 1⁄4 poor outcome, GOS score 4e5 1⁄4 favorable outcome). The main results of their study were as follows: 1) the overall adherence rate was 74.9% (SD 11.0) at JPNATC versus 71.6% (SD 10.4) at HMC; 2) intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors were placed in 63% of patients at JPNATC and in 84% of patients at HMC, and 52% of patients with intracranial hypertension at JPNATC received some form of ICP-lowering therapy compared with 98% of patients at HMC; 3) no relationship between guideline adherence rate and inpatient mortality was observed at HMC (absolute risk reduction 1.00; 95% confidence interval [0.97, 1.02]), whereas an increase in adherence rate by 1% was associated with a reduction (3%) of inpatient mortality at JPNATC (absolute risk reduction 0.97; 95% confidence interval [0.95, 0.99]); 4) there were 2 deaths in the postdischarge period at HMC versus 23 deaths at JPNATC; and 5)

The members of the PERNO Study Group were not individually captured in the metadata of the original publication. They are included in the metadata of this publication.

After a brain biopsy, the genetic analysis can fail because of insufficient material, extensive tumor necrosis, and formalin fixation under conditions that adversely affected the quality of the DNA or because the assay result was indeterminant. The freezing of fresh tumor tissue at surgery could greatly improve the success of DNA extraction and methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) promoter methylation testing. The concentration of the DNA samples can also be improved from a withdrawal in an area with a high probability of neoplastic cells.The present study reports the results of ten frameless image-guided intracranial needle biopsies from April 2008 until February 2009, among a total of 28 frameless neuronavigation brain biopsy performed from May 2007 to February 2009. The protocol sampling provided withdrawal specimens correlated with neuroimaging characteristics of the lesions. The molecular determination of MGMT promoter was assessed with the nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction on fresh or cryopreserved needle bioptic tissue.The genetic characterization was feasible in all the bioptic samples. The MGMT promoter was methylated in six patients, including a brain infection. The image-guided trajectory of the biopsy and the intraoperative frozen section increased the diagnostic yield.To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report with the MGMT promoter status analysis on needle bioptic fresh tissue. In the future, the availability of the molecular genetic characterization of a brain tumor before open surgery will provide important information for the optimal treatment.

Object The aim of this study was to correlate intraoperative endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) findings in hydrocephalic patients with the MR imaging appearance of the mammillary bodies (MBs), the fundamental anatomical landmarks of the third ventricle floor (TVF) region. Methods The authors reviewed brain MR images and intraoperative ETV records in 23 patients with hydrocephalus as well as MR imaging data from 120 randomized control volunteers of various ages to define the normal intermammillary distance (IMD). Results In control volunteers, no measurable IMD (“kissing” configuration) was observed in 91 (85%) of 107 cases, and there was mild MB splitting (mean ± standard deviation, 0.18 ± 0.12 cm) in only 16 cases with age-related cerebral atrophy. Among the 21 patients with complete MR imaging and ETV data sets, 12 ETV procedures were hindered by anatomical anomalies such as a thickened TVF or an “upward ballooning” phenomenon. On preoperative MR imaging in these 12 patients, there was an increased IMD (0.55 ± 0.41 cm) compared with that in the remaining 9 patients (0.27 ± 0.25 cm) who had a normal thin TVF during ETV and in the control group (0.03 ± 0.08 cm). Magnetic resonance imaging and ETV data concordantly displayed nonsplit MBs in 6 of 9 cases with a thin TVF and split MBs in 10 of 12 cases with a thick TVF. Conclusions The normal configuration of MBs is no measurable IMD, with mild splitting occurring in patients with age-related brain atrophy. In hydrocephalic patients, a thickened TVF was present almost exclusively with an increased IMD on preoperative MR imaging and separated MBs on endoscopic viewing. Large retrospective series are needed to confirm that a preoperative increased IMD is predictive of a thickened TVF during ETV.

BACKGROUND: Brain tumors characterization by molecular imaging that allows the depiction of brain lesions metabolic pattern is crucial. Our study aimed to: 1) to evaluate the diagnostic performances of [ 18 F]fluoroethylcholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([ 18 F]FECH PET/CT), and 2) correlate PET imaging derived parameters of [ 18 F]FECH to survival in brain tumors. METHODS: From 2009 to 2012, we enrolled 30 patients who underwent [ 18 F]FECH PET/CT. Final diagnosis was established by clinical and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: Final diagnosis was consistent with tumor disease in 27/30 cases. In 3/30 cases tumor disease was ruled out. [ 18 F]FECH PET/CT resulted true positive and negative in 21/30 and 9/30 patients, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of [ 18 F]FECH PET/CT were 78%, 100%, 100%, 33%, and 80%, respectively. Mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV mean and SUV max ) resulted statistically correlated to histology (P=0.0255 and P=0.0222, respectively). Using a SUV max cut-off of 2.0 or 3.2, we distinguished between low- and high-grade gliomas with a good specificity (70% and 80%, respectively). SUV max and histology resulted correlated to overall survival and disease related survival at multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, worthy of further investigations, show high diagnostic performances of [ 18 F]FECH PET/CT, and a correlation between PET imaging derived parameters and survival.

Meningioma is a common brain tumor but despite its high prevalence, extracranial metastasis is really rare, as it may be seen in lung, bone, intraspinal, liver and cervical lymph nodes decreasingly. We report a case of metastases to lung incidentally founded from an intracranial recurrent atypical meningioma with superior sagittal sinus invasion previously treated with good control. This report highlights that in the rare case of unique incidentally founded pulmonary lesion and apparent control of the intracranial disease, the differential diagnosis of metastastic meningioma, primary lung meningioma or others lung tumor can be very challenging . The revision of pertinent literature suggests that the invasion of venous sinuses should be considered as a major risk factor for distant metastases.

Patients with high-grade gliomas usually have heterogeneous response to surgery and chemoirradiation. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate serial changes in tumor volume and perfusion imaging parameters and (2) to determine the value of these data in predicting overall survival (OS). Twenty-nine patients with World Health Organization grades III and IV gliomas underwent magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) perfusion examinations before surgery, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after radiotherapy. Serial measurements of tumor volumes and perfusion parameters were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, Cox proportional hazards regression, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine their values in predicting OS. Higher trends in blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), and permeability-surface area product in the contrast-enhancing lesions (CEL) and the non-enhancing lesions (NEL) were found in patients with OS < 18 months compared to those with OS ≥ 18 months, and these values were significant at selected time points (P < 0.05). Only CT perfusion parameters yielded sensitivities and specificities of ≥ 70% in predicting 18 and 24 months OS. Pre-surgery BF in the NEL and BV in the CEL and NEL 3 months after radiotherapy had sensitivities and specificities >80% in predicting 24 months OS in patients with grade IV gliomas. Our study indicated that CT perfusion parameters were predictive of survival and could be useful in assessing early response and in selecting adjuvant treatment to prolong survival if verified in a larger cohort of patients.

Different management options are available for the treatment of colloid cysts. Goals of those procedures are to achieve a complete resection avoiding potential long-term recurrence along with CSF pathways restoration with minimal morbidity and mortality. The two main surgical options are endoscopic resection or direct removal by either transfrontal or transcallosal approach. The efficacy of endoscopic technique to achieve gross total colloid cyst excision has been well documented. In the present study, authors describe a series of 29 patients who underwent surgery by a variation of the standard worldwide implemented endoscopic technique. Using a more anterior approach, it is easier to reach the roof of the cyst, its possible adherences with the tela choroidea, plexus, and the internal cerebral veins. The described approach has shown to be safe, quick, and very effective with a total cyst removal rate of 86.2 %.

To present new information on the semiology and short-term evolution of seizures associated with primary brain tumors (PBTs) in a prospective study.This study is a section of the PERNO study--Project of Emilia Romagna Region on Neuro-Oncology, the main aim of which is to collect prospectively all cases of PBTs occurring in the Emilia-Romagna region, northeast Italy (3,983,346 population) from January 2009 to December 2011, to allow epidemiologic, clinical, and biomolecular studies. The epilepsy section of the PERNO study included all the patients who experienced seizures, either as first symptom of the tumor or appearing during the course of the disease. Each patient was interviewed by the referring neurologist with a specific interest in epilepsy. The patients who entered the study were followed up with visits on a quarterly basis.We collected 100 cases with full clinical, neuroradiologic, and pathologic data. The majority (79\%) had high grade PBTs (glioblastoma in 50 cases), whereas the remaining patients had low-grade gliomas, mostly localized in the frontal (60\%), temporal (38\%), and parietal (28\%) lobes. Seizures were the first symptom of the tumor in 72 cases. Overall, the initial seizures were tonic-clonic (48\%) (without clear initial focal signs in more than half of the patients), focal motor (26\%), complex partial (10\%), and somatosensitive (8\%). The majority of cases (60\%) had isolated seizures or a low seizure frequency at the onset of the disease, whereas a high seizure frequency or status epilepticus was observed in 18\% and 12\% of cases, respectively. Ninety-two patients underwent surgical removal of the tumor, which was either radical (38\%) or partial (53\%). Seven patients underwent only cerebral biopsy. In the 72 patients in whom seizures were the first symptom, the mean time to the surgical treatment was 174 days, with a significant difference between high grade (95 days) and low grade (481 days) gliomas. At the time of our first observation, the majority of patients (69\%) had already undergone surgical removal, with a mean follow-up of 3 months after the procedure. Overall, 39 patients (56\%) were seizure free after tumor removal. The good outcome did not depend on presurgical seizure frequency or tumor type, although there was a trend for better results with low-grade PBTs.These data provide evidence that seizures are strictly linked to the tumoral lesion: They are the initial symptom of the tumor, reflect the tumor location and type, are usually resistant to antiepileptic treatment, and may disappear after the treatment of the lesion.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern worldwide, and it is often associated with a spectrum of intracranial pathology, including parenchymal or intraventricular hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury, as well as brain injury from extra-axial hematomas. Recently some authors have investigated the utility of serum biochemical markers in TBI. The presence of serum biomarkers with a clear impact on patient’s management is already well established in cardiology (5) .I n contrast, in the diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), the usefulness of serum markers is still under debate.

Neurosurgery-Neurotraumatology Unit, Emergency Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy Emergency Neurosurgery Unit, Neuromotor Department, IRCCS “Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova” of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy Clinic of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Medicine Department, IRCCS, “Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova” of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, taly

Background Cranioplasty is a surgical intervention aimed at reestablishing the integrity of skull defects, and should be considered the conclusion of a surgical act that began with bone flap removal. Autologous bone is still considered the treatment of choice for cranioplasty. An alternative choice is bioceramic porous hydroxyapatite (HA) as it is one of the materials that meets and comes closest to the biomimetic characteristics of bone. Methods The authors analyzed the clinical charts, compiled by the neurosurgeon, of all patients treated with custom-made porous HA devices (Custom Bone Service Fin-Ceramica, Faenza) from which epidemiological and pathological data as well as material-related complications were extrapolated. Results From November 1997 to December 2010, 1549 patients underwent cranioplasty with the implantation of 1608 custom-made porous HA devices. HA was used in 53.8% of patients for decompressive craniectomy after trauma or intracranial hemorrhage, while the remaining cases were for treated for comminuted fracture, cutaneous or osseous resection, cranial malformation, autologous bone reabsorption or infection or rejection of previously implanted material. The incidence of adverse events in patients treated for cranioplasty, as first line treatment was 4.78% (56 events/1171 patients), and 5.02%, (19 events/378 patients) at second line. Conclusion This study demonstrates that HA is a safe and effective material, is well tolerated in both adult and pediatric patients, and meets the requirements necessary to repair craniolacunia.

PrimaryCentralNervousSystemLymphoma(PCNSL) is anextraodal Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) that arises in the brain arenchyma, eyes, meninges, or spinal cord in the absence of lymhoma outside of the CNS at the time of the diagnosis. Pure primary leptomeningeal lymphoma (PLML) is a subtype f PCNSL, it represents less than 0.1% of all NHL. Primary dural ymphoma (PDL) is a subentity of PLML and it is described as dura ater involvement with no systemic disease. PDL represents less han 1% of all brain lymphomas. The diagnosis of PDL is very difcult because the imaging appearance usually is of an extra-axial ass mimicking a meningioma [1] or a hematoma [2,3]. We report case of PDL with immunophenotype of chronic lymphocytic eukemia/small lymphocyte lymphoma (CLL/SLL), which was iniially clinically diagnosed as a chronic extradural hematoma (EDH). n literature this is the third case of PDL mimicking hematoma and he seventh case of primitive CLL/SLL of the dura.

The aim of this article was to review the clinical practice of “bone flap decompression” in Regional Neurosurgical Units with no particular protocol in use. From January 2005 to December 2008, a retrospective and multicentre study was conducted on patients who were treated with decompressive craniectomy (DC) in seven departments of neurosurgery in Italy. This study included patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Data were retrieved from individual medical records. We identified 526 patients with DC. Age was the most significant predictor factor of survival, together with pupil reactivity, time of decompression and size of the bone flap. The effect of age in predicting survival was so important that in patients over 65 years old we did not find any other significant factor related to survival. In younger patients, the survival rate was much better with a large bone flap (p = 0.01). Unfortunately, 57% of patients were decompressed with a bone flap of less than 12 cm in diameter. This was probably due to the association in 80% of cases between haematoma evacuation and decompression. The current practice in many centres is different from published papers. Decompression is common over the age of 65 years, is associated with haematoma evacuation and often the bone flaps are inadequate in terms of size.

Calcium sulfate (CaS) is a highly biocompatible material and enhances bone formation in vivo. However, how CaS alters osteoblast activity to promote bone formation is poorly understood. To study how CaS can induce osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, the expression levels of bone related genes and mesenchymal stem cells marker were compared in normal osteoblasts and dental pulp stem cells, using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Gene differentially expressed between the two cells type were the trascriptional factor RUNX2, osteopontin (SPP1), COL1A1 (collagen type 1α1) and alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). The obtained results demonstrated that CaS strongly influences the behavior of DPSCs in vitro enhancing proliferation, differentiation and deposition of matrix.

Formalin fixation under conditions that adversely affected the quality of the DNA, or indeterminant assay, or extensive tumor necrosis can compromise the genetic analysis of a brain bioptic sample. The success of DNA extraction and Methyl Guanine Methyl Transferase (MGMT) promoter methylation testing could be improved by freezing of fresh tumor tissue at the moment of biopsy. To ensure an increased concentration of the DNA samples the withdrawal should be performed in an area with high probability of neoplastic cells. From May 2007 to January 2011 fifty-two frameless neuronavigation brain needle biopsy were performed at the Neurosurgery Unit of the “Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova” City Hospital of Reggio Emilia. The “image-guided” neuronavigated protocol sampling provided withdrawal specimens highly correlated with neuroimaging characteristics of the lesions. In this study the Authors report the genetic analysis on 24 cases of freezing fresh tissue from brain needle bioptic sample starting from July 2008. The molecular determination of MGMT promoter was assessed with the Nested-Methylation Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction on fresh or cryopreserved needle bioptic tissue. The genetic characterization was feasible in all the bioptic samples. The MGMT promoter was methylated in eleven patients, including a brain infection. The diagnostic yield of brain biopsy could be increased by the neuronavigated trajectories and the intraoperative frozen sections. In the future the availability of the molecular-genetic characterization of a brain tumor before open surgery will provide important information for the optimal treatment. The MGMT promoter status analysis on needle bioptic fresh tissue could be available also for that patient not eligible for surgical remotion of the tumor.

Objectives Sellar lesions, such as pituitary adenomas, even when extended to the suprasellar space may be usually removed through a trans-sphenoidal approach. Larger lesions extending well beyond the edges of the sellar diaphragm such as giant adenomas are best controlled with craniotomy and/or a combined approach that implies both, transphenoidal and transcranial route. Currently, the availability of more sophisticated endoscopes in this type of surgery has provided optimal angles of view and rendered the trans-sphenoidal route less invasive yet, more effective. Case Description The authors report a case of a giant pituitary adenoma successfully managed by a simultaneous, combined endoscopic trans-sphenoidal-transventricular approach. Conclusion In selected case of giant pituitary adenoma with ventricular extension, this technique may help to achieve a gross total removal avoiding the need of staged procedures allowing also a direct visualization of the extent of removal. Finally this approach can potentially improve gross total resection rate of different types of tumor involving this region such as cranipharyngiomas while reducing morbidity and mortality.

A spontaneous CSF fistula of the sphenoid sinus was preoperatively diagnosed in a young woman presenting with massive pneumocephalus and rhinorrhea. Diagnosis was established by MR cisternography using a heavily T2-weighted 3D single-shot FSE sequence with half-Fourier analysis (3D-EXPRESS®), originally developed for imaging the inner ear. While unenhanced CT failed to detect the site of the fistula, MR permitted complete evaluation of the sellar/sphenoid region and tracked the CSF signal down to the nasal cavity.

Teleradiology experiences from workstation to wireless technology and discrepancies from an “ideal world” of guidelines and a “real world” of medical practice are detailed. The real predictive value of Glasgow Coma Scale admission for the outcome of brain-injured patients and differences regarding the outcome of traumatic brain injury patients treated with or without neurosurgical facilities are outlined. Also examined is how to detect the computed tomography evolution before the neurologic change and the application of guidelines with area protocol and “hub and spoke” systems is discussed.

The unusual case of an exclusively intracranial localization of fasciitis (CF) in a man aged 47 is reported. The cystic lesion had been accidentally discovered 10 years before when the patient sustained a contralateral ischemic stroke; the cyst, being absolutely silent, was not operated on at that time. After 10 years, the patient complained of seizures and mild right-sided paresis. CT scan revealed a dramatic increase of the lesion whose mass effect caused an initial subfalcial herniation of the brain. The mass was grossly removed, the patient recovered and become seizure-free. CF, rare in childhood, is exceptional in the adult age. The importance of a correct histological diagnosis is hereby stressed, because CF is absolutely benign, self-limiting, and does not require further treatment, but may be misdiagnosed as sarcoma.

BACKGROUND Various reconstructive techniques using hair-bearing scalp to manage unsightly scalp defects have been described in 1983 Fonseca and in 1984. Horowits emphasized the use of galeal-pericranial flaps in scalp wounds with exposed bone in 1986. Matthews and Missoten described early tissue expansion to close a traumatic defect of the scalp, and in 1990 Kiyono placed tissue expander in a pocket adjacent to the defect that was covered with Martex Mesh. METHODS The authors present a case of 23-year-old man with a scalp lacetation over a depressed fracture of the skull and a dural tear, after a traffic accident. The repair procedures at another hospital failed, resulting in an area of scalp necrosis with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. At our observation, the reconstructive technique using hair-bearing scalp with tissue expander was performed to managed unsightly scalp necrosis. Moreover the neurosurgical treatment was necessary to avoid the complications of the CSF leak. CONCLUSIONS A 9-year review showed more than 40 patients treated by this technique that allows a pericranial flap of every size. When scalp defects are too large, the tissue expander allows good aesthetic results.

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been for decades a cornerstone of traumatic brain injury (TBI) management. Nevertheless, in recent years, its usefulness has been questioned in several reports. A group of neurosurgeons and neurointensivists met to openly discuss, and provide consensus on, practical applications of ICP in severe adult TBI. A consensus conference was held in Milan on October 5, 2013, putting together neurosurgeons and intensivists with recognized expertise in treatment of TBI. Four topics have been selected and addressed in pro-con presentations: 1) ICP indications in diffuse brain injury, 2) cerebral contusions, 3) secondary decompressive craniectomy (DC), and 4) after evacuation of intracranial traumatic hematomas. The participants were asked to elaborate on the existing published evidence (without a systematic review) and their personal clinical experience. Based on the presentations and discussions of the conference, some drafts were circulated among the attendants. After remarks and further contributions were collected, a final document was approved by the participants. The group made the following recommendations: 1) in comatose TBI patients, in case of normal computed tomography (CT) scan, there is no indication for ICP monitoring; 2) ICP monitoring is indicated in comatose TBI patients with cerebral contusions in whom the interruption of sedation to check neurological status is dangerous and when the clinical examination is not completely reliable. The probe should be positioned on the side of the larger contusion; 3) ICP monitoring is generally recommended following a secondary DC in order to assess the effectiveness of DC in terms of ICP control and guide further therapy; 4) ICP monitoring after evacuation of an acute supratentorial intracranial hematoma should be considered for salvageable patients at increased risk of intracranial hypertension with particular perioperative features.

Polylactide, polyglycolide materials or devices have been utilized routinely during maxillofacial, craniofacial, and orthopaedic reconstructive surgical procedures.(1) These materials combine the benefits of rigid fixation with the advantages of biodegradation, avoiding the need for implant removal and minimizing the risk of other complications.(2) To study how polylactide, polyglycolide acids plates (PLPG plates) can induce osteoblast differentiation and proliferation in mesenchymal stem cells, the expression levels of bone related genes (RUNX2, SP7, ALPL, SPP1, COL1A1, COL3A1 and FOSL1) and mesenchymal stem cells marker (ENG) were measured in adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) and normal osteoblast (NO) cultivated on PLPG plates after 15 and 30 days of treatment using real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. Significantly differentially expressed genes among ADSCs and NO were SP7, ENG, FOSL1, RUNX, ALPL and SPP1 in the first 15 days of treatment and SP7, ENG FOSL1, COL3A1 COL1A1, SPP1 and ALPL after 30 days. The present study demonstrated that PLPG plates strongly influences the behavior of ADSCs in vitro by enhancing proliferation, differentiation and deposition of matrix.

It is well known that primary and secondary glioblastomas are histologically largely indistinguishable. Therefore, the detection of IDH1 mutations or the status of the MGMT promoter on a simple bioptic sample could be one of major diagnostic and prognostic importance for glial patients that complements clinical criteria for distinguishing secondary from primary glioblastomas and to predict a more favorable prognosis. Currently, biopsy is the method of choice to obtain tissue from intracranial lesions with uncertain neurodiagnostic findings or in deep locations, with a minimal invasive approach. The needle biopsy with frameless neuronavigation could provide a sampling with elevated diagnostic yield and high concentration of DNA, due to the “image-guided” computer assisted technique of needle insertion through the most neurodiagnostic representative tumoral area. The freezing of fresh tumor tissue at biopsy could greatly improve the success of DNA extraction. The concentration of the DNA samples can also improved from a withdrawal in an area with high probability of neoplastic cells. The present study reports the results of 17 patients who had undergone frameless image-guided intracranial needle biopsy from April 2008 until July 2010 at Neurosurgery Unit of the “Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova” of Reggio Emilia. For these patients the molecular determination of MGMT promoter was assessed with the Nested-Methylation Specific-Polymerase Chain Reaction and the screening of mutations in IDH1 e IDH2 genes was performer by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing on fresh or cryopreserved needle bioptic tissue.

As a result of long-standing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation against the thinnest segments of the ventricular walls, focal enlargement of the ventricular system (diverticulum) may occur, mainly at the medial wall of the trigone of the lateral ventricles (atrial diverticula) or at the posterior wall of the third ventricle (expansion of the suprapineal recess). In the latter case, ocular signs are the most common symptoms, due to the severe deformation of the periaqueductal region. We describe a case of non-communicating hydrocephalus in a 36-year-old woman who presented a three-year history of cerebellar ataxia. Preoperative brain magnetic resonance (MR) scan showed marked supratentorial hydrocephalus with an apparently patent aqueduct of Sylvius, and an enlarged suprapineal recess causing cerebellar and tentorial dislocation. The patient was successfully treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy and monitored by MR scans with phase-contrast sequences for assessment of CSF flow. Cerebellar ataxia is a very rare symptomatic onset for a suprapineal recess expansion diverticulum, which may cause obstructive hydrocephalus that can be effectively treated by endoscopic third ventriculostomy.