Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Aspiration of a Spinal Epidural Dermoid Cyst Extending From T10 to the Sacrum: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Dermoid cysts are space-occupying tumors that can occur anywhere in the neuroaxis. Although categorized as benign lesions, they can compromise normal structures, causing neurological function loss, and have a tendency to recur often requiring repeated surgical resections. We illustrate the case of an extensive epidural dermoid cyst in a 22-yr-old woman who presented with progressive loss of neurological motor function in her lower extremities as well as bowel and bladder incontinence. The tumor extended from T10 to the sacrum, and a conventional operation would have entailed serial laminectomies that would cross the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions, possibly requiring an instrumented fusion. Given the fact that operation would have carried significant morbidity, especially with the high likelihood of symptomatic tumoral recurrence, we consulted with our urology colleagues to find a minimally invasive way of reducing the tumor burden and decompressing the neural elements. The patient was taken to the operating room and a limited open lumbosacral durotomy was performed. A flexible cystoscope was then passed in the epidural space and used to suction the tumor. Postoperative imaging showed adequate resection, and the patient recovered neurological function completely. She had mini-mal recurrence at 3 yr and remained asymptomatic. This technical video note showcases the potential for use of endoscopy for spine tumors that have an amenable consistency, even in highly eloquent areas such as the conus medullaris. It also serves to highlight the benefits of interdisciplinary cooperation when treating complex disease. This case report was written in compliance with our institutional ethical review board. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and patient consent was waived in light of the retrospective and deidentified nature of the data presented in accordance with the University of Texas SouthWestern IRB. Patient consent was waived for writing this manuscript in light of the retrospective and deidentified nature of the data presented in accordance with our institutional IRB.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes following traumatic Grade 1 and 2 carotid artery injuries: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a Level I trauma center. The Parkland Carotid and Vertebral Artery Injury Survey.

OBJECT: Proper screening, management, and follow-up of Grade 1 and 2 blunt carotid artery injuries (BCIs) remains controversial. These low-grade BCIs were analyzed to define their natural history and establish a rational management plan based on lesion progression and cerebral infarction. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all blunt traumatic carotid and vertebral artery injuries treated between August 2003 and April 2013 was performed and Grade 1 and 2 BCIs were identified. Grade 1 injuries are defined as a vessel lumen stenosis of less than 25%, and Grade 2 injuries are defined as a stenosis of the vessel lumen between 25% and 50%. Demographic information, radiographic imaging, number of imaging sessions performed per individual, length of radiographic follow-up, radiographic outcome at end of follow-up, treatment(s) provided, and documentation of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen Grade 1 and 2 BCIs in 100 patients were identified and available for follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 60 days. Final imaging of Grade 1 and 2 BCIs demonstrated that 64% of cases had resolved, 13% of cases were radiographically stable, and 9% were improved, whereas 14% radiographically worsened. Of the treatments received, 54% of cases were treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), 31% received no treatment, and 15% received various medications and treatments, including endovascular stenting. There was 1 cerebral infarction that was thought to be related to bilateral Grade 2 BCI, which developed soon after hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Grade 1 and 2 BCIs remained stable or improved at final follow-up. Despite a 14% rate of radiographic worsening in the Grade 1 and 2 BCIs cohort, there were no adverse clinical outcomes associated with these radiographic changes. The stroke rate was 1% in this low-grade BCIs cohort, which may be an overestimate. The use of ASA or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications in these low-grade BCIs did not appear to correlate with radiographic injury stability, nor with a decreased rate of cerebral infarction. Although these data suggest that these Grade 1 and 2 BCIs may require less intensive radiographic follow-up, future prospective studies are needed to make conclusive changes related to treatment and management.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes following traumatic Grade 3 and 4 carotid artery injuries: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a Level 1 trauma center. The Parkland Carotid and Vertebral Artery Injury Survey.

OBJECT: Screening, management, and follow-up of Grade 3 and 4 blunt carotid artery injuries (BCAIs) remain controversial. These high-grade BCAIs were analyzed to define their natural history and establish a rational management plan based on lesion progression and cerebral infarction. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all blunt traumatic carotid and vertebral artery injuries from August 2003 to April 2013 was performed, and Grade 3 and 4 BCAIs were identified. The authors define Grade 3 injuries as stenosis of the vessel greater than 50%, or the development of a pseudoaneurysm, and Grade 4 injuries as complete vessel occlusion. Demographic information, imaging findings, number of images obtained per individual, length of radiographic follow-up examination, radiographic outcome at end of follow-up period, treatment(s), and documentation of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three Grade 3 BCAIs in 44 patients and 5 Grade 4 BCAIs in 5 patients were identified and had available follow-up information. The mean follow-up duration for Grade 3 BCAIs was 113 days, and the mean follow-up for Grade 4 BCAIs was 78 days. Final imaging of Grade 3 BCAIs showed that 53% of cases were radiographically stable, 11% had resolved, and 11% were improved, whereas 25% had radiographically worsened. In terms of treatment, 75% of patients received aspirin (ASA) alone, 5% received various medications, and 2% received no treatment. Eighteen percent of the patients in the Grade 3 BCAI group underwent endovascular intervention, and in all of these cases, treatment with ASA was continued after the procedure. Final imaging of the Grade 4 BCAIs showed that 60% remained stable (with persistent occlusion), whereas the remaining arteries improved (with recanalization of the vessel). All patients in the Grade 4 BCAI follow-up group were treated with ASA, although in 1 patient treatment was transitioned to Coumadin. There were 3 cases of cerebral infarction that appeared to be related to Grade 3 BCAIs (7% of 44 patients in the Grade 3 group), and 1 case of stroke that appeared to be related to a Grade 4 BCAI. All identified cases of stroke developed soon after hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Although the posttraumatic cerebral infarction rate may be overestimated, the results of this study suggest that the Grade 3 and 4 BCAIs carry the highest stroke risk of the blunt cerebrovascular injuries, and those infarctions were identified on or shortly after hospital admission. Despite a 40% recanalization rate in the Grade 4 BCAI group and an 89% rate of persistent pseudoaneurysm in the Grade 3 BCAI group, follow-up imaging showed progressive worsening without radiographic improvement in only a small number of patients, and these findings alone did not correlate with adverse clinical outcome. Follow-up protocols may require amending; however, further prospective studies are needed to make conclusive changes as they relate to management.

Clinical and radiological outcomes following traumatic Grade 3 and 4 vertebral artery injuries: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a Level I trauma center. The Parkland Carotid and Vertebral Artery Injury Survey.

OBJECT: Grade 3 and 4 blunt vertebral artery (VA) injuries may carry a different natural course from that of lower-grade blunt VA injuries. Proper screening, management, and follow-up of these injuries remain controversial. Grade 3 and 4 blunt VA injuries were analyzed to define their natural history and establish a rational management plan based on lesion progression and cerebral infarction. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all blunt traumatic carotid and vertebral artery injuries from August 2003 to April 2013 was performed, and Grade 3 and 4 blunt VA injuries were identified. Grade 3 injuries were defined as stenosis of the vessel greater than 50% or the development of a pseudoaneurysm, and Grade 4 injuries were defined as complete vessel occlusion. Demographic information, radiographic imaging findings, number of imaging sessions performed per individual, length of radiographic follow-up, radiographic outcome at end of follow-up, treatment(s) provided, and documentation of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 79 high-grade (Grade 3 and 4) blunt VA injuries in 67 patients were identified. Fifty-nine patients with 66 high-grade blunt VA injuries were available for follow-up. There were 17 patients with 23 Grade 3 injuries and 42 patients with 43 Grade 4 injuries. The mean follow-up duration was 58 days for Grade 3 and 67 days for Grade 4 blunt VA injuries. Repeat imaging of Grade 3 blunt VA injuries showed that 39% of injuries were radiographically stable, 43% resolved, and 13% improved, while 1 injury radiographically worsened. Repeat imaging of the Grade 4 blunt VA injuries showed that 65% of injuries were radiographically stable (persistent occlusion), 30% improved (recanalization of the vessel), and in 2 cases (5%) the injury resolved. All Grade 3 injuries that were treated were managed with aspirin or clopidogrel alone, as were the majority of Grade 4 injuries. There were 3 cerebral infarctions thought to be related to Grade 4 blunt VA injuries, which were likely present on admission. All 3 of these patients died at a mean of 13.7 days after hospital admission. No cerebral infarctions directly related to Grade 3 blunt VA injuries were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of high-grade blunt VA injuries remain stable or are improved at final follow-up. Despite a 4% rate of radiographic worsening in the Grade 3 blunt VA injury group and a 35% recanalization rate in the Grade 4 blunt VA injury group, there were no adverse clinical outcomes associated with these radiographic changes. No cerebral infarctions were noted in the Grade 3 group. A 7% stroke rate was identified in the Grade 4 blunt VA injury group; however, this was confined to the immediate postinjury period and was associated with 100% mortality. While these data suggest that these high-grade vertebral artery injuries may require less intensive radiographic follow-up, future prospective studies are needed to make conclusive changes related to treatment and management.

Management of intracranial aneurysms associated with arteriovenous malformations.

Intracranial or brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are some of the most interesting and challenging lesions treated by the cerebrovascular neurosurgeon. It is generally believed that the combination of BAVMs and intracranial aneurysms (IAs) is associated with higher hemorrhage rates at presentation and higher rehemorrhage rates and thus with a more aggressive course and natural history. There is wide variation in the literature on the prevalence of BAVM-associated aneurysms (range 2.7%-58%), with 10%-20% being most often cited in the largest case series. The risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients with unruptured BAVMs and coexisting IAs has been reported to be 7% annually, compared with 2%-4% annually for those with BAVM alone. Several different classification systems have been applied in an attempt to better understand the natural history of this combination of lesions and implications for treatment. Independent of the classification used, it is clear that a few subtypes of aneurysms have a direct hemodynamic correlation with the BAVM itself. This is exemplified by the fact that the presence of a distal flow-related or an intranidal aneurysm appears to be associated with an increased hemorrhage risk, when compared with an aneurysm located on a vessel with no direct supply to the BAVM nidus. Debate still exists regarding the etiology of the association between those two vascular lesions, the subsequent implications for patients' risk of hemorrhagic stroke, and finally the determination of which patients warrant treatment and when. The ultimate goals of the treatment of a BAVM associated with an IA are to prevent hemorrhage, avoid stepwise neurological deterioration, and eliminate the mortality risk associated with recurrent hemorrhagic events. The treatment is only justifiable if the risks associated with an intervention are lower than or equivalent to the long-term risks of disability or mortality caused by the lesion itself. When faced with this difficult decision, a few questions need to be answered by the treating neu-rosurgeon: What is the mode of presentation? What is the symptomatic lesion? Which one of the lesions bled? What is the relationship between the BAVM and IA? Is it possible to safely treat both BAVM and IA? The objective of this review is to discuss the demographics, natural history, classification, and strategies for management of BAVMs associated with IAs.

Clinical and radiological outcomes following traumatic Grade 1 and 2 vertebral artery injuries: a 10-year retrospective analysis from a Level 1 trauma center.

OBJECT: Screening of blunt vertebral artery (VA) injuries has increased since research has shown that they occur at a higher incidence than originally reported. Grade 1 and 2 injuries are the most common form of blunt VA injury. Proper screening, management, and follow-up of these injuries remain controversial. In this report, imaging, progression, treatment, and outcomes of Grade 1 and 2 blunt VA injuries were analyzed to better define their natural history and to establish a rational management plan based upon their risk of progression and cerebral infarct. METHODS: A retrospective review of all blunt traumatic carotid artery and VA injuries from December 2003 to April 2013 was performed. For the purposes of this report, focus was given to Grade 1 and 2 VA injuries. Grade 1 injuries were defined as a vessel lumen stenosis of less than 25%, and Grade 2 injuries were defined as vessel lumen stenosis between 25% and 50%. Demographic information, radiological imaging, number of images performed per individual, length of radiological follow-up, radiological outcome at the end of follow-up, treatment provided, and documentation of stroke or transient ischemic attack were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-seven Grade 1 and 2 VA injuries in 143 patients were identified. Of these 143 patients, 120 with 152 Grade 1 or 2 blunt VA injuries were available for follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 40 days. Repeat imaging showed that 148 (97.4%) Grade 1 or 2 blunt VA injuries were stable, improved, or resolved on final follow-up imaging. Seventy-nine patients (66%) were treated with aspirin, whereas 35 patients (29%) received no treatment. The remaining patients were treated with other antiplatelet agents or anticoagulant medication. Neuroimaging demonstrated 2 cases (1.7%) with posterior circulation infarcts that were believed to be related to their blunt VA injuries, both of which occurred during the initial hospitalization and within the first 4 days after injury. CONCLUSIONS: Although follow-up imaging showed progressive worsening without radiological improvement in only a small number of patients with low-grade blunt VA injuries, these findings did not correlate with adverse clinical outcome. The posttraumatic cerebral infarction rate of 1.7% may be overestimated, and the use of acetylsalicylic acid or other antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication did not correlate with radiological changes or rate of cerebral infarction. While these data suggest the possibility that these low-grade VA injuries may not require treatment or follow-up, future prospective studies are needed to make conclusive changes related to management.

The Parkland Protocol's modified Berne-Norwood criteria predict two tiers of risk for traumatic brain injury progression.

As a basis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after traumatic brain injury (TBI), we have previously published an algorithm known as the Parkland Protocol. Patients are classified by risk for spontaneous progression of hemorrhage with chemoprophylaxis regimens tailored to each tier. We sought to validate this schema. In our algorithm, patients with any of the following are classified "low risk" for spontaneous progression: subdural hemorrhage ≤8 mm thick; epidural hemorrhage ≤8 mm thick; contusions ≤20 mm in diameter; a single contusion per lobe; any amount of subarachnoid hemorrhage; or any amount of intraventricular hemorrhage. Patients with any injury exceeding these are "moderate risk" for progression, and any patient receiving a monitor or craniotomy is "high risk." From February 2010 to November 2012, TBI patients were entered into a dedicated database tracking injury types and sizes, risk category at presentation, and progression on subsequent computed tomgraphies (CTs). The cohort (n=414) was classified as low risk (n=200), moderate risk (n=75), or high risk (n=139) after first CT. After repeat CT scan, radiographic progression was noted in 27% of low-risk, 53% of moderate-risk, and 58% of high-risk subjects. Omnibus analysis of variance test for differences in progression rates was highly significant (p<0.0001). Tukey's post-hoc test showed the low-risk progression rate to be significantly different than both the moderate- and high-risk arms; no difference was noted between the moderate- and high-risk arms themselves. These criteria are a valid tool for classifying TBI patients into two categories of risk for spontaneous progression. This supports tailored chemoprophylaxis regimens for each arm.

Does isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage merit a lower intensity level of observation than other traumatic brain injury?

Evidence is emerging that isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (ITSAH) may be a milder form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). If true, ITSAH may not benefit from intensive care unit (ICU) admission, which would, in turn, decrease resource utilization. We conducted a retrospective review of all TBI admissions to our institution between February 2010 and November 2012 to compare the presentation and clinical course of subjects with ITSAH to all other TBI. We then performed descriptive statistics on the subset of ITSAH subjects presenting with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 13-15. Of 698 subjects, 102 had ITSAH and 596 had any other intracranial hemorrhage pattern. Compared to all other TBI, ITSAH had significantly lower injury severity scores (p<0.0001), lower head abbreviated injury scores (p<0.0001), higher emergency department GCS (p<0.0001), shorter ICU stays (p=0.007), higher discharge GCS (p=0.005), lower mortality (p=0.003), and significantly fewer head computed tomography scans (p<0.0001). Of those ITSAH subjects presenting with a GCS of 13-15 (n=77), none underwent placement of an intracranial monitor or craniotomy. One subject (1.3%) demonstrated a change in exam (worsened headache and dizziness) concomitant with a progression of his intracranial injury. His symptoms resolved with readmission to the ICU and continued observation. Our results suggest that ITSAH are less-severe brain injuries than other TBI. ITSAH patients with GCS scores of 13-15 demonstrate low rates of clinical progression, and when progression occurs, it resolves without further intervention. This subset of TBI patients does not appear to benefit from ICU admission.

Assessment of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications by whole blood aggregometry: a clinical evaluation for the perioperative setting.

OBJECTIVE: To help define the perioperative risk related to commonly used non-aspirin NSAIDs with whole blood platelet aggregometry. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited. Two cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 inhibitors (ibuprofen and naproxen) and two COX-2 inhibitors (meloxicam and celecoxib) were administered, and daily whole blood platelet aggregometry studies were obtained until studies showed no platelet inhibition. Aspirin was studied at the conclusion of the study. RESULTS: Ibuprofen had no inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in all women and no inhibitory effect in 83% of men at 24 hours. All platelet function had returned to normal at 48 hours. The inhibitory effect of naproxen on platelets was absent at 48 hours in 83% of the women and 50% of men. By 72 hours all platelet studies had returned to normal. Meloxicam and celecoxib did not cause any overall inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. CONCLUSIONS: Ibuprofen and naproxen have a mild inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation compared with aspirin and this effect is undetectable by 48 hours and 72 hours, respectively. Meloxicam and celecoxib show essentially no inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. These findings suggest that there is little bleeding risk related to platelet aggregation at 24 hours in patients who take COX-2 inhibitors and at 72 hours for those who take COX-1 inhibitor medications.

Functional müllerian tissue within the conus medullaris generating cyclical neurological morbidity in an otherwise healthy female.

PURPOSE: Endometriosis is a common disease; however, ectopic müllerian tissue within the spine is a rare entity with the potential for producing significant neurological compromise. There are several postulated etiologies for this phenomenon, and only a few case reports are available in the world literature. Knowledge of this rare phenomenon is of paramount importance, since early diagnosis can lead to lessened neurological morbidity. METHODS: In this manuscript, we present a case report, discuss gynecological and neurosurgical perspectives relating to the treatment strategies for managing this entity, and propose an alternative explanation for such an occurrence from a neurogenetic standpoint. RESULTS: We present a case of spinal müllerianosis within the conus medullaris which was managed symptomatically for several years with an intracystic drain and subcutaneous reservoir. Over the years, it became clear that there was a cyclical presentation to her clinical malady, which at times was severe. Ultimately, she required surgical resection which aided in her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. CONCLUSION: Intraspinal müllerianosis is a rare location for an otherwise common disease in women and has the potential to create significant neurological morbidity by creating a mass lesion. Although the exact etiology remains unclear, the histogenic theories of embryologic origin appear most plausible. Treatment strategies for this condition may include hormonal therapy, obstetrical surgery, or open spinal surgery. This unusual and poorly understood disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis for intraspinal lesions presenting with hemorrhage in the clinical context of cyclical neurological symptoms.

The A1-A2 diameter ratio may influence formation and rupture potential of anterior communicating artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Specific morphological factors contribute to the hemodynamics of the anterior communicating artery (AComA). No study has examined the role of the A2 segment on AComA aneurysm presence and rupture. OBJECTIVE: To examine the possibility that the ratio between A1 and A2 segments (A1-2 ratio) represents an independent risk factor for presence and rupture of AComA aneurysms (AComAAs). METHODS: A retrospective review of an institutional aneurysm database was performed; patients with ruptured and unruptured AComAAs were identified. Two control groups were selected: group A (posterior circulation aneurysms) and group B (patients without intracranial aneurysms or other vascular malformations). Measurements of A1 and A2 diameters were obtained from digital subtraction angiography (64.1% of 3-D rotational digital subtraction angiography), and the A1-2 ratio calculated. RESULTS: From January 2009 to April 2011, 156 patients were identified (52 AComAAs, 54 control group A, and 50 control group B). Mean age at the time of presentation was 56.09 years. Compared with both control groups, patients with AComAAs had greater A1 diameter (P < .01) and A1-2 ratio (P < .001) and smaller A2 diameter (P < .01). The A1-2 ratio correlated positively with the presence of AComAAs (P < .001). Ruptured AComAAs were smaller than unruptured ones (5.91 mm vs 9.25 mm, P = .02) and associated with a higher A1-2 Ratio (P = .02). The presence of a dominant A1 did not predict AComAA rupture (P = .15). The A1-2 ratio correlated positively with the presence of ruptured AComAAs (P = .04). CONCLUSION: A1-2 ratio correlates positively with the presence and rupture of AComAAs and may facilitate treatment decision in cases of small, unruptured AComAAs.

Development of contrast-induced nephropathy in subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single center perspective.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The use of iodinated contrast-enhanced imaging studies is increasing in acute cerebrovascular diseases, especially in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In SAH, such studies are essential for both diagnosis and treatment of the cause and sequela of hemorrhage. These patients are often subjected to multiple contrast studies such as computed tomographic angiography, computed tomographic perfusion, and cerebral angiography. They are also predisposed to intravascular volume depletion as a part of the disease process from cerebral salt wasting (CSW) and as a result of multiple contrast exposure can develop contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Data regarding CIN in this population are scarce. We aimed to examine the incidence of CIN in SAH and identify potential associative risk factors. METHODS: We analyzed data from a prospectively collected patient database of patients with SAH admitted to the neurocritical intensive care unit in a single center over a period of 1 year. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine by >1.5 times or >0.3 mg/dl greater than the admission value, or urine output <0.5 ml/kg/h during one 6-h block. RESULTS: In this cohort of 75 patients with SAH who had undergone at least one contrast study, the mean age was 57.3 ± 15.6 years and 70.7% were women. Four percent developed CIN which resolved within 72 h and none required renal replacement therapy or dialysis. Patients older than 75 years (20%, p < 0.05), those with borderline renal function (14.3%, p = 0.26), diabetics (11.1%, p = 0.32), and those with lower recommended "maximum contrast dose" volume (33.3%, p = 0.12) had a trend toward development of CIN, although most were not statistically significant. Twenty-seven patients (36 %) were on 3% hypertonic saline (HTS) for CSW during the contrasted study but none developed CIN. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CIN in SAH patients is comparable to previously published reports on non-neurological cohorts. No definite association was noted with any predisposing factors postulated to be responsible for CIN, except for advanced age. Concurrent use of 3% HTS was not associated with CIN in this population.

Endovascular coils: properties, technical complications and salvage techniques.

Endovascular coil embolization has become an accepted and often first-line treatment for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. While the complications of endovascular therapy of intracranial aneurysms have been well vetted in the literature, there are few reports solely concerning the complications and salvage techniques related to either the technical aspects of coil deployment or to the devices themselves. In this review the structural details of commonly used endovascular coils, technical complications related to coiling and salvage techniques used when these complications occur are discussed.

A prospective evaluation of the use of routine repeat cranial CT scans in patients with intracranial hemorrhage and GCS score of 13 to 15.

BACKGROUND: Scheduled repeat head computed tomography after mild traumatic brain injury has been shown to have limited use for predicting the need for an intervention. We hypothesized that repeat computed tomography in persons with intracranial hemorrhage and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 to 15, without clinical progression of neurologic symptoms, does not impact the need for neurosurgical intervention or discharge GCS scores. METHODS: This prospective cohort study followed all patients presenting to our urban Level I trauma center with intracranial hemorrhage and a GCS score of 13 to 15 from February 2010 to December 2010. Subjects were divided into two groups: those in whom repeat CT scans were performed routinely (ROUTINE) and those in whom they were performed selectively (SELECTIVE) based on changes in clinical examination. CT scanning decisions were made at the discretion of the neurosurgical service attending physician. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria (ROUTINE, n = 92; SELECTIVE, n = 53). Group demographics, including age, sex, and presenting GCS score were not significantly different. Of SELECTIVE patients, six (11%) required a repeat head computed tomography for a neurologic change, with one having a radiographic progression of hemorrhage (16%) versus 26 (28%) of 92 in the ROUTINE group showing a radiographic progression. No patient in either group required medical or neurosurgical intervention based on repeat scan. The number of CT scans performed differed between the two groups (three scans in ROUTINE vs. one scan in SELECTIVE, p < 0.001), as did the intensive care unit (2 days vs. 1 day, p < 0.001) and hospital (5 days vs. 2 days, p < 0.001) lengths of stay. Discharge GCS score was similar for both groups (15 vs. 15, p = 0.37). One death occurred in the SELECTIVE group, unrelated to intracranial findings. The negative predictive value of a repeat CT scan leading to neurosurgical intervention with no change in clinical examination was 100% for both groups. CONCLUSION: A practice of selective repeat head CT scans in patients with traumatic brain injury admitted with a GCS score of 13 to 15 decreases use of the test and is associated with decreased hospital length of stay, without impacting discharge GCS scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, level II.

Mechanical and chemical thrombolysis of cerebral sinus thrombosis: evolution of a technique.

Cerebral sinus thrombosis, although uncommon, can be lethal if not recognized and treated quickly. Systemic heparin has become the treatment standard of care; however, some patients' conditions continue to deteriorate even while taking heparin. Endovascular techniques for thrombolysis have continued to evolve. The authors present a case of cerebral sinus thrombosis treated with a combination of mechanical and chemical intrasinus thrombolysis.

Intraventricular hemorrhage after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: pilot study of treatment with intraventricular tissue plasminogen activator.

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular (IVen) hemorrhage is considered a predictor of poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This prospective study examines the feasibility and outcome of administration of IVen tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) after aneurysmal SAH. METHODS: Ten patients with SAH who received IVen tPA after the aneurysm had been secured were compared with 10 age-, sex-, and Glasgow Coma Scale score-matched control patients. The primary end point was third and fourth ventricle clot resolution. IVen blood was quantified by use of the Graeb and Le Roux scales on admission and at an additional time (equal or longer for the control group) after the injection was terminated. RESULTS: Six men and four women with a mean age of 52 years in each group were evaluated. On average, 3.5 mg tPA was injected 68 +/- 51 hours after admission without ensuing complications. Although the treated group had significantly more IVen blood on admission than control subjects (mean Le Roux scale +/- standard deviation, 11 +/- 3 versus 7.6 +/- 4.2, P = 0.055, and mean Graeb scale +/- standard deviation, 8.5 +/- 2.3 in tPA versus 5.3 +/- 3, P < 0.02), it also had a significant decrease in the amount of IVen blood (mean Le Roux and Graeb scale decrease +/- standard deviation, 6.7 +/- 3.3 and 4.8 +/- 2 in tPA patients versus 0.9 +/- 3.2 and 0.5 +/- 2.6 in control subjects, P = 0.002). The tPA group had a non-statistically significantly shorter length of stay, decreased mortality, and better Glasgow Outcome Scale and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge. Treated survivors showed a decreased need for shunt placement (2 [22%] of 9 patients versus 5 [83%] of 6 control subjects, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This pilot study shows that IVen tPA administration is feasible without complications after SAH and may be associated with better outcomes. These results warrant a randomized clinical trial.