Intra-operative emergence of occult dural arteriovenous fistula after middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma: Case report and literature review.

Dural arteriovenous fistulae of the middle meningeal artery (MMA-dAVF) are high risk lesions that can lead to intracranial hemorrhage. We describe the case of an adult male that presented with chronic subdural hematomas and was treated with burr hole craniotomy plus middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization. Although the pre-embolization angiogram showed no signs of a fistula, a fistula arising from the MMA and draining into the superior sagittal sinus emerged intra-operatively. To our knowledge, this is the first case of intra-operative emergence of occult MMA-dAVF with intracranial drainage during MMA embolization for chronic subdural hematoma treatment. This observation supports monitoring for and embolizing spontaneous MMA-dAVF following MMA embolization.

A bioimpedance-based monitor for real-time detection and identification of secondary brain injury.

Secondary brain injury impacts patient prognosis and can lead to long-term morbidity and mortality in cases of trauma. Continuous monitoring of secondary injury in acute clinical settings is primarily limited to intracranial pressure (ICP); however, ICP is unable to identify essential underlying etiologies of injury needed to guide treatment (e.g. immediate surgical intervention vs medical management). Here we show that a novel intracranial bioimpedance monitor (BIM) can detect onset of secondary injury, differentiate focal (e.g. hemorrhage) from global (e.g. edema) events, identify underlying etiology and provide localization of an intracranial mass effect. We found in an in vivo porcine model that the BIM detected changes in intracranial volume down to 0.38 mL, differentiated high impedance (e.g. ischemic) from low impedance (e.g. hemorrhagic) injuries (p < 0.001), separated focal from global events (p < 0.001) and provided coarse 'imaging' through localization of the mass effect. This work presents for the first time the full design, development, characterization and successful implementation of an intracranial bioimpedance monitor. This BIM technology could be further translated to clinical pathologies including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, stroke, hydrocephalus and post-surgical monitoring.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of T9-T10 fracture in a patient with morbid obesity and ankylosing spondylitis: A case report with literature review.

INTRODUCTION: As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, there is a growing need to identify practices that protect overweight patients from injury during spine surgery. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) has been recommended for complex spine surgery, but its use in obese and morbidly obese patients is understudied. CASE REPORT: This case report describes a patient with morbid obesity and ankylosing spondylitis who was treated for a T9-T10 3-column fracture with a planned, minimally invasive approach. Forty minutes after positioning the patient to prone, the IONM team identified a positive change in the patient's motor responses in the bilateral lower extremities and alerted the surgical team in a timely manner. It turned out that the pressure exerted by gravity on the patient's large pannus resulted in further dislocation of the fracture and narrowing of the spinal canal. The surgical team acknowledged the serious risk of spinal cord compression and, hence, immediately changed the surgical plan to an urgent, open approach for decompression and reduction of the fracture. The patient's lower extremities' motor responses improved after decompression. The patient was ambulatory on post-operative day 2 and pain-free at six-weeks with no other neurologic symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of IONM in this planned minimally invasive spine surgery for a patient with morbid obesity prevented potentially serious iatrogenic injury. The authors include a literature review that situates this case study in the existing literature and highlights a gap in current knowledge. There are few studies that have examined the use of IONM during spine surgery for morbidly obese patients. More research is needed to elucidate best practices for the use of IONM in spine surgery for morbidly obese patients.

Ischemic Stroke Occurs Less Frequently in Patients With COVID-19: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the occurrence of ischemic stroke has been the subject of increased speculation but has not been confirmed in large observational studies. We investigated the association between COVID-19 and stroke. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study involving patients discharged from a healthcare system in New York State, from January to April 2020. A mixed-effects logistic regression analysis and a propensity score-weighted analysis were used to control for confounders and investigate the association of COVID-19 with ischemic stroke. Similar techniques were used to detect the impact of concurrent COVID-19 infection on unfavorable outcomes for patients with stroke. RESULTS: Among 24 808 discharges, 2513 (10.1%) were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 566 (0.2%) presented with acute ischemic stroke. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were at one-quarter the odds of stroke compared with other patients (odds ratio, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.16-0.40]). This association was consistent in all age groups. Our results were robust in sensitivity analyses, including propensity score-weighted regression models. In patients presenting with stroke, concurrent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was associated with higher case-fatality (odds ratio, 10.50 [95% CI, 3.54-31.18]) and a trend towards increased occurrence of discharge to rehabilitation (odds ratio, 2.45 [95% CI, 0.81-1.25]). CONCLUSIONS: Using a comprehensive cross-section of patients from a large NY-based healthcare system, we did not identify a positive association between ischemic stroke and COVID-19. However, patients with stroke with COVID-19 had worse outcomes compared with those without, with over a 9-fold increase in mortality. Although no definitive conclusions can be reached from our observational study, our data do not support the concerns for an epidemic of stroke in young adults with COVID-19.

Type I split cord malformation and tethered cord syndrome in an adult patient: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: In a split cord malformation (SCM), the spinal cord is divided longitudinally into two distinct hemicords that later rejoin. This can result in a tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Rarely, TCS secondary to SCM presents in adulthood. Here, we present an adult female with Type I SCM resulting in TCS and a review of literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year-old female with a history of spina bifida occulta presented with a 2-year history of worsening back and left leg pain, difficulty with ambulation, and intermittent urinary incontinence; she had not responded to conservative therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tethered cord secondary to lumbar type I SCM. The patient underwent an L1-S1 laminectomy for resection of the bony septum with cord detethering. At 2-month follow-up, the patient had improvement in her motor symptoms and less pain. In literature, 25 cases of adult-onset surgically managed SCM with TCS were identified (between 1936 and 2018). Patients averaged 37 years of age at the time of diagnosis, and 56% were female. CONCLUSION: TCS can present secondary to SCM in adulthood and is characterized predominantly by back and leg pain.

The Use of Distraction Osteogenesis in the Treatment of Rickets-Associated Craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis has a known association with rickets. Because of abnormal bone development and a tendency for patients with rickets to present at an older age than most patients with craniosynostosis, repair may be complicated by inadequate cranial expansion and greater risk of sutural re-fusion. We present 2 cases of rickets-associated sagittal craniosynostosis and show the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis in the surgical management of this condition. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two 3-year-old boys with rickets presented with sagittal synostosis and marked scaphocephalic deformity. Cranial osteotomies were performed followed by placement of 2 internal distractors. The devices were activated daily for 30 days to achieve a target transverse cranial distraction of 30 mm. A subsequent period of 10-12 weeks allowed for adequate bone consolidation. At the time of device removal, the final breadth of distraction and the quality of new bone formed was assessed. Distraction distance in both cases was verified intraoperatively to be 30 mm. Clinical examination confirmed that the distraction gaps were bridged by solid bone. The treatment protocol resulted in a significant improvement in cranial proportion in both patients, which was maintained at long-term follow-up. Estimated blood loss was high in both cases, presumably related to the hyperemic nature of rickets bone. CONCLUSIONS: Distraction osteogenesis promotes bone growth and cranial remodeling in patients with craniosynostosis caused by rickets. The technique allows for continuous incremental expansion of both bone and scalp tissue. We recommend consideration of distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of older children with severe deformity related to craniosynostosis, including those with rickets.

Subependymoma and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial collision tumor in the foramen of Monro: case report.

Intracranial collision tumors have rarely been reported in the literature and generally include at least 1 malignant tumor component. Subependymoma with dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is an as-yet unreported combination. Both components are uncommon tumors, and presentation in the foramen of Monro is even more unusual. A 16-year-old male patient with a past medical history significant for asthma presented with a 3-month history of headaches and radiographic evidence of mild obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a nonenhancing ventricular lesion at the foramen of Monro. He underwent endoscopic biopsy and resection. Pathological analysis revealed distinct components of subependymoma and DNET. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient was doing well without regrowth of tumor. The authors describe a case of intracranial collision tumor demonstrating 2 grade I components: a novel combination of subependymoma and DNET.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Memory Modulation: A New Frontier.

BACKGROUND: In the coming years the number of patients with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and traumatic brain injury, is expected to dramatically increase, leading to an ever-increasing societal cost. Unfortunately, few medical and pharmacologic treatments have shown tangible benefit in the treatment of these diseases. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical technique to address multiple conditions, including Parkinson disease and essential tremor. Data from patients being treated with DBS, as well as those being monitored for seizures with depth electrodes, have suggested improvement in memory with electrical neuromodulation. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched from inception through March 2018 using the keywords "DBS," "Deep Brain Stimulation," "Memory," "Memory Modulation," and "Cognition." Studies evaluating the effect of DBS on memory and learning were shortlisted and reviewed. RESULTS: Efforts to stimulate various nodes within the memory circuitry suggest that the variable effects may result from different mechanisms, including alteration of neural firing patterns, increased activity across several regions, and amplification of neural plasticity. Some of these targets, such as the entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus basalis of Meynert, have shown promising results with regards to modulation of memory. CONCLUSIONS: Given the aging population and increasing numbers of patients with memory impairment from neurodegenerative diseases, interest in neuromodulation for memory enhancement will likely expand. Further work should employ more sophisticated responsive stimulation parameters and precise spatial targeting that may lead to an effective stimulation strategy for memory enhancement.

False Localization of Ruptured Intracranial Dermoid Secondary to Subarachnoid Spread of Cyst Contents.

A 34-year-old right-handed female presented to the emergency department with a worsening headache, neck stiffness, intermittent abnormal sensation, and right arm weakness. Shortly after arrival, she had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. A noncontrast head computed tomography scan revealed a right-sided, low-attenuating, lobulated mass ipsilateral to her arm symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an abnormal signal throughout the subarachnoid space and increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence signal contralateral to the mass. This presentation suggested a false localization sign of sensory and motor disturbance ipsilateral to the mass likely caused by cyst rupture and sebum spread contralateral, causing cortical irritation (evidenced by increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence signal). During mass resection, sebum was visible throughout the subarachnoid space. The patient had an uneventful recovery from surgery and has been seizure free since the resection with steady improvement of symptoms. This case highlights the importance of avoiding cyst rupture of dermoid cysts.

Efficacy, Duration and Timing of Withdrawal of Prophylactic Treatment with Antiepileptic Drugs in Neurosurgical Conditions.

Seizure control is a critical component of care in many neurosurgical conditions. The development of seizures in patients without a previously identified seizure disorder occurs in a significant proportion of traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and brain tumor patients. In this literature review and synthesis, we will discuss the incidence of seizures in selected conditions, indications and evidence for the initiation of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), suggested duration of usage for AEDs, and current AED guidelines by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and international committees.

Association of Prior Falls with Adverse Outcomes After Neurosurgical Operations in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing number of elderly patients undergoing neurosurgical interventions, there are limited resources for preoperative assessment of frailty in this population. We investigated the association between recent history of falls and surgical outcomes for these patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of all patients, 65 years and older, undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures from 2014-2015 in a tertiary referral medical center. We examined the association of sustaining a fall in the 6 months before the operation with discharge to a facility, readmissions, and complications in the first 30 days after discharge. In order to control for confounding, we used multivariable regression models and propensity score conditioning. Mixed-effects models were used to control for clustering at the surgeon level. RESULTS: During the study period, 143 elderly patients underwent a neurosurgical procedure and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 53.1% had a history of falls preoperatively. Mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated an association between preoperative falls and discharge to a facility (odds ratio [OR], 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.47), 30-day readmissions (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.36-1.78), and 30-day complications (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23). Similar associations were present in propensity score-adjusted models and models stratified by cranial and spinal procedures. CONCLUSIONS: History of at least 1 fall in the 6 months before a neurosurgical operation was associated with increased risk of discharge to a facility, readmissions, and complications in the first 30 days after discharge. History of prior falls should be taken into account during the preoperative risk assessment of neurosurgical patients.

Effect of an Immersive Preoperative Virtual Reality Experience on Patient Reported Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of exposure to a virtual reality (VR) environment preoperatively on patient-reported outcomes for surgical operations. BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of well-developed quality improvement initiatives targeting patient satisfaction. METHODS: We performed a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing cranial and spinal operations in a tertiary referral center. Patients underwent a 1:1 randomization to an immersive preoperative VR experience or standard preoperative experience stratified on type of operation. The primary outcome measures were the Evaluation du Vecu de l'Anesthesie Generale (EVAN-G) score and the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information (APAIS) score, as markers of the patient's experience during the surgical encounter. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 127 patients (mean age 55.3 years, 41.9% females) underwent randomization. The average EVAN-G score was 84.3 (standard deviation, SD, 6.4) after VR, and 64.3 (SD, 11.7) after standard preoperative experience (difference, 20.0; 95% confidence interval, CI, 16.6-23.3). Exposure to an immersive VR experience also led to higher APAIS score (difference, 29.9; 95% CI, 24.5-35.2). In addition, VR led to lower preoperative VAS stress score (difference, -41.7; 95% CI, -33.1 to -50.2), and higher preoperative VAS preparedness (difference, 32.4; 95% CI, 24.9-39.8), and VAS satisfaction (difference, 33.2; 95% CI, 25.4-41.0) scores. No association was identified with VAS stress score (difference, -1.6; 95% CI, -13.4 to 10.2). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized controlled trial, we demonstrated that patients exposed to preoperative VR had increased satisfaction during the surgical encounter. Harnessing the power of this technology, hospitals can create an immersive environment that minimizes stress, and enhances the perioperative experience.

Widening of the basilar bifurcation angle: association with presence of intracranial aneurysm, age, and female sex.

OBJECT: Arterial bifurcations represent preferred locations for aneurysm formation, especially when they are associated with variations in divider geometry. The authors hypothesized a link between basilar apex aneurysms and basilar bifurcation (α) and vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ) angles. METHODS: The α and VBJ angles were measured in 3D MR and rotational angiographic volumes using a coplanar 3-point technique. Angle α was compared between age-matched cohorts in 45 patients with basilar artery (BA) aneurysms, 65 patients with aneurysms in other locations (non-BA), and 103 nonaneurysmal controls. Additional analysis was performed in 273 nonaneurysmal controls. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed on parametric BA models with increasing angles. RESULTS: Angle α was significantly wider in patients with BA aneurysms (146.7° ± 20.5°) than in those with non-BA aneurysms (111.7° ± 18°) and in controls (103° ± 20.6°) (p < 0.0001), whereas no difference was observed for the VBJ angle. A wider angle α correlated with BA aneurysm neck width but not dome size, which is consistent with CFD results showing a widening of the impingement zone at the bifurcation apex. BA bifurcations hosting even small aneurysms (< 5 mm) had a significantly larger α angle compared with matched controls (p < 0.0001). In nonaneurysmal controls, α increased with age (p < 0.0001), with a threshold effect above 35 years of age and a steeper dependence in females (p = 0.002) than males (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The α angle widens with age during adulthood, especially in females. This angular widening is associated with basilar bifurcation aneurysms and may predispose individuals to aneurysm initiation by diffusing the flow impingement zone away from the protective medial band region of the flow divider.

Neuroform intracranial stenting for aneurysms using simple and multi-stent technique is associated with low risk of magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging lesions.

BACKGROUND: Detection of procedural thromboembolism by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MR-DWI+) can help identify and mitigate endovascular risk factors. Data remain scant on procedural MR-DWI+ following the use of the Neuroform open-cell design stent in aneurysm embolization. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the incidence of MR-DWI+ in Neuroform simple and multi-stent construct stenting for intracranial aneurysms in an attempt to delineate baseline risk and identify possible associated procedural factors. METHODS: Seventy-six patients receiving 97 Neuroform stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysm were identified from a prospective database and eligible for inclusion in the study. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MR-DWI) was obtained in all patients within 48 hours of the procedure and reviewed for the presence of MR-DWI+ with patient records reviewed for analysis of factors predisposing to these lesions. RESULTS: Patients were treated with single-stent Neuroform constructs in 57 cases (73%) and multi-stent Neuroform constructs in 21 cases (27%). Y-stent technique was used in 16 cases. MR-DWI+ was identified in 7 of 78 cases (9.0%), with MR-DWI+ in 0 of 10 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases. No MR-DWI lesions led to a permanent neurological deficit at discharge. There was no MR-DWI+ in patients treated with Y-stenting or multi-stent Neuroform constructs. The only factor associated with ipsilateral MR-DWI+ was target aneurysm location on an arterial sidewall over bifurcation (P = .01). CONCLUSION: The Neuroform stent carries a very low risk of MR-DWI+ compared with its closed-cell design counterpart. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and deployment of multiple stents in the same anatomical region in configurations such as the Y-stent construct did not increase the risk of acute procedural thromboembolism.

Incomplete stent apposition in Enterprise stent-mediated coiling of aneurysms: persistence over time and risk of delayed ischemic events.

OBJECT: Incomplete stent apposition of the closed cell-design Enterprise stent following stent-mediated coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms has been associated with increased risk of periprocedural thromboembolic events. In this study, the authors seek to determine the natural history of incomplete stent apposition and evaluate the clinical implications of the phenomenon. METHODS: Since January 2009, all patients receiving Enterprise stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms at the authors' institution have undergone serial 3-T MRI with incomplete stent apposition identified by the crescent sign on multiplanar reconstructions of MR angiograms. Magnetic resonance images and MR angiograms obtained at 3, 9, and 18 months after stent-assisted coil embolization were analyzed along with admission and follow-up clinical medical records. These records were evaluated for any radiographic and clinical, transient or permanent ischemic neurological events. RESULTS: Fifty patients receiving Enterprise stents were eligible for inclusion and analysis in the study. Incomplete stent apposition was identified in postoperative imaging studies in 22 (44%) of 50 patients, with 19 (86%) of 22 crescent signs persisting and 3 (14%) of 22 crescent signs resolving on subsequent serial imaging. Delayed ischemic events occurred in 8 (16%) of 50 cases, and all cases involved patients with incomplete stent apposition. The events were transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in 5 cases, asymptomatic radiographic strokes in 2 cases, and symptomatic strokes and TIAs in the final case. There were no delayed ischemic events in patients who did not have incomplete stent apposition. Only 1 of the delayed ischemic events (2%) was permanent and symptomatic. The postoperative presence of a crescent sign and persistence of the crescent sign were both significantly associated with delayed ischemic events (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete stent apposition is a temporally persistent phenomenon, which resolves spontaneously in only a small minority of cases and appears to be a risk factor for delayed ischemic events. Although further follow-up is needed, these results suggest that longer duration of antiplatelet therapy and clinical follow-up may be warranted in cases of recognized incomplete stent apposition.

Methylation by Set9 modulates FoxO3 stability and transcriptional activity.

The FoxO family of transcription factors plays an important role in longevity and tumor suppression by regulating the expression of a wide range of target genes. FoxO3 has recently been found to be associated with extreme longevity in humans and to regulate the homeostasis of adult stem cell pools in mammals, which may contribute to longevity. The activity of FoxO3 is controlled by a variety of post-translational modifications that have been proposed to form a 'code' affecting FoxO3 subcellular localization, DNA binding ability, protein-protein interactions and protein stability. Lysine methylation is a crucial post-translational modification on histones that regulates chromatin accessibility and is a key part of the 'histone code'. However, whether lysine methylation plays a role in modulating FoxO3 activity has never been examined. Here we show that the methyltransferase Set9 directly methylates FoxO3 in vitro and in cells. Using a combination of tandem mass spectrometry and methyl-specific antibodies, we find that Set9 methylates FoxO3 at a single residue, lysine 271, a site previously known to be deacetylated by Sirt1. Methylation of FoxO3 by Set9 decreases FoxO3 protein stability, while moderately increasing FoxO3 transcriptional activity. The modulation of FoxO3 stability and activity by methylation may be critical for fine-tuning cellular responses to stress stimuli, which may in turn affect FoxO3's ability to promote tumor suppression and longevity.