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Introduction This study highlights the relation between compound muscle action potential (CMAP) latency variations and the predictive value of facial nerve (FN) proximal-to-distal (P/D) amplitude ratio measured at the end of vestibular schwannoma resection. Methods Forty-eight patients underwent FN stimulation at the brainstem (proximal) and internal acoustic meatus (distal) using a current intensity of 2 mA. The proximal latency and the P/D amplitude ratio were assessed. House–Brackmann grades I & II indicated good FN function, and grades III to VI were considered fair/poor function. A P/D amplitude ratio > 0.6 was used as a cutoff to indicate a good FN function, while a ratio of ≤ 0.6 indicated a fair/poor FN function. Results The P/D amplitude ratio was measured for all patients, and the calculated sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 85.2, 85.7, 88.5, and 81.8%, respectively. The CMAPs from the mentalis muscle were then classified based on their proximal latency into group I (< 6 ms), group II (6–8 ms), and group III (> 8 ms). The SE, SP, PPV, and NPV became 90.5, 90.9, 95, and 83.3%, respectively, in group II. In group I, SE and NPV increased, whereas SP and PPV decreased. While in group III, SP and PPV increased, whereas SE and NPV decreased. Conclusion At a latency between 6 and 8 ms, the P/D amplitude ratio was predictive of outcomes with high SE and SP. When latency was < 6 ms or > 8 ms, the same predictive ability was not observed. Knowing the strengths and limitations is important for understanding the predictive value of the P/D amplitude ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a surgical video of an EEA odontoidectomy and pannus resection in a 68-year-old female with of progressive motor deficits and PMH of rheumatoid arthritis. MRI showed severe ventral brainstem compression and spine image showed cranio-cervical instability. She underwent a two-stage surgery, an EEA odontoidectomy, and pannus resection that is depicted on the video followed by a posterior cervical fusion.By Erion J. de Andrade; Kody Bolk; Biren Patel; Leonardo Tariciotti; Arturo Solares; Tomas Garzon-Muvdi and Gustavo PradillaReported by Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, introduces a new technique for subtemporal anterior petrosectomy, a complex neurosurgical procedure. The technique involves using microscopic real-time near-infrared indocyanine (NIR-ICG) fluorescence and white light overlay to enhance the visualization of critical vascular structures during surgery. The authors describe their experience integrating this technique and discuss its feasibility and benefits, including improved precision and safety. They suggest that further investigation is needed to determine the widespread adoption of this technique in complex neurosurgical procedures. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in predicting the extent of resection in giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs). GPAs are challenging to manage surgically, and achieving gross total resection is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Machine learning algorithms can analyze various factors, such as tumor size, invasiveness, and clinical symptoms, to predict surgical outcomes. The study conducted a retrospective analysis of GPA surgeries and developed a predictive model using machine learning algorithms to accurately determine the extent of resection. The authors believe that this model can be valuable for patient-tailored care and counseling. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the trends in surgical management and postoperative complications of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), a rare sinonasal malignancy. The study conducted a retrospective review of 47 patients diagnosed with ONB between 1995 and 2022. The findings show a decline in the use of transcranial surgery for ONB resection, with an increasing preference for endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA). The implementation of EEA was associated with a reduced rate of postoperative complications. However, the study notes that longer follow-up durations are needed to accurately assess disease-free survival. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Prognostic Considerations and Assessment of Visual Outcomes in a Population-Based Cohort of Macro- and Giant Prolactinomas," explores the visual outcomes in patients with prolactinomas, a type of sellar mass that can compress the optic chiasm. The study retrospectively analyzed 99 prolactinoma patients treated at Emory University between 2000 and 2001, focusing on factors such as serum prolactin levels, tumor dimensions, and visual impairment scores. The preliminary results suggest that there is a significant relationship between prolactinoma features and visual dysfunction before and after treatment. Further analysis will be conducted to assess the utility of visual impairment measures and compare the impact of surgery versus medical therapy on visual impairment scores. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Combined Single- Or Two-Stage Anterolateral Transcranial and Endoscopic Approaches to Address Spheno-Petroclival Tumors: A Systematic Review," discusses the challenges and complications associated with the surgical resection of extensive petroclival lesions. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to analyze the rate of complications after the resection of these tumors using combined microscopic and endoscopic approaches. The study found that implementing these combined approaches can increase resection rates and improve overall outcomes, providing survival benefits and potentially delaying adjuvant treatments in certain cases. The article is authored by Leonardo Tariciotti, Justin Maldonado, Biren Patel, Samir Lohana, Alejandra Rodas Calderon, J. Manuel Revuelta Barbero, Erion Jr De Andrade, Youssed M. Zohdy, C. Arturo Solares, Tomas Garzon-Muvdi, and Gustavo Pradilla. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Intracranial Extra-Axial Tumors Invading the Extracranial Parapharyngeal Space (PPS): A Systematic Review," provides a comprehensive review of the clinical presentation, radiological features, operative techniques, and postoperative morbidity of intracranial brain tumors that invade the parapharyngeal space (PPS). The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature to gather information on peri-operative complications, such as cranial nerve palsies, vascular injury, CSF leakage, infections, mortality rate, and extent of resection. The article concludes that the involvement of PPS by intracranial neoplasms is rare, and limited data is available on this condition. The authors provide a detailed summary of presenting symptoms and management options, as well as discuss the surgical implications and morbidity burden of addressing neoplasms in the PPS. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Endoscopic versus Open Surgical Pathway Seeding of Skull Base Chordoma," explores the occurrence of surgical pathway recurrence in patients with skull base chordoma who undergo either endoscopic or open surgical approaches. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature and found that fewer cases of surgical seeding occurred after endoscopic resection compared to open procedures. The most common primary location for seeding was the clivus, and the mean time to seeding was shorter for endoscopic approaches compared to open procedures. The article suggests that clean oncologic technique may help limit tumor seeding, but further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of preventive measures. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Management of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Trigeminal Nerve Invasion," explores the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with involvement of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). The study conducted a systematic review of the literature and included 36 articles out of 1,480. The results showed that the mandibular nerve and its branches were most frequently involved, and management options included surgery alone, radiotherapy alone, or a combination of both. The timing of diagnosis and the specific branch of CN V involved were found to impact the prognosis, and the authors recommend using combined surgery and radiotherapy for improved outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the extreme lateral infrajugular transcondylar (ELITE) approach, specifically focusing on its dorsolateral variant. The ELITE approach provides a surgical corridor to access complex neurosurgical lesions involving various structures such as the jugular foramen, hypoglossal canal, foramen magnum, vertebral and posteroinferior cerebellar artery, medulla oblongata, brainstem, and cranial nerves V to XII. The study aims to provide a step-by-step dissection of the dorsolateral ELITE approach using cadaveric specimens, with the goal of enhancing understanding and proficiency among future neurosurgeons. The article emphasizes the importance of familiarizing oneself with this approach and its anatomical relationships. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, explores predictors of resistance to dopamine agonist (DA) therapy in patients with prolactinomas. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenomas and can cause hormonal imbalances. The study conducted a retrospective review of medical records and found that 24% of patients did not respond to DA therapy. However, the analysis did not identify any specific patient characteristics, hormonal levels, or radiological findings that correlated with DA therapy failure. The study suggests that patients with large or cystic prolactinomas or elevated prolactin levels may still be considered for DA therapy. Further research is needed to identify molecular predictors of DA response. [Extracted from the article]