No Link Between Inadvertent Surgical Glove Contamination and Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Elective Neurosurgical Operations.

INTRODUCTION: Controllable factors associated with surgical site infections (SSIs) have focused on reducing contamination of the surgical field with potential pathogens. The aim of this prospective study is to determine the incidence of glove contamination in a series of elective neurosurgical operations and determine the relationship of such glove contamination to subsequent SSI. We hypothesize that contamination of surgical gloves is associated with subsequent SSI. METHODS: In this prospective quality improvement study, gloves of the surgical team were swabbed for standard culture just prior to wound closure of elective neurosurgical operations. Patient characteristics, surgical details, and occurrence of subsequent SSIs were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical records. Data were analyzed with χ2 with Fisher's exact test and Student's t test. RESULTS: Surgical glove contamination occurred in 10 of 96 elective neurosurgical cases (10.4%). SSIs occurred in 6 cases (6.2%), but no SSI occurred in a case in which surgical glove contamination occurred (P = 1). SSI was associated with younger patient age (P = 0.0448), and surgical glove contamination was associated with less resident experience (P = 0.0354). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical glove contamination identified at the time of wound closure does not correlate with the development of subsequent SSI in elective neurosurgical operations.

Diagnosis and Management of Pineal Germinoma: From Eye to Brain.

Pineal germinomas can be very complex in terms of presentation, diagnosis, and management. This review attempts to simplify this complexity in an organized manner, addressing the anatomic relationships that provide the basis for the uniqueness of pineal germinoma. Ocular findings and signs and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure are the keys to suspecting the diagnosis and obtaining the necessary imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies. Other symptoms can suggest spread beyond the pineal region. Surgery may only be needed to obtain tissue for a definitive diagnosis, as germinoma is highly responsive to chemotherapy and focused radiation therapy. Hydrocephalus, usually related to tumor obstruction of the cerebral aqueduct, may also need to be addressed. Outcome for pineal germinoma is usually excellent, but relapse can occur and may require additional intervention. These issues are detailed in this review.

Effectiveness of Standard Margin Stereotactic Radiosurgery Dose to Brain Metastases.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess efficacy of a 15-Gy margin dose in terms with the hypothesis that efficacy will be comparable with historical controls with fewer radiation-related side effects. METHODS: Patients who received single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for metastatic brain tumors (prescribed 1500 cGy with 2-mm planning tumor volume) at the University of Missouri Hospital between 2004 and 2018 with at least 3 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, lesion dimensions, concurrent therapy, and treatment history before SRS were assessed. Outcomes included local control, distant control, radiation-related changes, survival, repeat SRS or whole-brain radiation therapy, and side effects. Data from the literature were pooled for a meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients had at least 3 months of follow-up data available. The 12-month actual local control rate among these patients was 92% per tumor. The overall intracranial control rate was 66.9% per patient. Radiation-related side effects occurred in 32.4% of patients (n = 46), with some patients having more than 1 side effect. Radiation-related radiographic changes occurred in 48 lesions (10.6%) in 37 patients (26%). Pathologically confirmed radiation necrosis occurred in 19 lesions (4%) and in 18 patients (12.6%). Local and distant control rates for this population was comparable with historical controls. Side effects in the literature are inconsistently reported, so rigorous comparative analysis is not possible. CONCLUSIONS: A single-fraction radiosurgery margin dose of 15 Gy to the planning tumor volume can effectively provide local control and distant control and is comparable with historical controls, which use 18-25 Gy, with a good toxicity profile.

Bifrontal Osteoplastic Flap: An Option to Decrease Infection in Bifrontal Craniotomies with Skull Base Osteotomies.

Infection can be a common complication following bifrontal craniotomy with skull base osteotomies given the potential violation of sinuses and entry into the nasal structures. Our objective was to examine our series of patients who underwent a bifrontal craniotomy with skull base osteotomies and describe the infection rate. We propose the bifrontal osteoplastic flap as an adjunct to infection prevention. A retrospective single-center study of a patient database was performed. Twenty patients were identified. Fifty-five percent were male. The mean age was 55.7 ± 13.9 years. The most common indications for surgery were esthesioneuroblastomas (35%) and anterior skull base meningiomas (30%). Six patients (30%) developed an infection, 1 patient (5%) developed a CSF leak, and no patients developed a mucocele. All 6 infected cases had nasal pathology with intracranial extension, they all received chemoradiation post-operatively and were all combined cases with otorhinolaryngology. Eighty-three percent of these patients required a craniectomy and all of them required long-term IV antibiotics. Infection is not uncommon after a bifrontal craniotomy with skull base osteotomies and the use of the bifrontal osteoplastic flap in cases where the risk of infection is high, i.e., esthesioneuroblastomas surgery, may help reduce said risk and lead to better patient outcomes.

Linac-based hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for metastases involving the brainstem.

The long-term efficacy and complications of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (hSRT) to metastases involving the brainstem are not well reported. Our objective is to review the results of metastases intrinsic to or abutting the brainstem treatedwith hSRT.Patients treated with hSRT in 5 fractions at our institution from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Varian Eclipse v13.7 TPS was used for treatment planning. MRI images were fused with CT images acquired at the time of simulation, and contoured structures include the brainstem, the GTV, and a 2 mm margin was used to generate the PTV. MR imaging was performed at 3-month intervals. Survival was assessed at the last available follow-up; tumor control was assessed at 6 and 12 months and toxicity was assessed based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading system at regular follow-up. Twenty patients were treated with 5 fraction treatment dose plans ranging from 20 Gy - 31.25 Gy. GTV mean volume was 3.5 cc ±â€¯4.3 cc (range 0.1 cc - 18.9 cc). The median overall survival was 6.5 months (range: 1 to 29 months). The twelve-month tumor control rate was 80%. Toxicity was generally mild, with only one patient demonstrating Grade 3 toxicity. Two patients had radiographic progression, but neither required surgical intervention. In our series, hSRT resulted in similar rates of survival, tumor control, and toxicity as compared with published single fraction series. Dose escalation of lesions adjacent to the brainstem can be considered and maybe more feasible with a hypofractionated regimen of 5 fractions.

The impact of cigarette smoking and nicotine on traumatic brain injury: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and tobacco smoking are both serious public health problems. Many people with TBI also smoke. Nicotine, a component of tobacco smoke, has been identified as a premorbid neuroprotectant in other neurological disorders. This study aims to provide better understanding of relationships between tobacco smoking and nicotine use and effect on outcome/recovery from TBI. METHODS: PubMed database, SCOPUS, and PTSDpub were searched for relevant English-language papers. RESULTS: Twenty-nine human clinical studies and nine animal studies were included. No nicotine-replacement product use in human TBI clinical studies were identified. While smoking tobacco prior to injury can be harmful primarily due to systemic effects that can compromise brain function, animal studies suggest that nicotine as a pharmacological agent may augment recovery of cognitive deficits caused by TBI. CONCLUSIONS: While tobacco smoking before or after TBI has been associated with potential harms, many clinical studies downplay correlations for most expected domains. On the other hand, nicotine could provide potential treatment for cognitive deficits following TBI by reversing impaired signaling pathways in the brain including those involving nAChRs, TH, and dopamine. Future studies regarding the impact of cigarette smoking and vaping on patients with TBI are needed .

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone Arising from Cholesteatoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objective Present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone (SCCTB) arising in a 61-year-old female with a prior history of cholesteatoma and persistent otologic symptoms and review the current literature regarding this disease presentation. Setting Tertiary academic center. Patient A 61-year-old female with a history of left ear cholesteatoma for which she had undergone surgery 54 years prior. The patient presented with a persistent history of otorrhea since first surgery and developed exacerbation of symptoms just prior to presentation at our department. The clinical picture was highly suspicious of cholesteatoma recurrence. However, the biopsy was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Intervention Surgical debulking of the lesion was followed by a brief course of radiation therapy later halted by the patient due to side effect intolerance. Conclusion SCCTB may arise from cholesteatoma. A high index of suspicion for SCCTB should be maintained in patients with a prior history of cholesteatoma and evidence of a temporal bone mass with persistent otologic symptoms.

Phase I single center trial of ketogenic diet for adults with traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in acute brain injury, but limited data about its use in adult TBI patients is available. The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of ketogenic diet (KD) for adult TBI patients in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU). METHODS: TBI patients admitted to NSICU between June 2019 to March 2021 were enrolled in this single-center, open label, single-arm prospective intervention study. The primary feasibility outcome was achievement of ketosis (detection and maintenance of serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOB) levels above normal); secondary outcomes included laboratory and clinical adverse effects related to KD. RESULTS: 10 adults with TBI with Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS)-Head ≥3 and ventriculostomy catheter to monitor intracranial pressure met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were placed on KD. Mean age was 47 years, and all patients were male. Eight out of 10 patients achieved ketosis within mean 2.2 days. KD was initiated within 8-33 h (average 23 h) of hospital admission. No clinical adverse effects were noted, 2 patients developed hypertriglyceridemia and 1 patient developed hypoglycemia. Serum glucose showed a decreasing trend in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that KD is feasible in the management of TBI patients. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is justified to further understand the optimal serum BOB levels, dose and duration of KD in TBI and its effect on the outcome. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT03982602, Registered 06/11/2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03982602?term=brain+injury&cond=ketogenic+diet&draw=2&rank=3.

The impact of poor post-operative glucose control on neurosurgical surgical site infections (SSI).

Elevated HbA1c is associated with increased surgical site infections (SSI) in neurosurgical patients. How blood glucose control in the early post-operative period relates to SSI is incompletely understood. We hypothesized that poor early post-operative blood glucose control would be associated with SSI. Data from patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures at University of Missouri Hospital was retrospectively collected. Post-operative blood glucose for 72 h after surgery was assessed and categorized by levels of hyperglycemia; those with glucose ≥200 mg/dl were classified as poorly controlled. Patients with SSI were compared to patients without SSI using Chi-Square test with Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Of 500 patients having surgery, 300 had at least one post-operative blood glucose measurement. Of those 300 patients, 19 (6.33%) developed SSI. Patients with SSI had significantly higher mean post-operative blood glucose levels (p = 0.0081) and a greater mean number of point-of-care glucose level measurements >150 mg/dL (p = 0.0434). Pre-operative HbA1c and SSI were not associated (p = 0.0867). SSI was associated with pre-operative glucocorticoid use (p = 0.03), longer operative procedure (p = 0.0072), and required use of post-operative insulin drip (p = 0.047). Incidence of other wound complications (cellulitis, deep infection, dehiscence) increased with increase in post-operative blood glucose levels to >225 mg/dL. Post-operative hyperglycemia is associated with SSI after neurosurgical procedures, emphasizing the importance addressing blood glucose control after surgery.

Severity of Preoperative HbA1c and Predicting Postoperative Complications in Spine Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a greater incidence of perioperative complications. The measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has not been routinely used in the preoperative assessment for spine surgeries. METHODS: In the present single-institution, prospective study, HbA1c testing was included in the preoperative laboratory examination of patients undergoing spinal surgery from 2016 through 2018. The HbA1c levels were categorized using the American Diabetes Association guidelines as normal (HbA1c <5.7%), pre-DM (HbA1c 5.7%-6.4%), and diabetes (HbA1c >6.5%). Those with a HbA1c of ≥8% were separated as having poorly controlled DM for analysis. Perioperative complication and comorbidity data were collected to assess for associations with DM using logistic regression models. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were computed. RESULTS: A total of 440 patients (238 men, mean age, 56.43 ± 13.28 years; mean body mass index, 30.80 ± 6.65 kg/m2) met the study criteria. The HbA1c was <5.7% in 206 patients (46.8%), 5.7%-6.4% in 148 (33.6%), 6.5%-7.9% in 64 (14.5%), and ≥8.0% in 23 patients (5.22%). Bivariate logistic modeling showed that patients with poorly controlled DM had a higher risk of complications (OR, 2.92) than did the patients with DM (OR, 2.13). Malignancy (OR, 2.62) and hypertension (OR, 1.86) were also significant risk factors for complications. However, smoking (OR, 0.83) was not significant. Poorly controlled DM remained associated with complications in multivariable logistic regression modeling (OR, 2.72). CONCLUSIONS: Poorly control DM defined by the preoperative HbA1c was significantly associated with postoperative complications. Smoking, however, was not so associated. Preoperative HbA1c can be used to assess the risk of postoperative spine surgery complications.

Complex Multidisciplinary Cranial and Scalp Reconstruction for Patient Salvage.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Patients can develop scalp and cranial defects as a result of neoplasm, trauma, or infection. Reconstruction of these defects can be difficult in some patients and may require a multidisciplinary approach using creative solutions usually used for disease processes in other areas of the body, such as severe burns. METHODS: A series of 9 patients were treated using multidisciplinary techniques for reconstruction of complex cranial and scalp defects. Data on patient characteristics, initial treatment, and preparatory and definitive reconstructive treatment were retrospectively collected. Outcomes were measured as full solution, partial solution, or failure. RESULTS: Three patients had a full solution/wound closure, 5 had a partial solution, and 1 failed reconstructive attempt. Full solution patients tended to be younger, received reconstruction treatment modalities for longer periods of time, and had more definitive surgeries. Initial and preparatory surgeries did not tend to promote a full solution, though having fewer preparatory surgeries that were not related to wound vacuum-assisted closure use tended to be associated with a better outcome. Infection of the scalp or cranium did not tend to change the result. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive salvage of complex cranial and scalp defects takes time, so patience and earlier recognition of need for atypical reconstruction is beneficial. Patient characteristics may influence outcomes, but judicious choice of materials and techniques is more critical to patient success. Use of a multidisciplinary approach to complex cranial and scalp reconstruction is a beneficial option for many patients for whom standard reconstruction methods are not viable.

Reliability of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography in Differentiating Metastatic Brain Tumor Recurrence from Radiation Necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and/or neuroimaging changes after whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for metastatic brain tumor(s) present the clinical dilemma of differentiating tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis. Several imaging modalities attempt to answer this clinical question, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT). We evaluated our experience regarding the ability of MRS and PET CT to differentiate tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis in patients who have received WBRT or SRS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 242 patients with previous WBRT or SRS to identify those who had MRS and/or PET CT to differentiate tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis. Patients were sorted into true-positive, false-positive, false-negative, and true-negative groups on the basis of imaging interpretation and clinical course combined with surgical pathology results or reaction to nonsurgical treatments including SRS, dexamethasone, or observation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were then calculated. RESULTS: Of 25 patients presenting such diagnostic questions, 19 were evaluated with MRS and 13 with PET CT. MRS sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 50%, and accuracy was 81.8%, whereas PET CT sensitivity was 36.4%, specificity was 66.7%, and accuracy was 42.9%. CONCLUSIONS: MRS has better accuracy than PET CT and a high negative predictive value, therefore making it more useful in distinguishing recurrent tumor from radiation necrosis. We encourage correlation with symptoms at imaging to aid in clinical decision making.

Isolated Primary Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma of the Sphenoid Sinus.

Isolated lesions of the sphenoid sinus, particularly malignancies, are rarely reported and exist largely within the Otolaryngology literature. Delayed diagnosis may necessitate neurosurgical involvement; therefore, neurosurgeons must be aware of the range of pathologies in this region in order to provide adequate treatment. We present an unusual case of an 89-year-old female with several weeks of worsening headaches, vision loss, and cranial neuropathies. Work-up at an outside hospital was non-diagnostic. After referral, an expansive and erosive lesion within the left sphenoid sinus was identified. A transsphenoidal approach for resection of the lesion yielded a primary non-salivary non-intestinal type sinonasal adenocarcinoma, as well as bacterial sinusitis and probable allergic fungal sinusitis. The patient was treated with antimicrobial medications as well as stereotactic radiosurgery. Her neurological deficits did not improve with treatment, and she ultimately expired 3.5 months post-operatively after transition to hospice. Primary sinonasal adenocarcinoma is a very rare pathology in this location. Surgical intervention is necessary to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proceed with appropriate treatment. Delayed diagnosis likely portends a worse prognosis.

Daily Lifestyle Modifications to Improve Quality of Life and Survival in Glioblastoma: A Review.

Survival in glioblastoma remains poor despite advancements in standard-of-care treatment. Some patients wish to take a more active role in their cancer treatment by adopting daily lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life or overall survival. We review the available literature through PubMed and Google Scholar to identify laboratory animal studies, human studies, and ongoing clinical trials. We discuss which health habits patients adopt and which have the most promise in glioblastoma. While results of clinical trials available on these topics are limited, dietary restrictions, exercise, use of supplements and cannabis, and smoking cessation all show some benefit in the comprehensive treatment of glioblastoma. Marital status also has an impact on survival. Further clinical trials combining standard treatments with lifestyle modifications are necessary to quantify their survival advantages.

Pineal cysts: Does anyone need long-term follow up?

Pineal cysts are a common incidental finding on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) whichfrequently prompts referral to neurosurgery. Currently, a management algorithm for patientswithout hydrocephalus, Parinaud's syndrome, or pineal apoplexy is lacking.We aimed to identifypredictive factors of pineal cyst volume change andsurgical intervention by performing retrospective chart review of 98 patients between 2005 and 2018 diagnosed with pineal cysts gleaned from our Neurosurgery clinical databases.We included patients whose initial and follow-up MRIs were available in our institutional radiology system or whose surgical pathology confirmed pineal cyst after evaluation with an initial MRI. Patients' medical records were queried for presenting symptoms, demographic, management, and pineal cyst measurements. Three dimensions (anterior-posterior, rostral-caudal, transverse) of pineal cyst size were measured and converted to cyst volume (cm3) for analysis. Fifty-five patients (mean age 26.09 ± 14.7 years) with pineal cysts met study criteria. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 10 years. The indications for MR imaging included headache (81.8%) and vision problems (42%).Forty-eight patients who were observed had a mean volume change of 0.051 ± 0.862 cm [3] and median volume change of 0 cm [3] Patient symptoms, referral source, and age were not associated with changes in volume on follow-up. Aggregated number of symptoms did not differ between operative and observation patients. (p = 0.29). Pineal cyst volumes tend to remain stable over serial MR images, do not reliably correlate with symptoms, and do not typically require long-term follow-up.

Subdural Drain versus Subdural Evacuating Port System for the Treatment of Nonacute Subdural Hematomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Subdural drain (SDD) and Subdural Evacuating Port System (SEPS) are bedside options for management of nonacute subdural hematomas (SDHs). These interventions have not been compared with each other. Our objective is to compare the need for second bedside procedure, need for craniotomy, complication rate, and other outcomes related to bedside drainage of SDH with SDD or SEPS. We hypothesized that SDD would be associated with superior outcomes to SEPS. METHODS: Database queries and direct patient chart reviews were used to gather patient data. t-Tests, Fisher exact tests, and proportional odds models were performed. RESULTS: Of 41 SDDs and 25 SEPS, baseline characteristics were similar except more isodense SDHs were present in SDD (P = 0.0312). SEPS was associated with significant risk of requiring a second bedside procedure (odds ratio, 3.2381; 99% confidence interval, 1.0345-10.1355) relative to SDD. Need for craniotomy did not differ between groups (12.1% SDD vs. 16% SEPS; P = 0.721). The complication rate was similar between groups (2.4% SDD vs. 12% SEPS; P = 0.1484). Symptom resolution, condition at latest follow-up, and posthospital disposition were similar between groups, but SEPS was associated with longer intensive care unit and total hospital length of stay (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: SEPS was associated with higher risk for need of second bedside procedure and longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stay than SDD, although not increased need for craniotomy. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings and determine if SDD may be more effective than SEPS for the treatment of nonacute SDH.

Clinical outcomes of resecting scarpa's ganglion during vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Vestibular schwannomas are slow-growing tumors arising from the Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve. Scarpa's ganglion, the vestibular nerve ganglion, is located within the internal auditory meatus. Surgical treatment of vestibular schwannomas carries the potential of resecting Scarpa's ganglion along with the tumor. No prior studies have evaluated outcomes based on the presence of Scarpa's ganglion within tumor specimens. The neurosurgery patient records were queried for patients who underwent surgical resection of vestibular schwannomas at the University of Missouri Healthcare between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of minimum age of 18, imaging demonstrating an eighth nerve tumor, surgical resection thereof, and a final pathological diagnosis of WHO grade I schwannoma. Data were collected retrospectively. The histological slides of the tumors were reviewed, and the presence or absence of the ganglion was noted. Outcomes analyzed included postoperative dizziness, hearing, and facial nerve function. Fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria. Ten (19%) resected tumors contained portions of the ganglion. No difference in risk of resection of ganglion occurred based on the surgical approach (p = 0.2454). Mean follow-up duration was 24.6 months ± 26.2 standard deviation. No differences in postoperative hearing or dizziness (p = 0.8483 and p = 0.3190 respectively) were present if Scarpa's ganglion was resected. House-Brackmann classification of facial nerve function at last follow-up was similar (p = 0.9190). Resection of Scarpa's ganglion with vestibular schwannomas does not increase risk of post-operative dizziness, facial nerve weakness, or hearing loss.

Does Surveillance-Detected Disease Progression Yield Superior Patient Outcomes in High-Grade Glioma?

BACKGROUND: Standard follow-up care for patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) involves routine surveillance imaging to detect disease progression, assess treatment response, and monitor clinical symptoms. Although logical in nature, evidence supporting this practice is limited. We hypothesize patients with tumor recurrence detected on routine surveillance imaging will experience superior outcomes relative to symptomatic detection, using measures of survival and postrecurrence neurologic function. METHODS: Adult patients receiving treatment for HGG at our institution from 2004 to 2018 were identified, and data including tumor characteristics, imaging results, neurologic status, and survival were extracted from the medical records of patients meeting inclusion criteria. All participants were followed for a minimum of 12 months, or for survival duration. Survival and neurologic function differences were assessed using log rank and 2-sample t tests with 2-sided 0.05 alpha level of significance. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 47 (63.5%) had recurrence detected via routine surveillance imaging, and 27 (36.5%) had symptomatic detection outside of the surveillance schedule. Neither median overall survival (14.8 months for surveillance and 15.7 months for symptomatic; P = 0.600) nor postrecurrence neurologic function (assessed by Karnofsky Performance Scale Index and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) differed between the surveillance and symptomatic detection groups (P = 0.699 and P = 0.908, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence detection occurring via routine surveillance imaging did not yield superior patient outcomes relative to symptomatic detection occurring outside of the standard surveillance schedule in patients with HGG. Further evaluation of surveillance imaging and alternative follow-up methods for this patient population may be warranted.