Prognostic Indicators for Intracranial Metastases from Pancreatic Cancer: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The natural history, treatment options, and clinical outcomes of pancreatic metastases to the brain remain largely unknown. Here, we seek to investigate characteristics that influence OS in pancreatic metastases to the brain.

METHODS

This is a population-based retrospective study of OS in 508 patients with pancreatic metastases to the brain using the SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were utilized, and a predictive nomogram was developed.

RESULTS

There were 508 patients identified for this study, with a median OS of 2 months. In the univariate analysis, patients older than 65 years had significantly reduced OS (P < 0.001). Patients with liver metastases (P < 0.001) and liver and lung metastases (P < 0.001) exhibited significantly reduced OS. Treatment of the primary tumor with chemotherapy only (P < 0.001), radiation only (P = 0.01), radiation and chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and surgery only (P = 0.01) were associated with increased OS. Resection of a distant metastasis site (P = 0.009) and of a brain metastasis (P = 0.03) were associated with increased OS. In the multivariable analysis, factors that remained significant included patient age (P = 0.01), liver metastases (P < 0.001), liver and lung metastases (P < 0.001), treatment with chemotherapy (P < 0.001), treatment with radiation and chemotherapy (P < 0.001), and treatment with surgery and chemotherapy (P < 0.001). The nomogram had a C-index of 0.766, suggesting congruence between the findings on the nomogram and the results in the internal verification.

CONCLUSIONS

Median OS is influenced by age, multiorgan metastases, and treatment of the primary tumor. These data highlight the marginal benefit of treatment, yet improved quality of life (QOL) remains to be elucidated.

Prognostic Factors and Nomogram for Choroid Plexus Tumors: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

Background: Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are rare neoplasms found in the central nervous system, comprising 1% of all brain tumors. These tumors include choroid plexus papilloma (CPP), atypical choroid plexus papilloma (aCPP), and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). Although gross total resection for choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) is associated with long-term survival, there is a scarcity of prospective data concerning the role and sequence of neoadjuvant therapy in treating aCPP and CPC. Methods: From the years 2000 to 2019, 679 patients with CPT were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database. Among these patients, 456 patients had CPP, 75 patients had aCPP, and 142 patients had CPC. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were run to identify variables that had a significant impact on the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS). A predictive nomogram was built for patients with CPC to predict 5-year and 10-year survival probability. Results: Histology was a significant predictor of OS, with 5-year OS rates of 90, 79, and 61% for CPP, aCPP, and CPC, respectively. Older age and African American race were prognostic for worse OS for patients with CPP. Older age was also associated with reduced OS for patients with aCPP. American Indian/Alaskan Native race was linked to poorer OS for patients with CPC. Overall, treatment with gross total resection or subtotal resection had no difference in OS in patients with CPP or aCPP. Meanwhile, in patients with CPC, gross total resection (GTR) was associated with significantly better OS than subtotal resection (STR) only. However, there is no difference in OS between patients that receive GTR and patients that receive STR with adjuvant therapy. The nomogram for CPC considers types of treatments received. It demonstrates acceptable accuracy in estimating survival probability at 5-year and 10-year intervals, with a C-index of 0.608 (95% CI of 0.446 to 0.77). Conclusions: This is the largest study on CPT to date and highlights the optimal treatment strategies for these rare tumors. Overall, there is no difference in OS with GTR vs. STR in CPP or aCPP. Furthermore, OS is equivalent for CPC with GTR and STR plus adjuvant therapy.

Prognostic factors of survival for grade III solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma: a population-based retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis

BACKGROUND

Grade 3 solitary fibrous tumor, previously known as anaplastic hemangiopericytoma, is a rare and highly malignant intracranial tumor with a limited understanding of its natural history and treatment outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database spanning 2000-2019 to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment modalities that influence overall survival in this tumor entity. A cohort of 249 patients with intracranial grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors was identified. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to determine significant prognostic factors for overall survival. Kaplan-Meier models were used to visualize survival curves, and a nomogram was constructed to predict survival probabilities at 6- and 12-months following diagnosis.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that patient age (<65 years), localized or regional disease burden, surgical resection, and radiation therapy were significant predictors of better overall survival. Combination therapies showed improved survival, with surgery and radiation therapy having the most significant impact. However, chemotherapy alone or in combination did not demonstrate a significant survival benefit, likely due to limited sample size. The nomogram provided personalized prognosis predictions based on significant clinical factors.

CONCLUSIONS

These data emphasize the importance of surgical resection and radiation therapy in the management of grade 3 solitary fibrous tumors, supporting the use of combination therapies to improve overall survival in this rare and aggressive intracranial neoplasm.

Central Nervous System Lymphoproliferative Disorder Secondary to Methotrexate: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Illustration

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, albeit exceedingly rare, it can have serious adverse effects within the central nervous system (CNS), such as methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). Literature describing the natural history, treatment options, and clinical outcomes of patients with CNS MTX-LPD remains sparse.

METHODS

We present a systematic literature review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and a case illustration of CNS MTX-LPD.

RESULTS

A systematic review of the literature revealed 12 published cases of CNS MTX-LPD, plus the case presented herein, for a total of 13 included cases. The most common indication for MTX was rheumatoid arthritis. The most common treatment for the LPD was MTX cessation (12, 92.3%), adjunct chemotherapy (2, 15.4%), total tumor resection (3, 23.1%), or steroid therapy (1, 7.7%). Treatment usually led to improvement of neurological symptoms (9, 69.2%) along with regression of the lesions (3, 23.1%) with no recurrence (6, 46.2%). Death was reported in four cases (30.8%) with a mean time from onset of 11 months.

CONCLUSIONS

CNS MTX-LPD should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients who are taking MTX presenting with neurologic symptoms, as immediate withdrawal of MTX has demonstrated good prognosis.

Prognostic Indicators for H3K27M-Mutant Diffuse Midline Glioma: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

BACKGROUND

Diffuse midline glioma with histone H3K27M mutation (H3K27M DMG) is a recently recognized World Health Organization grade IV glioma with a dismal prognosis. Despite maximal treatment, this high-grade glioma exhibits an estimated median survival of 9-12 months. However, little is known with regards to prognostic risk factors for overall survival (OS) for patients with this malignant tumor. The aim of the present study is to characterize risk factors influencing survival in H3K27M DMG.

METHODS

This is a population-based retrospective study of survival in patients with H3K27M DMG. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was examined from the years 2018 to 2019 and data from 137 patients were collected. Basic demographics, tumor site, and treatments regimens were retrieved. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess for factors associated with OS. Nomograms were built based on the results of the multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Median OS of the entire cohort was 13 months. Patients with infratentorial H3K27M DMG exhibited worse OS compared to their supratentorial counterparts. Any form of radiation treatment resulted in a significantly improved OS. Most combination treatments significantly improved OS with the exception of the surgery plus chemotherapy group. The combination of surgery and radiation had the greatest impact on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the infratentorial location of H3K27M DMG portends a worse prognosis compared to their supratentorial counterparts. The combination of surgery and radiation had the greatest impact on OS. These data highlight the survival benefit in utilizing a multimodal treatment approach for H3K27M DMG.

The balloon occlusion sheath for stroke (BOSS) balloon guide catheter for stroke intervention: Safety and technical success

BACKGROUND

We describe the first-in-human experience using the Balloon Occlusion Stroke Sheath (BOSSTM) balloon-guide catheter to perform stroke thrombectomy in 50 consecutive patients enrolled in the Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheters trial. This aspiration system includes a novel 9.4F balloon-guide catheter conduit for the insertion and guidance of catheters with a balloon providing temporary flow arrest.

METHODS

The Flow Arrest Safety and Technical success with balloon-guide catheter trial is a single-arm, prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, observational registry evaluating the use of the market-released BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter in adult patients diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke attributable to large vessel occlusion. The purpose of the current trial was to assess the safety and technical success associated with the use of the BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter.

RESULTS

Fifty patients met inclusion criteria with a mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 16. Treatment devices, including aspiration and stent retriever devices, were used in a total of 88 passes. The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter was compatible with all stroke thrombectomy treatment devices used in 98% (49/50) of procedures. Balloon inflation and flow arrest were achieved in 100% (50/50) and 98% (49/50) of cases, respectively. Balloon deflation and retraction were observed in 100% (50/50) of cases. Successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score > 2b) was achieved in 100% of cases with single-pass reperfusion achieved in 62% (31/50) of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The BOSSTM balloon-guide catheter is a safe and technically effective adjunctive device for mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion.

Survival Benefit from Multimodal Treatment for Patients with Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor in a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is among the most aggressive central nervous system malignancies. Although rare, this tumor typically afflicts young children and results in mortality within months. Here, we aim to determine key clinical features and treatment options that impact the survival of patients with ATRT.

METHODS

From the year 2000 to 2019, 363 patients with ATRT were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariate analysis was used to identify variables that had a significant impact on the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS). Multivariable analysis was then used to identify independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The median OS of the entire cohort was 13 months. Univariate analysis identified ages between 1 and 3 years, ages between 4 and 17 years, years of diagnosis between 2010 and 2019, and the receipt of treatment to have a significant impact on survival. In multivariable analysis, ages between 1 and 3 years and receipt of treatment were the only significant independent predictors of survival. The median OS was significantly greater in patients who received surgical treatment, chemotherapy, or radiation when compared to those who did not receive any treatment. In general, the receipt of any combination of therapies improved the median OS significantly. The receipt of triple therapy had the greatest impact on survival.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights the survival benefit of a multimodal approach in the treatment of ATRT. The use of triple therapy, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, was found to have the greatest survival benefit for patients. Overall, these findings may guide future care for patients with ATRT.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured pure arterial malformation and associated dysplastic middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Pure arterial malformations are characterized as unique cerebrovascular lesions with a dilated, coil-like appearance and tortuous arteries without early venous drainage. Historically, these lesions have been described as incidental findings with a benign natural history. However, pure arterial malformations can rarely demonstrate radiographic progression and develop associated focal aneurysms with an unclear risk of rupture. Whether radiographic progression of these lesions or the presence of an associated aneurysm warrants treatment remains controversial.

OBSERVATIONS

A 58-year-old male presented with sudden-onset left hemiparesis. Computed tomography revealed a large, acute, right frontotemporoparietal intraparenchymal hemorrhage with underlying irregular curvilinear calcifications. Diagnostic cerebral angiography revealed a dysplastic right middle cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm along the M2 segment associated with a pure arterial malformation, which was treated with endovascular flow diversion in a delayed fashion.

LESSONS

Pure arterial malformations with associated focal aneurysms may not exhibit a benign natural history as once thought. Intervention should be considered for ruptured pure arterial malformations to mitigate the risk of rerupture. Asymptomatic patients with a pure arterial malformation with an associated aneurysm should at least be followed closely with interval radiographic imaging to evaluate for malformation progression or changes in aneurysmal morphology.

Depressed skull fracture compressing eloquent cortex causing focal neurologic deficits

BACKGROUND

Depressed skull fractures are typically the consequence of high-impact injuries with inward buckling of the cranium. The majority of depressed skull fractures are managed conservatively in the absence of dural violation, sinus involvement, significant underlying hematoma, depressed fragment greater than 1 cm, wound infection, or gross wound contamination. Even in the presence of any of the aforementioned criteria, cranioplasty is typically considered an urgent procedure rather than a neurosurgical emergency. Rarely, a depressed fracture fragment can cause focal neurologic deficit(s) due to direct compression of the underlying eloquent cortex.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 40-year-old male presented to the emergency department after a mechanical fall with a left central facial nerve palsy, left hemiplegia, left hemianesthesia, and fixed right gaze deviation. The neurologic deficits observed were attributed to a combination of blunt force trauma to the head (i.e., coup-contrecoup injury) and the depressed fracture fragment compressing the underlying eloquent cortex. He underwent emergent cranioplasty with fragment elevation within 2 hours of the traumatic injury. At 6-month follow-up, he regained full neurologic function without any residual deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience highlights a rare indication for emergent cranioplasty with an excellent functional outcome attributable to immediate fracture elevation and decompression of eloquent cortex.

Spinal Intradural Arachnoid Cysts in Adults: An Institutional Experience and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Adult spinal intradural arachnoid cysts are rare pathologic entities with an unclear etiopathogenesis. These lesions can be dichotomized into primary (idiopathic) or secondary (related to inflammation, intradural surgery, or trauma) etiologies. Limited series have depicted optimal management strategies and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To illustrate our experience with spinal intradural arachnoid cysts and to present a literature review of surgically treated cysts to elucidate the clinical and anatomic differences between etiologies.

METHODS

Institutional review revealed 29 patients. Various data were extracted from the medical record. Initial and follow-up symptomatologies of the surgical cohort were compared. The literature review included case series describing cysts managed surgically.

RESULTS

From patients treated surgically at our institution (22), there was a significant reduction in thoracic back pain postoperatively ( P = .034). A literature review yielded 271 additional cases. Overall, primary and secondary lesions accounted for 254 and 39 cases, respectively. Cysts of secondary origin were more likely localized ventral to the spinal cord ( P = .013). The rate of symptomatic improvement after surgical intervention for primary cysts was more than double than that of secondary cysts ( P < .001). Compared with primary etiologies, the rates of radiographic progression ( P = .032) and repeat surgery ( P = .041) were each more than double for secondary cysts.

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention for spinal intradural arachnoid cysts improves thoracic back pain. The literature supports surgical intervention for symptomatic primary spinal intradural arachnoid cysts with improved clinical outcomes. Surgery should be cautiously considered for secondary cysts given worse outcomes.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index Predicts Acute Symptomatic Hydrocephalus After Spontaneous Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to investigate the association between white blood cell counts and acute hydrocephalus in spontaneous nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (nSAH).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 105 consecutive patients with spontaneous nSAH. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with hydrocephalus. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the optimal cutoff to differentiate between patients with and without hydrocephalus. The admission characteristics of hydrocephalic patients with aneurysmal and nSAH were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 21 (30%) presented with hydrocephalus. In univariate logistic regression, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index ([neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes]/1000) were associated with hydrocephalus. After adjustments, the SII index independently predicted acute hydrocephalus with the highest odds among laboratory values (odds ratio 2.184, P = 0.006). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the SII index differentiated between patients with and without hydrocephalus (area under the curve = 0.799, 95% CI: 0.688-0.909, P < 0.001) with an optimal cutoff of 1.385 10³/μL. SII indices did not differ between aneurysmal and nSAH patients with hydrocephalus (3.5 vs. 3.6 10³/μL, P = 0.795).

CONCLUSIONS

A SII index ≥1.385 10³/μL on admission predicts acute hydrocephalus in spontaneous nSAH. Hydrocephalic patients with aneurysmal and nSAH exhibit similar SII indices, and thus, an exaggerated inflammatory and thrombotic response follows spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage irrespective of hemorrhage etiology.

Pediatric diffuse hemispheric glioma H3 G34-mutant with gains of the BRAF locus: An illustrative case

Diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant, is a recently recognized distinct high-grade glioma with a dismal prognosis. In addition to the H3 G34 missense mutation, numerous genetic events have been identified in these malignant tumors, including ATRX, TP53, and, rarely, BRAF genes. There are only a few reports to date that have identified BRAF mutations in diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant. Moreover, to our knowledge, gains of the BRAF locus have yet to be described. Here, we present a case of an 11-year-old male with a diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant, found to have novel gains of the BRAF locus. Furthermore, we emphasize the current genetic landscape of diffuse hemispheric glioma, H3 G34-mutant, and implications of an aberrant BRAF signaling pathway.

Supratentorial cortical ependymoma: A systematic literature review and case illustration

Cortical ependymomas are currently not considered a subgroup of supratentorial ependymomas; however, there is a growing body of literature investigating the natural history of these lesions compared to supratentorial ependymomas. We performed a systematic literature review of cortical ependymomas with a focus on the natural history, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes of these lesions as compared to supratentorial ependymomas. Our search revealed 153 unique cases of cortical ependymomas. The mean age on presentation was 21.2 years. Males and females comprised 58.8% (90/153) and 41.2% (63/153) of cases, respectively. The most common presenting symptom was seizure activity occurring in 44.4% of the cohort (68/153). The recently recognized C11orf95-RELA fusion was identified in 13.7% of the cohort (21/153) and 95.5% of cases (21/22) reporting molecular characterization. World Health Organization grades 2 and 3 were reported in 52.3% (79/151) and 47.7% (72/151) of cases, respectively. The frontal lobe was involved in the majority of cases (54.9%, 84/153). Gross total resection was achieved in 80.4% of cases (123/153). Tumor recurrence was identified in 27.7% of cases (39/141). Mean clinical follow-up was 41.3 months. Mean overall survival of patients who expired was 27.4 months whereas mean progression-free survival was 15.0 months. Comparatively, cortical ependymomas with C11orf95-RELA fusions and supratentorial ependymomas with C11orf95 RELA fusions exhibited differing clinical outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to investigate the significance of RELA fusions on survival in cortical ependymomas and to determine whether cortical ependymomas with C11orf95-RELA fusions should be classified as a distinct entity.

Monocyte Count on Admission Is Predictive of Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The authors sought to evaluate whether immunologic counts on admission were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A retrospective analysis of 143 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage over a 9-year period was performed. A stepwise algorithm was followed for external ventricular drain weaning and determining the necessity of shunt placement. Data were compared between patients with and without shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Overall, 11.19% of the cohort developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, acute hydrocephalus (OR: 61.027, 95% CI: 3.890–957.327; p = 0.003) and monocyte count on admission (OR: 3.362, 95% CI: 1.024–11.037; p = 0.046) were found to be independent predictors for shunt dependence. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus confirmed that monocyte count exhibited an acceptable area under the curve (AUC = 0.737, 95% CI: 0.601–0.872; p < 0.001). The best predictive cutoff value to discriminate between successful external ventricular drain weaning and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was identified as a monocyte count ≥0.80 × 10³/uL at initial presentation. These preliminary data demonstrate that a monocyte count ≥0.80 × 10³/uL at admission predicts shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; however, further large-scale prospective trials and validation are necessary to confirm these findings.

Iatrogenic Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis Following Craniotomy for Resection of Metastatic Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review and Case Report

Metastasis of ovarian carcinoma to the central nervous system occurs in &lt;2% of cases and classically localizes within the brain parenchyma. Moreover, leptomeningeal spread of these tumors is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. Here, we conduct a systematic review of the current literature on the natural history, treatment options, and proposed pathogenic mechanisms of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in ovarian carcinoma. We also report a case of a 67-year-old female with stage IV metastatic ovarian serous carcinoma initially confined to the peritoneal cavity with a stable disease burden over the course of three years. Follow-up imaging demonstrated an intracranial lesion, which was resected via craniotomy, and pathology was consistent with the original diagnosis. Three months after surgery, she developed rapidly progressive dizziness, generalized weakness, fatigue, and ataxia. Repeat MRI demonstrated interval development of extensive and diffusely enhancing dural nodularity, numerous avidly enhancing supratentorial and infratentorial lesions, enhancement of the bilateral trigeminal nerves, internal auditory canals, and exit wound from the surgical site into the posterior aspect of the right-sided neck musculature consistent with diffuse leptomeningeal dissemination. The present case highlights that leptomeningeal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma is a potential yet rare consequence following surgical resection of an ovarian parenchymal metastasis. Progressive clinical symptomatology that develops postoperatively in this patient population should prompt urgent workup to rule out leptomeningeal disease and an expedited radiation oncology consultation if identified.

Supratentorial Neurenteric Cysts: Systematic Literature Review and Case Report

BACKGROUND

Neurenteric cysts (NC) are uncommon, congenital lesions with histopathologic properties derived from the gastrointestinal or respiratory tract. They are typically located in the intradural extramedullary compartment but rarely seen in the supratentorial region. The occurrence of supratentorial NCs (S-NC) presents an interesting quandary regarding their embryopathogenesis.

METHODS

We present a case report and systematic literature review on S-NCs following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A 57-year-old woman presented with a seizure and paresthesias of the face, hands, and feet. MRI revealed a right temporo-occipital cystic lesion, which was managed with surgical resection. Histologically the cyst was Type A. The patient is without recurrence at 10 months. Including this case, 88 S-NCs are reported in the literature. Common presenting symptoms are headaches and seizures. They were mostly treated with craniotomy, preferably with gross total resection (GTR), although sub-total resection (STR) may be necessary due to adhesions. Resection usually led to symptom improvement (61%). Malignant transformation was seen in 3%. Recurrence was seen in 17%, with a mean time to recurrence of 4.2 years, and was significantly more common after STR than GTR.

CONCLUSIONS

If surgically resected, the cyst wall specimen should be sent for pathology review, because of the potential risk for malignancy. If conservatively managed, serial imaging is warranted to track for changes that may indicate transformation. The embryopathogenesis of these rare congenital lesions remains incompletely understood, but the most comprehensive theory involves enteric cell migration to the neuroectoderm during embryogenesis.

Initial intracranial pressure is an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

The authors sought to evaluate whether initial intracranial pressure was associated with functional outcomes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. This retrospective analysis consisted of 54 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute symptomatic hydrocephalus requiring emergent placement of an external ventricular drain. Patient demographics, clinical data, intracranial pressure parameters, and radiographic imaging were collected. Functional outcomes were evaluated at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale and dichotomized as favorable (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) or unfavorable (modified Rankin Scale 3-6). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate parameters independently associated with functional outcomes. In an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, initial intracranial pressure (OR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.119-1.679; p = 0.002) was found to be an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of unfavorable functional outcomes demonstrated that initial intracranial pressure exhibited an acceptable area under the curve (AUC = 0.901, 95% CI: 0.818-0.985; p < 0.001). The optimal predictive threshold to distinguish between favorable and unfavorable functional outcomes was identified at an initial intracranial pressure of 25 mmHg.

Neutrophil Count on Admission Predicts Acute Symptomatic Hydrocephalus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between immunologic counts on admission and acute symptomatic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 143 consecutive patients with aSAH. Patient demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory values, and radiographic imaging were obtained. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate parameters independently associated with acute symptomatic hydrocephalus. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the best threshold value of neutrophil count to differentiate patients with and without hydrocephalus.

RESULTS

Overall, acute symptomatic hydrocephalus developed in 39.16% of patients. In an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, Hunt and Hess grade 4-5 (odds ratio [OR]: 16.052, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.188-216.983; P = 0.037), modified Fisher score 3-4 (OR: 10.107, 95% CI: 1.715-59.572; P = 0.011), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR: 4.578, 95% CI: 1.417-14.788; P = 0.011), neutrophil count (OR: 1.183, 95% CI: 1.033-1.354; P = 0.015), and prior ischemic stroke (OR: 7.003, 95% CI: 1.293-37.929; P = 0.024) were significantly associated with hydrocephalus. ROC analysis for neutrophil count confirmed an acceptable area under the curve (AUC 0.780, 95% CI: 0.701-0.859; P < 0.001). The best threshold value of neutrophil count to predict hydrocephalus was ≥9.80 × 10³/mL. Overall, 81.25% of patients who developed shunt dependence had a neutrophil count ≥9.80 × 10³/mL on admission (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil count ≥9.80 × 10³/mL on admission predicts acute symptomatic hydrocephalus after aSAH in an adjusted multivariate logistic regression model. Moreover, shunt dependence was associated with higher neutrophil counts.

The oncolytic Newcastle disease virus as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy against glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is the most frequent primary brain tumor in adults, with a dismal prognosis despite aggressive resection, chemotherapeutics, and radiotherapy. Although understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of glioblastoma has progressed in recent years, therapeutic options have failed to significantly change overall survival or progression-free survival. Thus, researchers have begun to explore immunomodulation as a potential strategy to improve clinical outcomes. The application of oncolytic virotherapy as a novel biological to target pathogenic signaling in glioblastoma has brought new hope to the field of neuro-oncology. This class of immunotherapeutics combines selective cancer cell lysis prompted by virus induction while promoting a strong inflammatory antitumor response, thereby acting as an effective in situ tumor vaccine. Several investigators have reported the efficacy of experimental oncolytic viruses as demonstrated by improved long-term survival in cancer patients with advanced disease. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most well-researched oncolytic viruses known to affect a multitude of human cancers, including glioblastoma. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies as well as human clinical trials have demonstrated that NDV exhibits oncolytic activity against glioblastoma, providing a promising avenue of potential treatment. Herein, the authors provide a detailed discussion on NDV as a mode of therapy for glioblastoma. They discuss the potential therapeutic pathways associated with NDV as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as results from human trials. Moreover, they discuss current challenges, potential solutions, and future perspectives in utilizing NDV in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Case Report: Metastatic Bronchopulmonary Carcinoid Tumor to the Pineal Region

Intracranial spread of a systemic malignancy is common in advanced staged cancers; however, metastasis specifically to the pineal gland is a relatively rare occurrence. A number of primary lesions have been reported to metastasize to the pineal gland, the most common of which is lung. However, metastasis of a bronchial neuroendocrine tumor to the pineal gland is a seldom-reported entity. Here, we present a 53-year-old female who presented with worsening headaches and drowsiness. MRI brain revealed a heterogeneously enhancing partially cystic mass in the pineal region. The patient had an extensive oncologic history consisting of remote stage IIA invasive breast ductal carcinoma as well as a more recently diagnosed atypical bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumor with lymph node metastases. She underwent microsurgical volumetric resection of the large pineal mass and a gross total removal of the tumor was achieved. Histopathology confirmed a metastatic tumor of neuroendocrine origin and the immunohistochemical profile was identical to the primary bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumor. Eight weeks after surgery, she underwent stereotactic radiosurgical treatment to the resection cavity. At 1-year follow-up, the patient remains clinically stable without any new focal neurological deficits and without any evidence of residual or recurrent disease on postoperative MRI. Metastatic neuroendocrine tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors and aggressive surgical resection should be considered in selected patients. Gross total tumor resection may afford excellent local disease control. We discuss the relevant literature on neuroendocrine tumors and current treatment strategies for intracranial metastases of neuroendocrine origin.

Response of Pembrolizumab Alone for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Brain Metastasis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Treatment of brain metastases often includes surgical resection, chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. Given the difficulty in obtaining therapeutic levels of medications within the immune-privileged central nervous system, chemotherapy as a stand-alone treatment modality for brain metastases is an uncommon option. However, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that immunomodulatory agents can induce a robust immune response in the central nervous system. Here, we describe a 68-year old male who presented with radiographic evidence of new and enlarging lung nodules with mediastinal adenopathy. Lung biopsy was consistent with adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated high expression of programmed cell death protein 1 with a tumor proportion score of 100%. Surveillance magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated a single enhancing 11 × 7 × 12 mm lesion along the mesial surface of the right frontal lobe. The patient deferred surgical resection as well as stereotactic radiosurgery but agreed to treatment with pembrolizumab. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging at 3-months after initiation of treatment demonstrated complete radiographic resolution of the brain lesion. To our knowledge, this is one of only a few reports in the current literature to document complete resolution of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis with pembrolizumab alone. We discuss the emerging literature regarding the efficacy of pembrolizumab in the treatment of brain metastases, central nervous system penetration, and emerging new treatment paradigms involving novel immunotherapy agents.

Idiopathic fourth ventricular outlet obstruction misdiagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus: A cautionary case

Background:

Fourth ventricular outlet obstruction is an infrequent but well-established cause of tetraventricular hydrocephalus characterized by marked dilatation of the ventricular system with ballooning of the foramina of Monro, Magendie, and Luschka. Multiple processes including inflammation, infection, hemorrhage, neoplasms, or congenital malformations are known to cause this pathological obstruction. However, true idiopathic fourth ventricular outlet obstruction is a rare phenomenon with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature.

Case Description:

A 61-year-old female presented with several months of unsteady gait, intermittent headaches, confusion, and episodes of urinary incontinence. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tetraventricular hydrocephalus without transependymal flow, but with ventral displacement of the brainstem and dorsal displacement of the cerebellum without an obvious obstructive lesion on pre- or post-contrast imaging prompting a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. However, constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) sequences followed by fluoroscopic dynamic cisternography suggested encystment of the fourth ventricle with thin margins of arachnoid membrane extending through the foramina of Luschka bilaterally into the pontocerebellar cistern. Operative intervention was pursued with resection of an identified arachnoid web. Postoperative imaging demonstrated marked reduction in the size of ventricular system, especially of the fourth ventricle. The patient’s symptomatology resolved a few days after the procedure.

Conclusion:

Here, we describe an idiopathic case initially misdiagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus. The present case emphasizes the necessity of CISS sequences and fluoroscopic dynamic cisternography for suspected cases of fourth ventricular outlet obstruction as these diagnostic tests may guide surgical management and lead to superior patient outcomes.

Pineal Gland Metastasis From Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Origin

Pineal metastasis is an exceedingly rare finding in patients with systemic malignancies. Such lesions are typically the manifestation of a primary lung cancer; nonetheless, a variety of malignancies have been reported to disseminate to the pineal gland including gastrointestinal, endocrine, and skin cancers, among others. However, to our knowledge, pineal gland metastasis without a primary origin has yet to be described. Carcinoma of unknown primary origin is a heterogeneous group of cancers characterized by the presence of metastatic disease without an identifiable primary tumor on metastatic workup. Here, we present a case of a 65-year-old male found to have a heterogeneously enhancing lesion of the pineal gland as well as an enhancing lesion of the left cerebellar hemisphere. Comprehensive metastatic workup demonstrated multifocal metastatic adenopathy without an identifiable primary lesion. Stereotactic biopsy of the pineal lesion revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma with an immunophenotype most consistent with gastrointestinal origin. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe a pineal gland metastasis without a primary origin. We discuss the relevant literature on pineal gland metastases as well as carcinoma of unknown primary origin.

Delayed cerebral ischemia causing cortical blindness due to repeat cocaine use weeks subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cocaine is a known vasoactive drug associated with poor clinical outcomes and high in-hospital mortality related to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; however, the association of prior cocaine use with the incidence of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia remains controversial. We report a case of a 42-year-old male with a history of active cocaine use who presented with a severe headache. Imaging demonstrated diffuse cisternal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured basilar apex aneurysm, which was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization. Despite expedited endovascular treatment and an initially benign clinical course, he suffered from delayed cerebral ischemia resulting in cortical blindness due to bilateral posterior cerebral artery vasospasm secondary to repeat cocaine use weeks after his initial ictus. To our knowledge, the present case is the first to describe delayed cerebral ischemia resulting in a severe neurologic deficit due to repeat cocaine use weeks subsequent to aneurysm rupture. We review the current literature on the association of cocaine use with the incidence of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia as well as the effects of cocaine on the cerebrovasculature.

Factors affecting R01 grant funding among academic neurosurgeons over the last decade

Background

Recent studies have reported a gender and medical degree disparity for those receiving Research Project Grants in surgical specialties. The aim of the present study is to analyze factors among academics neurosurgeons that correlate to higher amounts of R01 grant monies awarded.

Materials and methods

The National Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results database was queried for neurosurgery funding between 2008 and 2018. Grant recipients were categorized among type of degree, secondary degree(s), professorship, gender, and h - index. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The National Institutes of Health awarded 480 R01 grants totaling $182,482,644 to 81 allopathic neurosurgeons between 2008 and 2018. No osteopathic neurosurgeons were awarded an R01 grant during this timeframe. There was a significant difference for type of professorship on the total awarded amount at the p < 0.05 level for the three types of professorship [F (2,78) = 4.85, p < 0.01)]. There was a significant difference for magnitude of h - index on total R01 monies (p < 0.00001). Males accounted for the majority of R01 monies (93.99%); however, no significant difference between average amount awarded and gender was identified (p = 0.86). A secondary degree was without significant difference for R01 amount awarded (p = 0.75).

Conclusions

The present study establishes a medical degree disparity for academic neurosurgeons who receive an R01 grant. Statistically significant factors found to affect amount of R01 grant monies awarded were limited to type of professorship and magnitude of h - index.

Recurrent Cerebral Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia Weeks Subsequent to Elective Clipping of an Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Cerebral vasospasm and delayed ischemic neurologic deficits are well-known clinical aftereffects of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. However, vasospasm with consequential ischemia after clipping of an unruptured aneurysm is an exceedingly rare sequela encountered in the reported neurosurgical literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 53-year-old woman had presented for elective craniotomy with microsurgical clipping of an unruptured left middle cerebral artery bifurcation saccular aneurysm, which was successfully treated without complications. Despite an initially benign clinical course, she experienced diffuse vasospasm with profound ischemic neurologic deficits on postoperative day 13 with a left middle cerebral artery distribution ischemic infarct. Moreover, she developed recurrent delayed spasm of the right posterior cerebral artery on postoperative day 26 and, consequentially, a left homonymous hemianopsia despite treatment with intra-arterial verapamil infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, we have reported the first case of recurrent cerebral vasospasm and delayed ischemia neurologic deficits weeks subsequent to clipping of an unruptured aneurysm. The findings from the present case highlight the importance of considering delayed vasospasm as a cause of acute onset neurologic symptoms for patients who have recently undergone elective aneurysm surgery. We also reviewed the current data regarding the epidemiology, surgical factors, and proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms related to vasospasm after elective cases.

N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula of the middle meningeal artery

We report a case of combined traumatic pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula of the middle meningeal artery, which presented clinically 1 year after initial head trauma. A 39-year-old male presented with seizure activity after a closed head injury from a fall. He was hospitalized for multiple intraparenchymal hemorrhages and ultimately discharged 2 weeks later without neurologic deficits. One year later, he presented with a new right anterior temporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage after a syncopal event. Selective angiography of the right external carotid artery demonstrated a chronic appearing traumatic laceration of the proximal middle meningeal artery with a 6 × 10 mm pseudoaneurysm and a single fistula with venous varix draining into the lateral pterygoid veins. The pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula were successfully embolized with n-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Neurosurgical Management of Lateral Meningocele Syndrome: A Clinical Update for the Pediatric Neurosurgeon

BACKGROUND

Lateral meningocele syndrome (LMS) is an exceedingly rare connective tissue disease with phenotypic anomalies similar to those seen in Marfan syndrome, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. However, this syndrome is invariably associated with the presence of multiple lateral thoracolumbar spinal meningoceles: a distinct point of phenotypic divergence from other connective tissue disorders. The etiopathogenesis of this syndrome has recently been linked to truncating mutations within exon 33 of NOTCH3. Despite numerous reports, neurosurgical management of multiple spinal meningoceles remains poorly defined in the literature. We conducted a literature review to provide insight into the nosology, clinical significance, and neurosurgical management strategies of this distinct connective tissue disorder.

SUMMARY

Our literature search revealed 11 articles (16 cases) of LMS, which included 9 males and 7 females, belonging to 14 different families. Half of these cases underwent genetic screening: all of which were discovered to exhibit a truncating mutation within exon 33 of NOTCH3. All patients exhibited multiple lateral thoracolumbar spinal meningoceles with craniofacial dysmorphisms. Other clinical characteristics included pathologic changes in spine morphology, Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia, hydrocephalus, and tethered cord. Operative management of multiple spinal meningoceles in LMS is complicated by the presence of such coexisting structural neurologic pathologies, which may alter cerebrospinal fluid flow dynamics and, ultimately, impact operative intervention. Key Messages: LMS is an exceedingly rare connective tissue disorder with severe spinal dural involvement. Neurosurgical management of multiple spinal meningoceles is complex, which is further complicated by the presence of coexisting neuropathology, such as pathologic transformation of spine morphology and Chiari I malformation. Patients with a connective tissue disorder phenotype found to have multiple spinal meningoceles on imaging studies may benefit from evaluation by a medical geneticist and a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Corticosteroid-Induced Regression of Glioblastoma: A Radiographic Conundrum

Corticosteroid-induced regression of lesion contrast enhancement on imaging studies is most commonly appreciated with primary central nervous system lymphoma; however, although exceedingly rare, a limited number of primary and metastatic intracranial lesions have been reported to exhibit similar radiographic changes subsequent to corticosteroid therapy. To date, there have been six cases of glioblastoma reported to exhibit such changes. Lesion transformation on repeat imaging after the initiation of steroids represents a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians when attempting to differentiate between a diagnosis of glioblastoma and lymphoma. Stereotactic biopsy may be inadvertently postponed due to high clinical suspicion for steroid-induced cytotoxicity traditionally seen with lymphomatous cells. To highlight this radiographic conundrum, we present a rare case of corticosteroid-induced regression of glioblastoma and discuss the relevant literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe the molecular profile of a glioblastoma that underwent corticosteroid-induced regression.

Rapidly fatal encephalitis associated with atypical lymphoid proliferations of the basal ganglia subsequent to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Rapidly fatal encephalitis associated with atypical lymphoid proliferations after intracranial aneurysm rupture has not been reported. Here, we describe a 52-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with a severe headache. Imaging demonstrated aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured left posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm, which was treated with endovascular embolization and subsequent external ventricular drain. She recovered without neurologic sequelae by day seven; however, five weeks later she represented with a severe headache associated with nausea and fever. Initial repeat imaging was unremarkable. She deteriorated quickly and was empirically treated for meningitis despite negative cerebrospinal fluid studies. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse cerebral edema within the basal ganglia and thalamus. Biopsy of the caudate nuclei revealed atypical lymphoid proliferations. She was treated accordingly with no significant improvement. This case highlights the necessity for a better understanding of the etiology, chronology, and natural history of atypical lymphoid proliferations.

Intracranial Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising From a Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Cyst Remnant Four Decades After Partial Resection

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are benign lesions that typically remain asymptomatic; however, although histopathologically benign, these cysts can rarely undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. Primary intracranial squamous cell carcinoma carries a poor prognosis as optimal treatment modalities remain unclear due to their low incidence. Here, we present a case of a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cyst remnant that underwent malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma 40 years after partial resection. To our knowledge, this case establishes the longest time interval to date for an intracranial epidermoid cyst to undergo malignant transformation. We also review the relevant literature and discuss recent retrospective clinical studies that have analyzed the effect of multimodal treatment approaches on survival outcomes in patients with these lesions.

Malformation of the Posterior Cerebellar Vermis Is a Common Neuroanatomical Phenotype of Genetically Engineered Mice on the C57BL/6 Background

C57BL/6 mice exhibit spontaneous cerebellar malformations consisting of heterotopic neurons and glia in the molecular layer of the posterior vermis, indicative of neuronal migration defect during cerebellar development. Recognizing that many genetically engineered (GE) mouse lines are produced from C57BL/6 ES cells or backcrossed to this strain, we performed histological analyses and found that cerebellar heterotopia were a common feature present in the majority of GE lines on this background. Furthermore, we identify GE mouse lines that will be valuable in the study of cerebellar malformations including diverse driver, reporter, and optogenetic lines. Finally, we discuss the implications that these data have on the use of C57BL/6 mice and GE mice on this background in studies of cerebellar development or as models of disease.

Short- and Long-Term Geriatric Mortality After Acute Traumatic Subdural Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Acute subdural hemorrhage often occurs in those ≥65 years of age after trauma and tends to yield poor clinical outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated a propensity toward high in-hospital mortality rates in this population; however, postdischarge mortality data are limited. The objective of the present study was to analyze short- and long-term mortality data after acute traumatic subdural hemorrhage in the geriatric population as well as review the impact of associated clinical variables including mechanism of injury, pre-morbid antithrombotic use, and need for surgical decompression on mortality rates.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 455 patients who presented with an isolated traumatic acute subdural hemorrhage to our level-1 trauma center over a 5 year period using our data registry. Patients were then cross-referenced in the National Social Security Death Index for postdischarge mortality rates. United States life tables were used for peer-controlled actuarial comparisons.

RESULTS

Acute traumatic subdural hemorrhage is often a fatal injury in the geriatric population, especially if taking antithrombotics or requiring surgical decompression. Specifically, they have greater in-hospital mortality rates than adults with similar injuries and have significantly lower survival rates for several years following discharge compared with their peer-matched controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we found that age is a significant predictor of both short- and long-term survival after acute traumatic subdural hemorrhage. Moreover, the present study corroborates that the need for surgical decompression or the use of pre-morbid antithrombotic medications is associated with increased overall mortality.

Economic Impact of Hospitalization Past Maximal Neurosurgical Inpatient Benefit

Background

The unsustainable cost of healthcare in the United States has made it important for all healthcare professionals to examine their practices for wasteful spending and work to mitigate these costs. When neurosurgical patients remain hospitalized beyond the point of maximum inpatient benefit, this represents a potential source of healthcare economic waste.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the direct and indirect costs to a hospital system when neurosurgical patients remain hospitalized past the maximum inpatient benefit and identify targets to improve this potential wasteful spending. 

Methods

We performed an extensive chart review of all patients admitted to our neurosurgical service from the months of July to October 2016, who had been deemed medically stable for discharge but remained in the hospital past their ideal date of discharge. We analyzed for significant trends in patient factors, procedural acuity, disposition, funding, and other factors that contributed to the delays in discharge.

Results

A total of 334 patients were admitted to the Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion (CC-VTC) inpatient neurosurgery service, and 50 of these admissions (15%) resulted in medically unnecessary prolonged hospitalizations. These patients were hospitalized for a total of 324 days past the dates of ideal discharge. Elective cases had the maximum number of prolonged hospitalizations, while the emergent cases had the maximum number of prolonged hospitalization days. Patients with private insurance had the shortest number of prolonged hospitalization days, and uninsured patients had the longest. Patients requiring disposition to a rehabilitation or a nursing facility remained in the inpatient setting for longer periods than those destined for home. The most common factors limiting appropriate discharge were related to bed availability at outside facilities, funding issues, and differing opinions on appropriate disposition. The medically unnecessary days accounted for 41% of the total hospitalization but accounted for only 12.9% of the billable charges. The billable cost per medically necessary day was $17,326 in comparison to a medically unnecessary day of $2,070. Indirect costs were inferred from these patients utilizing beds and resources that could have been allocated to others with acute needs, given that our hospital is at capacity and on diversion, a significant percentage of the time.

Conclusion

Neurosurgical patients remaining hospitalized past their maximal inpatient benefit have a significant economic impact on a hospital system. Identifying patients who are at risk for prolonged hospitalizations may provide us with the targets for improvement to mitigate this healthcare economic waste.

ACTA2 Cerebral Arteriopathy: Not Just a Puff of Smoke

BACKGROUND

Missense mutations in the gene that codes for smooth muscle actin, ACTA2, cause diffuse smooth muscle dysfunction and a distinct cerebral arteriopathy collectively known as multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome (MSMDS). Until recently, ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy was considered to be a variant of moyamoya disease. However, recent basic science and clinical data have demonstrated that the cerebral arteriopathy caused by mutant ACTA2 exhibits genetic loci, histopathology, neurological sequelae, and radiographic findings unique from moyamoya disease. We conducted a literature review to provide insight into the history, clinical significance, and neurosurgical management of this recently described novel cerebral arteriopathy.

SUMMARY

We performed a literature search using PubMed with the key words "ACTA2 mutation," "ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy," and "multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction syndrome." Case reports with confirmed ACTA2 mutations and cerebral arteriopathy were included in our review. Our literature search revealed 15 articles (58 cases) of confirmed ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy. Distinctive features of this arteriopathy included an aberrant internal carotid circulation with dilatation of the proximal segments, occlusive disease at the distal segments, and dolichoectasia. As such, mutant ACTA2 predisposed patients to ischemic strokes as children. Direct and indirect cerebral revascularization procedures are the mainstay treatment options with varying degrees of success. Key Messages: ACTA2 cerebral arteriopathy is a recently described novel cerebrovascular disease seen in patients with MSMDS. Patients currently diagnosed with moyamoya disease who also have dysfunction of smooth muscle organs may benefit from reevaluation by a medical geneticist and ACTA2 genotyping.

Ketamine intervention limits pathogen expansion in vitro

Ketamine is one of several clinically important drugs whose therapeutic efficacy is due in part to their ability to act upon ion channels prevalent in nearly all biological systems. In studying eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms in vitro, we show that ketamine short-circuits the growth and spatial expansion of three microorganisms, Stachybotrys chartarum, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Borrelia burgdorferi, at doses efficient at reducing depression-like behaviors in mouse models of clinical depression. Although our findings do not reveal the mechanism(s) by which ketamine mediates its antifungal and antibacterial effects, we hypothesize that a function of L-glutamate signal transduction is associated with the ability of ketamine to limit pathogen expansion. In general, our findings illustrate the functional similarities between fungal, bacterial and human ion channels, and suggest that ketamine or its metabolites not only act in neurons, as previously thought, but also in microbial communities colonizing human body surfaces.

Vaccine-Based Immunotherapeutics for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. Despite maximal gross resection and chemoradiotherapy, these grade IV astrocytomas consistently recur. Glioblastoma cells exhibit numerous pathogenic mechanisms to decrease tumor immunogenicity while promoting gliomagenesis, which manifests clinically as a median survival of less than 2 years and few long-term survivors. Recent clinical trials of vaccine-based immunotherapeutics against glioblastoma have demonstrated encouraging results in prolonging progression-free survival and overall survival. Several vaccine-based treatments have been trialed, such as peptide and heat-shock proteins, dendritic cell-based vaccines, and viral-based immunotherapy. In this literature review, we discuss the immunobiology of glioblastoma, significant current and completed vaccine-based immunotherapy clinical trials, and broad clinical challenges and future directions of glioblastoma vaccine-based immunotherapeutics.

Quantitative Description of Osteopathic Physician Authorship in Prominent Neurosurgery Journals Since 1944: Coming of Age?

Background

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Osteopathic Association recently agreed to establish a single graduate medical education system for the United States allopathic and osteopathic resident physicians by 2020. Consequential to this merger, new standards will be implemented for academic and research requirements within medical schools as well as residency programs. In the United States, osteopathic medicine is considered to be a parallel profession to allopathic medicine. However, recent studies have revealed that the percentages of United States osteopathic physicians currently in practice are not proportional to the percentages of editorial board member positions they hold in several high-profile medical journals as well as neurosurgical journals. To our knowledge, there is currently no published literature examining osteopathic physician author representation of any neurosurgical journal. In the present study, we analyze the number of osteopathic physicians and osteopathic neurosurgeons serving as authors in prominent neurosurgical journals.

Methods

American neurosurgical journals with the highest number of citations plus an affiliation with a neurosurgical society open to osteopathic neurosurgeons were used as criteria for journal selection. The Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group journals (Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics, and Neurosurgical Focus) fulfilled these criteria. The number of allopathic and osteopathic physicians who have published at least one manuscript in a Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group journal was counted. The specialty of each osteopathic author was examined.

Results

Our analysis found that allopathic physicians represented 105,157 (99.68%) and osteopathic physicians represented 335 (0.32%) of the 105,492 authorship positions held by these physicians in these journals since 1944. Statistical significance was found comparing the number of allopathic authors versus the number of osteopathic authors (p < 0.0001). The most common specialty represented by osteopathic authors in all journals was neurosurgery (45%). Osteopathic neurosurgeons represented 153 (0.15%) of the total number of allopathic and osteopathic authors.

Conclusions

These data establish that the percentages of the United States osteopathic physicians and osteopathic neurosurgeons currently in practice are not proportional to the percentages of authorship positions they hold in Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group journals. We postulate that this apparent disproportionality may originate from significant differences between allopathic and osteopathic medical school research funding, research opportunities, scholarly activities, and dual-degree programs.

Rapidly Expanding Lateral Ventricular Meningioma Presenting with Intraventricular Hemorrhage following Remote Whole Brain Radiation and Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Intraventricular meningiomas are uncommon intracranial tumors and infrequently present with hemorrhage. With only 10 reported cases in the literature, it is exceedingly rare for meningiomas of the ventricular system to present with hemorrhage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient presenting with an acute intraventricular hemorrhage in relation to a ventricular meningioma suspected to be radiation induced. In addition, we review the current literature on hemorrhagic intraventricular meningiomas and review the natural history of radiation-induced meningiomas.

Microsurgical Clipping of a Giant Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm with Successful Postoperative Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy for Emergent Treatment of Large Vessel Occlusion

BACKGROUND

Giant intracranial aneurysms (>25 mm) are uncommon. These lesions typically manifest clinically due to mass effect, acute hemorrhage, or thromboembolic events. To minimize the risk of poor clinical outcome, detailed operative planning and a consideration of all neurosurgical and endovascular techniques are essential before proceeding with microsurgical clipping of ruptured giant aneurysms.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We describe a case involving a 15-year-old male with a ruptured giant middle cerebral artery aneurysm treated with microsurgical clipping. After clip application, poor distal flow was demonstrated intraoperatively, and emergent angiography demonstrated an M1 occlusion with thrombus. A salvage procedure using endovascular mechanical thrombectomy reestablished distal flow resulting in a good neurologic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe microsurgical clipping of an aneurysm followed by successful postoperative endovascular mechanical thrombectomy.

Linking Brain Arteriovenous Malformations With Anorectal Hemorrhoids: A Clinical and Anatomical Review

Patients who harbor brain arteriovenous malformations are at risk for intracranial hemorrhage. These malformations are often seen in inherited vascular diseases such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. However, malformations within the brain also sporadically occur without a hereditary-coding component. Here, we review recent insights into the pathophysiology of arteriovenous malformations, in particular, certain signaling pathways that might underlie endothelial cell pathology. To better interpret the origins, determinants and consequences of brain arteriovenous malformations, we present a clinical case to illustrate the phenotypic landscape of the disease. We also propose that brain arteriovenous malformations might share certain signaling dimensions with those of anorectal hemorrhoids. This working hypothesis provides casual anchors from which to understand vascular diseases characterized by arteriovenous lesions with a hemorrhagic- or bleeding-risk component. Anat Rec, 2017. © The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists. Anat Rec, 300:1973-1980, 2017. © 2017 The Authors. The Anatomical Record published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists.

A case report of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: origins, determinants, and consequences of abnormal vascular malformations

A spinal dural arteriovenous fistula is an abnormally layered connection between radicular arteries and venous plexus of the spinal cord. This vascular condition is relatively rare with an incidence of 5–10 cases per million in the general population. Diagnosis of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula is differentiated by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography or structural magnetic resonance imaging, but a definitive diagnosis requires spinal angiography methods. Here, we report a case of a 67-year-old female with a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula, provide a pertinent clinical history to the case nosology, and discuss the biology of adhesive proteins, chemotactic molecules, and transcription factors that modify the behavior of the vasculature to possibly cause sensorimotor deficits.