Search

Introduction: Intraoperative fluorescence guidance is a well-established surgical adjunct in high-grade glioma surgery. In contrast, the clinical use of such dyes and technology has been scarcely reported in skull base surgery. Research question: We aimed to systematically review the clinical applications of different fluorophores in both open and endonasal skull base surgery. Material and methods: We performed a systematic review and discussed the current literature on fluorescence guidance in skull base surgery. Results: After a comprehensive literature search, 77 articles on skull base fluorescence guidance were evaluated. A qualitative analysis of the articles is presented, discussing clinical indications and current controversies. The use of intrathecal fluorescein was the most frequently reported in the literature. Beyond that, 5-ALA and ICG were two other fluorescent dyes most extensively discussed, with some experimental fluorophore applications in skull base surgery. Discussion and conclusion: Intraoperative fluorescence imaging can serve as an adjunct technology in skull base surgery. The scope of initial indications of these fluorophores has expanded beyond malignant glioma resection alone. We discuss current use and controversies and present an extensive overview of additional indications for fluorescence imaging in skull base pathologies. Further quantitative studies will be needed in the future, focusing on tissue selectivity and time-dependency of the different fluorophores currently commercially available, as well as the development of new compounds to expand applications and facilitate skull base surgeries.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) provokes a cascade reaction that is responsible for early and delayed brain injuries mediated by intracranial hypertension, hydrocephalus, cerebral vasospasm (CV), and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), which result in increased morbidity and mortality. During open microsurgical repair, cisternal access is achieved essentially to gain proximal vascular control and aneurysm exposition. Cisternostomy also allows brain relaxation, removal of cisternal clots, and restoration of the CSF dynamics through the communication between the anterior and posterior circulation cisterns and the ventricular system, with the opening of the Membrane of Liliequist and lamina terminalis, respectively. Continuous postoperative CSF drainage through a cisternal drain (CD) is a valuable option for treating acute hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension. Moreover, it efficiently removes the blood and toxic degradation products, with a potential benefit on CV, DCI, and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Finally, the CD is an effective pathway to administer vasoactive, fibrinolytic, and anti-oxidant agents and shows promising results in decreasing CV and DCI rates while minimizing systemic effects. We performed a comprehensive review to establish the adjuvant role of cisternostomy and CD performed in cases of direct surgical repair for ruptured intracranial aneurysms and their role in the prevention and treatment of aSAH complications.

Abstract The invasive behavior of glioblastoma, the most aggressive primary brain tumor, is considered highly relevant for tumor recurrence. However, the invasion zone is difficult to visualize by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and is protected by the blood brain barrier, posing a particular challenge for treatment. We report biological features of invasive growth accompanying tumor progression and invasion based on associated metabolic and transcriptomic changes observed in patient derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX) in the mouse and the corresponding patients’ tumors. The evolution of metabolic changes, followed in vivo longitudinally by 1H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H MRS) at ultra-high field, reflected growth and the invasive properties of the human glioblastoma transplanted into the brains of mice (PDOX). Comparison of MRS derived metabolite signatures, reflecting temporal changes of tumor development and invasion in PDOX, revealed high similarity to spatial metabolite signatures of combined multi-voxel MRS analyses sampled across different areas of the patients’ tumors. Pathway analyses of the transcriptome associated with the metabolite profiles of the PDOX, identified molecular signatures of invasion, comprising extracellular matrix degradation and reorganization, growth factor binding, and vascular remodeling. Specific analysis of expression signatures from the invaded mouse brain, revealed extent of invasion dependent induction of immune response, recapitulating respective signatures observed in glioblastoma. Integrating metabolic profiles and gene expression of highly invasive PDOX provided insights into progression and invasion associated mechanisms of extracellular matrix remodeling that is essential for cell–cell communication and regulation of cellular processes. Structural changes and biochemical properties of the extracellular matrix are of importance for the biological behavior of tumors and may be druggable. Ultra-high field MRS reveals to be suitable for in vivo monitoring of progression in the non-enhancing infiltration zone of glioblastoma.

Background: There is currently no consensus in the field regarding whether a frontal or lateral approach is superior for microsurgical resection of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM). Due to the lack of uniformity in classifying lesions and inherent differences in reporting outcomes after varying operative approaches, the best practice for approaching these lesions is yet to be determined. Objective: This study aimed to assess various surgical approaches undertaken for OGMs, investigate procedural aspects influencing the extent of resection, and analyze the respective complication rate associated with each approach. We performed a comprehensive literature review of presenting signs and symptoms in OGM patients, their surgical management, and the reported surgical outcomes. To address the lack of uniform data reporting across studies and to take more recent translational studies into account, we developed a new classification system for OGMs that can remedy the existing deficiencies in comparability of reporting. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-guided literature search for surgical reports on OGMs published in the MRI era using broad search terms such as ‘olfactory groove meningioma’ and ‘surgery’, which yielded 20,672 results. After title screening and removal of duplicates, we assessed 871 studies on the specific surgical management of olfactory groove meningiomas. Following the application of exclusion criteria and abstract screening, a set of 27 studies was chosen for the final analysis of a pooled cohort of these reported patient outcomes. Results: The final twenty-seven studies included in our in-depth analysis identified a total of 1016 individual patients who underwent open microsurgical resection of OGMs. The approaches used included: pterional/unilateral, bifrontal with variations, and anterior interhemispheric approaches. Across all studies, gross total resection (Simpson Grades I or II) was achieved in 91.4% of cases, and subtotal resection (Grades III and IV) was reported in 8.6% of cases. A cumulative twenty-seven percent of surgical OGM patients sustained some form of complications. Minor issues accounted for 22.2% (CSF leak, seizures, infection, transient cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus), whereas major issues comprised 4.7% (hemorrhage, ischemic infarct, malignant cerebral edema). We then examined the correlation between these complications and the surgical approach chosen. Among pooled cohort of 426 patients who underwent unilateral approaches, 14% experienced minor complications, and 2.1% experienced major complications. For the mixed cohort of 410 patients who underwent bifrontal approaches, 24.6% experienced minor complications, and 7% experienced major complications. Conclusions: Unilateral approaches appear to have lower complication rates for the resection of OGMs compared to bilateral approaches. However, the extent of resection is not uniformly reported, making it difficult to identify differences. The use of an improved preoperative classification and scoring system can help establish a more coherent system to select the most suitable approach and to uniformly report surgical outcomes, such as EOR and complication rates specific to a given OGM and its surgical approach.

Neurosurgery has traditionally been overtly focused on the study of anatomy and functions of cortical areas with microsurgical techniques aimed at preserving eloquent cortices. In the last two decades, there has been ever-increasing data emerging from advances in neuroimaging (principally diffusion tensor imaging) and clinical studies (principally from awake surgeries) that point to the important contribution of white matter tracts (WMT) that influence neurological function as part of a brain network. Major scientific consortiums worldwide, currently working on this human brain connectome, are providing evidence that is dramatically altering the manner in which we view neurosurgical procedures. The development of the telencephalic flexure, a major landmark during the human embryogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS), severely affects the cortical/subcortical anatomy in and around the sylvian fissure and thus the different interacting brain networks. Indeed, the telencephalic flexure modifies the anatomy of the human brain with the more posterior areas becoming ventral and lateral and associative fibers connecting the anterior areas with the previous posterior ones follow the flexure, thus becoming semicircular. In these areas, the projection, association, and commissural fibers intermingle with some WMT remaining curved and others longitudinal. Essentially the ultimate shape and location of these tracts are determined by the development of the telencephalic flexure. Five adult human brains were dissected (medial to lateral and lateral to medial) with a view to describing this intricate anatomy. To better understand the 3D orientation of the WMT of the region we have correlated the cadaveric data with the anatomy presented in the literature of the flexure during human neuro-embryogenesis in addition to cross-species comparisons of the flexure. The precise definition of the connectome of the telencephalic flexure is primordial during glioma surgery and for disconnective epilepsy surgery in this region.

Introduction: The optimal surgical treatment for giant pituitary neuroendocrine tumors(GPitNETs) is debated. Research question: The aim of this paper is to optimize the surgical management of these patients and to provide a consensus statement on behalf of the EANS Skull Base Section. Material and methods: We constituted a task force belonging to the EANS skull base committee to define some principles for the management of GPitNETs. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to perform a meta-analysis on surgical series of GPitNETs. Weighted summary rates were obtained for the pooled extent of resection and according to the surgical technique. These data were discussed to obtain recommendations after evaluation of the selected articles and discussion among the experts. Results: 20articles were included in our meta-analysis, for a total of 1263 patients. The endoscopic endonasal technique was used in 40.3% of cases, the microscopic endonasal approach in 34% of cases, transcranial approaches in 18.7% and combined approaches in 7% of cases. No difference in terms of gross total resection (GTR) rate was observed among the different techniques. Pooled GTR rate was 36.6%, while a near total resection (NTR) was possible in 45.2% of cases. Cavernous sinus invasion was associated with a lower GTR rate (OR: 0.061). After surgery, 35% of patients had endocrinological improvement and 75.6% had visual improvement. Recurrent tumors were reported in 10% of cases Discussion and conclusion: After formal discussion in the working group, we recommend the treatment of G-PitNETs tumors with a more complex and multilobular structure in tertiary care centers. The endoscopic endonasal approach is the first option of treatment and extended approaches should be planned according to extension, morphology and consistency of the lesion. Transcranial approaches play a role in selected cases, with a multicompartmental morphology, subarachnoid invasion and extension lateral to the internal carotid artery and in the management of residual tumor apoplexy.

Introduction: The evolution of cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs) might be unpredictable and the efficacy of their treatments is challenging due to their indolent evolution, variations and fluctuations of symptoms, heterogeneity of classifications and lack of randomized controlled trials. Here, a dedicated task force provides a consensus statement on the overall management of CSMs. Research question: To determine the best overall management of CSMs, depending on their clinical presentation, size, and evolution as well as patient characteristics. Material and methods: Using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we included literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 400 abstracts and 77 titles were kept for full-paper screening. Results: The task force formulated 8 recommendations (Level C evidence). CSMs should be managed by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team. The initial evaluation of patients includes clinical, ophthalmological, endocrinological and radiological assessment. Treatment of CSM should involve experienced skull-base neurosurgeons or neuro-radiosurgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, ophthalmologists, and endocrinologists. Discussion and conclusion: Radiosurgery is preferred as first-line treatment in small, enclosed, pauci-symptomatic lesions/in elderly patients, while large CSMs not amenable to resection or WHO grade II-III are candidates for radiotherapy. Microsurgery is an option in aggressive/rapidly progressing lesions in young patients presenting with oculomotor/visual/endocrinological impairment. Whenever surgery is offered, open cranial approaches are the current standard. There is limited experience reported about endoscopic endonasal approach for CSMs and the main indication is decompression of the cavernous sinus to improve symptoms. Whenever surgery is indicated, the current trend is to offer decompression followed by radiosurgery.

Introduction: Cushing's disease is a state of chronic and excessive cortisol levels caused by a pituitary adenoma Research question: CD is a complex entity and often entails difficulties in its diagnosis and management. For that reason, there are still controversial points to that respect. The aim of this consensus paper of the skull base section of the EANS is to review the main aspects of the disease a neurosurgeon has to know and also to offer updated recommendations on the controversial aspects of its management. Material and methods: PUBMED database was used to search the most pertinent articles published on the last 5 years related with the management of CD. A summary of literature evidence was proposed for discussion within the EANS skull base section and other international experts. Results: This article represents the consensual opinion of the task force regarding optimal management and surgical strategy in CD Discussion and conclusion: After discussion in the group several recommendations and suggestions were elaborated. Patients should be treated by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Accurate clinical, biochemical and radiological diagnosis is mandatory. The goal of treatment is the complete adenoma resection to achieve permanent remission. If this is not possible, the treatment aims to achieving eucortisolism. Radiation therapy is recommended to patients with CD when surgical options have been exhausted. All patients in remission should be tested all life-long.

Abstract Background Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is frequent after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may cause abnormal pupillary reactivity, which in turn is associated with a worse prognosis. Using automated infrared pupillometry, we examined the relationship between the Neurological Pupil index (NPi) and invasive ICP in patients with severe TBI. Methods This was an observational cohort of consecutive subjects with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] 20 mmHg. We further analyzed the relationship of cumulative abnormal NPi burden (%NPi values

Study DesignResearchers created a proper type II dens fracture (DF) and quantified a novel current posterior fixation technique with spacers at C1–C2. A clinical case study supplements this biomechanical analysis.PurposeResearchers explored their hypothesis that spacers combined with posterior instrumentation (PI) reduce range of motion significantly, possibly leading to better fusion outcomes.Overview of LiteratureLiterature shows that the atlantoaxial joint is unique in allowing segmental rotary motion, enabling head turning. With no intervertebral discs at these joints, multiple ligaments bind the axis to the skull base and to the atlas; an intact odontoid (dens) enhances stability. The most common traumatic injury at these strong ligaments is a type II odontoid fracture.MethodsEach of seven specimens (C0–C3) was tested on a custom-built six-degrees-of-freedom spine simulator with constructs of intact state, type II DF, C1–C2 PI, PI with joint capsulotomy (PIJC), PI with spacers (PIS) at C1–C2, and spacers alone (SA). A bending moment of 2.0 Nm (1.5°/sec) was applied in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR). One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed.ResultsDF increased motion to 320%, 429%, and 120% versus intact (FE, LB, and AR, respectively). PI significantly reduced motion to 41%, 21%, and 8%. PIJC showed negligible changes from PI. PIS reduced motion to 16%, 14%, and 3%. SA decreased motion to 64%, 24%, and 54%. Reduced motion facilitated solid fusion in an 89-year-old female patient within 1 year.ConclusionsType II odontoid fractures can lead to acute or chronic instability. Current fixation techniques use C1–C2 PI or an anterior dens screw. Addition of spacers alongside PI led to increased biomechanical rigidity over intact motion and may offer an alternative to established surgical fixation techniques.

BackgroundThe pathophysiology of early brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still not completely understood.ObjectiveUsing brain perfusion CT (PCT) and cerebral microdialysis (CMD), we examined whether non-ischemic cerebral energy dysfunction may be a pathogenic determinant of EBI.MethodsA total of 21 PCTs were performed (a median of 41 h from ictus onset) among a cohort of 18 comatose mechanically ventilated SAH patients (mean age 58 years, median admission WFNS score 4) who underwent CMD and brain tissue PO2 (PbtO2) monitoring. Cerebral energy dysfunction was defined as CMD episodes with lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) >40 and/or lactate >4 mmol/L. PCT-derived global CBF was categorized as oligemic (CBF

Meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare complication of trans-sphenoidal surgery. We present the case of a patient who developed pneumococcal meningitis with associated bacteraemia after elective endoscopic trans-sphenoidal resection of a pituitary macro-adenoma. After initial treatment with ceftriaxone and dexamethasone, the patient made a good recovery and dexamethasone was discontinued. Two days later the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, presenting focal and diffuse neurological deficits. Cerebral MRI revealed widespread punctate ischaemic-type lesions affecting both anterior and posterior vascular territories bilaterally and involving features consistent with cerebral vasculitis. Antibiotic treatment was broadened to include meropenem and dexamethasone was restarted, but the patient remained in a comatose state and died 14 days later. Steroid treatment may play a dual role in this poorly characterised infectious complication of trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery. This possibility is discussed and the options for prophylaxis are reviewed.

Switzerland, the country with the highest health expenditure per capita, is lacking data on trauma care and system planning. Recently, 12 trauma centres were designated to be reassessed through a future national trauma registry by 2015. Lausanne University Hospital launched the first Swiss trauma registry in 2008, which contains the largest database on trauma activity nationwide. METHODS: Prospective analysis of data from consecutively admitted shock room patients from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2012. Shock room admission is based on physiology and mechanism of injury, assessed by prehospital physicians. Management follows a surgeon-led multidisciplinary approach. Injuries are coded by Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) certified coders. RESULTS: Over the 5 years, 1,599 trauma patients were admitted, predominantly males with a median age of 41.4 years and median injury severity score (ISS) of 13. Rate of ISS >15 was 42%. Principal mechanisms of injury were road traffic (40.4%) and falls (34.4%), with 91.5% blunt trauma. Principal patterns were brain (64.4%), chest (59.8%) and extremity/pelvic girdle (52.9%) injuries. Severe (abbreviated injury scale [AIS] score ≥3) orthopaedic injuries, defined as extremity and spine injuries together, accounted for 67.1%. Overall, 29.1% underwent immediate intervention, mainly by orthopaedics (27.3%), neurosurgeons (26.3 %) and visceral surgeons (13.9%); 43.8% underwent a surgical intervention within the first 24 hours and 59.1% during their hospitalisation. In-hospital mortality for patients with ISS >15 was 26.2%. CONCLUSION: This is the first 5-year report on trauma in Switzerland. Trauma workload was similar to other European countries. Despite high levels of healthcare, mortality exceeds published rates by >50%. Regardless of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, trauma remains a surgical disease and needs dedicated surgical resources.