Active Versus Passive Drainage Systems for Subdural Hematomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) management involves various surgical techniques, with drainage systems playing a pivotal role. While passive drainage (PD) and active drainage (AD) are both used, their efficacy remains contentious. Some studies favor PD for lower recurrence rates, while others suggest AD superiority. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to address this controversy, aiming to provide clarity on optimal drainage modalities post-CSDH evacuation. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews guidelines, searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science until February 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies comparing active vs PD for subdural hematomas. Data extraction involved independent researchers, and statistical analysis was conducted using R software. The assessment of risk of bias was performed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions framework and the Risk Of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS: In this meta-analysis, involving 1949 patients with AD and 1346 with PD, no significant differences were observed in recurrence rates between the active (13.6%) and passive (16.4%) drainage groups (risk ratio [RR] = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.58-1.31). Similarly, for complications, infection, hemorrhage, and mortality, no significant disparities were found between the 2 drainage modalities. Complication rates were 7.5% for active and 12.6% for PD (RR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.36-1.52). Infection rates were available for 635 patients of the active group, counting for 2% and 2.6%, respectively (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.24-4.01). Hemorrhage rates were also available for 635 patients of the active group, counting for 1.1% and 2.2%, respectively (RR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.11-1.81). Mortality rates were 2.7% and 2.5%, respectively (RR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.61-1.46). CONCLUSION: Our study found no significant difference between passive and AD for managing complications, recurrence, infection, hemorrhage, or mortality in CSDH cases. Further large-scale randomized trials are needed for clarity.

Endoscopic surgery for craniosynostosis: A systematic review and single-arm meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Craniosynostosis, a developmental craniofacial anomaly, can impair brain development and cause abnormal skull shape due to premature closure of one or more cranial sutures. Traditional surgical treatments have evolved from open operations to minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the endoscopic approach in craniosynostosis correction. METHODS: Adhering to Cochrane Group standards and the PRISMA framework, this review utilized databases like PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, focusing on clinical and surgical outcomes of endoscopic craniosynostosis operations up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria emphasized studies with at least five patients undergoing endoscopic procedures, while exclusion criteria involved non-English papers, incomplete texts, and overlapping data. Statistical analysis used R software with various packages, and methodological bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I framework. RESULTS: The review included 30 studies (4 prospective, 26 retrospective) with 2561 patients. The median age at operation was 3.20 months. Findings showed a mean operative time of 68.06 min, median hospital stay of 1.28 days, and mean blood loss of 29.89 ml. Blood transfusion was required in 9.97% of cases. Helmet therapy post-operation was common, with a median duration of 9 months. The rate of postoperative complications was 1.86%, and the reoperation rate was 3.07%. No procedure-related mortality was observed. The study noted substantial variations in the handling of craniosynostosis and a lack of consensus on the optimal timing and surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic techniques for craniosynostosis repair demonstrate safety and effectiveness, characterized by low complication risks and favorable surgical outcomes. However, due to the limitations of observational studies and inherent heterogeneity, further comprehensive and controlled trials are needed to validate these findings and understand the long-term outcomes of the endoscopic approach.

Neurosurgical intervention for the Meckel-Gruber Syndrome: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Meckel-Gruber Syndrome (MKS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, notable for its triad of occipital encephalocele, polycystic renal dysplasia, and postaxial polydactyly. Identified by Johann Friederich Meckel in 1822, MKS is categorized as a ciliopathy due to gene mutations. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of at least two key features. The condition is incompatible with life, leading to death in the womb or shortly after birth. Recent studies have largely focused on the genetic aspects of MKS, with limited information regarding the impact of neurosurgical approaches, particularly in treating encephaloceles. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were consulted for data screening and extraction, which was conducted by two independent reviewers. The search strategy aimed to encompass studies documenting cases of MKS with published reports of encephalocele excisions, and the search strings for all databases were: Meckel-Gruber syndrome OR Meckel Gruber syndrome OR Meckel-gruber OR Meckel Gruber. RESULTS: The study included 10 newborns with MKS associated with occipital encephalocele or meningocele, all of whom underwent surgical repair of the occipital sac. The mean gestational age at birth was 36 (± 2) weeks. The mean of birth weight was 3.14 (± 0.85) kilograms. The average head circumference at birth was 33.82 cm (± 2.17). The mean diameter of the encephalocele/meningocele was 5.91 (± 1.02) cm. Other common central nervous system abnormalities included hydrocephalus, Dandy-Walker malformation, and agenesis of the corpus callosum. 40% required shunting for hydrocephalus. Surgery to remove the occipital sac occurred at a median age of 2.5 days (1.5-6.5). The most common post-surgical complication was the need for mechanical ventilation. The most common cause of death was pneumonia and the median age at death was 6.66 (0.03-18) months. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that neurosurgical intervention, especially for managing encephaloceles, may offer some improvement in survival, albeit within a context of generally poor prognosis. However, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Bilateral Persistent Primitive Olfactory Arteries Observed During Resection of Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Technical Case Report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Resection of olfactory groove meningiomas is challenging because of their close proximity with the anterior cerebral circulation. It is important to recognize the vascular variants in procedures at the anterior skull base because inadvertent maneuvers may result in the rupture of these arteries and unexpected bleeding. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We reported a type 2 persistent primitive olfactory artery with a dural branch of the elongated anterior cerebral artery directly to the ethmoid region, visualized during the surgical removal of an olfactory groove meningioma. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of bilateral persistent primitive olfactory artery demonstrated by operative visualization and confirmed with vascular study. Understanding and recognizing the possible variations of this vascular anatomy is of great importance for anterior skull base surgeries.

Tenth case of bilateral hemifacial spasm treated by microvascular decompression: Review of the pathophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Bilateral hemifacial spasm (BHFS) is a rare neurological syndrome whose diagnosis depends on excluding other facial dyskinesias. We present a case of BHFS along with a literature review. METHODS: A 64-year-old white, hypertense male reported involuntary left hemiface contractions in 2001 (aged 50). In 2007, right hemifacial symptoms appeared, without spasm remission during sleep. Botulinum toxin type A application produced partial temporary improvement. Left microvascular decompression (MVD) was performed in August 2013, followed by right MVD in May 2014, with excellent results. Follow-up in March 2016 showed complete cessation of spasms without medication. RESULTS: The literature confirms nine BHFS cases bilaterally treated by MVD, a definitive surgical option with minimal complications. Regarding HFS pathophysiology, ectopic firing and ephaptic transmissions originate in the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve, due to neurovascular compression (NVC), orthodromically stimulate facial muscles and antidromically stimulate the facial nerve nucleus; this hyperexcitation continuously stimulates the facial muscles. These activated muscles can trigger somatosensory afferent skin nerve impulses and neuromuscular spindles from the trigeminal nerve, which, after transiting the Gasser ganglion and trigeminal nucleus, reach the somatosensory medial posterior ventral nucleus of the contralateral thalamus as well as the somatosensory cortical area of the face. Once activated, this area can stimulate the motor and supplementary motor areas (extrapyramidal and basal ganglia system), activating the motoneurons of the facial nerve nucleus and peripherally stimulating the facial muscles. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that bilateral MVD is the best approach in cases of BHFS.

Angiographic and epidemiological characteristics associated with aneurysm remnants after microsurgical clipping.

BACKGROUND: Despite new techniques for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, the percentage of aneurysm remnants after surgical intervention seems to be relatively constant. The objective of this study was to assess angiographic and epidemiological features associated with aneurysm remnants after microsurgical clipping. METHODS: This study was conducted from February 2009 to August 2012 on a series of 90 patients with 105 aneurysms referred to the Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte who were surgically treated and angiographically controlled. RESULTS: Surgical clipping was considered incomplete in 13.3% of the aneurysms. The mean age of cases with an aneurysm remnant was 57.5 years, whereas the mean age without aneurysm remnant was 49.7 years (P = 0.02). Aneurysm remnants were detected more frequently on the internal carotid artery, nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were verified when comparing the locations. Aneurysm size in the preoperative angiography verified that the mean size of aneurysms operated was 6.56 mm, such that in cases showing a postoperative remnant, the mean size was 9.7 mm and in cases with complete clipping it was 6.08 mm (P = 0.02). Postoperative angiography showed that, in cases with residual aneurysm, the number of clips used was higher - a mean of 1.8 for complete clipping and 3.1 for incomplete clipping (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm size and patient age showed significant correlations with residual intracranial aneurysm. The mean number of clips used was higher in cases with incomplete occlusion.

Traumatic Brain Injury Epidemiology in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) stands out as a grave social and economic problem. Emerging countries possess few epidemiologic studies on the range and impact of TBI. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and economic profile of people suffering from TBI in Brazil. METHODS: Data on TBI cases in Brazil between 2008 and 2012 were collected through the website of the Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This database is fed by public hospital admission authorization forms provided nationwide. RESULTS: There were around 125,000 hospital admissions due to TBI a year, an incidence of 65.7 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Hospital mortality was 5.1/100,000/year, and the case fatality rate was 7.7%. The average annual cost of hospital expenses was US$ 70,960,000, with an average cost per admission of US$ 568. The age group 20-29, frequently admitted to the hospital due to TBI, presented the largest number of hospital deaths; however, the population >80 years of age showed the highest admission rate per age group, around 138/100,000/year, followed by the age group 70-79. CONCLUSIONS: TBI should be recognized as an important public health problem in Brazil because it is responsible for considerable social and economic costs. Besides the young adult age group (20-29 years old), the geriatric age group is especially vulnerable to the frequent and devastating consequences of TBI. The implementation of a system of effective epidemiologic vigilance for neurotrauma is urgent in Brazil and other countries worldwide.

Indices of agreement between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in interpreting tomography scans in an emergency department / Índice de concordância entre neurocirurgiões e radiologistas na interpretação de tomografias de crânio na emergência

The power of interpretation in the analysis of cranial computed tomography (CCT) among neurosurgeons and radiologists has rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess the rate of agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in an emergency department. Method 227 CCT were independently analyzed by two neurosurgeons (NS1 and NS2) and a radiologist (RAD). The level of agreement in interpreting the examination was studied. Results The Kappa values obtained between NS1 and NS2 and RAD were considered nearly perfect and substantial agreement. The highest levels of agreement when evaluating abnormalities were observed in the identification of tumors, hydrocephalus and intracranial hematomas. The worst levels of agreement were observed for leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume. Conclusions For diseases in which the emergency room procedure must be determined, agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between the radiologist and neurosurgeons was satisfactory. .

O poder de interpretação na análise de tomografias de crânio (TCC) entre neurocirurgiões e radiologistas tem sido pouco estudada. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as taxas de concordância na interpretação de TCCs entre neurocirugiões e radiologista em um departamento de emergência. Método 227 TCCs foram independentemente analizadas por 2 neurocirugiões (NC1 e NC2) e um radiologista(RAD). O índice de concordância nas análises foi estudada posteriormente. Resultados O valor de Kappa obtido entre os NC1 e NC 2 e entre estes e RAD foram quase perfeitos e substancial respectivamente. O maiores índices de concordância quando avaliadas anormalidades foram observados na identificação de tumores, hidrocefalia e hematomas intracranianos. O piores índices foram observados com relação a leucaraiose e redução volumétrica. Conclusão Para doenças apresentadas em um departamento emergência que demandam tratamento mais agressivo o índice de concordância na interpretação de TCCs entre RAD e NC foi satisfatório. .

Indices of agreement between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in interpreting tomography scans in an emergency department.

UNLABELLED: The power of interpretation in the analysis of cranial computed tomography (CCT) among neurosurgeons and radiologists has rarely been studied. This study aimed to assess the rate of agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between neurosurgeons and a radiologist in an emergency department. METHOD: 227 CCT were independently analyzed by two neurosurgeons (NS1 and NS2) and a radiologist (RAD). The level of agreement in interpreting the examination was studied. RESULTS: The Kappa values obtained between NS1 and NS2 and RAD were considered nearly perfect and substantial agreement. The highest levels of agreement when evaluating abnormalities were observed in the identification of tumors, hydrocephalus and intracranial hematomas. The worst levels of agreement were observed for leukoaraiosis and reduced brain volume. CONCLUSIONS: For diseases in which the emergency room procedure must be determined, agreement in the interpretation of CCTs between the radiologist and neurosurgeons was satisfactory.

Multiple supratentorial intraparenchymal hemorrhage after posterior fossa surgery.

BACKGROUND: The intraparenchymal supratentorial hemorrhages after interventions of the posterior fossa is a very rare complication, with very little literature and its precise incidence is unknown (range of 0.4-1.6%). It possesses potentially an etiology diverse from that associated with other postoperative bleeding. CASE DESCRIPTION: A white, 23-year-old female, with no history of coagulation disorders or other diseases, was referred to our hospital with a large ependymoma, which extended from the floor of the fourth ventricle, emerged from the foramen of Magendie and descended to the C2 level. The patient was submitted to surgical treatment and during resection of the lesion, when near the vagal trigone, the patient presented great pressure lability. In the immediate postoperative period, the patient did not have a level of consciousness sufficient to tolerate extubation. Brain computed tomography (CT) was carried out, which showed multiple supratentorial hemorrhages. On the ninth day of the postoperative period, there was a sudden neurological worsening and anisocoria. A new brain CT was carried out [Figure 4], which demonstrated a diffuse cerebral edema. In spite of the introduction of clinical measures for the control of diffuse cerebral edema, the patient evolved to brain death. CONCLUSIONS: The principal measures in the management of these cases include early diagnosis, detection of possible coagulation disorders, continual monitoring, and maintenance of adequate cerebral perfusion. Surgical treatment is recommended in cases of the presence of mass effect or diffuse edema not yielding to clinical treatment. High rates of mortality and morbidity are observed.