Surgical management of tumors of the cervical spine and craniovertebral junction involving the vertebral artery: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The vertebral artery (VA) is in close proximity to bony structures, nerves and nerve sheaths of the cervical spine and craniovertebral junction (CVJ). These structures can be sources of tumors that are responsible for displacement, encasement and sometimes invasion of the VA. Removing these tumors while minimizing the risk of vascular injury requires thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy, risk factors of vascular injury, the relationships of each tumor type with the VA, and the different surgical approaches and techniques that result in the best outcomes in terms of vascular control, tumoral exposure and resection. OBJECTIVE: To present an overview of preoperative and anatomical considerations, differential diagnoses and various approaches to consider in cases of tumors in close relationship with the VA. METHOD: A review of recent literature was conducted to examine the anatomy of the VA, the tumors most frequently affecting it, surgical approaches, and the necessary pre-operative preparations for ensuring safe and maximal tumor resection. This review aims to underscore the principles of treatment. CONCLUSION: Tumors located at the CVJ and the cervical spine intimately involved with the VA, pose a surgical challenge and increase the risk of incomplete removal of the lesion. Detailed knowledge of the patient-specific anatomy and a targeted pre-operative work-up enable optimal planning of surgical approach and management of the VA, thereby reducing surgical risks and improving extent of resection.

Complication of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm Surgery: An M2 Tear at the Neck, Managed with a Salvage M2-to-M2 In Situ Bypass.

An unexpected rupture at the aneurysm neck, with or without adjacent arterial injury or compromise of distal branches during microsurgical clipping, can be a challenging surgical problem to resolve. In this presented case of a neurologically intact 65-year-old woman, elective clipping of an unruptured right middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm was complicated by an unexpected M2 tear at the neck, involving the origin of the frontal M2. Attempts to seal the tear directly, using various techniques, failed; therefore, it was ultimately managed with sacrifice of the vessel and a salvage side-to-side M2-to-M2 in situ bypass. Six months after surgery, the patient demonstrated moderate disability but was able to ambulate with a cane.

A dual-center validation of the PIRAMD scoring system for assessing the severity of ischemic Moyamoya disease.

Background: Prior Infarcts, Reactivity, and Angiography in Moyamoya Disease (PIRAMD) is a recently proposed imaging-based scoring system that incorporates the severity of disease and its impact on parenchymal hemodynamics in order to better support clinical management and evaluate response to intervention. In particular, PIRAMD may have merit in identifying symptomatic patients that may benefit most from revascularization. Our aim was to validate the PIRAMD scoring system. Methods: Patients with ischemic Moyamoya disease, who underwent catheter angiographic [modified Suzuki Score (mSS) and collateralization status], morphological MRI and a parenchymal hemodynamic evaluation with blood oxygenation-level dependent cerebrovascular reactivity (BOLD-CVR) at two transatlantic centers, were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was the presence of neurological symptoms. The diagnostic capacity of each PIRAMD feature alone was evaluated, as well as combined and the inter-institutional differences of each parameter were evaluated. Results: Seventy-two hemispheres of 38 patients were considered for analysis, of which 39 (54%) were classified as symptomatic. The presence of a prior infarct had the highest odds ratio [odds ratio (OR) =24; 95% CI: 6.7-87.2] for having neurological symptoms, followed by impaired CVR (OR =17; 95% CI: 5-62). No inter-institutional differences in the odds ratios or area under the curve (AUC) were found for any study parameter. The PIRAMD score had an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96) with a similar AUC for the PIRAMD grading score. Conclusions: Our multicentric validation of the recently published PIRAMD scoring system was highly effective in rating the severity of ischemic Moyamoya disease with excellent inter-institutional agreement. Future studies should investigate the prognostic value of this novel imaging-based score in symptomatic patients with Moyamoya disease.

Large Pontine Cavernoma Operated by Anterior Petrosal Approach-Two-Dimensional Operative Video.

Brainstem cavernoma is a challenging neurosurgical pathology and microsurgery remains the only treatment option. Although the decision-making between interventional and conservative approach to this disease may be complex, malformations presenting multiple bleedings are usually good candidates for surgery. 1 On the other hand, microsurgical resection of cavernomas can offer an effective resolution with acceptable morbidity. In this video, we present a case of pontine cavernoma with multiple hemorrhages in a young patient. The anatomical characteristic of the lesion defines the best suitable craniotomy for surgery. In this case, an anterior petrosal approach 2 3 4 was used to access the peritrigeminal area and safely perform the resection. Anatomical considerations are described on this skull base approach along with the rationale and benefits of this exposure. Electrophysiological neuromonitoring is essential for this kind of procedure and preoperative tractography also enabled the best understanding of the disease. Finally, we also discuss alternative managements and potential complications. 5 With the patient's consent, we also show the excellent clinical evolution after few weeks of recovery and the restoration of the corticospinal tract, previously displaced by the cavernoma, to its original position.

Spheno-Orbital Meningioma with Cavernous Sinus Extension.

We present a case of a 37-year-old female, with progressive left eye proptosis and an extensive ipsilateral en plaque spheno-orbital meningioma, with diffuse involvement of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and the orbit. A cranio-orbital zygomatic approach was performed to reach all extension of the lesion. We made an extradural clinoidectomy and an extensive bone removal of the orbit, exposition of the superior and lateral walls of the cavernous sinus, unroofing of the optic canal, superior orbital fissure, foramen rotundum, and foramen ovale. We performed the peeling of the lateral wall of cavernous sinus with total removal and preservation of the cranial nerves anatomy and function. In this video, we illustrate the importance of the first time aggressive removal of such tumors. We also demonstrate the concept that secondary invasion of the cavernous sinus are suitable for removal with cranial nerve preservation. The link to the video can be found at https://youtu.be/GJmkqVa6jSs .

Recruitment in a Pragmatic Randomized Trial on the Management of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The Comprehensive Aneurysm Management (CAM) study is a pragmatic trial designed to manage unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients within a care research framework. METHODS: CAM is an all-inclusive study. Management options are allocated according to an algorithm combining pre-randomization and clinical judgment. Eligible patients are offered 1:1 randomized allocation of intervention versus conservative management and 1:1 randomization allocation of surgical versus endovascular treatment. Ineligible patients are registered. The primary outcome is survival without dependency (modified Rankin Scale score <3) at 10 years. All UIA patients at 1 center are reported. RESULTS: Between February 2020 and July 2021, 403 UIA patients were recruited: 179 (44%) in one of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 224 (56%) in one of the registries. Conservative management was recommended for 205 of 403 patients (51%); of 198 (49%) patients considered for curative treatment, 159 (80%) were randomly allocated conservative (n = 81) or curative treatment (n = 78). These patients were younger and had larger aneurysms than those in the observation registry (P = 0.004). In 39 of 198 patients (20%), conservative management was not considered reasonable (17 patients were recommended endovascular, 2 surgery, and 20 the RCT comparing endovascular with surgical treatment). In total, 70 patients were recruited in the RCT comparing surgery and endovascular treatment. After informed discussion at time of consent, 141 of 159 patients (89%) agreed with the randomly allocated management plan, while 11% crossed over to the alternative management option. CONCLUSIONS: CAM was successfully integrated into routine practice. Meaningful conclusions can be obtained if multiple centers actively participate in the trial.

Anterior Petrosal Approach to Petrous Apex Meningioma: Climbing the Rock-Two-Dimensional Operative Video.

A 47-year-old woman was referred to the neurological surgery department after a self-limiting episode of dizziness and headache. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extra-axial mass in the right petrous apex, suggesting a meningioma. We chose the anterior petrosal approach (APA) because meningioma is a benign tumor with brainstem compression, and our goal was total removal for potential cure of the disease. The APA is appropriate for lesions located in the superior petroclival region with a narrow dural tail, above cranial nerves VII and VIII. The posterior petrosal approach is for large petroclival meningiomas that cross the midline, involving the basilar artery and perforating branches, extending below cranial nerves VII and VIII and above the jugular foramen. The retrosigmoid approach is for lesions located in the petrous apex and petroclival regions. Limitations include working between the posterior fossa cranial nerves and removing extensions of the tumor to Meckel cave and middle fossa. The endoscopic endonasal approach is for petroclival lesions. Limitations are the longer distance, nasal disturbances, middle fossa dural tail removal, and cerebrospinal fluid fistula.1-8 We performed the APA through a suprapetrous craniotomy, which exposes the petrous temporal portion, to drill the posteromedial triangle of the middle fossa to create a surgical corridor to the posterior fossa after splitting the tentorium.1-8 Removal of the tumor through the APA leads to a direct route to the petrous apex, with short distance and predominant extradural dissection. We achieved gross total removal. The patient presented with transient cranial nerve IV and V disturbances, but recovered entirely in 6 weeks, returning to her professional activities with preserved quality of life (Video 1).

Craniocervical Junction Vertebral Artery Dural Arteriovenous Fistula With Cranial and Spinal Venous Reflux: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Dural arteriovenous fistulae at the craniocervical junction are rare. When present together with spinal and cranial venous reflux they can have an aggressive natural history with hemorrhage or progressive myelopathy from venous congestion. In this operative video we demonstrate key steps in the surgical ligation of a dural arteriovenous fistula supplied by meningeal branches of the V4 segment of the vertebral artery. Informed consent was obtained. The patient was positioned prone with chin tucked. Utilizing a midline suboccipital craniotomy and removal of the arch of C1, the vertebral artery was identified at its V4 segment at it transitions from extra to intradural. The video illustrates how a midline approach can be used to access this lesion and a far lateral approach is not required to access the vertebral artery and its dural branches at the craniocervical junction. Division of the denticulate ligaments and mobilization of the spinal accessory nerve allows visualization of the proximal portion of the draining vein. Important anatomy in this region is demonstrated. The critical use of indocyanine green (ICG) dye is demonstrated as the first 2 clip applications were not proximal enough to obliterate the proximal draining vein and persistent early venous reflux was still seen on ICG. The importance of access to and obliteration of the proximal draining vein is shown. An intraoperative ICG and postoperative angiogram demonstrates complete occlusion of the dural arteriovenous fistula. In this case the patient had minor sensory deficits postoperatively which were resolved by 6 wk postoperatively.

Infratentorial Supracerebellar Approach for Resection of Midbrain Cavernous Malformation: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Cavernous malformations (cavernomas) of the brain stem with recurrent hemorrhage may be amenable to microsurgical resection if they are present close to the surface. The risks of surgery need to be balanced with the natural history of the lesion and the accumulation of neurological deficits and risk to life with multiple hemorrhages. In this 3D operative video, we illustrate the technique for the resection of a dorsally located midbrain cavernous malformation. Informed consent was obtained for this procedure. The cavernoma is accessed with the use of a supracerebellar infratentorial approach. The infratentorial craniotomy and coagulation of the superior vermian veins is shown. A description is provided of the use of hemosiderin staining and the intercollicular relative "safe zone"1 as landmarks for the neurotomy. The technique of cavernoma dissection from the surrounding gliotic plane is shown and described. In this case, the patient required prolonged rehabilitation but fully recovered without residual deficit 1 yr following surgery.

Delayed Cerebral Metastasis of Breast Cancer: Case Report and Molecular Review

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent disease, and its incidence of brain metastasis (BM) varies from5 to 30% according to the literature.We present the case of a delayed isolated cerebral metastasis in a female patient following a period of 16 years after the diagnosis and first treatment. During this time, there was no other recurrence. We also review the literature concerning central nervous systemspread and themolecular subtypes of such late tumors.

The Role of Low-Cost Microsurgical Training Models and Experience with Exercises Based on a Bovine Heart.

BACKGROUND: Microscopic training is essential for development of neurosurgical skills. A range of models is reported in the literature for this purpose, including live animals, exvivo, and synthetic material. Among the factors involved in selection and development of a training station, cost is a decisive one. METHODS: We present a low-cost model to practice microvascular anastomoses using a bovine heart and an artificial perfusion system. We also present a brief review of laboratory models for microsurgical training, focusing on the costs and reproducibility of the different options. RESULTS: Exvivo models are a great bridging point between nonbiologic and living animal training models. These models have major similarities to human vessels, such as lumen size and malleability of the arteries. The bovine heart model allowed the residents to gain confidence in handling vascular tissue in a microscopic environment. CONCLUSIONS: Although these models do not resemble anatomic landmarks in the human brain, the bovine heart model allowed the residents to gain confidence in handling vascular tissue in a microscopic environment.

Ex vivo model with bovine heart: a proposal for training microscopic dissection and vascularmicroanastomoses. / Modelo ex-vivo com coração bovino: proposta para treinamento de dissecção microscópica e de microanastomoses vasculares.

Training is a process that requires patience and constant practice. The execution of microscopic procedures is present in the day-to-day of several surgical specialties, but unfortunately experimental models are not easy to access in our environment. We propose a bovine heart model used by residents and young surgeons in the training of microscopic dissection and microanastomoses. It is described the assembly of this model, which can be performed individually and with accessible material to the surgical departments. Our experience in the preparation of the pieces, as well as tips for the process, are described in the text. The bovine myocardial model can be reproduced in any center with benches and surgical instruments. Low cost, fast preparation, and wide availability of the used tissue are among the advantages of this model. We consider the project useful in the training of surgical residents and young surgeons.

O treinamento é um processo que exige paciência e constante prática. A execução de procedimentos microscópicos está presente no dia a dia de diversas especialidades cirúrgicas, mas infelizmente modelos experimentais não são de fácil de acesso. Propomos um modelo com coração bovino usado por residentes e jovens cirurgiões no treinamento de dissecção microscópica e microanastomoses. É descrita a montagem deste modelo, que pode ser realizado de maneira individual e com material acessível aos departamentos cirúrgicos. Nossa experiência na elaboração das peças, assim como, dicas para o processo são descritas no texto. O modelo com miocardio bovino pode ser reproduzido em qualquer centro que disponha de bancadas e instrumental cirúrgico. Dentre as vantagens estão o baixo custo, rápido preparo e grande disponibilidade do tecido utilizado. Consideramos o projeto útil no treinamento de residentes cirúrgicos e jovens cirurgiões.

Awake Craniotomy for Resection of Left Temporal Cavernoma: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.

Cavernomas presenting with seizures refractory to medical treatment may require surgical excision for seizure control. If superficial, they can be surgically accessible but can pose additional risks when located in or near eloquent cortex. In this 3D operative video we illustrate the technique for the resection of a left temporal cavernoma located near eloquent cortex for speech with awake surgery and cortical mapping to avoid a speech deficit postoperatively. Informed consent was obtained for this procedure. Navigation is used to localize the cavernoma following which a large craniotomy is performed exposing the temporal lobe, frontal lobe, and sylvian vein. Bipolar stimulation is used to localize speech with the patient awake until speech arrest occurs. The cavernoma is situated immediately inferior to the sulcus over which speech arrest occurs. The sulcus immediately above the cavernoma is opened and adjacent arteries are carefully preserved. The glial plane around the cavernoma is used to dissect the cavernoma from the surrounding cortex. Care is taken to remove the haemosiderin as this can act as a precipitant for ongoing seizures. In this case the patient had no neurological deficits following surgery and was seizure free.

Modelo ex-vivo com coração bovino: proposta para treinamento de dissecção microscópica e de microanastomoses vasculares / Ex vivo model with bovine heart: a proposal for training microscopic dissection and vascularmicroanastomoses

RESUMO O treinamento é um processo que exige paciência e constante prática. A execução de procedimentos microscópicos está presente no dia a dia de diversas especialidades cirúrgicas, mas infelizmente modelos experimentais não são de fácil de acesso. Propomos um modelo com coração bovino usado por residentes e jovens cirurgiões no treinamento de dissecção microscópica e microanastomoses. É descrita a montagem deste modelo, que pode ser realizado de maneira individual e com material acessível aos departamentos cirúrgicos. Nossa experiência na elaboração das peças, assim como, dicas para o processo são descritas no texto. O modelo com miocardio bovino pode ser reproduzido em qualquer centro que disponha de bancadas e instrumental cirúrgico. Dentre as vantagens estão o baixo custo, rápido preparo e grande disponibilidade do tecido utilizado. Consideramos o projeto útil no treinamento de residentes cirúrgicos e jovens cirurgiões.

ABSTRACT Training is a process that requires patience and constant practice. The execution of microscopic procedures is present in the day-to-day of several surgical specialties, but unfortunately experimental models are not easy to access in our environment. We propose a bovine heart model used by residents and young surgeons in the training of microscopic dissection and microanastomoses. It is described the assembly of this model, which can be performed individually and with accessible material to the surgical departments. Our experience in the preparation of the pieces, as well as tips for the process, are described in the text. The bovine myocardial model can be reproduced in any center with benches and surgical instruments. Low cost, fast preparation, and wide availability of the used tissue are among the advantages of this model. We consider the project useful in the training of surgical residents and young surgeons.

Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniation with Spontaneous Reabsorption: Case Report and Review / Reabsorção espontânea de hérnia discal lombar extrusa: relato de caso

Disc herniation is a common condition in the population and has a direct impact on the quality of life in patients, also causing functional limitations in the work place. Treatment protocols include conservative management and/or various surgical interventions. This paper reports on a case of symptomatic large extruded disc herniation, together with spontaneous clinical regression and total re-absorption. We show here conservative management, and a literature review of the main pathophysiological hypotheses for such an unusual evolution.

Hérnia discal é condição comum na população e tem impacto direto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes, assim como causa limitações funcionais em seu ambiente de trabalho. Protocolos de tratamento incluem manejo conservador e/ou diversos tipos de intervenção cirúrgica. Este artigo relata o caso de uma extensa hérnia extrusa sintomática, juntamente a sua regressão clínica espontânea e sua total reabsorção. Descrevemos também seu manejo conservador e uma revisão da literatura para a principal hipótese diagnóstica nesta evolução incomum.

Severe Edema and Venous Congestion Following Sphenoorbital Meningioma Resection in a Meningiomatosis Case: Importance of Predicting Venous Disturbances.

To achieve local disease control, radical removal is the best option for sphenoorbital meningiomas. Preservation of the venous system is crucial during the resection of skull base meningiomas. This vascular injury represents a major risk both for life and neurologic function. We present a case of a severe postoperative frontotemporal venous disturbance and cerebral edema following the radical removal of a giant sphenoorbital meningioma in a patient with meningiomatosis and occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus. The anatomical, radiologic, and surgical aspects are reviewed and discussed, with the aim of preventing such a serious complication.