Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of C1-C2 Pannus, a Step-by-Step Surgical and Anatomical Description: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Expanded endonasal endoscopic approaches provide access to the entire central skull base and craiocervical junction. The authors present a case of an 81-year-old man who presented with progressive spastic quadriparesis to the point of being wheel-chair bound. Cervical spine computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multilevel extensive spondylitic changes with a large pannus at the C1-2 junction, severely compressing the spinal cord ( Figs. 1 and 2 ). Given the significant anterior spinal cord compression and the patient's substantial weakness, the decision was made to perform an endoscopic endonasal anterior cervical decompression and resection of the pannus followed a posterior cervical fusion. The patient recovered well following surgery with significant improvement of motor function. The preoperative assessment, the step-by-step surgical technique, and the technical nuances are demonstrated and discussed. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/HzrZO-0Vol4 .

Endoscopic-assisted resection of vestibular schwannomas in high-riding jugular bulb.

The present surgical video demonstrates safe opening of the internal auditory canal (IAC) during vestibular schwannoma surgery via a retrosigmoid approach in the sitting position. Resection of the intrameatal portion of a tumor is important for progression-free survival. Preoperative thin-sliced CT revealed a high-riding jugular bulb obscuring the trajectory. After dural opening, the IAC was approached anteriorly and superiorly. The posterior margin of IAC drilling was above the Tubingen line. Drilling was performed under continuous jugular compression. The vein was pushed down to augment visibility. An angled endoscope was helpful. IAC can be drilled safely in a high-riding jugular bulb with the technique mentioned in the video. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2198.

Characteristics of Large-Vessel Occlusion Associated with COVID-19 and Ischemic Stroke.

The mechanisms and phenotype of ischemic stroke associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain uncertain. A retrospective study was conducted in patients with COVID-19 presenting with ischemic stroke from March 1 to May 25, 2020, and cases with large-vessel occlusion were identified. To provide baseline institutional stroke data within and outside the COVID-19 pandemic, all consecutive ischemic stroke and TIA admissions (COVID and non-COVID) to the hospital during a 10-week period from March 1 to May 10, 2020, were collected and compared with data from the same time period in 2019. Among 20 patients with COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke, 15 (75%) had large-vessel occlusion. These patients were young (mean age, 46.5 years), male (93%), without major burden of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and had a severe stroke presentation. Large-vessel occlusions were observed in multiple vessels (40%), uncommonly affected vessels, and atypical locations with a large thrombus burden. Systemic thrombosis separate from large-vessel occlusion was not uncommon (26%). At short-term follow-up, stroke etiology remained undetermined in 46% of patients and functional outcome was poor. The above findings raise the possibility of stroke related to mechanisms induced by the COVID-19 infection itself, including a hypercoagulable state and/or endothelial damage. In addition, they document the severe presentation and poor outcomes of large-vessel occlusion in COVID-19 ischemic stroke.

Multimodal Management of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Techniques for endovascular management of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) have evolved over the years. Current strategies include transarterial or transvenous approaches and direct puncture or exposure of the cavernous sinus. Rarely, complex CCFs may require multiple approaches or procedures. We describe our experience managing CCFs, reporting on outcomes and technical nuances. METHODS: A retrospective review of institutional records was conducted to identify consecutive cases of CCF treated between July 2005 and July 2016. Pertinent technical details and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: In 44 patients, 51 procedures were performed. There were 13 direct CCFs and 31 indirect CCFs: 13 (30%) type A, 3 (7%) type B, 5 (11%) type C, and 23 (52%) type D. A transarterial approach was selected in 39% of cases (n = 20), resulting in a long-term successful embolization rate of 60% (n = 12). Transvenous methods via the inferior petrosal sinus or superior ophthalmic vein were used in 49% of cases (n = 25), resulting in a long-term obliteration rate of 88% (n = 22). Multimodal management was required in 5 patients, including 1 patient in whom a craniotomy was performed to facilitate coil embolization of the cavernous sinus under direct vision. A 7% complication rate (n = 3) was observed, with significant morbidity in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: CCFs are complex vascular lesions that require facility with various endovascular and surgical approaches. High-flow, direct-type fistulas may harbor a significant risk of recurrence after transarterial embolization. Partial or unsuccessful embolization may necessitate an open surgical approach to the superior ophthalmic vein or cavernous sinus.

Endoscope-assisted resection of a brainstem cavernoma.

Procedures on cavernous malformations of the brainstem are challenging due to their eloquent location. This accounts especially for recurrent cavernomas as surgical scars, adhesions, and functional shift might have occurred since primary surgery. We report on a 38-year-old female patient with a large recurrent brainstem cavernoma, who underwent previous successful surgery and experienced recurrent bleeding about 2 years later. She harbored a large associated developmental venous anomaly (DVA) traversing the cavernoma through the midline of the brainstem. In order to visualize complete resection and preservation of the DVA at the same time, endoscopic-assisted resection within the brainstem after decompression in the semisitting position was performed. The video can be found here: https://youtu.be/K1p-Sx7jUpA.

Combined Use of Intraoperative Indocyanine Green and Dynamic Angiography in Rotational Vertebral Artery Occlusion.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion (RVAO) is a well-documented surgically amenable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Traditionally, patients have been imaged using dynamic rotational angiography. We report a case of RVAO in which intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to confirm adequate surgical decompression of the VA. A 57-year-old female who presented with multiple episodes of syncope provoked by turning her head to the right. Rotational dynamic angiography revealed a dominant right VA that became occluded at the level of C5/6 with head rotation to the right. The patient underwent successful surgical decompression of the VA via an anterior cervical approach. ICGA demonstrated VA patency with head rotation. This was further confirmed by intraoperative dynamic catheter angiography. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first use of ICG combined with intra-operative dynamic rotational angiography to document the adequacy surgical decompression of the VA in a patient with RVAO.

Genetic associations of intracranial aneurysm formation and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage.

Risk factors for cerebral aneurysms typically include age, hypertension, smoking, and alcohol usage. However, the possible connection of aneurysms with genetic conditions such as Marfan's syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, and neurofibromatosis raises the question of possible genetic risk factors for aneurysm, and additionally, genetic risk factors for rupture. We conducted a literature review using the PubMed database for studies regarding genetic correlation with cerebral aneurysm formation as well as rupture from December 2008 to Jun 2015. Twenty-one studies related to IA formation and 10 concerning IA rupture that met our criteria were found and tabulated. The most studied gene and the strongest association was 9p21/CDKN2, which is involved in vessel wall remodelling. Other possible genes that may contribute to IA formation include EDNRA and SOX17; however, these factors were not studied as robustly as CDKN2. Multiple factors contribute to aneurysm formation and rupture and the contributions of blood flow dynamics and comorbidities as mentioned previously, cannot be ignored. While these elements are important to development and rupture of aneurysms, genetic influence may predispose certain patients to formation of aneurysms and eventual rupture.

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and prognosis of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal communications, within the dural leaflets, between meningeal arteries and dural venous sinuses and/or subarachnoid veins. Although many fistulas remain clinically silent and do not require treatment, presence of cortical venous reflux, intracranial bleed, and intolerable symptoms are the main indications for treatment. A thorough understanding of the natural history is of prime importance in the decision making and management of these lesions. In this chapter we discuss the epidemiology and natural history of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae.

Microsurgical versus endovascular interventions for blood-blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery: systematic review of literature and meta-analysis on safety and efficacy.

OBJECTIVE Blood-blister aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) have a poor natural history associated with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, both surgical and endovascular techniques are employed to treat BBAs; thus, the authors sought to perform a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of these approaches. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar online databases was performed to include pertinent English-language studies from 2005 to 2015 that discussed the efficacy and safety of either surgical or endovascular therapies to treat BBAs. RESULTS Thirty-six papers describing 256 patients with BBAs treated endovascularly (122 procedures) or surgically (139 procedures) were examined for data related to therapeutic efficacy and safety. Pooled analysis of 9 papers demonstrated immediate and late (mean 20.9 months) aneurysm occlusion rates of 88.9% (95% CI 77.6%-94.8%) and 88.4% (95% CI 76.7%-94.6%), respectively, in surgically treated patients. Pooled analysis of 12 papers revealed immediate and late aneurysm obliteration rates of 63.9% (95% CI 52.3%-74.1%) and 75.9% (95% CI 65.9%-83.7%), respectively, in endovascularly treated aneurysms. Procedure-related complications and overall poor neurological outcomes were slightly greater in the surgically treated cases than in the endovascularly treated cases (27.8% [95% CI 19.6%-37.8%] vs 26.2% [95% CI 18.4%-35.8%]), indicating that endovascular therapy may provide better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Blood-blister aneurysms are rare, challenging lesions with a poor prognosis. Although surgical management potentially offers superior aneurysm obliteration rates immediately after treatment and at the long-term follow-up, endovascular therapy may have a better safety profile and provide better functional outcomes than surgery. A registry of patients treated for BBAs may be warranted to better document the natural course of the disease as well as treatment outcomes.

Off-label use of the Angioseal vascular closure device for femoral arteriotomy: retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Angioseal, an arteriotomy closure device (ACD), functions as a collagen plug that physically closes arteriotomy sites and can simultaneously induce platelet activation and aggregation. When used 'on-label', the safety and efficacy profile of Angioseal is superior compared with those of other ACDs. However, Angioseal is sometimes deployed in less than ideal situations. Therefore, we sought to assess the safety and efficacy of 'off-label' Angioseal use in patients undergoing femoral arteriotomies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all femoral arterial angiograms executed at our institution between 2008 and 2014. Patients whose femoral punctures did not fit the criteria for on-label Angioseal use were included, and were dichotomized based on vascular closure (off-label Angioseal vs manual compression). RESULTS: Of the 521 patients (1023 angiograms) reviewed, 303 (58.2%) patients had off-label Angioseal groin punctures. Mean patient age was 46.2±14.0 years, and 113 were men. 234 patients (77%) had off-label Angioseal deployment while 69 (22%) individuals received manual pressure, serving as controls. Demographic and procedural variables were nearly identical between the two groups but the Angioseal group comprised mostly patients that underwent neurointerventional procedures and thus received intraprocedural heparinization (41%) more often than the manual compression group (19%). The overall rate of major complications associated with off-label Angioseal deployment was low (<0.85%), and clinical complications were not independently associated with Angioseal use (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.06 to 8.86); p=0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Off-label use of Angioseal was found to be safe and was not associated with an increased complication rate in our cohort.

The Management of Intracranial Aneurysms During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Hemodynamic changes during pregnancy may favor the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Despite this risk, guidelines for managing intracranial aneurysms during pregnancy have not been clearly defined. The objective of this review is to describe the treatment options for pregnant women with intracranial aneurysms, and to report the maternal and fetal outcomes associated with different treatment strategies. A search of the literature was conducted using the PubMed database for the period January 1991 through June 2015. Aneurysm characteristics and management, pregnancy management, and maternal and fetal outcomes were evaluated. The most recent search was performed in June 2015. In total, 50 aneurysms (44 patients) were evaluated. Rupture was confirmed upon imaging in 36 aneurysms (72%), and most aneurysms ruptured during the third trimester (77.8%). Coil embolization was associated with a lower complication rate than clipping in patients with ruptured aneurysms (9.5% vs 23.1%). For patients with unruptured aneurysms, surgical management was associated with 31.9% fewer complications compared to no treatment. Most patients underwent Cesarean delivery (84%), and a combined neurosurgical-obstetrical procedure was used for 8 patients with ruptured aneurysms near term. Adverse outcomes were reported in 11.9% of children. Treatment of intracranial aneurysms during pregnancy is safe and effective. Furthermore, we suggest that coil embolization be considered a first line treatment over clipping for surgical management of the pregnant population. Going forward, we encourage the establishment of formal guidelines for managing intracranial aneurysms during pregnancy.

Combined use of intraoperative indocyanine green and dynamic angiography in rotational vertebral artery occlusion.

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion, also known as bow hunter's syndrome, is a well-documented surgically amenable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Traditionally, patients have been imaged using dynamic rotational angiography. The authors sought to determine whether intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography could reliably assess the adequacy of surgical decompression of the vertebral artery (VA). The authors report two patients who presented with multiple transient episodes of syncope provoked by turning their head to the right. Rotational dynamic angiography revealed a dominant VA that became occluded with head rotation to the right side. The patients underwent successful surgical decompression of the VA via an anterior cervical approach. Intraoperative ICG angiography demonstrated patency of the VA with head rotation. This was further confirmed by intraoperative dynamic catheter angiography. To our knowledge, we present the first two cases of the use of ICG combined with intraoperative dynamic rotational angiography to document the adequacy of surgical decompression of the VA in a patient with rotational vertebral artery occlusion. Intraoperative ICG angiography is a useful adjunct and may potentially supplant the need for intraoperative catheter angiography.

Stem Cells as a Potential Adjunctive Therapy in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage, a considerable proportion of patients are still left with severe and disabling long-term consequences. Unfortunately, there are limited therapeutic options to counteract the sequelae following the initial insult. The role of stem cells has been studied in the treatment of various diseases. The goal of this study was to provide a literature review regarding the potential advantages of stem-cell therapy to counteract or minimize the sequelae of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov searches were conducted to incorporate pertinent studies that discussed stem cell use in the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Included articles were subjected to data extraction for the synthesis of the efficacy of stem-cell therapy. RESULTS: Four preclinical studies with 181 animal model subjects (44 mice, 137 rats) were incorporated in our review. Endovascular punctures (65%) and blood injections in subarachnoid spaces (17%) were used to induce hemorrhage models. Stem cells were administered intravenously (3.0 × 10(6) cells) or intranasally (1.5 × 10(6) cells). According to literature, mesenchymal cell therapy significantly (p<0.05) induces stem-cell migration to lesion sites, decreases associated neural apoptosis and inflammation, improves ultrastructural integrity of cerebral tissue, and aids in improving sensorimotor function post subarachnoid hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Stem cells, particularly mesenchymal stem cells, have shown promising cellular, morphological, and functional benefits in animal models suffering from induced subarachnoid hemorrhages. However, further studies are warranted to elucidate the full effects of stem-cell therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.