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As the aging population continues to grow, so will the incidence of age-related conditions, including idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The pathogenesis of iNPH remains elusive, and this is due in part to the poor characterization of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) dynamics within the brain. Advancements in technology and imaging techniques have enabled new breakthroughs in understanding CSF physiology, and therefore iNPH pathogenesis. This includes understanding the hemodynamic and microvascular components involved in CSF influx and flow. Namely, the glymphatic system appears to be the great mediator, facilitating perivascular CSF flow via astrocytic aquaporin channels located along the endothelium of the pial vasculature. The interplay between glymphatics and both arterial pulsatilty and venous compliance has also been recently demonstrated. It appears then that CSF flow, and therefore glymphatic function, are highly dependent on cardiocirculatory and vascular factors. Impairment in any one component, whether it be related to arterial pulsatility, microvascular changes, reduced venous drainage, or astrogliosis, contributes greatly to iNPH, although it is likely a combination thereof. The strong interplay between vascular hemodynamics and CSF flow suggests perfusion imaging and cerebral blood flow quantification may be a useful diagnostic tool in characterizing iNPH. In addition, studies detecting glymphatic flow with magnetic resonance imaging have also emerged. These imaging tools may serve to both diagnose iNPH and help delineate it from other similarly presenting disease processes. With a better understanding of the vascular and glymphatic factors related to iNPH pathogenesis, physicians are better able to select the best candidates for treatment.

Oculomotor nerve palsy resulting from non-aneurysmal vascular compression is extremely rare. Microvascular decompression (MVD) has been previously shown to improve oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) secondary to arterial compression. A 71-year-old female, with a history of Cushing's disease previously treated with two transsphenoidal resections and Gamma Knife radiosurgery, presented with one year of progressive left eye diplopia and was diagnosed with a partial left oculomotor nerve palsy. We performed an orbitozygomatic craniotomy for MVD of the left posterior cerebral artery, which was found to be compressing the oculomotor nerve against the tentorium. Unfortunately, the patient's partial ONP remained unchanged at one year follow-up. The present case suggests inconsistent outcomes of MVD for ONP. Patients with prior sellar or parasellar irradiation may be less likely to benefit from this treatment approach.

BackgroundVenous sinus stenting (VSS) is a safe, effective, and increasingly popular treatment option for selected patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Serious complications associated with VSS are rarely reported.MethodsSerious complications after VSS were identified retrospectively from multicenter databases. The cases are presented and management strategies are discussed.ResultsSix major acute and chronic complications after VSS were selected from a total of 811 VSS procedures and 1466 venograms for IIH. These included an acute subdural hematoma from venous extravasation, cases of both intraprocedural and delayed stent thrombosis, an ultimately fatal cerebellar hemorrhage resulting in acute obstructive hydrocephalus, venous microcatheter perforation during venography and manometry, and a patient who developed subarachnoid hemorrhage and subdural hematoma after cerebellar cortical vein perforation. The six cases are reviewed and learning points regarding complication avoidance and management are presented.ConclusionWe report on six rare, major complications after VSS for IIH. Familiarity with these potential complications and appropriate timely management may allow for good clinical outcomes.

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common neurosurgical condition, and the exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Cerebral sinovenous stenosis (CSS) and the resultant decreased venous outflow have been labelled as a potential contributors to the pathophysiology of IIH. We describe the effect of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage on sinovenous pressure in a patient with IIH and a radiographic evidence of CSS. Case description A patient in their 40s with a diagnoses of IIH and imaging finding of focal stenosis of the distal left transverse sinus. To assess the nature of the stenosis, we performed venous sinus pressure monitoring with concurrent CSF drainage (5 ml at one minute intervals) through a lumbar drain with continuous mean sinovenous pressures recording. We observed a progressive decline in the pressure recording while draining CSF, after draining 40 ml of CSF, the final pressure gradient recording of the TS-SS trans-stenotic was (7 mm Hg from 27 mm Hg), mean SSS pressure (37 mm Hg from 60 mm Hg), and mean TS pressure (35 mm Hg from 56 mm Hg). The mean SS pressure remained relatively unperturbed. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the cerebral sinovenous pressure response to CSF removal generally conforms to a monophasic exponential decay model.

Background Intracranial pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) are associated with high rupture and mortality rates and have traditionally been treated by parent vessel sacrifice. There has been recent interest in using flow-diverting devices for treatment of these complex lesions while preserving flow through the parent artery. The objective of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of these devices in the treatment of intracranial PSA. Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of intracranial PSAs treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) between 2014 and 2017 at 7 institutions. Complications and clinical and radiographic outcomes were reviewed. Results A total of 19 patients underwent PED placement for intracranial PSA. Iatrogenic injury and trauma comprised most etiologies in our series. The mean pseudoaneurysm diameter was 8.8 mm, and 18 of 19 PSAs (95%) involved the internal carotid artery (ICA). Multiple PEDs were deployed in a telescoping fashion in 7 patients (37%). Of the 18 patients with follow up imaging, 14 (78%) achieved complete pseudoaneurysm obliteration and 2 achieved near-complete obliteration (11%). Two patients (11%) were found to have significant pseudoaneurysm progression on short-term follow-up and required ICA sacrifice. No patients experienced new neurologic deficits or deterioration secondary to PED placement. No patients experienced bleeding or rebleeding from PSA. Conclusions In well-selected patients, the use of flow-diverting stents may be a feasible alternative to parent vessel sacrifice. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with PSA, we recommend short- and long-term radiographic follow-up for patients treated with flow-diverting stents.

Nonthrombotic intracranial venous occlusive disease (NIVOD) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and various non-IIH headache syndromes. Endovascular stenting of stenotic, dominant transverse sinuses (TSs) may reduce trans-stenosis pressure gradients, decrease intracranial pressure, and alleviate symptoms in a subset of NIVOD patients. We present a case in which concurrent stenting of the occipito-marginal sinus obliterated the residual trans-stenosis pressure gradient across an initially stented dominant TS. We hypothesize that this observation may be explained using an electric-hydraulic analogy, and that this patient’s dominant TS and occipito-marginal sinus may be modeled as a parallel hemodynamic circuit. Neurointerventionalists should be aware of parallel hemodynamic drainage patterns and consider manometry and possibly additional stenting of stenotic, parallel venous outflow pathways if TS stenting alone fails to obliterate the trans-stenosis pressure gradient.

The SMART coil (Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA, USA) is a new microcoil designed to enhance deliverability. Although prior studies have described its perioperative safety and efficacy, the follow-up outcomes after embolization of intracranial aneurysms using SMART coils have not been reported. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective cohort study is to assess the angiographic outcomes at interim follow-up after aneurysm embolization with SMART coils. We reviewed data from consecutive patients with intracranial aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment using SMART coils between June 2016 and August 2017. Baseline data and follow-up angiographic outcomes using the modified Raymond-Roy classification (MRRC) were recorded. The study cohort comprised 33 patients with 34 aneurysms who underwent SMART coil embolization and had sufficient follow-up data. The mean age was 57 years, and 82% were female. The mean aneurysm maximum diameter and neck width were 6.1 ± 2.2 mm and 3.2 ± 1.2 mm, respectively, and 14.7% of aneurysms were ruptured. The overall complication rate was 12%. Initial mean coil packing density was 26%, and the initial MRRC was I, II, IIIa, and IIIb in 24%, 26%, 35%, and 15%, respectively. At last follow-up (mean duration 7.7 ± 3.2 months), the MRRC was I, II, IIIa, and IIIb in 62%, 26%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. The retreatment rate was 14.7%. The SMART coil is efficacious for the treatment of appropriately selected aneurysms, with an acceptable risk profile. The majority of residual aneurysms after the initial embolization procedure will progress to complete or near-complete occlusion at interim follow-up.

Introduction: Penumbra SMART COIL® (SMART) System is a novel generation embolic coil with varying stiffness. The study purpose was to report real-world usage of the SMART System in patients with intracranial aneurysms (ICA) and non-aneurysm vascular lesions.Materials and Methods: The SMART Registry is a post-market, prospective, multicenter registry requiring ≥75% Penumbra Coils, including SMART, PC400, and/or POD coils. The primary efficacy endpoint was retreatment rate at 1-year and the primary safety endpoint was the procedural device-related serious adverse event rate.Results: Between June 2016 and August 2018, 995 patients (mean age 59.6 years, 72.1% female) were enrolled at 68 sites in the U.S. and Canada. Target lesions were intracranial aneurysms in 91.0% of patients; 63.5% were wide-neck and 31.8% were ruptured. Adjunctive devices were used in 55.2% of patients. Mean packing density was 32.3%. Procedural device-related serious adverse events occurred in 2.6% of patients. The rate of immediate post-procedure adequate occlusion was 97.1% in aneurysms and the rate of complete occlusion was 85.2% in non-aneurysms. At 1-year, the retreatment rate was 6.8%, Raymond Roy Occlusion Classification (RROC) I or II was 90.0% for aneurysms, and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 was achieved in 83.1% of all patients. Predictors of 1-year for RROC III or retreatment (incomplete occlusion) were rupture status (P < 0.0001), balloon-assisted coiling (P = 0.0354), aneurysm size (P = 0.0071), and RROC III immediate post-procedure (P = 0.0086) in a model that also included bifurcation aneurysm (P = 0.7788). Predictors of aneurysm retreatment at 1-year was rupture status (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: Lesions treated with SMART System coils achieved low long-term retreatment rates.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT02729740.

Background: The relationship between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and cerebral sinovenous stenosis (CSS) remains unclear. The effects of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion on venous sinus physiology have not been rigorously investigated. We describe the effect of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement on sinovenous pressures in the setting of IIH and CSS. Case Description: A patient in their 30 s presented with headache and transient visual obscurations for few months and was diagnosed with IIH. Catheter cerebral venography showed focal stenosis of the right transverse sinus (TS) with a trans-stenosis pressure gradient (TSG) of 20 mmHg. The patient was treated with VPS. During the procedure, we performed a real-time measurement of ventricular CSF and cerebral sinovenous pressures. VPS selectively reduced the TS pressure and abolished the preoperative TS-TSG within 20 min of CSF diversion without altering the sigmoid sinus (SS) pressure. Our findings suggest that CSS can be an epiphenomenon, rather than the primary etiology in some patients with IIH. Conclusion: IIH is a challenging condition, in certain patients the radiographic stenosis and trans-stenosis gradient were an epiphenomenon because of the increased intracranial pressure that resulted in reversible TS-SS stenosis.

Introduction The Penumbra SMART COIL® System includes a novel generation of embolic coils comprising complex and WAVE shape properties with varying levels of softness to promote dense packing and durable long-term occlusion. We present the final analysis of 997 patients at 68 U.S./Canada sites with up to 1-yr follow-up in the SMART registry to assess the utility of the SMART COIL System in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and other malformations. Materials and Methods The SMART registry is a prospective, multi-center registry assessing the embolization of neurovascular lesions using the Penumbra SMART COIL System. Procedures must employ ≥75% of SMART, PC400, or POD coils to meet inclusion criteria. SMART registry endpoints included retreatment rates through 1-yr (±6-mo) follow-up, procedural device-related serious adverse events (SAE), and the ability to achieve adequate occlusion at immediate post-procedure. Results This analysis of 997 patients (72.1% female; mean age 59.6±13.0 yr) included cerebral aneurysms (91.0%, 907/997); arteriovenous malformations (1.1%); fistulae (4.1%); and other lesions (3.8%). Aneurysms, of which 31.8% were ruptured, were small (≤10 mm) in 85.3% (774/907) of patients, large (>10 mm to 25 mm) in 14.4% (131/907), and giant (>25 mm) in 0.2% (2/907); 63.5% (555/874) of patients had wide-neck aneurysms (dome-to-neck ratio For all lesions, median coil deployment time, defined as the time from the first coil deployed until the last coil detached, was 16.0 min (IQR 8.0–32.0), and median time of fluoroscopic exposure was 37.0 min (IQR 24.0–56.0). Stent-assisted coiling was performed in 5.7% of patients, and balloon-assisted coiling was performed in 18.7% of patients. Median packing density (calculated for aneurysms only) was 29.1% [IQR 21.0–38.8]. For aneurysms, Raymond Occlusion Class (RROC) I and II was achieved in 79.7% (719/902) of cases at immediate post-procedure and in 90.1% (643/714) at 1-yr follow-up, with a recanalization rate of 12.8% (91/710) and a retreatment rate of 7.1% (52/733). In multivariate models, a large or giant aneurysm size (odds ratio [OR]=2.45, p=0.0030), balloon-assisted coiling (OR=1.84, p=0.0195), ruptured aneurysm status (OR=3.91, p For non-aneurysm lesions, complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 85.2% (23/27) of lesions post-procedure, with a recanalization rate of 6.1% (3/49) and a retreatment rate of 1.9% (1/53) at 1-yr follow-up. Overall, procedural device-related serious adverse events (SAE) were observed in 2.6% (26/997) of subjects. Conclusion The final results of the SMART Registry, a prospective registry with 997 subjects, demonstrate that the SMART COIL System achieves safe and adequate embolization in a wide variety of neurovascular lesions with low retreatment rates over 1 yr. Large aneurysm size and balloon-assisted coiling were predictive of incomplete occlusion at 1-yr and retreatment through 1-yr follow-up. Disclosures A. Spiotta: None. M. Park: None. R. Bellon: None. B. Bohnstedt: None. C. Schirmer: None. R. DeLeacy: None. D. Fiorella: None. B. Woodward: None. B. Baxter: None. S. Kale: None. O. Zaidat: None. P. Sunenshine: None. A. Yoo: None. M. Kabbani: None. K. Liu: None. R. Starke: None. A. Reeves: None. K. Snyder: None. T. Sivapatham: None. T. Dumont: None.

Background Dural venous sinus stenting (VSS) is an effective treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in adult patients. There are no published series to date evaluating safety and efficacy of VSS in pediatric patients. Objective To report on procedural device selection and technique as well as safety and efficacy of VSS for pediatric patients with medically refractory IIH due to underlying venous sinus stenosis. Methods A multi-institutional retrospective case series identified patients with medically refractory IIH aged less than 18 years who underwent VSS. Results 14 patients were identified at four participating centers. Patient ages ranged from 10 to 17 years, and 10 patients (71.4%) were female. Mean body mass index was 25.7 kg/m2 (range 15.8–34.6 kg/m2). Stenting was performed under general endotracheal anesthesia in all except two patients. The average trans-stenotic gradient during diagnostic venography was 10.6 mm Hg. Patients had stents placed in the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus, occipital sinus, and a combination. Average follow-up was 1.7 years after stenting. Six patients out of 10 (60%) had reduced medication dosing, 12 of 14 patients (85.7%) had improvements in headaches, two patients (100%) with pre-stent tinnitus had resolution of symptoms, and four (80%) of five patients with papilledema had improvement on follow-up ophthalmological examinations. Two patients (14.3%) developed postprocedural groin hematomas, one patient (7.1%) developed a groin pseudoaneurysm, and one patient (7.1%) had postprocedural groin bleeding. No other procedural complications occurred. Four patients (28.6%) required further surgical treatment (cerebrospinal shunting and/or stenting) after their first stenting procedure. Conclusions This series suggests that VSS is feasible in a pediatric population with IIH and has a low complication rate and good clinical outcomes.

The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is type III, or hypermobility type (EDS-HT). A large proportion of this population suffers from debilitating headaches and cognitive dysfunction of unclear etiology.

Objective To examine outcomes of Pipeline embolization device (PED) use for treatment of intracranial aneurysms outside of U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved indications. Methods Data from patients with aneurysms treated with off-label use of PED were pooled from 4 centers in a retrospective multicenter cohort study. Primary endpoints were decline in modified Rankin Scale score by at least 1 point and angiographic aneurysm occlusion at follow-up. Results The study cohort comprised 109 patients. Mean aneurysm size was 8.4 ± 7.4 mm, 20.2% of aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, and 11.9% of aneurysms were ruptured. The most common reasons for off-label use were aneurysm size (50.5%), aneurysm location (25.7%), and both size and location (10.1%). Mean follow-up was 9 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 82.5% of cases at last angiographic follow-up. Modified Rankin Scale score decline was found in 18.8% of cases. On univariate analysis, age, aneurysm size, aneurysm morphology, aneurysm location, reason for off-label use, and rupture status were not associated with clinical decline or aneurysm occlusion on angiography. On multivariate analysis, treatment of a ruptured aneurysm with PED was found to be an independent predictor of postoperative decline in modified Rankin Scale score, and size as the only reason for off-label PED use was found to be an independent predictor of complete occlusion on final angiography. Conclusions Off-label use of PED has a reasonable risk-to-benefit profile for appropriately selected aneurysms. Posterior circulation location and fusiform morphology do not appear to be associated with worse clinical or angiographic outcomes.

Conventional surgical treatment for cerebral abscesses includes craniotomy or stereotactic aspiration. Deep-seated, large abscesses pose a challenge to neurosurgeons, due to the risk of injury to the cortex and white matter tracts secondary to the brain retraction necessary to access the lesion. The endoport is a tubular conduit that can be employed for minimally invasive approaches to deep-seated intracranial lesions, and it may reduce the length of dural opening, size of corticotomy, and retraction-related injury. In this technical note, we present the first report of an adult with a deep cerebral abscess which was successfully treated with endoport-assisted surgical evacuation. The endoport has been shown to be useful for the treatment of other intracranial pathologies, and we believe that this technology may be employed for the evacuation of appropriately selected cerebral abscesses.

Introduction The benefit of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) for acute distal occlusions of the middle cerebral artery M2 segment is incompletely defined. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the recent literature regarding EMT for acute M2 occlusions. Methods We reviewed the literature to identify all studies of patients with acute M2 occlusions who underwent EMT that were published after January 1, 2015. Excellent and good outcomes were defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–1 and 0–2, respectively, at 3 months. Successful reperfusion was defined as modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 2b–3. Results Eight studies, comprising 630 EMT-treated patients with acute M2 occlusions, were included in the analysis. The median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ranged from 10 to 16, and the median Alberta Stroke Program Computed Tomography Score ranged from 9 to 10. Excellent and good outcomes at 3-month follow-up were observed in 40% and 62%, respectively, of patients with acute M2 occlusion who underwent EMT, with a mortality of 11%. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 78% of cases. Postprocedural intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurred in 14% of patients, including a symptomatic ICH rate of 5%. Conclusions EMT for acute M2 occlusion affords functional independence to most patients, with a modest rate of symptomatic ICH. However, compared with the natural history of distal MCA occlusions, the benefit of M2 thrombectomy using stent retriever or direct aspiration techniques remains unclear.

OBJECTIVEIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may cause blindness due to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Venous sinus stenosis has been identified in select patients, leading to stenting as a potential treatment, but its effects on global ICP have not been completely defined. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of venous sinus stenting on ICP in a small group of patients with IIH.METHODSTen patients for whom medical therapy had failed were prospectively followed. Ophthalmological examinations were assessed, and patients with venous sinus stenosis on MR angiography proceeded to catheter angiography, venography with assessment of pressure gradient, and ICP monitoring. Patients with elevated ICP measurements and an elevated pressure gradient across the stenosis were treated with stent placement.RESULTSAll patients had elevated venous pressure (mean 39.5 ± 14.9 mm Hg), an elevated gradient across the venous sinus stenosis (30.0 ± 13.2 mm Hg), and elevated ICP (42.2 ± 15.9 mm Hg). Following stent placement, all patients had resolution of the stenosis and gradient (1 ± 1 mm Hg). The ICP values showed an immediate decrease (to a mean of 17.0 ± 8.3 mm Hg), and further decreased overnight (to a mean of 8 ± 4.2 mm Hg). All patients had subjective and objective improvement, and all but one improved during follow-up (median 23.4 months; range 15.7–31.6 months). Two patients developed stent-adjacent stenosis; retreatment abolished the stenosis and gradient in both cases. Patients presenting with papilledema had resolution on follow-up funduscopic imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and improvement on visual field testing. Patients presenting with optic atrophy had optic nerve thinning on follow-up OCT, but improved visual fields.CONCLUSIONSFor selected patients with IIH and venous sinus stenosis with an elevated pressure gradient and elevated ICP, venous sinus stenting results in resolution of the venous pressure gradient, reduction in ICP, and functional, neurological, and ophthalmological improvement. As patients are at risk for stent-adjacent stenosis, further follow-up is necessary to determine long-term outcomes and gain an understanding of venous sinus stenosis as a primary or secondary pathological process behind elevated ICP.

ObjectiveAlthough endovascular therapy has been widely adopted for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), its effect on clinical outcomes remains incompletely understood. The aims of this retrospective cohort study are to evaluate the outcomes of endovascular intervention for post-aSAH vasospasm and identify predictors of functional independence at discharge and repeat endovascular vasospasm treatment.MethodsWe assessed the baseline and outcomes data for patients with aSAH who underwent endovascular vasospasm treatment at our institution, including intra-arterial (IA) vasodilator infusion and angioplasty. Statistical analyses were performed to determine factors associated with good outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) and repeat endovascular vasospasm treatment.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 159 patients with a mean age of 52 years. Good outcome was achieved in 17% of patients at discharge (26/150 patients), with an in-hospital mortality rate of 22% (33/150 patients). In the multivariate analysis, age (OR 0.895; p=0.009) and positive smoking status (OR 0.206; p=0.040) were negative independent predictors of good outcome. Endovascular retreatment was performed in 34% (53/156 patients). In the multivariate analysis, older age (OR 0.950; p=0.004), symptomatic vasospasm (OR 0.441; p=0.046), initial treatment with angioplasty alone (OR 0.096; p=0.039), and initial treatment with combined IA vasodilator infusion and angioplasty (OR 0.342; p=0.026) were negative independent predictors of retreatment.ConclusionWe found a modest rate of functional independence at discharge in patients with aSAH who underwent endovascular vasospasm treatment. Older patients and smokers had worse functional outcomes at discharge. Initial use of angioplasty appears to decrease the need for subsequent retreatment.

In the contemporary era of aneurysm management, large fusiform aneurysms presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remain particularly challenging lesions to successfully manage. We describe a staged, multimodal treatment strategy for a 71-year-old patient who presented with a large ruptured fusiform aneurysm of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) and a fetal posterior communicating artery which originated from the inferomedial aspect of the aneurysm. In the first stage, we performed a partial microsurgical clip reconstruction of the fusiform aneurysm and secured its rupture site, which was identified intraoperatively. This left two residual saccular components of the aneurysm, which were targeted with endovascular coiling in the same hospitalization after the patient had convalesced from the SAH and was beyond the vasospasm window. We believe that this combined approach of clip-assisted coiling can be employed instead of endovascular flow diversion or microsurgical bypass for appropriately selected patients with ruptured fusiform ICA aneurysms.

A 4-year-old male with headaches, papilledema, intracranial hypertension, and bilateral transverse sinus (TS) stenosis underwent attempted percutaneous placement of a right TS stent. Stent deployment was not technically feasible due to the stiffness of the stent and tortuosity of the patient's jugular bulb. Therefore, the patient underwent hybrid endovascular stenting of the right TS using neuronavigation and direct access of the TS following a single burr hole craniectomy. Two Express 8 mm × 17 mm balloon-mounted stents were deployed into the right TS, which resulted in obliteration of the preexisting trans-stenosis pressure gradient and decreased intracranial parenchymal pressure as monitored through an intracranial pressure bolt. The patient's headaches and papilledema resolved, and follow-up imaging demonstrated no in-stent or stent-adjacent stenosis. This case demonstrates the feasibility of combining minimally invasive open surgical access to allow direct cannulation for venous sinus stenting.

Large lobar intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) can cause rapid neurological deterioration, and affected patients have low rates of survival and functional independence. Currently, the role of surgical intervention in the management patients with lobar ICHs is controversial. Minimally invasive technologies have been developed which may potentially decrease the operative morbidity of ICH surgery. The aim of this case report is to describe the technical aspects of the use of a novel minimally invasive endoport system, the BrainPath (NICO, Indianapolis, IN, USA), through an eyebrow incision for evacuation of a large lobar hematoma. An 84-year-old female presented with a left frontal ICH, measuring 7.5 cm in maximal diameter and 81 cm3 in volume, secondary to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Through a left eyebrow incision, a miniature modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy was performed, which allowed endoport cannulation of the hematoma from a lateral subfrontal cortical entry point. Endoport-assisted hematoma evacuation resulted in nearly 90% volume reduction and improvement of the patient's functional status at clinical follow-up. We found that minimally invasive endoport technology can be employed in conjunction with conventional neurosurgical skull base principles to achieve safe and effective evacuation of large lobar hematomas in carefully selected patients.

Background The coincidence of parasellar aneurysms (IAs) and anterior skull base (ASB) lesions, while rare, presents a management challenge. IAs embedded within, or adjacent to, ASB lesions are at risk in the perioperative period and may have unique presentations, natural histories, and outcomes. The objective of this study was to outline management options and nuances in patients with coexisting IAs and ASB lesions. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all patients who presented for management of IAs and ASB lesions from January 2006 to January 2014. Medical charts and imaging were reviewed for patient, tumor and IA characteristics, pathology, operative findings, complications, and outcomes. Results Of 13 patients included in the study, 11 had histologically proven or presumed pituitary macroadenomas. The majority of cases presented with visual and endocrine deficits, and the median maximal tumor diameter was 3.1 cm. There were 17 IAs, all located in the parasellar area. Endovascular treatment of the IA was performed before tumor resection in 2 cases. Transsphenoidal resection was performed before IA occlusion in 1 case, and intraoperative vascular injury occurred in 2 cases. The median follow-up was 36 months. Conclusions Management decisions for patients with coincident IA and ASB lesions require careful, individualized treatment plans. Coil embolization is well tolerated and does not delay surgery, except in cases requiring stent placement. Inadvertent intraoperative rupture of an adjacent IA during anterior skull base surgery may be treated with emergent coil embolization, flow diversion, or carotid sacrifice, but adequate preoperative planning can reduce this risk.

OBJECTIVE Surgical resection of thalamic and brainstem cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is associated with significant operative morbidity, but it may be outweighed, in some cases, by the neurological damage from recurrent hemorrhage in these eloquent areas. The goals of this retrospective cohort study are to describe the technical nuances of surgical approaches and determine the postoperative outcomes for CCMs of the thalamus and brainstem. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed an institutional database of patients harboring thalamic or brainstem CCMs, who underwent surgical resection from 2010 to 2014. The baseline and follow-up neuroimaging and clinical findings of each patient and the operative details of each case were evaluated. RESULTS A total of eight patients, including two with thalamic and six with brainstem CCMs, were included in the study cohort. All patients had progressive neurological deterioration from recurrent CCM hemorrhage, and the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 3. The median CCM maximum diameter and volume were 1.7 cm and 1.8 cm3, respectively. The thalamic CCMs were resected using the anterior transcallosal transchoroidal and supracerebellar infratentorial approaches each in one case (13%). The brainstem CCMs were resected using the retrosigmoid and suboccipital trans-cerebellomedullary fissure approaches each in three cases (38%). After a median follow-up of 11.5 months, all patients were neurologically stable or improved, with a median mRS of 2. The rate of functional independence (mRS 0-2) was 63%. CONCLUSION Microneurosurgical techniques and approaches can be safely and effectively employed for the management of thalamic and brainstem CCMs in appropriately selected patients.

IntroductionSubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from posterior circulation perforator aneurysms (PCPAs) is rare and its natural history is unknown. Diagnosis may be difficult, acute management is poorly defined, and long-term recurrent SAH rates and clinical outcome data are lacking.MethodsWe searched our institution's records for cases of PCPA rupture and analyzed patient demographics, Hunt and Hess (HH) grades, diagnostic imaging, management, and clinical outcomes. We conducted telephone interviews to calculate modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores.ResultsWe identified 9 patients (6 male, 3 female) with a ruptured PCPA who presented to the University of Virginia Health System (Charlottesville, VA, USA) between 2010 and 2016. Median and mean ages were 62 and 63 years, respectively. Median HH grade was 3. Seven of nine (78%) PCPAs were angiographically occult on initial imaging and median time to diagnosis was 5 days. Three conservatively managed patients had a mean mRS score of 0.67 (range 0–1) at mean follow-up of 35.3 months. Antifibrinolytic therapy was administered to all conservatively managed patients without thrombotic complication. Six patients receiving endovascular treatment had a mean mRS score of 2.67 (range 0–6) at mean follow-up of 49.2 months. No cases of recurrent SAH were seen in the study.ConclusionsThe rarity of PCPA has precluded long-term clinical follow-up until now. Our experience suggests low recurrent SAH rates. Until further studies are performed, conservative management, possibly combined with antifibrinolytic therapy, may be a viable treatment with acceptable long-term outcome.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a poorly understood phenomenon and its presentation can both mimic and co-exist with other intra-cranial processes. Accurate diagnosis is imperative as ongoing advancements in treatment can yield dramatic positive results. Here we present the case of an individual with signs and symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus who was ultimately found to have IIH secondary to venous sinus stenosis. After correction of the venous sinus stenosis, resolution in the patient's symptoms was noted. The case highlights some of the unique considerations in approaching patients with IIH and provides a framework for review of current literature related to IIH and venous sinus stenosis.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a functionally limiting disorder secondary to increased intracranial pressures (ICPs) with a prevalence of one per 100,000 persons. It is estimated to cost >$400 million per year in productively. Symptoms classically consist of chronic headaches, papilledema, and visual loss. The pathophysiology is unknown but postulated to involve increased resistance to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption. Traditional treatments involve weight loss, acetazolamide, CSF diversion, or optic nerve fenestration. More recent technology has allowed exploration of venous sinus stenosis. Through venous sinus stenting (VSS), the ICPs and venous sinus pressures decrease. After treatment, >75% exhibit an improvement in headaches, ~50% improvement in tinnitus, and ~50 % improvement in ophthalmologic testing. Complications are rare but involve stent stenosis, femoral pseudoaneurysm, and hemorrhages. Future studies will look into controlled studies for VSS as well as expansion to other venous structures of the intracranial circulation.

Introduction: The importance of blood pressure control after IV tPA is well known. Current practice is to use these same parameters for patients undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy (ET). However, optimal blood pressure control following ET is not well defined, the DAWN trial used a target of Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent ET was conducted from January 2017 to April 2018 yielding 92 patients; those with unsuccessful recanalization or incomplete data were excluded leaving 51 for final analysis. Patients were dichotomized in two groups based on good (mRS ≤ 2) and bad (mRS ≥3) outcomes. We performed an ROC analysis to determine the percentage of time that SBP exceeded 140mmHg in order to be associated with a poor outcome at 90 days. Results: ROC analysis found that when 45% of SBP readings exceeded 140mmHg, there was a poor outcome at 90 days with sensitivity and specificity of 61 and 82%, respectively. The AUC of this analysis was 0.71 with a p-value of Conclusion: The percentage of time that SBP exceeds the target of 140mmHg in the first 24 hours appears to have an independent correlation with outcome in patients after successful ET. Those patients with uncontrolled SBP, defined as SBP >140mmHg 45% of the time or more experienced a poor outcome in 80% of cases. Those patients with controlled SBP, defined as

Introduction: The Penumbra SMART COIL System includes a novel generation of embolic coils comprised of complex and WAVE shape properties with varying levels of softness to promote dense packing and durable long-term occlusion. We report an interim analysis of the first 500 patients enrolled in the SMART registry to assess the utility of the SMART COIL System in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and other malformations. Methods: The SMART registry is a prospective, multi-center registry study. Procedures must employ ≥75% of the Smart, PC400, or POD coils to meet the registry criteria. SMART registry endpoints include retreatment rates through one year follow-up, procedural device-related serious adverse events (SAE), the ability to achieve adequate occlusion at immediate post-procedure, and the number of times re-access with guidewire was required due to catheter kickout. Results: The interim analysis of the first 500 patients enrolled (70.6% female; mean age 60.0±13.2 years) includes cerebral aneurysms (91.0%, 454/499), of which 30.4% were ruptured; arteriovenous malformations (1.4%); fistulae (4.4%); and other lesions (3.2%). Aneurysms were small (87.9%), large (11.9%), and giant (0.2%); 64.3% (275/428) were wide-neck. Stent-assisted coiling was performed in 30.2% of patients and balloon-assisted coiling in 20.2% of patients. Median packing density for all aneurysms was 29.3% (IQR 21.3-38.4). In aneurysm patients, Raymond Class I and II was observed in 79.5% (357/449) at immediate post-procedure, and 88.8% (229/258) at one year follow-up. In all patients, the retreatment rate through one year follow-up was 6.7% (19/282). Procedural device-related SAE were observed in 3.2% subjects (16/500). One year follow-up data collection is ongoing. Conclusion: Interim Results suggest that the SMART COIL System achieves adequate embolization in a variety of neurovascular lesions with low retreatment rates over one year.

Background and Importance.Ruptured periventricular aneurysms in patients with moyamoya disease represent challenging pathologies. The most common methods of treatment include endovascular embolization and microsurgical clipping. However, rare cases arise in which the location and anatomy of the aneurysm make these treatment modalities particularly challenging.Clinical Presentation.We report a case of a 34-year-old female with moyamoya disease who presented with intraventricular hemorrhage. CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography revealed an aneurysm located in the wall of the atrium of the right lateral ventricle. Distal endovascular access was not possible, and embolization risked the sacrifice of arteries supplying critical brain parenchyma. Using the BrainPath endoport system, the aneurysm was able to be accessed. Since the fusiform architecture of the aneurysm prevented clip placement, the aneurysm was ligated with electrocautery.Conclusion.We demonstrate the feasibility of endoport-assisted approach for minimally invasive access and treatment of uncommon, distally located aneurysms.

Background Because the prognosis of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), classified as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade IV–V, is generally poor, the functional outcomes of survivors have not been thoroughly explored. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to determine predictors of functional independence in patients who survive a high-grade aSAH. Methods We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with aSAH admitted to a single institution from January 2000 to April 2015. Adult (age ≥18 years) patients with WFNS grade IV–V aSAH were included for analysis. Patients without sufficient baseline data, those who died before discharge, and those without follow-up data were excluded. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with functional independence, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2, at last follow-up. Results Of the 260 patients with a WFNS grade IV–V aSAH during the study period, 139 met the inclusion criteria. After a mean follow-up of 6.3 months, functional independence was achieved in 73% of high-grade aSAH survivors (101/139 patients) and in 39% of all high-grade aSAH cases (101/260 patients). Only a lack of cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement was found to be an independent predictor of functional independence in the multivariable analysis (odds ratio 0.28 [0.109–0.722]; P = 0.008). Conclusions Because functional independence can be achieved in the majority of high-grade aSAH survivors, aggressive initial management of high-grade aSAH is warranted. Strategies that reduce the need for permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion may improve functional outcomes in survivors of high-grade aSAH.

Objective Currently, Dural venous sinus stenting (DVSS) has appeared as a prospective therapy for venous hypertension. However, there remains considerable ambiguity over the safety and efficacy of this procedure, in particular, the incidence of intraprocedural and delayed complications and in the durability of sinus patency and satisfactory clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to determine clinical, radiological, and manometric outcomes after DVSS in this cohort. Methods This is a retrospective case series of venous stenting during the period of Feb 2013 to Jun 2017 at the University of Virginia. The Clinical, radiographic, and manometric data before and after DVSS were reviewed. All venographic and manometric procedures were performed both under local anesthesia and general anesthesia with the patient supine. Results 125 patients underwent a total of 146 procedures of DVSS. 117 (92.8%) were female, the mean age 32.2±12.4 years with a median BMI of 31±10. The median clinical and radiological follow up are 127 and 90 days. The mean preop gradient is 12.2±11.8 and the post-stent gradients were 1.7±2.6 and the reduction in gradient was achieved in all patients with obliteration of significant anatomical stenosis. At the last follow up clinical improvement noted in 60.8% and needed repeat stenting in 14 patients. The procedural complication rates occurred in 6/125 (4.8%) which includes death in one patient, femoral pseudoaneurysm in 2 and catheter tip fracture in one and contrast extravasation in one and improper stent dislodgement in one. Nonflow limiting in-stent and adjacent stent stenosis noted in 14/125 (11.2%) patients and adjacent stenosis only noted in 4/125 (3.2%) patients. Conclusions DVSS is one of the alternative modalities of treatment in increased venous pressure which is associated with less number of complications and moderate efficacy. To definitively compare the outcomes between DVSS and other modalities, a randomized prospective study is needed. Disclosures M. Patibandla: None. C. Chen: None. Y. Kalani: None. M. Park: None. K. Liu: None.

Introduction Smart Coils are novel generation of embolic coils comprised of complex and WAVE shape properties with varying levels of softness to promote dense packing and durable long-term occlusion. We report results from interim analysis on utility of the Penumbra Smart Coil System in the treatment of a variety of intracranial vascular lesions, such as aneurysms and other abnormalities. Methods SMART registry is a prospective and multi-center registry assessing treatment of intracranial aneurysms and other malformations. Procedures must implant at least 75% Smart, PC400, or POD coils to meet the registry criteria. SMART registry endpoints include retreatment through one-year follow-up, procedural device-related serious adverse events (SAE), occlusion status at immediate post-procedure, and at one- year follow-up. Results The interim analysis from the first 500 consecutive subjects enrolled includes cerebral aneurysms (90.6%, 451/498), of which 31.0% were ruptured; arteriovenous malformations (1.4%); fistulae (4.6%); and other lesions (3.4%). At presentation, 70.8% of subjects were female, and the mean age was 60.0±13.3 years. The primary lesion locations are ACA (23.1%), ICA (37.6%), MCA (11.8%), posterior circulation (19.3%), and other locations (8.2%). Aneurysms were small (87.7%), large (12.1%), and giant (0.2%), with 64.2% (265/413) having a wide neck. The coil deployment time is defined as the time from the first coil deployed until the last coil detached. The median time of coil deployment is 16.0 min (IQR 8.0–32.0) and the median time of fluoroscopic exposure is 36.5 min (IQR 24.0–56.0). The mean number of coils deployed was 5.9±5.9. Stent-assisted coiling was performed in 29.8% of patients, whereas balloon-assisted coiling was performed on 19.4% of patients. The median packing density for all aneurysms was 29.5% (IQR 21.4–38.3). For all subjects, adequate occlusion at immediate post-procedure was achieved for 97.6% (483/495). In aneurysm subjects, class I and II Raymond Roy Occlusion was 79.7% (354/444) at immediate post-procedure, and 88.6% (124/140) at one year follow-up. The retreatment rate through one year follow-up was 3.8% (6/157). Procedural device-related SAE were observed in 3.2% subjects (16/500). Mortality within 24 hours of intervention was reported in 0.4% (2/496), and after 24 hours in 11.4% (21/185); no deaths were device-related. One-year follow-up data collection is ongoing. Conclusion Initial results suggest that Smart Coil achieves adequate embolization in variety of neurovascular lesions. Disclosures D. Frei: 2; C; Penumbra Inc. K. Liu: None. C. Schirmer: None. B. Bohnstedt: None. R. Bellon: None. R. DeLeacy: None. D. Fiorella: None. A. Spiotta: 2; C; Penumbra Inc.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective, matched cohort study is to determine the effect of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on shunt-related complications and long-term functional outcomes in endovascularly treated aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients. Materials and Method: We retrospectively analyzed an institutional database of aSAH patients from 2000-2015. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment with stent-assisted coiling (DAPT cohort) were matched in a 1:4 ratio to those who underwent coiling alone (no-DAPT cohort) based on the presenting patient and aneurysm factors. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale of

Approximately 10-30% of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have associated arterial aneurysms (AAA), and the management of these lesions can be challenging. In this video technical note, we demonstrate the microsurgical treatment of an unruptured, Spetzler-Martin grade I AVM in the distal Sylvian fissure with two AAAs arising proximally from the inferior M2 trunk immediately distal to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation. First, we resected the superficially located AVM to normalize the blood flow through the Sylvian vein. Next, we performed a Sylvian fissure dissection to access and clip the two MCA AAAs. We also discuss the technical nuances of tandem surgical intervention for AVMs with AAAs as it pertains to this case, particularly with respect to the order of lesion treatment, Sylvian fissure dissection, nidal resection, and aneurysm clipping.

IntroductionAlthough venous sinus stenting (VSS) has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and associated venous sinus stenosis, there is considerable ambiguity regarding patient selection criteria, treatment protocols, and management strategies.MethodsAn extensive literature review was performed to identify all reports of VSS in patients with IIH using PubMed. Recommendations for the selection and treatment of patients with IIH with VSS are outlined as determined based on author opinion from supporting studies. Due to the lack of randomized trials and few published prospective studies, standard grading scales for recommendations and level of evidence are not fully applicable and therefore a revised grading scale has been provided for recommendations.ResultsThe literature review identified a total of eight systematic reviews or meta-analyses and 29 published patient series on VSS. Recommendations for patient selection for diagnostic catheter angiography, angiography procedural considerations, stenting procedural considerations, and retreatment are provided based on the literature. Recommendations that were considered strong included: performance of venous sinus manometry to assess candidacy for treatment prior to stenting; administration of antiplatelet agents prior to stenting and for a follow-up period of at least 3–6 months; performance of post-stenting manometry to confirm resolution of pressure gradient; and performance of repeat angiography and manometry on patients with recurrence of symptoms after resolution with stenting to evaluate for recurrent stenosis.ConclusionVSS for patients with IIH with venous sinus stenosis is now an established and effective treatment option. These recommendations have been provided, based on a summative review of the available published literature, to assist in standardizing care for patients with IIH undergoing VSS.

Introduction: Smart Coils are novel generation embolic coils designed with robust shape and multiple transitions of softness to promote dense packing and durable long term occlusion. We report data on the utility of the Penumbra Smart Coil System in treatment of a variety of intracranial vascular lesions such as aneurysms and other abnormalities. Methods: SMART is a prospective, multicenter registry on the benefits of Smart Coils for treatment of cerebral aneurysms and malformations. This interim analysis aims to evaluate data from the initial 250 patients. Procedures must employ ≥75% of the Smart, PC400, or POD coils to meet the registry criteria. Study endpoints include procedural device-related serious adverse events (SAE), and the occlusion status immediately post procedure. Follow-up will be conducted through 1 year. Results: A wide range of presenting lesions were observed in the first 250 consecutive patients enrolled, including aneurysms (87.9%), of which 27.6% were ruptured, arteriovenous malformations (1.2%), fistulae (6.1%), and other (4.9%). At presentation, 67.9% were female, and the mean age was 58.9 ± 14.6 years. Aneurysms were small (25mm, 9.7%), with 62.6% having a wide neck (≥4mm). Procedural metrics and outcome can be found in Table I; coil deployment time is defined as the time from the first coil deployed until the last coil detachment. For all patients, adequate occlusion as adjudicated by the investigator was achieved for 98.4% (242/246). In aneurysm patients, where known, class I & II Raymond Roy Occlusion was 82.7% (177/214). Procedural device-related SAE were observed in 7 subjects (2.8%). Mortality 24h in 2.8% patients; none were device-related. One-year follow-up data is ongoing. Conclusion: Initial results suggest that Smart Coil achieves adequate embolization in a variety of neurovascular lesions.

To compare the outcomes between endovascular and medical management of acute ischemic stroke in recent randomized controlled trials (RCT).A systematic literature review was performed, and multicenter, prospective RCTs published from January 1, 2013, to May 1, 2015, directly comparing endovascular therapy to medical management for patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Meta-analyses of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) for endovascular therapy and medical management were performed.Eight multicenter, prospective RCTs (Interventional Management of Stroke [IMS] III, Local Versus Systemic Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke [SYNTHESIS] Expansion, Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy [MR RESCUE], Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands [MR CLEAN], Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness [ESCAPE], Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits-Intra-Arterial [EXTEND-IA], Solitaire With the Intention For Thrombectomy as Primary Endovascular Treatment [SWIFT PRIME], and Endovascular Revascularization With Solitaire Device Versus Best Medical Therapy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Within 8 Hours [REVASCAT]) comprising 2,423 patients were included. Meta-analysis of pooled data demonstrated functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis of the 6 trials with large vessel occlusion (LVO) criteria also demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.23; p0.00001). Subgroup analysis of the 5 trials that primarily utilized stent retriever devices (≥70%) in the intervention arm demonstrated functional independence at 90 days in favor of endovascular therapy (OR = 2.39; p0.00001). No difference was found for mortality at 90 days and sICH between endovascular therapy and medical management in all analyses and subgroup analyses.This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that endovascular intervention combined with medical management, including IV tissue plasminogen activator for eligible patients, improves the outcomes of appropriately selected patients with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of LVO.

The aim of this retrospective study is to report our initial experience with endoport-assisted microsurgical evacuation (EAME) of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH). Neurosurgical intervention has not been shown to significantly improve patient outcomes after spontaneous ICH. Minimally invasive technologies, such as endoport systems, may offer a better risk to benefit profile for ICH evacuation than conventional approaches. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent EAME of ICH from January 2013 to February 2015 using the BrainPath endoport system (NICO, Indianapolis, IN, USA). The baseline and follow-up patient and ICH characteristics were analyzed. Of the 11 patients included for analysis, seven were women (64%), and the median age was 65 years (range: 23-84). The ICH was supratentorial in nine patients (82%), and the median ICH score was 2 (range: 1-4). The median preoperative and postoperative ICH volumes were 51 cm(3) (range: 8-168) and 10 cm(3) (range: 0.4-59), respectively, with a median reduction in ICH volume of 87% (range: 38-99). The median preoperative and postoperative amounts of midline shift were 6.7 mm (range: 4.9-14.3) and 3.7 mm (range: 2.2-8.9), respectively, with a median reduction in midline shift of 38% (range: 18-61). At the 90 day follow-up, four patients (36%) were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). Four patients had ICH-related mortalities (36%). EAME appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for ICH. Further studies are necessary to assess the comparative effectiveness of EAME in relation to medical therapy or other interventional techniques, for the management of ICH patients.

BackgroundCerebrovascular infundibular dilations (IDs) are triangular-shaped widenings less than 3 mm in diameter, which are most commonly found at the posterior communicating artery (PCoA). The aims of this systematic review are to elucidate the natural histories of IDs, determine their risk of progression to significant pathology, and discuss potential management options.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of PubMed was used to find all case reports and series relating to cerebral IDs. IDs were classified into three types: type I IDs do not exhibit morphological change over a long follow-up period, type II IDs evolve into saccular aneurysms, while type III IDs are those that result in subarachnoid hemorrhage without prior aneurysmal progression. Data were extracted from studies that demonstrated type II or III IDs.ResultsWe reviewed 16 cases of type II and seven cases of type III IDs. For type II IDs, 81.3% of patients were female with a median age at diagnosis of 38. All type II IDs were located at the PCoA without a clear predilection for sidedness. Median time to aneurysm progression was 7.5 years. For type III IDs there was no clear gender preponderance and the median age at diagnosis was 51. The PCoA was involved in 85.7% of cases, with 57.1% of IDs occurring on the left. Most patients were treated with clipping. Risk factors for aneurysm formation appear to be female gender, young age, left-sided localization, coexisting aneurysms, and hypertension.ConclusionsIDs can rarely progress to aneurysms or rupture. Young patients with type II or III IDs with coexisting aneurysms or hypertension may benefit from long-term imaging surveillance.

The aim of this case series is to describe the surgical technique and postoperative outcomes for endoport-assisted microsurgical resection (EAMR) of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). Significant manipulation of subcortical white matter tracts may be necessary for the successful resection of CCM located in deep brain regions. Minimally invasive neurosurgical devices such as endoport systems can decrease disruption of the cortex and white matter tracts overlying deep-seated CCM through small cranial and dural openings. The role of endoport technology in modern CCM surgery is incompletely understood. Three patients with symptomatic CCM underwent EAMR at our institution using the BrainPath endoport system (NICO Corporation, Indianapolis, IN, USA). Complete resection was achieved in two patients. One patient with a large 4.5cm callosal CCM was left with a small residual lesion. There were no postoperative complications and all patients were functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale score 2 or less) at follow-up. Based on our initial experience with EAMR for CCM we believe the endoport can be an effective alternative to traditional retractor systems. Due to the nature of the small craniotomy and durotomy performed for endoport placement EAMR has the potential to improve surgical outcomes by reducing postoperative pain, analgesic requirements and hospital stays. Therefore, EAMR may be considered for appropriately selected CCM patients, although additional experience is necessary to improve our understanding of its role in CCM management.

OBJECT The authors completed a prospective, institutional review board–approved study using intraoperative MRI (iMRI) in patients undergoing posterior fossa decompression (PFD) for Chiari I malformation. The purpose of the study was to examine the utility of iMRI in determining when an adequate decompression had been performed. METHODS Patients with symptomatic Chiari I malformations with imaging findings of obstruction of the CSF space at the foramen magnum, with or without syringomyelia, were considered candidates for surgery. All patients underwent complete T1, T2, and cine MRI studies in the supine position preoperatively as a baseline. After the patient was placed prone with the neck flexed in position for surgery, iMRI was performed. The patient then underwent a bone decompression of the foramen magnum and arch of C-1, and the MRI was repeated. If obstruction was still present, then in a stepwise fashion the patient underwent dural splitting, duraplasty, and coagulation of the tonsils, with an iMRI study performed after each step guiding the decision to proceed further. RESULTS Eighteen patients underwent PFD for Chiari I malformations between November 2011 and February 2013; 15 prone preincision iMRIs were performed. Fourteen of these patients (93%) demonstrated significant improvement of CSF flow through the foramen magnum dorsal to the tonsils with positioning only. This improvement was so notable that changes in CSF flow as a result of the bone decompression were difficult to discern. CONCLUSIONS The authors observed significant CSF flow changes when simply positioning the patient for surgery. These results put into question intraoperative flow assessments that suggest adequate decompression by PFD, whether by iMRI or intraoperative ultrasound. The use of intraoperative imaging during PFD for Chiari I malformation, whether by ultrasound or iMRI, is limited by CSF flow dynamics across the foramen magnum that change significantly when the patient is positioned for surgery.

Residual or recurrent meningiomas after initial surgical resection are commonly treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), but progression of these tumors following radiosurgery is difficult to predict. We performed a retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients who underwent resection and subsequent Gamma Knife (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery for residual or recurrent meningiomas at our institution from 2001-2012. Patients were subdivided by Simpson resection grade and World Health Organization (WHO) grade. Cox multivariate regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to assess risk of tumor progression. There were 45 men (75%) and 15 women (25%) with a median age of 56.8 years (range 26.5-82 years). The median follow-up period was 34.9 months (range 6-108.4 months). Simpson grade 1-3 resection was achieved in 17 patients (28.3%) and grade 4 resection in 43 patients (71.7%). Thirty-four tumors (56.7%) were WHO grade 1, and 22 (36.7%) were WHO grade 2-3. Time from resection to SRS was significantly shorter in patients with Simpson grade 4 resection compared to grade 1-3 resection (p0.01), but did not differ by WHO grade (p=0.17). Post-SRS complications occurred in five patients (8.3%). Overall, 19 patients (31.7%) experienced progression at a median of 15.3 months (range 1.2-61.4 months). Maximum tumor diameter2.5 cm at the time of SRS (p=0.02) and increasing WHO grade (p0.01) were predictive of progression in multivariate analysis. Simpson resection grade did not affect progression-free survival (p=0.90). The mortality rate over the study period was 8.3%. SRS offers effective tumor control for residual or recurrent meningiomas following resection, especially for small benign tumors.

OBJECTIVEStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a commonly employed treatment modality for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, due to the low frequency of delayed cyst formation after AVM SRS, as well as the prolonged time interval between treatment and its occurrence, the characteristics of post-SRS cyst formation are not well defined. Therefore, the aims of this retrospective cohort study are to determine the rate of cyst formation after SRS for AVMs, identify predictive factors, and evaluate the clinical sequelae of post-SRS cysts.METHODSThe authors analyzed an SRS database for AVM patients who underwent SRS at the University of Virginia and identified those who developed post-SRS cysts. Statistical analyses were performed to determine predictors of post-SRS cyst formation and the effect of cyst formation on new or worsening seizures after SRS.RESULTSThe study cohort comprised 1159 AVM patients treated with SRS; cyst formation occurred in 17 patients (post-SRS cyst rate of 1.5%). Compared with patients who did not develop post-SRS cysts, those with cyst formation were treated with a greater number of radiosurgical isocenters (mean 3.8 vs 2.8, p = 0.047), had a longer follow-up (mean 132 vs 71 months, p < 0.001), were more likely to develop radiological radiation-induced changes (RIC) (64.7% vs 36.1%, p = 0.021), and had a longer duration of RIC (57 vs 21 months, p < 0.001). A higher number of isocenters (p = 0.014), radiological RIC (p = 0.002), and longer follow-up (p = 0.034) were found to be independent predictors of post-SRS cyst formation in the multivariate analysis. There was a trend toward a significant association between cyst formation and new or worsening seizures in univariate analysis (p = 0.054).CONCLUSIONSPatients with greater nidal complexity appear to be more prone to post-SRS cyst formation. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up for patients who have undergone AVM SRS, even after nidal obliteration is achieved. Post-SRS cysts may be epileptogenic, although seizure outcomes after AVM SRS are multifactorial.

Cross-sectional imaging of biological tissue microstructure using optical backscattering was first demonstrated in 1991.1 The technique, known as optical coherence tomography (OCT), uses low-coherence interferometry to produce a 2-dimensional image of optical scattering from tissues in a way that resembles pulse-echo imaging in ultrasound. Huang et al1 revealed promising clinical and research applications with their in vitro demonstrations of this novel imaging technique in both the peripapillary area of the retina and the coronary arteries. The first in vivo clinical application of OCT was reported in 1993, when it permitted detailed, noninvasive imaging of the anterior eye chamber, as well as other structures, such as the fovea and the optic disc of the retina.2–5 Collaboration between this pioneering group and the New England Eye Center has led to its routine use in ophthalmologic diagnostics and its subsequent commercial availability in 1996.6 Recent advancements in OCT technology have broadened its application to retinal vasculature and nontransparent tissues.7–10 OCT angiography has permitted noninvasive evaluation of retinal vascular abnormalities ranging from detecting neovascularization to quantifying ischemia.11 OCT use in areas ranging from developmental biology research to clinical applications in the fields of gastroenterology, urology, and neurosurgery have now been investigated.8,12–23 Optimization of OCT technology as an imaging modality has been achieved with the use of real-time imaging yielding greater image acquisition rates and laser light sources, which have improved image resolution.12,24–27 The recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of OCT for intravascular imaging has provided an unprecedented level of detail, on the micron level, in the evaluation of vascular pathologies that involve individual vessel wall layers.28 This has also sparked interest in the translation of the technology into the field of …