Search

Acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is one of the most devastating entities secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even though radiological computed tomography (CT) findings, such as hematoma thickness (HT), midline shift (MLS), and MLS/HT ratio, have an important prognostic role, they suffer from important drawbacks. We hypothesized that relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) of specific brain regions would provide valuable information about brain compression and swelling, thus being a key determining factor governing the clinical course.We performed an 8-year retrospective analysis of patients with moderate to severe TBI with surgically evacuated, isolated, unilateral aSDH. We investigated the influence of aSDH rCSA and ipsilateral hemisphere rCSA along the supratentorial region on the subsequent operative technique employed for aSDH evacuation and patient's clinical outcomes (early death and Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] at discharge and after 1-year follow-up). Different conventional radiological variables were also assessed.The study included 39 patients. Lower HT, MLS, hematoma volume, and aSDH rCSA showed a significant association with decompressive craniectomy (DC) procedure. Conversely, higher ipsilateral hemisphere rCSA along the dorso-ventral axis and, specifically, ipsilateral hemisphere rCSA at the high convexity level were predictors for DC. CT segmentation analysis exhibited a modest relationship with early death, which was limited to the basal supratentorial subregion, but could not predict long-term outcome.rCSA is an objectifiable and reliable radiologic parameter available on admission CT that might provide valuable information to optimize surgical treatment.

PURPOSE: SSFS is an underdiagnosed complication of craniectomized patients, which mainly presents with headache, motor weakness, and cognitive impairments. In these patients, cranioplasty improves these symptoms. Furthermore, patients without a classical SSFS have been shown to improve their neurological functions after reconstructive surgery. Amongst the many different pathophysiological theories proposed, the changes of CBP caused by the cranial defect might have a role in the neurological deficiencies. We have studied CBP in twelve cortical areas of both hemispheres, using 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT-CT before and after cranioplasty.METHODS: Twenty-eight craniectomized patients subject to reconstructive surgery were studied with 99mTc- HMPAO in three different times, before cranioplasty, a week after, and three months later. The images were processed with quantification software comparing CBP of 24 cortical areas with a reference area , and with a database of normal individuals. A mixed effects model was used to determine the signification of CBP changes in the cortex regions of both the damaged and undamaged brain hemispheres.RESULTS: CBP increased significantly in both hemispheres after cranioplasty both in ratio (β=0.019 p-value=0,030 first post-surgical SPECT-CT and β=0.021 p-value=0,015 in the second study, vs. pre-surgical) and Z-score (β=0.220 p-value=0,026 and β=0.279 p-value=0,005 respectively). Nine of twelve areas of the damaged side had a significant lower CBP ratio and Z-score than the undamaged. Posterior cingulate showed an increased CBP ratio (p-value=0,034) and Z-score(p-value0,028) in the first post-surgical SPECT-CT.CONCLUSION: CBP changes significantly in specific cortical areas after cranioplasty, which might explain the clinical improvements observed. Posterior cingulate changes might explain some improvements in attention impairments described. 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT-CT might be a valid tool to assess CBP changes in these patients and could have a role in the management of craniectomized individuals.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONNot applicable

Background Cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (cAVMs) are rare and challenging lesions with an aggressive natural history. The mechanisms whereby a patient can worsen clinically after a supratentorial AVM resection include an acute alteration in cerebral hemodynamics, which is a known cause of postoperative hyperemia, edema and/or hemorrhage. These phenomena has not been described for cAVMS. Moreover, the underlying pathophysiology of edema and hemorrhage after AVM resection still remains controversial. Methods We report a patient that presented an abrupt neurological deterioration after cAVM surgical resection. Emergent external ventricular drainage to treat incipient hydrocephalus only partially reverted the patient's deterioration. Consecutive post-surgery CT images revealed fourth ventricle compression secondary to cerebellar swelling that concurred with a new neurological deterioration. Densitometric analysis was performed in these CT images to reveal the nature of these changes as well as their evolution over time. Results Importantly, we demonstrated a dynamic increase in the cerebellum mean density at the interval of Hounsfield values which correspond to hyperemia values. These changes were dynamic, and when hyperemia resolved and cerebellar density returned to basal levels, the fourth ventricle re-expanded and the patient neurologically recovered. Conclusions This study demonstrated the utility of quantitative CT image analysis in the context of hemodynamic alterations following cAVM resection. Densitometric CT analysis demonstrated that hyperemic changes, but not ischemic ones, were time-dependent and were responsible for swelling and hemorrhage that conditioned neurological status and patient's evolution.

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development. Methods: We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)—a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures—into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation. Findings: Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24–51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34–69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20–38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6–32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55–5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23–4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61–4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17–2·49). Interpretation: Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

OBJECTIVE Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Surgical evacuation is the mainstay of treatment in patients with altered neurological status or significant mass effect. Nevertheless, concerns regarding surgical indication still persist. Given that clinicians often make therapeutic decisions on the basis of their prognosis assessment, to accurately evaluate the prognosis is of great significance. Unfortunately, there is a lack of specific and reliable prognostic models. In addition, the interdependence of certain well-known predictive variables usually employed to guide surgical decision-making in ASDH has been proven. Because gray matter and white matter are highly susceptible to secondary insults during the early phase after TBI, the authors aimed to assess the extent of these secondary insults with a brain parenchyma densitometric quantitative CT analysis and to evaluate its prognostic capacity. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis among their prospectively collected cohort of patients with moderate to severe TBI. Patients with surgically evacuated, isolated, unilateral ASDH admitted between 2010 and 2017 were selected. Thirty-nine patients were included. For each patient, brain parenchyma density in Hounsfield units (HUs) was measured in 10 selected slices from the supratentorial region. In each slice, different regions of interest (ROIs), including and excluding the cortical parenchyma, were defined. The injured hemisphere, the contralateral hemisphere, and the absolute differences between them were analyzed. The outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended at 1 year after TBI. RESULTS Fifteen patients (38.5%) had a favorable outcome. Collected demographic, clinical, and radiographic data did not show significant differences between favorable and unfavorable outcomes. In contrast, the densitometric analysis demonstrated that greater absolute differences between both hemispheres were associated with poor outcome. These differences were detected along the supratentorial region, but were greater at the high convexity level. Moreover, these HU differences were far more marked at the cortical parenchyma. It was also detected that these differences were more prone to ischemic and/or edematous insults than to hyperemic changes. Age was significantly correlated with the side-to-side HU differences in patients with unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS The densitometric analysis is a promising prognostic tool in patients diagnosed with ASDH. The supplementary prognostic information provided by the densitometric analysis should be evaluated in future studies.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective Although surgical risk factors for developing spine surgical site infections (S-SSI) have been identified, the impact of such knowledge in its prevention has not been demonstrated. Methods We evaluated in 500 patients undergoing spine surgery between 2011 and 2019 at Hospital 12 de Octubre the changes in S-SSI rates over time. Surgical variables independently related to S-SSI were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression models. A case-control sub-analysis (1:4), matched by the surgical variables identified in the overall cohort was also performed. Results Twenty cases of S-SSI were identified (4%), with a significant decrease in the incidence rate across consecutive time periods (6.6% [2011-2014] vs .86% [2015-2019]; P-value Conclusions Spinal fusion of more than 4 levels and the inclusion of sacral levels were independently related to the risk of S-SSI. Optimization of surgical techniques by reducing these two types of instrumentation could significantly reduce S-SSI rates.

Cocaine consumption is associated with a variety of clinical manifestations. Though cocaine intranasal inhalation always determines nasal mucosal damages, extensive septum perforations, and midline destructions-known as cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL)-affect only a limited fraction of patients. CIMDL is viewed as a cocaine-associated autoimmune phenomenon in which the presence of atypical anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) promotes and/or defines the disease phenotype. A 51-year-old man presented with an intracranial tumor-like lesion by its space-occupying effect. CT also revealed the destruction of the nasal septum and skull base. A diagnosis of CIMDL was made in light of the patient's history as well as findings of the physical and endoscopic examinations, imaging studies, and laboratory testing. There was no evidence of other pathologies. Histopathological results from cerebral biopsy led us to consider the intracranial pathology as an extension of the CIMDL. CIMDL is the result of a necrotizing inflammatory tissue response triggered by cocaine abuse in a subset of predisposed patients. The reported case is the first CIMDL consistent with brain extension mimicking a tumor-like lesion. While the presence of atypical ANCA seems to promote and/or define the disease phenotype, the specific role of these and other circulating autoantibodies needs further investigation.

Intracranial ependymal cysts (ECs) are rare benign lesions. They are frequently asymptomatic and arise in the supratentorial regions. Retrocerebellar ECs is a rare location. We present a case of 3-months-old infant who developed obstructive hydrocephalus, bulging fontanel, and macrocephaly secondary to a retrocerebellar EC. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large retrocerebellar cyst that compressed the cerebellum and the brainstem, producing fourth ventricle outlet obstruction and supratentorial hydrocephalus. Microsurgical fenestration of the cyst to the obex of the fourth ventricle and a cystic wall biopsy were performed. The procedure improved supratentorial hydrocephalus, as well as the patient's clinical condition. A histopathological study confirmed the diagnosis of an EC.As far as we know, after a thorough review of the literature, this is the first reported case of retrocerebellar EC. It is a rare cause of hydrocephalus due to outlet obstruction of the fourth ventricle. Treatment of the cause itself was shown to be effective.

Background Spinal arachnoid cysts are a rare cause of compressive myelopathy. Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) are even rarer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the SEACs operated on in our hospital between 2015 and 2019, according to their clinical and radiologic findings, treatments performed, and outcomes. Results We identified 5 cases (2 males and 3 females), ranging in age from 21 months to 78 years. Except for the pediatric case, all patients presented with pain and 3 had some grade of neurologic impairment. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed multiloculated cyst in 4 cases, and the communication with the dura was properly identified in only 1 case. The patients were operated through a laminectomy or laminoplasty and total removal of the cyst, and the communication with the dura was identified and repaired in all cases. In all cases, the defect was near the exit of a nerve root, and rootlets were seen through it, producing a ball-like valve mechanism. Histology of the cyst wall showed true dura in every case. One patient needed a reoperation for evacuation of a fluid collection (related to the dural sealant). Following Odom's criteria, 3 patients had an excellent outcome and 2 had a fair outcome. Conclusions Total excision of a symptomatic SEAC through either laminectomy or laminoplasty is a safe and effective treatment option. Although isolated repair of the dural communication without cyst removal may seem appealing, we have found it very difficult to identify the point of communication preoperatively.

STUDY DESIGN A prospective single center observational study. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the potential role of sonication in the diagnosis of low-grade infections and its association with pedicle screw (PS) loosening, and to describe risk factors and radiological findings associated with spinal implant infection. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Although PS loosening has mainly been attributed to mechanical overload, implant colonization and biofilm formation have recently been suggested. Culturing of sonication fluid implants is promising in the field of spine instrumentation infection, but little data are available. METHODS We prospectively included all patients who were subjected to implant removal. PS loosening was assessed with computed tomography (CT) scan. Different clinical and radiological parameters which could serve as indicators of implant infection were studied. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were included in the study and 11 of them (29%) had a positive sonication result. Patients with spinal implant infection were associated with screw loosening (P = 0.005). Particularly, those screws with a positive microbiological culture showed signs of screw loosening in the preoperative CT scan (P

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is recommended for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)9 on admission and revealing space-occupying lesions or swelling on computed tomography. However, previous studies that have evaluated its effect on outcome have shown conflicting results.To study the effect of ICP monitoring on outcome after adjustment of patient's characteristics imbalance and determine the potential benefit on patients with higher GCS that deteriorates early or in the absence of computed tomography results suggesting high ICP.We searched for adult patients with TBI admitted between 1996 and 2020 with a GCS9 on admission or deterioration from higher scores within 24 hours after TBI. Patients were divided into groups if they fulfilled strict (Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines) or extended criteria (patients who worsened after admission or without space-occupying lesions) for ICP monitoring. Propensity score analyses based on nearest neighbor matching was performed.After matching, we analyzed data from 454 patients and 184 patients who fulfilled strict criteria or extended criteria for ICP monitoring, respectively. A decreased on in-hospital mortality was detected in monitored patients following strict and extended criteria . Those patients with a higher baseline risk of poor outcome showed higher odds of favorable outcome if they were monitored.ICP monitoring in patients with severe TBI within 24 hours after injury following strict and extended criteria was associated with a decreased in-hospital mortality. The identification of patients with a higher risk of an unfavorable outcome might be useful to better select cases that would benefit more from ICP monitoring.

We report on a 46-year-old woman who was involved in a road traffic accident. Neurological examination demonstrated paraplegia, while initial CT showed bilateral pneumothorax and hemothorax, rib fractures, a C2 vertebral body fracture with C2-C3 dislocation and active arterial bleeding at the sacral level. Given the fact that her neurological status did not particularly correspond with what we observed on CT scan, MRI was obtained due to the suspicion that a much more severe occult injury could be present. MRI showed a complete rupture of the posterior ligamentous complex along with the intervertebral disk and the posterior longitudinal ligament at T8-T9 level. The patient underwent minimally invasive posterior fixation with pedicle screws. Chance fractures of the thoracic spine are uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a pure soft-tissue Chance fracture located in the thoracic spine. Given that the initial CT showed no fracture evidence or vertebral malalignment, a high index of suspicion, based on the mechanism of injury, clinical examination and/or concomitant lesions, is necessary to identify such extremely unstable injury. Early recognition is crucial for appropriate therapy and to minimize the extent of neurological deficit.

To report a case of post-surgical encephalocele through craniotomy burr holes following the resection of a meningioma of the posterior fossa. A 49-year-old female presented in the emergency room with cephalea. The MRI showed a meningioma of the convexity of the posterior fossa. A resection was performed and the bone flap replaced. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged. After 30 days the patient consulted referring cephalea, vomiting and imbalance. Brain MRI revealed a trans-cranial cerebellar herniation through the craniotomy burr holes. An urgent surgery was performed to repair the encephalocele. Post-surgical brain MRI was performed and did not show complications. Post-surgical encephalocele is an uncommon complication after the resection of a posterior fossa lesion. To avoid this complication, it is recommended thorough dural and bony closure, particularly in the posterior fossa surgeries and in high-risk patients.

Resumen El traumatismo craneoencefalico (TCE) representa una cantidad significativa de muertes y discapacidad a nivel mundial, afectando la mayor parte de esta carga a los paises con ingresos medios y bajos. El estudio GNOS es un estudio internacional multicentrico de cohorte prospectiva. Es el primer estudio neuroquirurgico global que tiene como objetivo proporcionar una imagen completa del manejo y los resultados de los pacientes que han sido tratados mediante cirugia urgente por TCE a nivel mundial.

Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been found to improve the neurological condition. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of the postural changes and atmospheric pressure (AP) in the brain hemodynamics and their relationship with clinical improvement. Seventy-eight patients were studied before and 72 h after cranioplasty with cervical and transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCCS) in the sitting and supine positions. Craniectomy size, shape, and force exerted by the AP (torque) were calculated. Neurological condition was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Barthel index. Twenty-eight patients improved after cranioplasty. Their time elapsed from the DC was shorter (214 vs 324 days), preoperative Barthel was worse (54 vs 77), internal carotid artery (ICA) mean velocity of the defect side was lower while sitting (14.4 vs 20.9 cm/s), and torque over the craniectomy was greater (2480.3 vs 1464.3 N*cm). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed the consistency of these changes. TCCS findings were no longer present postoperatively. Lower ICA (defect side) velocity in the sitting position correlates significantly with clinical improvement. Greater torque exerted by the AP might explain different susceptibilities to postural changes, corrected by cranioplasty.

The objective of this study is to compare percutaneous techniques (MIS) with the open technique in terms of angle correction, long-term maintenance and clinical results.The authors collected a prospective database of thoraco-lumbar fractures treated with posterior stabilization without fusion from 2013 to 2019. The statistical analysis has been carried out retrospectively. The patients were classified into Open and MIS group. To compare the two population, samples, treatments and mitigate the differences between the groups, the propensity score (PS) matching was used.108 patients with thoraco-lumbar fractures were included. After performing the PS, 21 patients were obtained in the open group and 28 in the MIS group. For operative and perioperative parameters there were no differences in number of patients with posterior decompression, number of instrumented segments, number of total screws, operative time and complications. Postoperative hemoglobin was similar in both groups. However, in the open group a greater loss of hemoglobin was observed; as well as, higher analgesia requirements and length of stay. No statistically significant differences were observed in neurological status in both groups in the preoperative, postoperative period and at follow-up. The Cobb angle showed no differences at admission comparing both groups. A similar angle correction was observed with both surgeries, but in open surgery there was a statistically significant loss of correction.We observed in this study that the MIS technique for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures is as effective as the open technique in terms of angle correction; and demonstrated that is better in its maintenance over time. Clinical results were at least as good as with the open technique.

OBJECTIVE Factors determining the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms have been extensively studied; however, little attention is paid to variables influencing the volume of bleeding after rupture. In this study the authors aimed to evaluate the impact of aneurysm morphological variables on the amount of hemorrhage. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively collected data set of 116 patients presenting at a single center with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aneurysmal rupture. A volumetric assessment of the total hemorrhage volume was performed from the initial noncontrast CT. Aneurysms were segmented and reproduced from the initial CT angiography study, and morphology indexes were calculated with a computer-assisted approach. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients were included in the study. Factors influencing the volume of hemorrhage were explored with univariate correlations, multiple linear regression analysis, and graphical probabilistic modeling. RESULTS The univariate analysis demonstrated that several of the morphological variables but only the patient’s age from the clinical-demographic variables correlated (p < 0.05) with the volume of bleeding. Nine morphological variables correlated positively (absolute height, perpendicular height, maximum width, sac surface area, sac volume, size ratio, bottleneck factor, neck-to-vessel ratio, and width-to-vessel ratio) and two correlated negatively (parent vessel average diameter and the aneurysm angle). After multivariate analysis, only the aneurysm size ratio (p < 0.001) and the patient’s age (p = 0.023) remained statistically significant. The graphical probabilistic model confirmed the size ratio and the patient’s age as the variables most related to the total hemorrhage volume. CONCLUSIONS A greater aneurysm size ratio and an older patient age are likely to entail a greater volume of bleeding after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral convexity arachnoid cysts (ACs) only represent around 10-14% of the cysts. Symptomatic ACs in the elderly are rare. We present a 66-year-old woman with headache and a focal epileptic seizure. Imaging revealed a left parietal AC. Conservative management chosen but the patient's neurological condition worsened, and an endoscopic fenestration was then performed. Postoperatively, her symptoms completely resolved and MRI image showed significant shrinkage of the AC.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to compare percutaneous techniques (MIS) with the open technique in terms of angle correction, long-term maintenance and clinical results. METHODS The authors collected a prospective database of thoraco-lumbar fractures treated with posterior stabilization without fusion from 2013 to 2019. The statistical analysis has been carried out retrospectively. The patients were classified into Open and MIS group. To compare the two population, samples, treatments and mitigate the differences between the groups, the propensity score (PS) matching was used. RESULTS 108 patients with thoraco-lumbar fractures were included. After performing the PS, 21 patients were obtained in the open group and 28 in the MIS group. For operative and perioperative parameters there were no differences in number of patients with posterior decompression, number of instrumented segments, number of total screws, operative time and complications. Postoperative hemoglobin was similar in both groups. However, in the open group a greater loss of hemoglobin was observed; as well as, higher analgesia requirements and length of stay. No statistically significant differences were observed in neurological status in both groups in the preoperative, postoperative period and at follow-up. The Cobb angle showed no differences at admission comparing both groups. A similar angle correction was observed with both surgeries, but in open surgery there was a statistically significant loss of correction. CONCLUSIONS We observed in this study that the MIS technique for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures is as effective as the open technique in terms of angle correction; and demonstrated that is better in its maintenance over time. Clinical results were at least as good as with the open technique.

BACKGROUND Acute subdural haematomas (ASDH) are found frequently following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and they are considered the most lethal type of mass lesions. The decision to perform a procedure to evacuate ASDH and the approach, either via craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy (DC), remains controversial. METHODS We reviewed a prospectively collected series of 343 moderate to severe TBI patients in whom ASDH was the main lesion (ASDH volumes ≥10cc). Patients with early comfort measures (early mortality prediction >50% and not ICP monitored), bilateral ASDH or the presence of another intracranial haematoma with volumes exceeding two times the volume of the ASDH were excluded. Among them, 112 were managed conservatively, 65 underwent ASDH evacuation by craniotomy and 166 by DC (103 pre-emptive DC, 63 obligatory DC). We calculated the average treatment effect by propensity score (PS) analysis using the following covariates: age, year, hypoxia, shock, pupils, major extracranial injury, motor score, MLS, ASDH volume, swelling, intraventricular and subarachnoid haemorrhage presence. Then, multivariable binary regression and ordinal logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate associations between predictors and mortality and 12 months-GOS respectively. The patients' inverse probability weights were included as an independent variable in both regression models. RESULTS The main variables associated with outcome were year, age, falls from patient´s own height, hypoxia, early deterioration, pupillary abnormalities, basal cistern effacement, compliance to ICP monitoring guidelines and type of surgical approach (craniotomy and preemptive DC). According to sliding dichotomy analysis, we found that patients in the intermediate or worst bands of unfavourable outcome prognosis seemed to achieve better than expected outcome if they underwent pre-emptive DC rather than craniotomy. CONCLUSIONS When differences in patient's baseline characteristics are balanced by PS, the variables associated with long-term outcome are year, age, falls from patient´s own height, hypoxia, early deterioration, pupillary abnormalities, basal cistern effacement, compliance to ICP monitoring guidelines and type of surgical approach (craniotomy and pre-emptive DC are associated with better outcome). Patients with an intermediate or worse risk of unfavourable outcome according to their baseline characteristics might achieve better than expected outcome if they undergo pre-emptive DC.

Cranioplasty carries a high risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) for a scheduled procedure, particularly with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The goal of this retrospective study was to measure the effect of tailored antibiotic prophylaxis on SSIs resulting from cranioplasties. The authors collected a prospective database of cranioplasties from 2009 to 2018. Risk factors for SSI were registered, as well as infection occurring during the first year postoperatively. A new protocol was initiated in 2016 consisting of antibiotic prophylaxis tailored to the colonizing flora of the skin of the scalp and decolonization of patients who were nasal carriers of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA); infection rates were compared. One hundred nine cranioplasties were identified, 64 in the old protocol and 45 in the new protocol. Of the 109 cranioplasties, 16 (14.7%) suffered an infection, 14 (21.9%) in the old protocol group and 2 (4.4%) in the new protocol group (OR for the new protocol 0.166, 95% CI 0.036–0.772). Multiple surgeries (OR 3.44), Barthel ≤ 70 (OR 3.53), and previous infection (OR 3.9) were risk factors for SSI. Of the bacteria identified in the skin of the scalp, 22.2% were resistant to routine prophylaxis (cefazoline). Only one patient was identified as a nasal carrier of MRSA and was decolonized. A high percentage of bacteria resistant to routine prophylaxis (cefazoline) was identified in the skin of these patients’ scalps. The use of tailored antibiotic prophylaxis reduced significantly the infection rate in this particular set of patients.

OBJECTIVE Diagnosis of traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is challenging because of its underestimation by conventional MRI and the technical requirements associated with the processing of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Serum biomarkers seem to be able to identify patients with abnormal CT scanning findings, but their potential role to assess TAI has seldomly been explored. METHODS Patients with all severities of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were prospectively included in this study between 2016 and 2021. They underwent blood extraction within 24 hours after injury and imaging assessment, including DTI. Serum concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein, total microtubule-associated protein (t-Tau), ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured using an ultrasensitive Simoa multiplex assay panel, a digital form of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended score was determined at 6 months after TBI. The relationships between biomarker concentrations, volumetric analysis of corpus callosum (CC) lesions, and fractional anisotropy (FA) were analyzed by nonparametric tests. The prognostic utility of the biomarker was determined by calculating the C-statistic and an ordinal regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 87 patients were included. Concentrations of all biomarkers were significantly higher for patients compared with controls. Although the concentration of the biomarkers was affected by the presence of mass lesions, FA of the CC was an independent factor influencing levels of UCH-L1 and NfL, which positioned these two biomarkers as better surrogates of TAI. Biomarkers also performed well in determining patients who would have had unfavorable outcome. NfL and the FA of the CC are independent complementary factors related to outcome. CONCLUSIONS UCH-L1 and NfL seem to be the biomarkers more specific to detect TAI. The concentration of NfL combined with the FA of the CC might help predict long-term outcome.

We report a case of headache due to a hydrocephalus with associated syringomyelia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a fourth ventricular outlet obstruction. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) was performed with successful clinical and radiologic outcome. Fourth ventricular outlet obstruction is an uncommon cause of obstructive hydrocephalus, but it must be kept in mind. As far as we know, there are few reports that propose ETV as treatment. Therefore our case supports that ETV could be a successful option for the management of this condition.

Objective The volume and location of intracranial hematomas are well-known prognostic factors for traumatic brain injury. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of serum biomarkers S100β, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuron-specific enolase, total tau, phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain, serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), C-reactive protein, procalcitonin (PCT), and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) with traumatic brain injury severity and the amount and location of hemorrhagic traumatic lesions. Methods A prospective observational cohort of 115 patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 3–15 were evaluated. Intracranial lesion volume was measured from the semiautomatic segmentation of hematoma on computed tomography using Analyze software. The establishment of possible biomarker cutoff points for intracranial lesion detection was estimated using the Youden Index (J) obtained from the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results SAA1, YKL-40, PCT, and S100β showed the most robust association with level of consciousness, both with total GCS and motor score. Biomarkers significantly correlated with volumetric measurements of subdural hematoma, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraparenchymal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and total amount of bleeding. The type of intracranial hemorrhage was associated with various release patterns of neurobiochemical markers. Conclusions YKL-40, SAA1, C-reactive protein, and PCT combined with S100β were the most promising biomarkers to determine the presence, location, and extent of traumatic intracranial lesions. Combination of biomarkers further increased the discriminatory capacity for the detection of intracranial bleeding.

Answer: Epidural abscess with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone due to Mycobacterium bovis. The organism was identified from the direct sample as a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organism susceptible to rifampin by Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). The patient was started on a

A 70-year-old Spanish man was referred to our emergency room (ER) for acute generalized epileptic seizures, which had developed over the previous 24 h. Two years before, the patient had been diagnosed with multiple nocardial brain abscesses that had been successfully treated without recurrence and

Extracranial injury is frequently present in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, no reliable biomarker exists nowadays to evaluate the magnitude and extension of extracranial injury as well as the identification of patients who are at risk of developing secondary injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify new possible peptide biomarkers by mass spectrometry analysis in patients with TBI and ascertain whether the novel biomarker discovered by peptide mass fingerprinting, serum amyloid A1 (SAA1), is capable of reflecting the condition of the patient and both intracranial and extracranial injury extension. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and serum samples were prospectively collected from 120 patients with TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 3-15) on admission. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intracranial lesion volume was measured from the semiautomatic segmentation of hematoma on computed tomography (CT) using Analyze software. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at hospital discharge and GOS extended scores at 6 months. The SAA1 levels were significantly associated with intracranial (GCS score at admission, lesion load measured with cranial CT, and pupil responsiveness) and extracranial clinical severity (all Abbreviated Injury Scale regions, Injury Severity Score, major extracranial injury, polytrauma, and orthopedic fractures presence), along with systemic secondary insults and functional outcome. SAA1 was is associated with the volume of traumatic intracranial lesions. The SAA1 levels were correlated with astroglial S100β and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuronal neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and axonal total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF-H) injury markers. SAA1 predicts unfavorable outcome and mortality at hospital discharge (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.90, 0.82) and 6 months (AUC = 0.89). SAA1 can be established as a marker for the overall patient condition due to its involvement in the neuroendocrine axis of the systemic response to craniocerebral trauma.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for a significant amount of death and disability worldwide and the majority of this burden affects individuals in low-and-middle income countries. The GNOS is a multi-centre international, prospective cohort study. This study is the first global neurosurgical study that aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the management and outcomes of patients undergoing emergency surgery for TBI worldwide.

OBJECTIVETraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (TICH) represents approximately 13%–48% of the lesions after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hemorrhagic progression (HP) occurs in 38%–63% of cases. In previous studies, decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been characterized as a risk factor in the HP of TICH; however, few studies have focused exclusively on this relationship. The object of the present study was to analyze the relationship between DC and the growth of TICH and to reveal any correlation with the size of the craniectomy, degree of cerebral parenchymal herniation (CPH), or volumetric expansion of the TICH.METHODSThe authors retrospectively analyzed the records of 497 adult patients who had been consecutively admitted after suffering a severe or moderate closed TBI. An inclusion criterion was presentation with one or more TICHs on the initial or control CT. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and treatment variables were assessed for associations.RESULTSTwo hundred three patients presenting with 401 individual TICHs met the selection criteria. TICH growth was observed in 281 cases (70.1%). Eighty-two cases (20.4%) underwent craniectomy without TICH evacuation. In the craniectomy group, HP was observed in 71 cases (86.6%); in the noncraniectomy group (319 cases), HP occurred in 210 cases (65.8%). The difference in the incidence of HP between the two groups was statistically significant (OR 3.41, p < 0.01). The mean area of the craniectomy was 104.94 ± 27.5 cm2, and the mean CPH distance through the craniectomy was 17.85 ± 11.1 mm. The mean increase in the TICH volume was greater in the groups with a craniectomy area > 115 cm2 and CPH > 25 mm (16.12 and 14.47 cm3, respectively, p = 0.01 and 0.02). After calculating the propensity score (PS), the authors followed three statistical methods—matching, stratification, and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW)—thereby obtaining an adequate balance of the covariates. A statistically significant relationship was found between HP and craniectomy (OR 2.77, p = 0.004). This correlation was confirmed with the three methodologies based on the PS with odds greater than 2.CONCLUSIONSDC is a risk factor for the growth of TICH, and there is also an association between the size of the DC and the magnitude of the volume increase in the TICH.

Objectives Capillary hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors. They are commonly founded in the vertebral bodies but very seldom in the spinal cord. The most common symptom at onset is long-lasting axial pain without neurologic deficit. In rare cases, the onset may be acute with neurological deficit due to an intratumoral hemorrhage. Patient and Methods We report a case of a 58-year-old male with a history of 15 days upper back pain triggered by a mild traumatism that evolves acutely to paraplegia and urinary and fecal retention. An urgent MR showed an intradural lesion with signs of intratumoral haemorrhage. Results Urgent surgical intervention was performed and the anatomopathological results were capillary hemangioma. The symptoms of the patient improved after the surgery. Conclusions Intradural capillary hemangioma with acute intratumoral hemorrhage is a rare pathology, but it must be kept in mind because early diagnosis and treatment are key to achieve a good outcome. As far as we know, this is the first case reported of an intradural-extramedular capillary hemangioma that presents sudden neurologic deficit due to intratumoral bleeding.