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Stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) may induce a transient enlargement of vestibular schwannomas (VS). This phenomenon, known as pseudoprogression or swelling, starts at about 3 months following GKS, peaks at about 6 months, and typically subsides thereafter, usually without significant neurological deterioration. We describe a 34-year-old female who developed an aggressive enlargement of a VS 1 month after GKS. The patient was treated with an immediate external ventricular drainage and surgical resection via retrosigmoid approach for an acute neurological deterioration due to hydrocephalus and brainstem compression. Histopathological examination revealed a VS with abundant intratumoral thrombosis and necrosis, suggesting that its rapid expansion could be related to massive radiation-induced tumor necrosis. The present case indicated that rapid life-threating enlargement of a VS may occur as an early complication following GKS.

Post-traumatic supra and infratentorial acute extradural hematomas (SIEDHs) are an uncommon type of extradural hematoma with only few small series published. In this scenario, the purposes of the present study are to present our experience in the management of 8 patients with acute SIEDH and to perform a systematic literature review. The clinical and radiological data of 8 patients operated for SIEDH at our department were analyzed retrospectively. Using the PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed the articles published from January 1990 to January 2018 reporting data about SIEDH. A total of 3 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The incidence of SIEDHs is very rare constituting < 2% of all traumatic extradural hematomas (EDH). SIEDHs are associated with non-specific symptoms. Only 20% of patients were in coma (GCS < 8) at admission. A "lucid interval" was not reported. The source of bleeding of SIEDH was venous in all cases due to the following: bone fracture with diploe bleeding (50%), transverse/sigmoid sinus injury (22%), oozing meningeal venous vessel (8%), detachment of transverse sinus without wall injury (6%), and unknown in the other cases. Due to the venous nature of the source of hemorrhage, the clinical manifestation of a SIEDH may develop in a slow way, but once a critical volume of hematoma is reached, the deterioration can become rapid and fatal for acute brain stem compression. Surgery is the mainstay of SIEDHs treatment: among 42 cases with SIEDH included in this review, 40 (95.23%) patients were treated with surgery while only two were managed conservatively. Also in our series, all patients underwent surgery. A combined supratentorial craniotomy and suboccipital craniotomy leaving in a bone bridge over the transverse sinus for dural tenting sutures resulted the most used and safe surgical approach. SIEDH is a rare type of EDH. Early diagnosis of SIEDH and prompt surgical evacuation with a combined supratentorial and suboccipital approach provide excellent recovery.

Background: Do alterations of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC) lead to hydrocephalus, and can this effect be mitigated by early cranioplasty (CP)? In this meta-analysis, we evaluated whether the timing of CP decreased the incidence of postoperative hydrocephalus., Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for English language articles (1990-2020). We included case series, case-control, and cohort studies, and clinical trials assessing the incidence of hydrocephalus in adult patients undergoing early CP (within 3 months) versus late CP (after 3 months) after DC., Results: Eleven studies matched the inclusion criteria. The rate of postoperative hydrocephalus was not significantly different between the early (=96/1063; 9.03%) and late CP (=65/966; 6.72%) group ( P = 0.09). Only in the three studies specifically reporting on the rate of hydrocephalus after DC performed to address traumatic brain injury (TBI) alone was there a significantly lower incidence of hydrocephalus with early CP ( P = 0.01)., Conclusion: Early CP (within 90 days) after DC performed in TBI patients alone was associated with a lower incidence of hydrocephalus. However, this finding was not corroborated in the remaining eight studies involving CP for pathology exclusive of TBI., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Surgical Neurology International.)

Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is one of the most common diseases in the geriatric population. Decompressive laminectomy or laminoplasty is the predominant surgical procedure of choice, but there remains debate as to which procedure is optimal for managing CSM., Methods: Here, we retrospectively analyzed 64 patients with CSM undergoing laminectomy (39 patients) versus laminoplasty (25 patients). The data were collected included respective Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) scores, Nurick grades, and Visual analog scale (VAS) values preoperatively versus 12 months postoperatively., Results: The JOA score after 1 month improved in both groups utilizing laminectomy or laminoplasty. However, at 12 postoperative months, the JOA scores and Nurick grades showed greater improvement following laminoplasty, despite no differences in postoperative pain and complication rates., Conclusion: Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing laminoplasty (25 patients) showed better 12-month postoperative outcomes (JOA scores and Nurick grades) versus those having laminectomies (39 patients)., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Surgical Neurology International.)

Background: Our hypothesis was that by identifying certain preoperative predictive factors, we could favorably impact clinical outcomes in patients undergoing decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)., Methods: In this retrospective study, there were 65 patients (2016-2018) with symptomatic LSS who underwent decompressive laminectomy without fusion. Their clinical outcomes were assessed utilizing the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Multiple preoperative variables were studied to determine which ones would help predict improved outcomes: gender, age, body mass index (BMI), general/neurological examination, smoking, and drug therapies (anxiolytics and/or antidepressants)., Results: All patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement on the ODI. Multivariate analysis revealed that those with higher preoperative BMI had significantly lower ODI on 1-year follow-up examinations, reflecting poorer outcomes. Postoperatively, 44 patients (67%) exhibited lower utilization of anxiolytic medications, 52 patients (80%) showed reduced use of antidepressant drugs, and pain medications utilization was reduced in 33 patients (50%)., Conclusion: Decompressive laminectomy without fusion effectively managed LSS. It reduced patients' use of pain, anxiety, and antidepressant medications. In addition, we found that increased preoperative BMIs contributed to poorer postoperative outcomes (e.g., ODI values)., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Surgical Neurology International.)

Purpose: Postoperative bracing treatment is widely used after surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases. However, the guidelines are lacking in this regard, and its use is mainly driven by individual surgeon preferences. The objective of the current review was to evaluate the available evidence on the use of postoperative bracing after surgery for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine., Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed while conducting a systematic search of the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from January 1990 to January 2019. High-quality studies were included that evaluated disability, pain, quality of life, the rate of fusion, complications, and rate of reoperations in patients who had surgery for lumbar degenerative disease, with and without postoperative bracing. The overall strength of evidence across the studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework., Results: Of the 391 citations screened, four randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Based on low- to moderate-quality evidence, postoperative bracing in patients with lumbar degenerative disease does not result in improved disability, pain, and quality of life compared to no bracing patients. Low-quality evidence suggests that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the rate of fusion, complications, and the need for reoperation., Conclusions: To date, there is not a medical evidence to support the use of bracing after surgery for lumbar degenerative disease. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Background: The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate how neck pain is influenced by post-operative cervical alignment in patients operated for cervical spinal trauma., Patients and Methods: From January 2013 to June 2017, at our department we operated 34 patients with cervical spinal trauma, 22 males and 12 females. Age, sex, level and type of fractures, surgical approach, fixation levels (cervical or cervico-dorsal), preoperative and postoperative CT scan, cervical (C2-C7) Cobb angle (lordotic > +10°, straight 0 /+10°, kyphotic < 0°) at X-rays on sitting position 3 months after surgery, postoperative self-reported neck stiffness scale, preoperative and follow-up ASIA score, pre and postoperative VAS value were evaluated for each patient. Statistical analysis was performed according to the Mann-Whitney and T-test., Results: In this series, 22 patients were operated by anterior approach, 7 patients by posterior approach and 5 by combined approach. Postoperative chronic cervical pain was not correlated with cervical sagittal alignment after surgery, fracture type, surgical approach, fixation level and postoperative ASIA score but is correlated with the presence of neck stiffness (P=0,001). Patients treated with posterior approach (P=0,022) and fracture type C (P=0,026) had higher significantly neck stiffness compared to patients who underwent anterior approach for type B fractures., Conclusions: The presence of abnormal cervical lordosis after surgery for cervical spinal trauma does not correlate with neck pain. Patients treated with posterior fixation had higher neck stiffness and related chronic pain.

Background: This study evaluated how the neurological outcome in patients operated on cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) was positively influenced by ultra-early surgery (UES)., Methods: Between 2010 and 2017, 81 patients with traumatic cervical SCI were assigned to the UES group (<12 h after injury; UES) and ES group (surgery between 12 and 48 h after injury; ES). Additional variables evaluated for the two groups included; age, sex, comorbidities charlson comorbidity index (CCI), level of trauma, type of fracture, preoperative and ASIA scores, pre- and post-operative neuroradiological examinations, surgical approaches, and complications., Results: Forty-seven of 81 (58.02%) patients exhibited improved neurological function 12 months postoperatively; better outcomes were observed in the UES (29 of 40 [72.5%]) versus ES groups (18 of 41 [43.9%]) ( P = 0,009). For the 26 patients with complete cervical SCI (ASIA A), ultra-early surgical decompression was associated with significantly greater neurological improvement versus ES (61.53% vs. 7.69%; P = 0.003). Further, more neurological improvement correlated with the younger age, better ASIA grade at admission, and ultra-early surgical timing (< 12 h) both in the univariate and multivariate analysis ( P = 0.037, P = 0.017, and P = 0.005, respectively), while CCI was correlated with improvement only in the univariate analysis ( P = 0.005)., Conclusion: Ultra-early surgical timing in SCI patients appeared to be the most important factor determining the extent of postoperative neurological improvement, particularly regarding motor function recovery., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Surgical Neurology International.)

Purpose: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the ovary is rare. Most cases arise from a cystic teratoma or less frequently from Brenner tumor or endometriosis. We reviewed 36 cases of primary ovarian SCC reported in the literature including a case diagnosed and treated in our institution., Methods: Data was collected by using the key-words "primary squamous cell carcinoma" and "ovary" on Google Scholar and PubMed in April 2018. All reviewed cases were analyzed according to diagnosis, surgical approach, adjuvant therapy and outcome., Results: To date 23 articles presenting 36 cases of primary ovarian SCC are reported. Nine patients had stage I, 8 stage II, 11 stage III and 5 stage IV disease, whereas 3 patients had in situ carcinoma. All patients underwent surgery (mainly hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). Adjuvant therapy was reported in 24 patients, 15 of which received chemotherapy, 6 radiotherapy and 3 a combination of both. Chemotherapy regimens were similar to the ones used in ovarian carcinoma (more often platinum plus paclitaxel). Follow-up period was in general short and survival varied between 9 days and 14 years, depending on the stage at diagnosis., Conclusions: Primary ovarian SCC is a rare entity with poor prognosis, compared to serous carcinoma. Treatment is usually extrapolated from classical ovarian carcinoma algorithms, including surgical management combined with adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Further investigations are needed to define optimal treatment, such as chemotherapy regimens and the role of radiotherapy and lymph node dissection.

We present an unusual case of spinal neurinoma with intralesional and subarachnoid bleeding with acute cauda equina syndrome. A 38-year-old man was admitted to our department after a minor thoracic spinal trauma with right lower limb plegia and urinary retention. MRI showed a T11 intradural tumour with intralesional and subarachnoid haemorrhage. The patient was operated of spinal cord decompression and complete tumour resection. The histological examination documented a schwannoma with large haemorrhagic intratumoural areas. A full neurological recovery was documented at 6-month follow-up., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

Treatment modalities affecting quality of life and survival in elderly brain glioblastoma patients are not well defined. A single-institution data were analyzed during a 3-year period to disclose prognostic difference in management related to age. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), overall survival (OS), and adjuvant therapy were evaluated. The case group comprised of elderly patients (>75 years), while the control group included those of younger age (<65 years). The investigated variables were correlated between the groups. Twenty elderly patients and a corresponding number of younger ones were analyzed. Preoperative KPS >70 indicated longer overall survival. Statistically significant correlation was recorded in both the control (p=0.036) and case (p=0.0053) groups. Lower postoperative KPS was significantly correlated with shorter OS in elderly patients (p=0.023). The correlation between the extent of tumor resection and OS was statistically significant in younger patients only (p=0.04). Overall survival was significantly shorter in elderly patients regardless of the extent of tumor resection (p=0.0057). Adjuvant therapy was significantly associated with longer OS in both the case (p=0.032) and control (p=0.013) groups. Elderly population is a more endangered group of surgical brain glioblastoma patients having lower quality of life and shorter overall survival. The management protocol should be personalized for each individual case in this age group of patients to reduce postoperative complications and grant a satisfactory quality of life.

Background: This study identified risk factors and postoperative indicators for recurrent lumbar disc herniations (rLDH) following microdiscectomy., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the 1-year recurrence rate for LDH in 209 consecutive patients undergoing microdiscectomy (2013-2018)., Results: Utilizing a multivariate analysis, higher body mass index (BMI) and postsurgery Oswestry disability index (ODI) were significantly associated with an increased risk of rLDH., Conclusion: Elevated postsurgery ODI and higher BMI were significantly associated with increased risk of rLDH., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Purpose: Ewing Sarcoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (ES/PNET) is a malignant small round cell tumor belonging to the Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors. It occurs more commonly in children and young adults. Its localization in the adrenal gland is extremely rare. We reviewed 35 cases of ES/PNET of the adrenal gland reported in the literature and presented our case., Methods: Data were collected by searching for ES/PNET and adrenal gland key words on Google Scholar and PubMed in March 2018, including a case diagnosed in our department. We analyzed all reviewed cases for diagnosis, surgical and systemic therapy and outcome., Results: To date 24 articles presenting cases of ES/PNET of the adrenal gland are reported in the literature. We included in our review 35 cases previously described and one new case. Histologically all cases consisted of sheets of small round cells. Immunohistochemistry was also performed in all cases. Most cases stained positive for CD99 and negative for lymphocytic markers. Markers of epithelial differentiation displayed variable results. In all cases tested, characteristic translocations were displayed supporting the diagnosis. All patients but four were treated surgically and the majority received adjuvant therapy. Only very few cases received neoadjuvant chemotherapy., Conclusions: Primary ES/PNET of the adrenal gland is a rare tumor, showing specific morphological, immunohistochemical and cytogenetic characteristics. Treatment consists of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Further investigations paired with long term follow-up are necessary to define prognosis for this rare entity.

Metastases involving the clivus and craniocervical junction (CCJ) are extremely rare. Skull base involvement can result in cranial nerve palsies, while an extensive CCJ involvement can lead to spinal instability. We describe an unusual case of clival and CCJ metastases presenting with VI cranial nerve palsy and neck pain secondary to CCJ instability from metastatic bladder urothelial carcinoma. The patient was first treated with an endoscopic endonasal approach to the clivus for decompression of the VI cranial nerve and then with occipitocervical fixation and fusion to treat CCJ instability. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient experienced complete recovery of VI cranial nerve palsy. To the best of our knowledge, the simultaneous involvement of the clivus and the CCJ due to metastatic bladder carcinoma has never been reported in the literature. Another peculiarity of this case was the presence of both VI cranial nerve deficit and spinal instability. For this reason, the choice of treatment and timing were challenging. In fact, in case of no neurological deficit and spinal stability, palliative chemo- and radiotherapy are usually indicated. In our patient, the presence of progressive diplopia due to VI cranial nerve palsy required an emergent surgical decompression. In this scenario, the extended endoscopic endonasal approach was chosen as a minimally invasive approach to decompress the VI cranial nerve. Posterior occipitocervical stabilization is highly effective in avoiding patient's neck pain and spinal instability, representing the approach of choice., Competing Interests: There are no potential conflicts of interest for any of the authors with products or techniques discussed in the paper.

Coil migration and extrusion outside the cranial compartment after embolization of cerebral aneurysms represents a very rare complication of the endovascular procedures and few cases are reported in the literature. Instability of the vascular malformation wall and the resolution of the intramural hematoma, especially in pseudoaneurysm, might generate extravascular migration of the coils in the first months after embolization. However, to the best of our knowledge, an extrusion of coil 10 years after embolization has never been reported. We reported the unique case of a patient with coil extrusion into the naso- and oropharynx 10 years after internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm embolization. The pseudoaneurysm occurred after an internal carotid artery injury during an endoscopic endonasal surgery for a clival giant cell tumor.

Background: The development or expansion of a cerebral hemorrhagic contusion after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs commonly and it can result in an unfavorable outcome. However, risk factors predicting contusion expansion after DC are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with the growth or expansion of hemorrhagic contusion after DC in TBI. Then we evaluated the impact of contusion progression on outcome. Methods: We collected the data of patients treated with DC for TBI in our Center. Then we analyzed the risk factors associated with the growth or expansion of a hemorrhagic contusion after DC. Results: 182 patients (149 males and 41 females) were included in this study. Hemorrhagic contusions were detected on the initial CT scan or in the last CT scan before surgery in 103 out of 182 patients. New or blossoming hemorrhagic contusions were registered after DC in 47 patients out of 182 (25.82%). At multivariate analysis, only the presence of an acute subdural hematoma ( p = 0.0076) and a total volume of contusions >20 cc before DC ( p = < 0.0001) were significantly associated with blossoming contusions. The total volume of contusions before DC resulted to have higher accuracy and ability to predict postoperative blossoming of contusion with strong statistical significance rather than the presence of acute subdural hematoma (these risk factors presented respectively an area under the curve [AUC] of 0.896 vs. 0.595; P < 0.001). Patients with blossoming contusions presented an unfavorable outcome compared to patients without contusion progression ( p < 0.0185). Conclusions: The presence of an acute subdural hematoma was associated with an increasing rate of new or expanded hemorrhagic contusions after DC. The total volume of hemorrhagic contusions > 20 cc before surgery was an independent and extremely accurate predictive radiological sign of contusion blossoming in decompressed patients for severe TBI. After DC, the patients who develop new or expanding contusions presented an increased risk for unfavorable outcome.

We present a case of Zenker's diverticulum in a 45-year-old woman, occurred as complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for a cervical spine injury. The oesophageal complication occurred 12 months after vertebral cervical surgery and presenting symptoms were fever, dysphagia and neck pain with evidence of retropharyngeal infection. We performed a posterior cervical stabilisation C3-D1 by screws and rods and a second anterior left cervical approach with anterior plate removing and oesophageal wall break repairing with a sternohyoid muscle patch. Despite pharyngo-oesophageal diverticulum may be a complication of anterior cervical surgery (traction diverticulum), in case of an already present true Zenker's diverticulum, delayed complication may occur without cervical hardware pull-out., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common neurosurgical procedure to treat obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus, but failures are frequent. The most common causes of shunt failure are malpositioning and obstruction of the ventricular catheter by debris or blood clothes. The knowledge of the relationship between ventricular catheter tip position, etiology of hydrocephalus and patient's age with shunt malfunction may be useful to avoid shunt failure., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyze 89 adult patients affected by obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus operated with Ventriculoperitoneal shunt at our Institute. Patients with evident abdominal shunt malfunction were excluded from this study. Statistical analysis was performed in the group of patients with intracranial catheter malfunction in order to correlate shunt malfunction with the position of the catheter tip in brain ventricles, etiology of hydrocephalus and patient's age., Results: Shunt revision was performed in 26 patients out of 89 and cranial catheter malfunction was documented in 11 patients out of 26. Tip position in Monro foramen, lateral ventricles and third ventricle ("good position") had a lower rate of surgical shunt revision compared to septum pellucidum and wall of lateral ventricle ("bad position") p value = 0,049. No statistical significant association was observed between shunt malfunction and etiology of the hydrocephalus or patient's age., Conclusions: Ventricular catheter tip position is one the most important factor for shunt function., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ovarian metastasis is common with secondary tumors representing up to 15% of ovarian neoplasms. The malignancies most commonly involving the ovaries are carcinomas of the stomach, colon, breast, endocervix, endometrium, and lymphoma. Secondary ovarian involvement by kidney carcinoma occurs very rarely and is usually associated with widespread dissemination. We conducted a review of kidney carcinoma with ovarian metastasis in the literature using the keywords clear cell renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma collecting duct carcinoma, and ovarian metastasis on Google Scholar and PubMed indices in April 2018, including a case diagnosed in our department. To date, 30 articles presenting 41 cases of kidney carcinoma with ovarian metastasis are reported in the literature. All reviewed cases were analyzed for diagnosis, surgical and systemic therapy, and outcome. Diagnosis may sometimes be challenging, requiring appropriate immunohistochemical markers in difficult cases. A combination of surgery and adjuvant therapy offers significant benefit in disease control or palliation of symptoms. Due to inconsistency in the reported data, further studies are needed to make safe conclusions regarding survival., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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.

Background/aim: Subcutaneous (s.c.) trastuzumab was introduced in the (neo)adjuvant setting, based on the non-inferiority results and patient preference. In the advanced setting, preliminary safety data have only been reported. We conducted an observational study of s.c. trastuzumab in combination with i.v. pertuzumab and docetaxel in the first-line setting of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced breast cancer., Patients and Methods: In this single-institution study, patients received 600 mg s.c. trastuzumab in combination with 840 mg pertuzumab for the first cycle and 420 mg for the following cycles, and 75-100 mg/m 2 docetaxel, followed by maintenance with s.c. trastuzumab and pertuzumab until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints were efficacy and safety., Results: Forty patients were enrolled. The median number of cycles with docetaxel was six, while the median number of maintenance cycles was 21. With a median follow-up of 37 months, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 24 and 35 months., Conclusion: Subcutaneous trastuzumab in combination with pertuzumab and docetaxel is well tolerated and effective in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer., (Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is the most common neurosurgical procedure to treat obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus in children and adults but failure are frequent. The knowledge of risk factors related to abdominal shunt failure is useful to avoid complications., Patients and Methods: We analyze retrospectively 86 adults patients affected by obstructive and communicating hydrocephalus operated for VP shunt at our Institution. Statistical analysis was performed in order to correlate shunt malfunctioning with type of abdominal approach (trocar vs mini-laparotomy), perioperative infective status, sex, bowel distention and length of surgical time., Results: Factors statistically significant for surgical shunt revision were the use of trocar (univariate analisys p=0,029 and multivariate p= 0,035) and high infective risk (univariate analisys p=0,028 and multivariate p= 0,038). No statistical significant association was observed between shunt revision and sex, bowel distension and operative length time., Conclusions: To avoid postoperative shunt malfunctions especially in peritoneum the mini-laparotomy is the approach of choice. Surgery must be performed when infective status is healed.

Background: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is one of the main complications of decompressive craniectomy (DC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Then, the recognition of risk factors and subsequent prompt diagnosis and treatment of PTH can improve the outcome of these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the development of PTH requiring surgical treatment in patients undergoing DC for TBI., Methods: In this study, we collected the data of 190 patients (149 males and 41 females), who underwent DC for TBI in our Center. Then we analyzed the type of surgical treatment for all patients affected by PTH and the risk factors associated with the development of PTH., Results: Post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) developed in 37 patients out of 130 alive 30 days after DC (28.4%). The development of PTH required ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in 34 patients out of 37 (91.9%), while, in the remaining 3 patients, cerebrospinal fluid hydrodynamic (CSF) disturbances resolved after urgent cranioplasty and temporary external lumbar drain. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of interhemispheric hygroma (p < 0.001) and delayed cranioplasty (3 months after DC) (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with the need for a VPS or other surgical procedure for PTH. Finally, among the 130 patients alive after 30 days from DC, PTH was associated with unfavorable outcome as measured by the 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale score (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Our results showed that delayed cranial reconstruction was associated with an increasing rate of PTH after DC. The presence of an interhemispheric hygroma was an independent predictive radiological sign of PTH in decompressed patients for severe TBI.

Objective: After severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) associated with uncontrollable high intracranial pressure (ICP), today the main challenge for neurosurgeons remains to identify who may obtain benefit from decompressive craniectomy (DC) and which factors after DC influence the prognosis of these patients. The aim of this paper was to identify the pre- and postoperative determinants of outcome after DC., Methods: This retrospective study included all patients undergoing DC for sTBI from 2003 to 2011. The 6-month outcome, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), was dichotomized into favorable (GOS scores 4 and 5) and unfavorable (GOS scores 1-3) outcome. Predictors of outcome were identified by uni- and multivariate analysis., Results: There were 190 patients who underwent DC for sTBI in this study. Sixty patients (31.6%) died within 30 days after DC. Independent prognostic factors for survival after 30 days were Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission greater than 5 (P = 0.002) and bilateral pupil reactivity (P < 0.0001). Thirty days after DC, 67 patients (51.5%) out of 130 had unfavorable outcome (GOS scores 1-3) and 63 patients (49.5%) presented favorable outcome (GOS scores 4 and 5). The independent preoperative prognostic factors for poor outcome were age over 65 years (P < 0.0001) and bilateral absence of pupil reactivity (P = 0.0165). After DC, onset of postoperative hydrocephalus and delayed cranioplasty (3 months after DC) was associated with unfavorable outcome at multivariate analysis (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001, respectively)., Conclusions: In our study, the development of hydrocephalus after DC for sTBI and delayed cranial reconstruction were associated with unfavorable outcome., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective and Background: Data on intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IOM) during surgery of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of IOM during microsurgery for SDAVFs., Materials and Methods: From March 2007 to March 2013, 12 patients had microsurgery with IOM for SDAVFs. The IOM included somatosensory-evoked potentials, motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), and - in selected cases - D-Waves. All patients were evaluated at admission and at follow-up (6, 12, and 24 months) with Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale for Gait-Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale (G-ALS) and Micturition-Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale (M-ALS)., Statistical Analysis Used: Logistic regression was used for detecting the clinical risk factors influencing neurological functions after the treatment., Results: During surgery, we registered the absence of significant modifications of evoked potentials in nine cases (75%), while improvement of MEPs occurred in three cases (25%). No false-negative case was registered, and IOM predicted the absence of new postoperative neurological deficit in all patients. At 24-month follow-up, nine patients improved their overall neurological status, while three patients remained stable. At univariate analysis, Aminoff-Logue Disability Scales for Gait and Micturition (G + M-ALS) score at 24-month follow-up was directly associated with the duration of symptom before the surgery ( P = 0.024), preoperative G-ALS ( P = 0.02), M-ALS ( P = 0.022), and G + M-ALS scores ( P = 0.045), and improvement of IOM after occlusion of the fistula ( P = 0.025)., Conclusions: In our series, no significant worsening of evoked potentials occurred and subsequently the surgical strategy was not changed by IOM. However, no false-negative case was registered, and IOM predicted the absence of new postoperative neurological deficit in all patients. Patients with improvement of IOM parameters after occlusion of the fistula had greater chances of postsurgical improvement at the univariate analysis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background/aim: During recent years, a survival advantage was reported for first-line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer with two new regimens, FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel, over gemcitabine monotherapy. Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel administration on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 4-week cycle is associated with some practical disadvantages. We adopted a biweekly regimen with the same dose density., Patients and Methods: Patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2 diagnosed with advanced histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic cancer and no prior treatment were included in the study. Study combination included 1.5 g/m 2 gemcitabine and 175 mg/m 2 nab-paclitaxel given every 2 weeks. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method., Results: Forty-six patients were treated with this regimen. Adverse events were similar to those of the original regimen. Median progression-free and overall survival were 5 and 10 months, respectively., Conclusion: Biweekly gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel seems to have a similar safety and efficacy profile as the original regimen., (Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Objective: Study of mortality rate and clinical outcomes in octogenarians patients operated for intracranial meningiomas., Patients and Methods: Clinical, radiological and surgical data of 25 elderly patients aging over 80 years old operated at our Department from 2013 to 2016 for intracranial meningiomas have been recorded and analyzed. One-month mortality and clinical outcome at six-months after surgery were evaluated. Logistic regression was used for detecting the risk factors influencing mortality and neurological functions., Results: The median age at diagnosis was 8185 years (range 80-87). Meningiomas were gross-total removed in 18 cases out of 25 (72%) and partially resected in 7 (28%). One-month post-operative mortality occurred in 2 pts out of 25 (8%). A close correlation was found between operative duration over 240 min and mortality (p = 0,0421). There was a significantly lower mortality in patients with ASA II rather than in patients with ASA III (p = 0,038). The median pre-operative KPS value was 743 (range 50-90) while at six-month follow-up was 82. The surgical time (p = 00,006) and size of the lesion >4 cm (p = 002) were a significant prognostic factors for clinical improvement at six-month follow-up., Conclusions: The operative time and the ASA score are the most important prognostic factors for the mortality and neurological outcome of elderly patients over 80 years old operated for intracranial meningioma. Even if the number of patients is limited, our findings suggest that, after a careful preoperative stratification in elderly patients, it is possible to remove an intracranial meningioma with good results., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Study Design: Retrospective study with long-term follow-up., Purpose: To evaluate the long-term incidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and clinical outcomes in a consecutive series of patients who underwent spinal decompression associated with dynamic or hybrid stabilization with a Flex+TM stabilization system (SpineVision, Antony, France) for lumbar spinal stenosis., Overview of Literature: The incidence of ASD and clinical outcomes following dynamic or hybrid stabilization with the Flex+TM system used for lumbar spinal stenosis have not been well investigated., Methods: Twenty-one patients with lumbar stenosis and probable post-decompressive spinal instability underwent decompressive laminectomy followed by spinal stabilization using the Flex+TM stabilization system. The indication for a mono-level dynamic stabilization was a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating evidence of severe disc disease associated with severe spinal stenosis. The hybrid stabilization (rigid-dynamic) system was used for multilevel laminectomies with associated initial degenerative scoliosis, first-grade spondylolisthesis, or rostral pathology., Results: The improvement in Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at follow-up were statistically significant ( p <0.0001 and p <0.0001, respectively). At the 5-8-year follow-up, clinical examination, MRI, and X-ray findings showed an ASD complication with pain and disability in one of 21 patients. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients treated with dynamic or hybrid fixation., Conclusions: Patients treated with laminectomy and Flex+TM stabilization presented a satisfactory clinical outcome after 5-8 years of follow-up, and ASD incidence in our series was 4.76% (one patient out of 21). We are aware that this is a small series, but our long-term follow-up may be sufficient to contribute to the expanding body of literature on the development of symptomatic ASD associated with dynamic or hybrid fixation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No authors have any conflict of interest.

The prognostic relevance of epilepsy at glioblastoma (GBMs) onset is still under debate. In this study, we analyzed the value of epilepsy and other prognostic factors on GBMs survival. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, radiological, surgical and histological data in 139 GBMs. Seizures were the presenting symptoms in 50 patients out of 139 (35.9%). 123 patients (88%) were treated with craniotomy and tumor resection while 16 (12%) with biopsy. The median overall survival was 9.9 months from surgery. At univariable Cox regression, the factors that significantly improved survival were age less than 65 years (P = 0.0015), focal without impairment of consciousness seizures at presentation (P = 0.043), complete surgical resection (P < 0.001), pre-operative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) > 70 (P = 0.015), frontal location (P < 0.001), radiotherapy (XRT) plus concomitant and adjuvant TMZ (P < 0.001). A multivariable Cox regression showed that the complete surgical resection (P < 0.0001), age less than 65 years (P = 0.008), frontal location (P = 0.0001) and XRT adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) (P < 0.0001) were independent factors on longer survival. In our series epilepsy at presentation is not an independent prognostic factor for longer survival in GBM patients. Only in the subgroup of patients with focal seizures without impairment of consciousness, epilepsy was associated with an increased significant overall survival at univariate analysis (P = 0.043). Main independent factors for relatively favorable GBMs outcome are complete tumor resection plus combined XRT-TMZ, frontal location and patient age below 65 years old.

A 21-year-old male was admitted to our department with headache and drowsiness. CT scan and MRI revealed acute obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a pineal region mass. The serum and CSF levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) were 215 IU/L and 447 IU/L, respectively, while levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were normal. A germ cell tumor (GCT) was suspected, and the patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with biopsy. After four days from surgery, the tumor bled with mass expansion and ETV stoma occlusion; thus, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was positioned. After ten months, the tumor metastasized to the thorax and abdomen with progression of intracerebral tumor mass. Despite the aggressive nature of this tumor, ETV remains a valid approach for a pineal region mass, but in case of GCT, the risk of bleeding should be taken into account, during and after the surgical procedure.

Background: The identification of psychological risk factors is important for the selection of patients before spinal surgery. Moreover, the effect of surgical decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) on psychological outcome is not previously well analyzed., Aim of Paper: to investigate clinical and psychological outcome after surgery for LSS and the effect of depressive symptoms and anxiety on the clinical outcome., Materials and Methods: A total of 25 patients with symptomatic LSS underwent decompressive surgery with or without spinal stabilization were prospectively enrolled in this observational surgery. The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) was used to assess global psychological distress with a summary score termed Global Severity Index (GSI) and single psychological disorders including depression (DEP) and anxiety (ANX). The clinical outcome of surgery was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain assessment., Results: Compared with baseline, there was a statistically significant improvement in VAS, ODI and GSI after surgery (p<0.05) in all patients. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with high GSI and anxiety and depression scores had significantly higher ODI and VAS scores in the follow-up with a bad outcome., Conclusions: Surgery for spinal stenosis was effective to treat pain and disability. In this prospective study baseline global psychological distress, depression and anxiety were associated with poorer clinical outcome., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o.)

This is a rare case of thrombosis of the dorsal vein of the penis (Mondor's disease) occurred after an anterior-lateral retroperitoneal approach for a vertebral stabilisation in thoracolumbar vertebral fracture. Potential causes are traumatism, neoplasms, excessive sexual activity or abstinence. Although penile Mondor's disease is a clinical diagnosis, ultrasound imaging is the gold standard to confirm it. In the reported case, 1 week after neurosurgical retroperitoneal procedure of vertebral stabilisation, the patient complained of a painful cord-like mass midshaft of penis. The diagnosis was made by clinical evaluation and ultrasound images. After 2 weeks of therapy with enoxaparin sodium, the patient recovered. The authors report this case evaluating the possible correlation between the anterior-lateral retroperitoneal approach and the development of the rare Mondor's disease., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Objective: To examine the long-term outcomes (minimum of 4.5 years) of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO) with preservation of anterior C1 ring to treat irreducible ventral bulbo-medullary compressions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to illustrate a novel technique of anterior pure endoscopic craniovertebral junction (CVJ) reconstruction and fusion. In fact, long-term clinical studies are still lacking to elucidate the effective role of EEO and whether it can obviate the need for posterior fixation., Methods: From November 2008 to January 2012, clinical and radiologic data of 7 patients presenting with RA and associated irreducible bulbo-medullary compression treated with EEO were analyzed retrospectively. In all patients, decompression was achieved by EEO with anterior C1 arch preservation. In the last 2 patients, after EEO, we used the spared anterior C1 arch for reconstruction of anterior column of CVJ by positioning, under pure endoscopic guidance, autologous bone and 2 tricortical screws between the anterior arch of C1 and the residual odontoid. All patients were examined clinically with Ranawat classification and radiographically with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dynamic radiography immediately after surgery and during follow-up., Results: Adequate bulbo-medullary decompression with anterior C1 arch preservation was obtained in all cases. At follow-up (average, 66.2 months; range, 51-91 months) all patients experienced an improvement at least of one Ranawat classification level and presented no clinical or radiologic signs of instability., Conclusions: EEO with anterior C1 arch sparing provides satisfying long-term results for irreducible ventral CVJ lesions in RA. The preservation of anterior C1 arch and, when possible, the reconstruction of anterior CVJ can prevent the need for posterior fusion., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report a case in which common radiologic images masked a rare case of supratentorial hemangioblastoma (HBL). Other peculiarities of this case are the clinical presentation with status epilepticus and the occurrence of a supratentorial HBL unrelated to von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Based on clinical and radiologic findings, including massive cerebral edema and hemorrhagic presentation, our preoperative diagnosis was a cerebral metastasis. In this scenario, physicians must take into account the words of the Roman fabulist Phaedrus: "Non semper ea sunt, quae videntur, decipit frons prima multos" (things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Until today the role of spinal instrumentation in the presence of a wound infection has been widely discussed and recently many authors leave the hardware in place with appropriate antibiotic therapy. This is a case of a 65-year-old woman suffering from degenerative scoliosis and osteoporotic multiple vertebral collapses treated with posterior dorsolumbar stabilisation with screws and rods. Four months later, skin necrosis and infection appeared in the cranial wound with exposure of the rods. A surgical procedure of debridement of the infected tissue and package with a myocutaneous trapezius muscle flap was performed. One week after surgery, negative pressure wound therapy was started on the residual skin defect. The wound healed after 2 months. The aim of this case report is to focus on the utility of this method even in the case of hardware exposure and infection. This may help avoid removing instrumentation and creating instability., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: 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., Method: The authors describe step by step the anterior trans-frontal endoscopic approach for management of third ventricle colloid cyst., Conclusions: The described approach has shown to be safe, quick and effective for the treatment of third-ventricle colloid cyst.

Aim: Postoperative surgical site infections (SSI) are complication of spinal surgery. These complications may lead to a poor outcome with neurological deficits, spinal deformity and chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to explore the statistical value of diagnostic parameters and the proper therapy., Method: We retrospectively reviewed 550 patients who underwent spinal instrumentation at our department from January 2011 to December 2015. The SSI was present in 16 patients out of 550 operated. Diagnostic criteria of SSI were the positivity of the surgical wound swab or blood culture, the clinical findings, positivity of laboratory tests and radiological elements. All patients had peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis. Diagnostic laboratory findings were compared with a homogeneous control group of 16 patients and analyzed by univariate statistical analysis with Chi-square test for the discrete variables. P<0,05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Matching the SSI patients with a group of control, fever was not statistically significant for diagnosis as number of leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes. On the contrary values of ESR and CRP were statistically significant with p <0, 01. The hardware was removed only in 3 patients (18%) out of 16 SSI patients., Conclusion: In this study the statistically significant parameters to diagnose SSI are ESR and CRP values. The leucocytes count, number of lymphocytes and presence of fever integrates the data of ESR and CRP with no statistical significance. Most patients with SSI reach clinical healing with favorable outcome by means of target antibiotic therapy without hardware removal.

Aim: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is typically in elderly and rarely in young people. To prevent complications and re-bleeding after surgical treatment of CSDH it is important to assess the risk factors as coagulation disorders especially in young patients (below 65 years) with no history of head trauma, alcohol abuse or anticoagulant therapy., Patients and Methods: This study consists of 16 patients (12 males, 4 females) with age ranging from 27 to 59 years (median 48,25 years) operated for CSDH. All patients are submitted to routine coagulation parameters pre-operatively and complete screening for unknown coagulation deficit in the follow-up., Results: Factor VII was altered in 6 out of 16 patients and one patient had the alteration of the Von Willebrand factor. Recurrence occurred in 4 out of 16 patients and all of these patients were positive for factor VII deficiency. Three pts were in therapy with ASA. No patients were alcoholists or suffered from hematological disease., Conclusion: In this study we documented that the decreased activity of VII factor may play a role in the pathophysiology and recurrence of spontaneous CSDH in young adults. We suggest that for young patients aged under 65 y.o. suffered from CSDH the screening of coagulation factors is useful to planning a safely and correct surgical therapy.

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., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This is a rare case of giant lumbar pseudomeningocele with intra-abdominal extension in patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The patient's clinical course is retrospectively reviewed. A 34-year-old female affected by NF1 was referred to our institution for persistent low back pain and MRI diagnosis of pseudomeningocele located at L3 level with paravertebral extension. From the first surgical procedure by a posterior approach until the relapse of the pseudomeningocele documented by MRI, the patient underwent two subsequent posterior surgical procedures to repair the dural sac defect with fat graft and fibrin glue. One month after the third operation, the abdominal MRI showed a giant intra-abdominal pseudomeningocele causing compression of visceral structures. The patient was asymptomatic. The pseudomeningocele was treated with an anterior abdominal approach and the use of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) sutured directly on the dural defect on the anterolateral wall of the spinal canal. After six months of follow-up the MRI showed no relapse of the pseudomeningocele. Our case highlights the possible use of ADM as an effective and safe alternative to the traditional fat graft to repair challenging and large dural defects., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no competing interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the long-term C1-C2 fusion rates, fracture healing, and functional outcomes in geriatric patients with type II odontoid fracture treated with posterior fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws., Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients between 2005 and 2011 with Anderson and D'Alonzo type II odontoid fracture underwent a posterior atlantoaxial fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws. A long-term clinical and radiologic follow-up was achieved in all patients with a mean follow-up period of 53.28 ± 15.41 months (range 38-91 months)., Results: All 21 patients had bilateral C1 lateral mass screws and bilateral C2 pars screws. Correct positioning of the C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws was observed in all 42 placements by postoperative computed tomography scans. No vascular or neurologic complication was noted. At the last follow-up, 20 patients (95.24%) had a solid fusion (defined as Lenke fusion grade A or B) while 1 patient (4.76%) had a partial fusion (Lenke fusion grade C). Overall, no hardware failures occurred in any patient. Odontoid fracture healing was achieved in 18 patients out of 21 (85.71%). The mean postoperative Neck Disability Index score was 12.73%, and neck motion was within normal physiologic limits at 12 months., Conclusions: This study adds to the evidence that posterior atlantoaxial fixation with polyaxial C1 lateral mass screws and C2 pars screws is a safe and effective surgical option in the treatment of odontoid fractures including long-term stability., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The surgical management of thoracolumbar burst fractures frequently involves posterior pedicle screw fixation. However, the application of short- or long-segment instrumentation is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of the short-segment fixation with inclusion of the fracture level (SSFIFL) versus the traditional long-segment fixation (LSF) for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar junction fractures., Methods: From December 2009 to February 2014, 60 patients with unstable thoracolumbar junction fractures (T11-L2) were divided into two groups according to the number of instrumented levels. Group 1 included 30 patients treated by SSFIFL (six-screw construct including the fracture level). Group 2 included 30 patients treated by LSF (eight-screw construct excluding the fracture level). Local kyphosis angle (LKA), anterior body height (ABH), posterior body height (PBH), ABH/PBH ratio of fractured vertebra, and Asia Scale Impairment Scale were evaluated., Results: The two groups were similar in regard to age, sex, trauma etiology, fracture level, fracture type, neurologic status, pre-operative LKA, ABH, PBH, and ABH/PBH ratio and follow-up (p > 0.05). Reduction of post-traumatic kyphosis (assessed with LKA) and restoration of fracture-induced wedge shape of the vertebral body (assessed with ABH, PBH, and ABH/PBH ratio) at post-operative period were not significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.234; p = 0.754). There was no significant difference between the two groups in term of correction loss at the last follow-up too (LKA was 15.97° ± 5.62° for SSFIFL and 17.76° ± 11.22° for LSF [p = 0.427]). Neurological outcome was similar in both groups., Conclusions: Inclusion of fracture level in a short-segment fixation for a thoracolumbar junction fractures results in a kyphosis correction and in a maintenance of the sagittal alignment similar to a long-segment instrumentation. Finally, this technique allowed us to save two or more segments of vertebral motion.

Background: During the past decades, the transoral transpharyngeal approach has been advocated as the standard route for the removal of odontoid causing an irreducible symptomatic neural compression. However, it may be potentially associated with a significant built-in morbidity because of the splitting of the soft palate for an adequate working angle, tracheostomy, and incision of the oral mucosa, causing exposure to a higher risk of infection by oral flora., Objective: To describe our experience with the minimally invasive pure endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomy in patients with bulbomedullary compression affected by complex anterior craniovertebral junction abnormalities., Methods: Five patients underwent a pure endoscopic neuronavigation-assisted transnasal odontoidectomy with anterior C1 arch preservation. Moreover, the anterior cervical spine column was reconstructed by filling the gap between the C1 arch and the residual C2 body with autologous/artificial bone. Neither tracheostomy nor enteral tube feeding were needed in any case., Results: A postoperative neurological improvement was observed in all patients. Postoperative imaging confirmed a satisfactory spinal cord decompression with cervical anterior column arthrodesis, and without evidence of instability at follow-up, so far., Conclusion: The endoscopic transnasal approach seems to represent an efficient and safe alternative to the transoral route for the resection of odontoid process causing irreducible bulbomedullary compression. It provides a straightforward and minimally invasive natural surgical corridor to the anterior craniocervical junction, allowing a better working angle with preservation of spine biomechanics, while minimizing potential comorbidities.

Background: Paradoxical brain herniation (PBH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of decompressive craniectomy (DC) and results from the combined effects of brain gravity, atmospheric pressure and intracranial hypotension causing herniation in the direction opposite to the site of the DC with subsequent brainstem compression. To date, the cases of PBH reported in literature are spontaneous or provoked by a lumbar puncture, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, or ventriculostomy., Case Description: We present an uncommon case of PBH provoked by percutaneous drainage of a huge subdural hygroma (SH) ipsilateral to the decompressive craniectomy causing mass effect and neurologic deterioration. After percutaneous evacuation of SH, the patient became unresponsive with dilated and fixed left pupil. A brain computed tomography scan showed marked midline shift in the direction opposite to the craniectomy site with subfalcine herniation and effacement of the peripontine cisterns. Paradoxical brain herniation (PBH) was diagnosed. Conservative treatment failed, and the patient required an emergency cranioplasty for reverse PBH., Conclusions: The present case highlights the possibility that all forms of CSF depletion, including percutaneous drainage of subdural CSF collection and not only CSF shunting and/or lumbar puncture, can be dangerous for patients with large craniotomies and result in PBH. Moreover, an emergency cranioplasty could represent a safe and effective procedure in patients not responding to conservative treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)