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OBJECTIVE The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) has prompted a paradigm shift in the approach to posterior circulation aneurysms. The year 2021 marks a decade since FDA approval of this flow diverter, and during this time operators have adapted to its off-label uses. The authors examined whether case selection, practice trends, and patient outcomes have changed over this 10-year period. METHODS This study is a retrospective review of consecutive posterior circulation aneurysms managed with the PED at four academic institutions in the US between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2021. Factors related to case selection, rates of aneurysm occlusion, or complications were identified and evaluated. Angiographic outcomes as well as thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications were investigated. RESULTS This study included 117 patients (median age 60 years). At a median follow-up of 12 months, adequate occlusion (> 90%) was attained in 73.2% of aneurysms. Aneurysm occlusion rates were similar over the study interval. Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications were reported in 12.0% and 6.0% of the procedures, respectively. There was a nonsignificant trend toward a decline in the rate of thromboembolic (14.1% in 2011–2015 vs 9.4% in 2016–2021, p = 0.443) and hemorrhagic (9.4% in 2011–2015 vs 1.9% in 2016–2021, p = 0.089) complications. CONCLUSIONS The authors observed a trend toward a decline in the rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications with improved operator experience in using the PED for posterior circulation aneurysms. The use of single-device PED flow diversion significantly increased, as did the tendency to treat smaller aneurysms and observe large unruptured fusiform/dolichoectatic lesions. These findings reflect changes attributable to evolving judgment with maturing experience in PED use.

Background The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device was explicitly designed for wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. Small-scale reports have evaluated the off-label use of WEB devices for the treatment of sidewall aneurysms, with promising outcomes. Purpose To compare the angiographic and clinical outcomes of the WEB device for the treatment of sidewall aneurysms compared with the treatment of bifurcation aneurysms. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of the WorldWideWEB Consortium, a synthesis of retrospective databases spanning from January 2011 to June 2021 at 22 academic institutions in North America, South America, and Europe, was performed to identify patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the WEB device. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match by age, pretreatment ordinal modified Rankin Scale score, ruptured aneurysms, location of aneurysm, multiple aneurysms, prior treatment, neck, height, dome width, daughter sac, and incorporated branch. Results A total of 683 intracranial aneurysms were treated using the WEB device in 671 patients (median age, 61 years [IQR, 53-68 years]; male-to-female ratio, 1:2.5). Of those, 572 were bifurcation aneurysms and 111 were sidewall aneurysms. PSM was performed, resulting in 91 bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms pairs. No significant difference was observed in occlusion status at last follow-up, deployment success, or complication rates between the two groups. Conclusion No significantly different outcomes were observed following the off-label use of the Woven EndoBridge, or WEB, device for treatment of sidewall aneurysms compared with bifurcation aneurysms. The correct characterization of the sidewall aneurysm location, neck angle, and size is crucial for successful treatment and lower retreatment rate. © RSNA, 2022 See also the editorial by Hetts in this issue.

PURPOSE: Children with myelomeningocele are known to be consumers of substantial healthcare resources, with many early hospital encounters. The purpose of this study was to survey the extent of medical and surgical care that patients with myelomeningocele receive during the first four years of life. METHODS: Clinical and demographic data were collected on newborn infants with open myelomeningocele from the Children’s of Alabama Spina Bifida Web Tracker, a prospective, comprehensive spina bifida database. Additional data pertaining to all hospital admissions, surgical procedures, and clinic visits were collected from the medical record. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen subjects with a primary diagnosis of myelomeningocele between 2004 and 2015 were included. Males slightly predominated (55%), 61.4% were Caucasian, 11% Hispanic/Latino; 28% had a mid-lumbar functional lesion level. Over the first four years of life, 688 total surgical procedures were performed (an average of 86 per child): 438 in year 1, 100 in year 2, 84 in year 3, and 66 in year 4. The mean number of hospital visits was 40.5. Total average drive time per patient over 4 years being 103.8 hours. Average number of nights spent in the hospital was 51. CONCLUSION: Children with myelomeningocele need multiple hospitalizations, surgeries, and medical encounters in the first 4 years of life. These data will be valuable when counselling new parents and prospective parents of children with this condition.

Background Carbon dioxide is a potent cerebral vasodilator that may influence outcomes after ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intraprocedural mean end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) levels on core infarct expansion and neurologic outcome following thrombectomy for anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients from March 2020 to June 2021 who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke under general anesthesia and achieved successful recanalization (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [TICI] ≥ 2b). Only patients with CT perfusion, procedural ETCO2, and postoperative MRI data were included. Segmentation software was used for multi-parametric image analysis. Normocarbia defined as mean ETCO2 of 35 mmHg was used to dichotomize subjects. Univariate and multivariate statistics were applied. Results Fifty-eight patients met criteria for analysis. Of these, 44 had TICI 3 recanalization, 9 had TICI 2c, and 5 had TICI 2b. Within this combined recanalization group, patients with mean ETCO2 > 35 had significantly higher rates of functional independence at 90 days. Although patients tended to salvage more penumbra and experience smaller final infarcts when ETCO2 exceeded 35 mmHg, this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Stroke patients who underwent successful thrombectomy with general anesthesia achieved higher rates of functional independence when procedural ETCO2 exceeded 35 mmHg. Further studies to confirm this effect and investigate optimal ETCO2 parameters should be considered.

Recently, more neurosurgical residency programs have transitioned from a post-graduate year (PGY)-7 to a PGY-6 chief year. There has not been a national analysis of resident and program director perceptions regarding the timing of chief year conductance and its influence on overall program satisfaction.An online survey was distributed to all North American PGY 4-7 residents and program directors. Data regarding program size, protected research timing, chief year timing (PGY-6 vs PGY-7) and resident and program director perceptions of the influence of neurosurgical chief year timing on program satisfaction and ability of residents to practice were recorded. Survey results were summarized descriptively.A total of 134 respondents completed the survey. Thirty-five percent of respondents reported a recent program transition from a PGY-7 to PGY-6 chief year while 44% of respondents at programs conducting a PGY-7 chief year reported they were interested in transitioning to a PGY-6 chief year. The large majority (76%) of respondents at PGY-6 chief year programs stated they were overall satisfied with this. A large percentage of all respondents reported that a PGY-6 chief year provided increased opportunity for subspecialty focus, enfolded fellowships and career planning.Program directors and residents at PGY-6 chief year programs report a high level of satisfaction with close to half of those at PGY-7 programs desiring to make this transition. Most PGY-6 chief year respondents report this model allows for greater sub-specialty focus and career planning during the PGY-7 year.

Several studies have shown promising outcomes of the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial bifurcation aneurysms. This is a multicenter study attempts to explore the changes in trends and treatment outcomes over time for WEB embolization of intracranial aneurysms. The WorldWideWEB consortium is a retrospective multicenter collaboration of data from international centers spanning from January 2011 and June 2021, with no limitations on aneurysm location or rupture status. Both bifurcation and sidewall aneurysms were included. These patients were stratified based on treatment year into five treatment intervals: 2011-2015 (N = 66), 2016-2017 (N = 77), 2018 (N = 66), 2019 (N = 300), and 2020-2021 (N = 173). Patient characteristics and angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between these time intervals. This study comprised 671 patients (median age 61.4 years; 71.2% female) with 682 intracranial aneurysms. Over time, we observed an increasing tendency to treat patients presenting with ruptured aneurysms and aneurysms with smaller neck, diameter, and dome widths. Furthermore, we observed a trend towards more off-label use of the WEB for sidewall aneurysms and increased adoption of transradial access for WEB deployment. Moreover, the proportion of patients with adequate WEB occlusion immediately and at last follow-up was significantly higher in more recent year cohorts, as well as lower rates of compaction and retreatment. Mortality and complications did not differ over time. This learning curve study suggests improved experience using the WEB for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and has yielded higher rates of adequate occlusion over time.

Background Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Among the most common sequelae of aSAH is delayed cerebral ischemia. Hyperdynamic therapy (fluid supplementation and hypertension) is used to increase cerebral perfusion. However, the safety of hyperdynamic therapy in patients with separate unruptured, unsecured intracranial aneurysms is not well-established. Herein, a rare case demonstrating the rapid evolution and rupture of an incidental unsecured aneurysm in the setting of hyperdynamic therapy is presented. Case Description A 56-year-old woman without significant medical history presented with aSAH secondary to rupture of a 3-mm left posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. After endovascular treatment of this aneurysm, she developed symptomatic vasospasm prompting initiation of hyperdynamic therapy. Seven days after initiation of hyperdynamic therapy, she experienced rupture of an incidental pericallosal artery aneurysm that was found to have increased in size during the hyperdynamic therapy. She ultimately survived and was functionally independent approximately 1 year after her initial ictus. Conclusions This case demonstrates that enlargement and rupture of an incidental, previously unruptured aneurysm may occur during hyperdynamic therapy.

BackgroundFlow diversion is a common endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms, but studies comparing different types of flow diverters are scarce.ObjectiveTo perform a propensity score matched cohort study comparing the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) and Flow Redirection Intraluminal Device (FRED) for posterior circulation aneurysms.MethodsConsecutive aneurysms of the posterior circulation treated at 25 neurovascular centers with either PED or FRED were collected. Propensity score matching was used to control for age, duration of follow-up imaging, adjunctive coiling, and aneurysm location, size, and morphology; previously ruptured aneurysms were excluded. The two devices were compared for the following outcomes: procedural complications, aneurysm occlusion, and functional outcome.ResultsA total of 375 aneurysms of the posterior circulation were treated in 369 patients. The PED was used in 285 (77.2%) and FRED in 84 (22.8%) procedures. Aneurysms treated with the PED were more commonly fusiform and larger than those treated with FRED. To account for these important differences, propensity score matching was performed resulting in 33 PED and FRED unruptured aneurysm pairs. No differences were found in occlusion status and neurologic thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications between the two devices. The proportion of patients with favorable functional outcome was higher with FRED (100% vs 87.9%, p=0.04).ConclusionComparative analysis of PED and FRED for the treatment of unruptured posterior circulation aneurysms did not identify significant differences in aneurysm occlusion or neurologic complications. Variations in functional outcomes warrant additional investigations.

Background Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can occur in all regions of the brain and spinal cord, with clinical consequences and risks varying by location. Delayed AVM rupture despite digital subtraction angiography–confirmed obliteration post-radiation is exceedingly rare. Case Description To our knowledge, we present the first documented case of delayed hemorrhage associated with a cerebellar AVM 5 years after linear accelerator–based radiation in a man aged 31 years despite apparent angiographic obliteration. Conclusions Intracranial hemorrhage after radiosurgery in digital subtraction angiography–confirmed obliterated AVMs is rare, with limited understanding of risk factors, appropriate preventative management, and mechanisms of occurrence. This case serves to demonstrate the need for greater awareness of this rare complication, as well as the need for appropriate surveillance and management strategies.

Background: There are a limited data examining the effects of prior hemorrhage on outcomes after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture and compare outcomes, including post-SRS hemorrhage, between patients presenting with ruptured and unruptured AVMs. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing SRS for intracranial AVMs between 2009 and 2019 at our institution was conducted. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify patient and AVM factors associated with AVM rupture at presentation and outcomes after SRS including the development of recurrent hemorrhage in both ruptured and unruptured groups. Results: Of 210 consecutive patients with intracranial AVMs treated with SRS, 73 patients (34.8%) presented with AVM rupture. Factors associated with AVM rupture included smaller AVM diameter, deep venous drainage, cerebellar location, and the presence of intranidal aneurysms (P < 0.05). In 188 patients with adequate follow-up time (mean 42.7 months), the overall post-SRS hemorrhage rate was 8.5% and was not significantly different between ruptured and unruptured groups (10.3 vs. 7.5%, P = 0.51). There were no significant differences in obliteration rate, time to obliteration, or adverse effects requiring surgery or steroids between unruptured and ruptured groups. Conclusion: Smaller AVM size, deep venous drainage, and associated intranidal aneurysms were associated with rupture at presentation. AVM rupture at presentation was not associated with an increased risk of recurrent hemorrhage or other complication after SRS when compared to unruptured AVM presentation. Obliteration rates were similar between ruptured and unruptured groups.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is particularly useful for treatment of deep arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in eloquent territory with a high associated surgical risk. Prior studies have demonstrated high rates of AVM obliteration with SRS (60%-80%) in a latency period of 2-4 years for complete obliteration. Studies have identified several factors associated with successful obliteration of the AVM nidus; however, these present inconsistent and conflicting data. The aim of this single-center study was to examine factors associated with successful obliteration of AVMs treated with SRS.A retrospective review was performed of 210 consecutive patients undergoing SRS for brain AVMs between 2010 and 2019. The χYounger age (P = 0.034) and prior embolization (P = 0.012) were associated with complete obliteration. The presence of coronary artery disease was associated with incomplete obliteration (P = 0.04). No AVM characteristics were statistically associated with complete obliteration, although superficial venous drainage (P = 0.08) and frontal location (P = 0.06) trended toward significance.Successful obliteration of the AVM nidus was significantly associated with younger age and prior embolization. The presence of coronary artery disease negatively affected obliteration rates. These results add to the mixed results seen in the literature and emphasize the need for continued studies to delineate more specific patient and AVM factors that contribute to successful obliteration.

Study Design Systematic review Objectives It remains unknown whether general anesthesia (GA) or local ± epidural anesthesia (LA) results in superior outcomes with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). The present study sought to examine the impact of anesthesia type on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and complications with PELD. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis examining PELD performed under GA or LA was conducted. Patient-reported outcomes including Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-leg/back, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were collected. Complication, recurrent disc herniation, durotomy, and reoperation rates as well as surgical data were recorded. All outcomes were compared between pooled studies examining GA or LA. Results Sixty-eight studies consisting of 5269 patients (724 GA, 4465 LA) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall complication rate was significantly higher in the GA group (9% vs 4%, P = .003). Durotomy rates, length of stay, recurrent disc herniation and reoperation rates were similar between groups. At the first follow-up timepoint, the LA group demonstrated significant improvements in VAS back and ODI scores ( P < .05) while the GA group did not ( P > .05). At the final follow-up (> 6 months), the percent of patients achieving an excellent McNab score was significantly higher in the GA vs LA group ( P < .001). Conclusions Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with LA may be associated with greater short-term improvement in VAS back pain and ODI scores. General anesthesia may be associated with more durable pain relief but a higher complication rate. Further systematic investigation is necessary to determine what short and long term benefits are associated with PELD performed under LA and GA.

Background: Aneurysmal persistence after flow diversion (FD) occurs in 5% to 25% of aneurysms, which may necessitate retreatment. There are limited data on safety/efficacy of repeat FD—a frequently utilized strategy in such cases. Methods: A series of consecutive patients undergoing FD retreatment from 15 centers were reviewed (2011–2019), with inclusion criteria of repeat FD for the same aneurysm at least 6 months after initial treatment, with minimum of 6 months post-retreatment imaging. The primary outcome was aneurysmal occlusion, and secondary outcome was safety. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of incomplete occlusion (90%–99% and Results: Ninety-five patients (median age, 57 years; 81% women) harboring 95 aneurysms underwent 198 treatment procedures. Majority of aneurysms were unruptured (87.4%), saccular (74.7%), and located in the internal carotid artery (79%; median size, 9 mm). Median elapsed time between the first and second treatment was 12.2 months. Last available follow-up was at median 12.8 months after retreatment, and median 30.6 months after the initial treatment, showing complete occlusion in 46.2% and near-complete occlusion (90%–99%) in 20.4% of aneurysms. There was no difference in ischemic complications following initial treatment and retreatment (4.2% versus 4.2%; P >0.99). On multivariable regression, fusiform morphology had higher nonocclusion odds after retreatment (odds ratio [OR], 7.2 [95% CI, 1.97–20.8]). Family history of aneurysms was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.04–0.78]). Likewise, positive smoking history was associated with lower odds of nonocclusion (OR, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.1–0.86]). History of hypertension trended toward incomplete occlusion (OR, 3.10 [95% CI, 0.98–6.3]), similar to incorporated branch into aneurysms (OR, 2.78 [95% CI, 0.98–6.8]). Conclusions: Repeat FD for persistent aneurysms carries a reasonable success/safety profile. Satisfactory occlusion (100% and 90%–99% occlusion) was encountered in two-thirds of patients, with similar complications between the initial and subsequent retreatments. Fusiform morphology was the strongest predictor of retreatment failure.

Seizure control after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is an area of growing interest, with previous studies reporting up to 70% seizure freedom after treatment. The goals of this study were to identify specific patient and AVM characteristics associated with seizure presentation and seizure outcomes after SRS treatment.A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing SRS for brain AVMs between 2009 and 2019 at our institution was conducted. Chi-squared and logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify patient and AVM factors associated with preoperative seizure presentation and development of new onset seizures after SRS.Two hundred ten consecutive patients presenting with AVMs treated with SRS were reviewed. Factors associated with seizure presentation included larger AVM size (P = 0.02), superficial venous drainage (P 0.05), and parietal location (P = 0.04). Of 188 patients with follow-up (90%), 30 patients presented with seizures and 14 (47%) were seizure-free post-SRS. Of 158 patients presenting without seizure, 29 (18%) developed de novo seizures during follow-up. De novo post-SRS seizures were associated with prior craniotomy for resection of AVM (P = 0.04), post-treatment hemorrhage (P = 0.02), parietal location (P = 0.05), adverse effect requiring steroids (P0.01), and adverse effect requiring surgery (P0.01).Seizures are a common presentation of brain AVMs and can be treated effectively with SRS. However, seizures can also be a complication of SRS and are associated with post-treatment hemorrhage, edema, and need for future open surgery.

OBJECTIVE Carotid webs (CWs) are an increasingly recognized source of recurrent stroke among young patients without conventional vascular risk factors. There have been no previous studies demonstrating that specific web morphological characteristics correlate with a higher stroke risk. The authors aim to report distinct morphological features of symptomatic and asymptomatic CWs. METHODS The authors performed a cross-sectional study of patients with CWs detected on CT angiography (CTA) of the neck. Patients were categorized based on whether or not they presented with stroke ipsilaterally and if it was likely to be attributable to their web. The following CW morphological variables were recorded and compared based on CTA: length, thickness, angle, and the proportion of carotid bulb lumen occupied by the web (web-to-bulb ratio [WBR]). RESULTS A total of 86 CWs were identified, 14 of which presented with stroke (16.3%). Patients presenting with stroke had webs that were significantly longer (4.18 mm vs 2.20 mm, p = 0.001) and were situated at more acute angles relative to the carotid wall (73.2° vs 94.9°, p = 0.004). Additionally, patients presenting with stroke had higher WBRs compared to the asymptomatic cohort (0.50 vs 0.36, p = 0.008). The optimal threshold associated with stroke was web length ≥ 3.1 mm (OR 15.2, 95% CI 3.73–61.8; p < 0.001), web angle ≤ 90.1° (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.42–17.6; p = 0.012), and WBR ≥ 0.50 (OR 30.0, 95% CI 5.94–151; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CWs that occupy more than half of the diameter of the carotid bulb lumen and are situated at acute angles relative to the carotid wall are more likely to present with acute ischemic stroke. Additional studies are needed to determine the long-term outcomes of these lesions.

OBJECTIVE Transradial access (TRA) is commonly utilized in neurointerventional procedures. This study compared the technical and clinical outcomes of the use of TRA versus those of transfemoral access (TFA) for intracranial aneurysm embolization with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of the Worldwide WEB Consortium, which comprises multicenter data related to adult patients with intracranial aneurysms who were managed with the WEB device. These aneurysms were categorized into two groups: those who were treated with TRA or TFA. Patient and aneurysm characteristics and technical and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match groups according to the following baseline characteristics: age, sex, subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysm location, bifurcation aneurysm, aneurysm with incorporated branch, neck width, aspect ratio, dome width, and elapsed time since the last follow-up imaging evaluation. RESULTS This study included 682 intracranial aneurysms (median [interquartile range] age 61.3 [53.0–68.0] years), of which 561 were treated with TFA and 121 with TRA. PSM resulted in 65 matched pairs. After PSM, both groups had similar characteristics, angiographic and functional outcomes, and rates of retreatment, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, and death. TFA was associated with longer procedure length (median 96.5 minutes vs 72.0 minutes, p = 0.006) and fluoroscopy time (28.2 minutes vs 24.8 minutes, p = 0.037) as compared with TRA. On the other hand, deployment issues were more common in those treated with TRA, but none resulted in permanent complications. CONCLUSIONS TRA has comparable outcomes, with shorter procedure and fluoroscopy time, to TFA for aneurysm embolization with the WEB device.

Background: Involvement of the palliative care service has potential for patient and family benefit in critically ill patients, regardless of etiology. Anecdotally, there is a lack of invo...

BackgroundThe Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is a novel intrasaccular flow disruptor tailored for bifurcation aneurysms. We aim to describe the degree of aneurysm occlusion at the latest follow-up, and the rate of complications of aneurysms treated with the WEB device stratified according to rupture status.MethodsOur data were taken from the WorldWideWeb Consortium, an international multicenter cohort including patients treated with the WEB device. Aneurysms were classified into two groups: ruptured and unruptured. We compared clinical and radiologic outcomes of both groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was done to match according to age, gender, bifurcation, location, prior treatment, neck, height, dome width, daughter sac, incorporated branch, pretreatment antiplatelets, and last imaging follow-up.ResultsThe study included 676 patients with 691 intracranial aneurysms (529 unruptured and 162 ruptured) treated with the WEB device. The PSM analysis had 55 pairs. In both the unmatched (85.8% vs 84.3%, p=0.692) and matched (94.4% vs 83.3%, p=0.066) cohorts there was no significant difference in the adequate occlusion rate at the last follow-up. Likewise, there were no significant differences in both ischemic and hemorrhagic complications between the two groups. There was no documented aneurysm rebleeding after WEB device implantation.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in both the radiologic outcomes and complications between unruptured and ruptured aneurysms. Our findings support the feasibility of treatment of ruptured aneurysms with the WEB device.

BACKGROUNDCentral nervous system neurenteric cysts (NCs) represent a rare entity thought to arise from failure of the separation of endodermal and neuroectodermal elements during week 3 of embryogenesis. They account for 0.7–1.3% of all spinal cord lesions and are typically intradural extramedullary lesions located near the cervicothoracic junction. Most NCs are associated with multisystem malformation disorders, making a solitary extramedullary NC a rare entity.OBSERVATIONSA 45-year-old man presented with progressive right lower-extremity weakness and an inability to walk. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an approximately 1.6 × 1.1 × 2.7–cm, T2 hyperintense, nonenhancing, intradural, extramedullary cystic lesion at the level of C6–7 eccentric to the right with atrophy of the spinal cord. An anterior surgical approach was used for resection of the cyst in totality with C6–7 corpectomies and anterior plating and fixation from C5 to T1. Postoperatively at 1 month, the patient denied any significant neck or arm pain and demonstrated improving right lower-extremity strength, allowing some funcitonal independence.LESSONSA solitary, extramedullary cervical NC is a rare entity, with a posterior surgical approach for resection primarily described in the literature. The authors present anterior corpectomy and plating with fixation as a viable surgical approach for this rare pathology.

Background and importance Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is a malignant neoplasm of epithelial origin that typically arises from the mandible or maxilla. It represents approximately 2% of all odontogenic tumors. Gross total resection is the surgical goal given AC's aggressiveness and propensity for recurrence. We present the first reported AC metastasis to the cervical spine. Clinical presentation A 61-yr-old African American female with a history of AC of bilateral mandibles and lung metastases presented with neck pain and right arm weakness progressive over several months. Cervical spine imaging demonstrated a cervical 3 pathological fracture with severe anterior vertebral body compression and resultant cervical 2-3 kyphotic deformity and bony retropulsion causing severe cord compression. The patient underwent a cervical 3 corpectomy and cervical 2-4 anterior fixation followed by a cervical 3 laminectomy and cervical 2-5 dorsal internal fixation and fusion. Postoperatively, the patient's neurological exam remained stable and imaging showed improved spinal alignment and appropriate anterior and posterior instrumentation. Unfortunately, the patient thereafter suffered a decline in performance status and progression of lung metastatic disease. Her oncology team is considering chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, but her prognosis remains grim. Conclusion AC is a rare and aggressive pathology with a poor prognosis despite multimodal therapy. We present the first case of AC metastatic spread to the spine. We aim to bring this pathology to the attention of our worldwide neurosurgical colleagues and share our surgical approach and multidisciplinary management to assist those who may encounter this pathology in the future.

Background Given recent technological advancements leading to better outcomes in endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), updated guidelines recommend thrombectomy as the standard of care in acute large vessel occlusions. However, use of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation continues to be discussed. Two previous randomized trials have shown no significant difference between the use of conscious sedation compared with general anesthesia. Methods The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with acute ischemia who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy between September 2014 and May 2020 at a Level 1 stroke center. Patient characteristics along with clinical and operative data were extracted. Frequency distributions of selected characteristics were obtained and statistical significance of any differences according to the mode of anesthesia was assessed. Results A total of 480 patients were included in this study, 257 underwent general anesthesia and 223 underwent conscious sedation. Length of stay (LOS) in the ICU nor length of hospital stay was significantly different between groups. Change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from admission to discharge, procedure times, and discharge disposition were not found to be significantly associated with either group although there was a trend towards longer door to puncture time with general anesthesia. Discharge disposition was found to be significantly associated with admission NIHSS (p=0.04). There was a trend towards longer hospital stay in patients with worse admission NIHSS (p=0.09). Success of thrombectomy was not significantly different between both anesthesia groups (p=0.37). Conclusions This large, single-center retrospective cohort study echoes the results of two previous randomized controlled trials in demonstrating non-inferiority of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation in cases of intra-arterial thrombectomy for AIS. These results contrast those of previously published retrospective studies.

Background Abscesses of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) or cavum septi pellucidi et vergae (CSPV) are exceedingly rare with only ten cases previously reported. As so few cases have been published, there is no consensus on optimal management strategies with some recommending operative drainage and some suggesting more conservative approaches. Case description In this study we present the first reported case of a 51-year-old male presenting with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and abscess of the CSPV secondary to otomastoiditis, treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics. A comprehensive review of the literature on CSP and CSPV abscesses was conducted with a focus on management strategies. Conclusions We conclude, clinical condition permitting, that medical treatment should be the initial strategy selected for the management of CSP and CSPV abscesses.

Objective The frequency incidence of decompressive hemicraniectomy following intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory was assessed as a surrogate for morbidity. Methods A single-institution retrospective chart review was conducted involving 209 consecutive patients between September 2014 and May 2017 with infarctions affecting the MCA territory and who subsequently underwent IAT. The outcomes of interest included the frequency of hemicraniectomy following IAT and the effects of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) use and primary occlusion site on the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score. Results Thirty-one patients were excluded for infarctions not involving the MCA territory. A total of 178 patients were included in the study. Sixty-eight patients (38.6%) had infarctions of less than one-third of the MCA territory, 50 (28.4%) had infarctions between one-third and two-thirds, and 58 (33%) had infarctions involving greater than two-thirds with 54.3% suffering infarctions of the left side. Only four patients (2.2%) required a hemicraniectomy with no statistically significant association found between TICI score and hemicraniectomy (p=0.41) or between administration of IV tPA and hemicraniectomy (p=0.36). The primary occlusion site was found to influence TICI score (p=0.045). Conclusion A very small number of patients required hemicraniectomy after IAT as compared to previously published rates in the literature. However, several factors may prevent the patient from being an appropriate hemicraniectomy candidate in the first place and the small number of these patients in this study limits statistical analysis. The variables that determine a patient's candidacy for decompressive hemicraniectomy remains multi-factorial.

Background Aneurysmal persistence after flow-diversion (FD) occurs in 5–25% of aneurysms which might necessitate further treatment. A frequently used retreatment paradigm utilizes the deployment of another flow-diverting device (FDD) in a telescoping fashion within the existing device. There are no current data evaluating this strategy. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing FD retreatment from 15 centers was performed, with inclusion criteria being repeat FD occurring for the same aneurysm at least 6 months after initial treatment, with minimum of 6 months of imaging follow-up after retreatment. Primary outcome was aneurysmal occlusion, and secondary outcomes were safety and complications. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify predictors of persistence/occlusion after retreatment. Comparative Kaplan-Meier curves were developed to assess the effect of early (6–12 months since initial treatment) vs late retreatment (>12 months since initial treatment) on the cumulative incidence of aneurysm occlusion over time. Results Ninety-five patients (median age 57, 81% females) harboring 95 aneurysms underwent 198 treatment procedures. In our cohort, 87.4% of aneurysms were unruptured; 74.7% were saccular and 79% were located in the internal carotid artery (median maximal diameter 9-mm), with 87 patients treated twice and 8 patients treated thrice. Median elapsed-time between first and second treatment was 12.2 months. Last available follow-up was performed at median of 12.8 months after retreatment, and median of 30.6 months after initial treatment, showing complete occlusion in 46.2%, and near-complete occlusion (90–99%) in 20.4% of aneurysms. No difference in ischemic complications following initial treatment and retreatment (4.2% vs 4.2; p>0.99). On multivariable logistic regression, fusiform morphology was associated with higher odds of non-occlusion after retreatment (OR 7.2; p=0.003), with history of hypertension and incorporated branch into aneurysms trending toward incomplete occlusion (p=0.055 and p=0.054; respectively). Family history of aneurysms and positive smoking history were associated with higher odds of complete occlusion (p=0.019 and p=0.026; respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves comparative estimators showed no significant difference in time-to-occlusion between the two groups (log rank test, p=0.48). Conclusion Repeat flow diversion for persistent aneurysms is safe and effective. Fusiform morphology is the strongest predictor of aneurysmal persistence after repeat flow diversion. Disclosures M. Salem: None. A. Sweid: None. A. Kuhn: None. A. Dmytriw: None. S. Gomez-Paz: None. G. Maragkos: None. M. Waqas: None. C. Parra-Farinas: None. A. Salehani: None. N. Adeeb: None. P. Brouwer: None. G. Pickett: None. M. Ghuman: None. V. Yang: None. A. Weill: None. C. Cognard: None. L. Renieri: None. P. Kan: None. N. Limbucci: None. V. Mendes Pereira: None. M. Harrigan: None. A. Puri: None. E. Levy: None. J. Moore: None. C. Ogilvy: None. T. Marotta: None. P. Jabbour: None. A. Thomas: None.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented strain on the health care system. An adaptive strategy for the handling of thrombectomy for patients with large vessel occlusion has evolved at our center to optimize patient care while also minimizing risk of virus transmission. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the new thrombectomy protocol by comparing thrombectomy times and patient outcomes during the pandemic and pre pandemic period. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent emergent thrombectomy from April 4th, 2020 to August 25th, 2020 (pandemic period) and between December 2nd, 2019 to April 3rd, 2020 (pre-pandemic period). The new protocol centered on a standardized approach to airway management in patients considered ‘high-risk’ for infection. An array of patient-specific factors and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 126 patients were included in the study. There was no significant difference in door-to-recanalization or other time parameters between the two groups (138 minutes during the pandemic vs. 129 minutes pre-pandemic; p=0.37). However, outcomes measured as discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were worse for patients during the pandemic (mRS ≤ 2, 10/58; 17.2% during pandemic vs. 24/68; 35.3% pre-pandemic, p = 0.02). No neurointerventional providers have been found to contract COVID-19. Conclusion Our approach to mechanical thrombectomy during the COVID-19 era was associated with similar recanalization rates but worse clinical outcomes compared to pre pandemic period. Further studies are necessary to identify factors contributing to worse outcomes during this ongoing pandemic.

BACKGROUND Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose ruptured cerebral aneurysms with sensitivities reported as high as 97% to 100%. Studies validating CTA accuracy in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are scarce and limited by small sample sizes. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CTA in detecting intracranial aneurysms in the setting of SAH. METHODS A single-center, retrospective cohort of 643 patients was reviewed. A total of 401 patients were identified whose diagnostic workup included both CTA and confirmatory digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Aneurysms missed by CTA but diagnosed by DSA were further stratified by size and location. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty aneurysms were detected by CTA while DSA detected a total of 431 aneurysms. False positive CTA results were seen for 24 aneurysms. DSA identified 125 aneurysms that were missed by CTA and 83.2% of those were

OBJECTIVESurgical treatment of herniated lumbar disc (HLD) remains rare in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for potential disease risk factors leading to surgery based on a large single-center experience.METHODSData for all patients who had undergone surgical treatment for HLD between December 2008 and December 2016 at a single pediatric tertiary care referral center were collected and compared to data for a healthy control population obtained through a Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) survey in order to determine relevant disease risk factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the effect of potential risk factors.RESULTSTwenty-seven patients in the disease cohort and 5212 healthy controls from the general population were included in the risk factor analysis. The mean body mass index was significantly higher in the disease population (30.2 vs 24.0 kg/m2, p < 0.0001). Children who had undergone microdiscectomy were more likely to be obese (OR 7.4, 95% CI 3.46–15.8, p < 0.001). No association was found between lumbar microdiscectomy and sports participation (OR 1.0, 95% CI −0.002 to 0.005, p = 0.37).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy remains a viable and safe option in the setting of failed conservative management for pediatric HLD. Childhood obesity is a risk factor for HLD and many other diseases, which increases its importance as a public health priority.

Medical institutions use quality metrics to track complications seen in hospital admissions. Similarly, morbidity and mortality (MM) conferences are held to peer review complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the complications identified in a cohort of patients within 30 days of neurosurgical intervention with those captured in a cohort of MM conferences.All complications that occurred within 30 days of surgery were obtained for patients admitted to the neurosurgical service between May and September 2013. All patients discussed in MM conference between August 2012 and February 2015 were included in a second data set. Complications were subdivided into 4 categories and compared between the 2 cohorts.A total of 749 postoperative complications were identified, including 52 urinary tract infections, 52 pneumonias, 15 deep vein thromboses, 19 strokes, 75 seizures, 25 wound infections, 6 cardiac arrests, and 162 reoperations. Eighty-five MM cases were reviewed, identifying 9 strokes, 3 seizures, 8 wound infections, 13 hematomas, 7 intraoperative errors, and 11 postoperative deaths. The MM cohort showed higher rates of neurologic complications (P 0.0001) and surgical complications (P0.0001). The neurosurgical admission cohort showed higher rates of general medical adverse events (P = 0.0118) and infectious complications (not surgical wound related, P = 0.0002).Both neurosurgical service inpatient complications and complications discussed in MM provide valuable opportunities for identifying areas in need of quality improvement. As the United States moves toward an outcomes reimbursement model, neurosurgical programs should adjust MM conferences to reflect both technical operative complications as well as more common complications.

Background Double, noncontiguous, 3-column spinal injuries are a rare phenomenon most often caused by high-energy trauma. The resulting multilevel, fracture-dislocation injuries represent 2 separate 3-column lesions and produce a floating spine segment between the 2 fracture dislocation sites. Only a few cases of these rare, posttraumatic injuries have been reported previously; however, all of these included a combination of injuries in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral spine. Case Description We present the first report of a case of double-level spinal injury isolated to the thoracic spine, with an intermediate floating spinal segment in a 48-year-old man after a 30-foot fall. In our case, the standard 3 above and 2 below pedicle instrumentation was not sufficient to stabilize the thoracic spine. Conclusions We consider the evaluation and surgical management of these fractures and discuss how a standard “3 above-2 below” approach may not be sufficient to stabilize these unstable injuries. In the case of severe, noncontiguous double chance fractures of the spine, we recommend a more extensive anteroposterior approach to reduce the risk of hardware failure and worsening spinal deformity.

Spinal cord ependymoma (SCE) is a rare tumor that is most commonly low-grade. Complete surgical resection has been established as first-line treatment and can be curative. However, SCEs tend to recur when complete tumor resection is not possible. Evidence supporting the use of adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy is not definitive. We review the most recent literature on SCE covering a comprehensive range of topics spanning the biology, presentation, clinical management, and outcomes. In addition, we present a case series of ten SCE patients with the goal of contributing to existing knowledge of this rare disease.

Purpose Both the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) criteria and the PHASES score are being widely used by physicians when trying to weigh the risk of intervention on an unruptured aneurysm. Published in 2003, the ISUIA study predicted the risk of aneurysmal rupture based primarily upon its size and site. Posterior circulation aneurysms larger than 7 mm were reported as having the highest rupture risk when compared to their counterparts in the anterior circulation. A decade later, the PHASES score was developed to calculate aneurysmal rupture risk based upon the patient population, history of hypertension, age, size of aneurysm, history of earlier subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and site of aneurysm. A cumulative score of 8 predicts a 5-year risk of rupture of 3.2%. Our study was designed to investigate the characteristics of ruptured aneurysms at a large, academic teaching hospital and to compare these to the data published in both the ISUIA and PHASES studies. Materials and methods Using our institutional subarachnoid hemorrhage database, we identified patients with intracranial aneurysms treated at Emory University Hospital over the last decade. These patients were then stratified by ethnicity, size and location of aneurysm, history of hypertension, history of earlier SAH, and age. In addition, we included smoking as a parameter of interest in our analysis. Results A total of 520 ruptured aneurysms were identified in this preliminary study, with the following results In addition, except for scores of 13 and 14, all other PHASES score groups contained patients of whom at least 20% smoked. Conclusion Approximately 77% of the aneurysms in our preliminary study ruptured at a size smaller than 7 mm, regardless of location in either the anterior or posterior circulations. More than half the patients had a PHASES score of less than 4, with almost 90% of our patients having a score of less than 8. This score is reported as having a 5-year rupture risk of 3.2%, a similar percentage to the risk of 5-year mortality from surgical or endovascular intervention. As our database continues to grow, we plan to continually re-analyze these findings. However, from our preliminary study, it seems that a strict adherence to the ISUIA criteria and the PHASES score does not prevent the majority of morbidity-mortality from ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Further studies are needed to re-evaluate these tools. Disclosures A. Salehani: None. D. McCracken: None. S. Halani: None. J. Boulter: None. L. Philipp: None. G. Pradilla: None. R. Nogueira: None.