Incidence of new onset dementia and health care utilization following spine fusions: A propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dementia following spine fusions is not described in the literature. Also, the impact of new onset dementia on long-term health care utilization is not described. The aim of our study was to define the incidence of new onset dementia and its long-term health care utilization in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MarketScan database were queried using the ICD-9/10 and CPT 4th edition, from 2001 to 2019. We included patients≥55 of age who underwent spine fusions with at least 5years follow-up. Outcomes were new onset dementia (>6months after the procedure) length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, hospital readmissions, outpatient services, and medication refills. RESULTS: Of 45,129 patients who underwent spine fusions, 1283 patients (2.84%) were diagnosed to have new onset dementia. There was no difference in the reoperation rates among the dementia and non-dementia cohort at 1-, 2- and 5-years following the index procedure. Patients in the dementia cohort incurred higher number of hospital readmissions up to 5-years after the index procedure. In terms of combined index procedure and post-discharge utilization payments, significant differences were noted among the dementia vs. non-dementia cohorts at 5-years ($126,628 vs. $77,098), following the index procedure. CONCLUSION: Elderly age, higher comorbidities, Medicare insurance, multilevel lumbosacral fusions were identified as risk markers for developing dementia following spine fusions. Dementia resulted in significantly higher health care utilization with no increased rate of reoperations for up to 5-years following the index procedure.

Surgical management and role of medical therapy in ruptured aneurysmal neurocysticercosis. A case report and review of the literature.

We describe the case of an 80-year-old Hispanic male with an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to an inflammatory middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm rupture. Two years prior to this episode, the patient had undergone a resection of a left intracranial neurocysticercosis lesion. A current CT, CTA and MRI showed significant SAH, a left MCA aneurysm and a cystic lesion compatible with neurocysticercosis. Intraoperatively, this aneurysm was found to be adjacent to a neurocysticercosis cyst, a diagnosis confirmed by surgical pathology. Only a few cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an inflammatory brain aneurysm have been reported. Due to the associated higher incidence of intraoperative rupture and difficulty clipping, our paper highlights the importance of considering an inflammatory origin in patients with a history of neurocysticercosis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This is the oldest patient on record reported for this diagnosis and surgery.

The effectiveness of microballoon angioplasty in treating middle cerebral artery occlusion beyond the bifurcation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: PTA effectively treats vasospasm and arterial disease in peripheral, coronary, and large proximal cerebral vessels but rarely reaches small vessels like the distal MCA beyond the bifurcation. Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PTA for distal MCA occlusions in acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients had strokes in branches of their MCAs. Following diagnostic angiography, all received microballoon angioplasty and various combinations of IA alteplase (rtPA), abciximab, and/or nitroglycerin. Two also underwent stent placement. Comprehensive retrospective review of the patients' records was performed. Patients' NIHSS scores were reassessed before discharge. Recanalization was evaluated by angiography after treatment and at follow-up. RESULTS: PTA was successfully performed in 7 patients without treatment-associated intracerebral hemorrhage. Two patients received distal MCA angioplasty as a secondary intervention: 1 following failed treatment with a Merci retriever and the other after successful removal of proximal clot with a Merci retriever. One patient did not recover from the initial ischemic event despite an excellent angiographic result. Complete recanalization (modified TIMI grade 4) was achieved in 4 patients and near-complete recanalization with mild flow deficit (modified TIMI grade 3), in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: PTA of the distal MCA with a microballoon is safe and effective for acute ischemic stroke. This case series demonstrates that endovascular treatment beyond the MCA bifurcation can dramatically reverse neurologic deficits.

Diffuse follicle center lymphoma of the spine: a primary epidural lymphoma?

A 72-year-old right-handed woman presented with a 6-month history of right thoracic wall discomfort. An MRI of the thoracic spine showed a small dumbbell-shaped mass centered within the right T7-8 foramen. The patient was asked to return to clinic for reevaluation to include a new MRI of the thoracic spine in 6 months. She did not comply with this recommendation and 1 year later, she presented with increasing difficulty ambulating and spastic paraparesis. A follow-up MRI of the thoracic spine now demonstrated significant interval growth of the mass with an extra-foraminal component extending into the thoracic cavity. She was taken to the operating room for resection of the epidural tumor. The pathology was consistent with diffuse follicle center lymphoma as cells were immunohistologically positive for CD20, CD 10, BCL-2 and BCL-6. Primary spinal follicle center lymphomas of the spine are rare with the current case being the first diffuse follicle center type reported in the literature.

Some CT findings in occult thyroid disease.

The hyoid-laryngotracheal complex (HLTC) is a mobile, flexible unit that can be deviated by adjacent neck masses. We present two cases of thyroid disease in which a clinically "silent" lesion rotated the HLTC to an abnormal position. The abnormal location of these normal structures was clinically mistaken for the primary pathology. The essential role that computed tomography plays in the workup of these unusual cases is discussed.