Frameless image-guided linear accelerator (LINAC) stereotactic radiosurgery for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia: Clinical outcomes in 116 patients.

Background: Frameless image-guided radiosurgery (IGRS) is an effective and non-invasive method of treating patients who are unresponsive to medical management for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). This study evaluated the use of frameless IGRS to treat patients with medically refractory TN. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of records of 116 patients diagnosed with TN who underwent frameless IGRS using a linear accelerator (LINAC) over 10 years (March 2012-February 2023). All patients had failed medical management for TN. Facial pain was graded using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scoring system. Each patient received a BNI score before frameless IGRS and following treatment. Failure was defined as a BNI score IV-V at the last follow-up and/or undergoing a salvage procedure following IGRS. Results: All patients had a BNI score of either IV or V before the frameless IGRS. The mean follow-up duration for all 116 patients following IGRS was 44.1 months. Most patients (81 [69.8%]) had not undergone surgery (microvascular decompression [MVD] or rhizotomy) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for TN before frameless IGRS. A total of 41 (35.3%) patients underwent a salvage procedure (MVD, rhizotomy, or an additional IGRS) following frameless IGRS. The mean duration between the initial frameless IGRS and salvage procedure was 20.1 months. At the last follow-up, a total of 110 (94.8%) patients had a BNI score of I-III. No complications were reported after the frameless IGRS. The BNI score at the last follow-up was lower compared to the initial BNI for patients regardless of prior intervention (P < 0.001). Patients who failed IGRS had a higher BNI score at the last follow-up compared to those who did not fail IGRS (2.8 vs. 2.5, P = 0.05). Patients with pain relief had a shorter follow-up compared to those with pain refractory to SRS (38.0 vs. 55.1, P = 0.005). Conclusion: In this large cohort of patients with medically refractory TN, frameless IGRS resulted in durable pain control in the majority of patients without any toxicity.

Single low-dose targeted bevacizumab infusion in adult patients with steroid-refractory radiation necrosis of the brain: a phase II open-label prospective clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is an unmet need for safe and rapidly effective therapies for refractory brain radiation necrosis (RN). The aim of this prospective single-arm phase II trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single low-dose targeted bevacizumab infusion after blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) in adult patients with steroid-refractory brain RN. METHODS: Ten adults with steroid-refractory, imaging-confirmed brain RN were enrolled between November 2016 and January 2018 and followed for 12 months after treatment. Bevacizumab 2.5 mg/kg was administered as a one-time targeted intra-arterial infusion immediately after BBBD. Primary outcomes included safety and > 25% decrease in lesion volume. Images were analyzed by a board-certified neuroradiologist blinded to pretrial diagnosis and treatment status. Secondary outcomes included changes in headache, steroid use, and functional status and absence of neurocognitive sequelae. Comparisons were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U-test, linear mixed models, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and repeated-measures 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Ten adults (mean ± SD [range] age 35 ± 15 [22-62] years) participated in this study. No patients died or exhibited serious adverse effects of systemic bevacizumab. At 3 months, 80% (95% CI 44%-98%) and 90% (95% CI 56%-100%) of patients demonstrated > 25% decrease in RN and vasogenic edema volume, respectively. At 12 months, RN volume decreased by 74% (median [range] 76% [53%-96%], p = 0.012), edema volume decreased by 50% (median [range] 70% [-11% to 83%], p = 0.086), and headache decreased by 84% (median [range] 92% [58%-100%], p = 0.022) among the 8 patients without RN recurrence. Only 1 (10%) patient was steroid dependent at the end of the trial. Scores on 12 of 16 (75%) neurocognitive indices increased, thereby supporting a pattern of cerebral white matter recovery. Two (20%) patients exhibited RN recurrence that required further treatment at 10 and 11 months, respectively, after bevacizumab infusion. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, to the authors' knowledge, the authors demonstrated that a single low-dose targeted bevacizumab infusion resulted in durable clinical and imaging improvements in 80% of patients at 12 months after treatment without adverse events attributed to bevacizumab alone. These findings highlight that targeted bevacizumab may be an efficient one-time treatment for adults with brain RN. Further confirmation with a randomized controlled trial is needed to compare the intra-arterial approach with the conventional multicycle intravenous regimen. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02819479 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Impact of Age and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score 0 to 5 on Mechanical Thrombectomy Outcomes: Analysis From the STRATIS Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study investigates clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy in adult patients with baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 0 to 5. METHODS: We included data from the STRATIS Registry (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) from patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy within 8 hours of symptom onset and had available ASPECTS data adjudicated by an independent core laboratory. Angiographic and clinical outcomes were collected, including successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b), functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), 90-day mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 hours. Outcomes were stratified by ASPECTS scores and age. RESULTS: Of the 984 patients enrolled, 763 had available ASPECTS data. Of these patients, 57 had ASPECTS of 0 to 5 with a median age of 63 years (interquartile range, 28-100), whereas 706 patients had ASPECTS of 6 to 10 with a median age of 70 years of age (interquartile range, 19-100). Ten patients had ASPECTS of 0 to 3 and 47 patients had ASPECTS of 4 to 5 at baseline. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 85.5% (47/55) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 group. Functional independence was achieved in 28.8% (15/52) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 versus 59.7% (388/650) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). Mortality rates were 30.8% (16/52) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 and 13.4% (87/650) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). sICH rates were 7.0% (4/57) in the ASPECTS of 0 to 5 and 0.9% (6/682) in the 6 to 10 group (P<0.001). No patients aged >75 years with ASPECTS of 0 to 5 (0/12) achieved functional independence versus 44.8% (13/29) of those age ≤65 (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients <65 years of age with large core infarction (ASPECTS 0-5) have better rates of functional independence and lower rates of mortality compared with patients >75 years of age. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

Safety of the APOLLO Onyx delivery microcatheter for embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations: results from a prospective post-market study.

BACKGROUND: Catheter retention and difficulty in retrieval have been observed during embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) with the Onyx liquid embolic system (Onyx). The Apollo Onyx delivery microcatheter (Apollo) is a single lumen catheter designed for controlled delivery of Onyx into the neurovasculature, with a detachable distal tip to aid catheter retrieval. This study evaluates the safety of the Apollo for delivery of Onyx during embolization of bAVMs. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, multicenter, post-market study of patients with a bAVM who underwent Onyx embolization with the Apollo between May 2015 and February 2018. The primary endpoint was any catheter-related adverse event (AE) at 30 days, such as unintentional tip detachment or malfunction with clinical sequelae, or retained catheter. Procedure-related AEs (untoward medical occurrence, disease, injury, or clinical signs) and serious AEs (life threatening illness or injury, permanent physiological impairment, hospitalization, or requiring intervention) were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients were enrolled (mean age 44.1±17.6 years, 56.3% men), and 201 Apollo devices were used in 142 embolization procedures. The mean Spetzler-Martin grade was 2.38. The primary endpoint was not observed (0/112, 0%). The catheter tip detached during 83 (58.5%) procedures, of which 2 (2.4%) were unintentional and did not result in clinical sequelae. At 30 days, procedure related AEs occurred in 26 (23.2%) patients, and procedure-related serious AEs in 12 (10.7%). At 12 months, there were 3 (2.7%) mortalities, including 2 (1.8%) neurological deaths, none of which were device-related. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety of Apollo for Onyx embolization of bAVMs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: CNCT02378883.

Pipeline Embolization Device for Treatment of Craniocervical Internal Carotid Artery Dissections: Report of 3 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the craniocervical circulation are uncommon, accounting for only 3% of all cerebral aneurysms. These aneurysms pose a challenge due to their location and anatomic configuration. The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a flow diversion technique that successfully treats aneurysms by diverting blood flow away from the aneurysm and reconstructing the diseased parent artery by altering its hemodynamics. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report 3 cases in which the PED was used to treat craniocervical carotid artery dissection with associated pseudoaneurysms. A single PED was used in the first case, 4 PEDs were used in the second case, and 3 PEDs and a PRECISE PRO RX carotid stent were placed in the third case. All 3 patients achieved full neurologic recovery postoperatively. Cerebral angiography performed postoperatively demonstrated revascularization, good laminar flow, and no in-stent or adjacent stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: PED placement offers a safe and effective method of treating spontaneous or traumatic craniocervical carotid artery dissections with excellent neurologic outcomes postoperatively and complete long-term aneurysmal occlusion.

Impact of Balloon Guide Catheter Use on Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes in the STRATIS Stroke Thrombectomy Registry.

Background and Purpose- Mechanical thrombectomy has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, the impact of balloon guide catheter (BGC) use is not well established. Methods- STRATIS (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) was a prospective, multicenter study of patients with large vessel occlusion treated with the Solitaire stent retriever as first-line therapy. In this study, an independent core laboratory, blinded to the clinical outcomes, reviewed all procedures and angiographic data to classify procedural technique, target clot location, recanalization after each pass, and determine the number of stent retriever passes. The primary clinical end point was functional independence (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2) at 3 months as determined on-site, and the angiographic end point was first-pass effect (FPE) success rate from a single device attempt (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction, ≥2c) as determined by a core laboratory. Achieving modified FPE (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction, ≥2b) was also assessed. Comparisons of clinical outcomes were made between groups and adjusted for baseline and procedural characteristics. All participating centers received institutional review board approval from their respective institutions. Results- Adjunctive technique groups included BGC (n=445), distal access catheter (n=238), and conventional guide catheter (n=62). The BGC group had a higher rate of FPE following first pass (212/443 [48%]) versus conventional guide catheter (16/62 [26%]; P=0.001) and distal access catheter (83/235 [35%]; P=0.002). Similarly, the BGC group had a higher rate of modified FPE (294/443 [66%]) versus conventional guide catheter (26/62 [42%]; P<0.001) and distal access catheter (129/234 [55%]; P=0.003). The BGC group achieved the highest rate of functional independence (253/415 [61%]) versus conventional guide catheter (23/55 [42%]; P=0.007) and distal access catheter (113/218 [52%]; P=0.027). Final revascularization and mortality rates did not differ across the groups. Conclusions- BGC use was an independent predictor of FPE, modified FPE, and functional independence, suggesting that its routine use may improve the rates of early revascularization success and good clinical outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

Endovascular Treatment for Venous Sinus Stenosis in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: An Observational Study of Clinical Indications, Surgical Technique, and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. IIH causes significant morbidity marked by incapacitating headaches and visual disturbances. This study investigated the long-term outcomes of venous sinus stenting in a large group of patients with IIH. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our institution who underwent venous sinus stenting for IIH over 6 years (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2018). A particular focus was dedicated to collecting demographic, clinical, radiologic, and outcomes data. All patients had failed medical management. RESULTS: Of the 110 patients evaluated for IIH, 42 underwent venous sinus stenting, with a mean follow-up of 25.6 months (range, 8.7-60.7 months). The mean age was 32 years (range, 15-52 years), 38 (90%) were women, and the mean body mass index was 35.6 kg/m2 (range, 18.6-47.5 kg/m2). Prior to the stenting procedure, all patients had headaches, visual disturbances, and papilledema. Of the 39 patients who had an ophthalmologic evaluation poststenting, 29 (74%) had resolution of their papilledema. Eighteen patients (43%) had complete resolution of their headaches after the stenting procedure, whereas 22 patients (52%) remained under a neurologist's care for chronic migraine and other types of headaches. Two patients underwent a restenting procedure for disease progression, and 1 patient experienced an in-stent thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and neurologists is integral in the management of patients with IIH to prevent the complications of papilledema. Venous sinus stenting offers a safe and effective means of treating IIH.

Interhospital Transfer Before Thrombectomy Is Associated With Delayed Treatment and Worse Outcome in the STRATIS Registry (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke).

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is beneficial for patients with acute stroke suffering a large-vessel occlusion, although treatment efficacy is highly time-dependent. We hypothesized that interhospital transfer to endovascular-capable centers would result in treatment delays and worse clinical outcomes compared with direct presentation. METHODS: STRATIS (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) was a prospective, multicenter, observational, single-arm study of real-world MT for acute stroke because of anterior-circulation large-vessel occlusion performed at 55 sites over 2 years, including 1000 patients with severe stroke and treated within 8 hours. Patients underwent MT with or without intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and were admitted to endovascular-capable centers via either interhospital transfer or direct presentation. The primary clinical outcome was functional independence (modified Rankin Score 0-2) at 90 days. We assessed (1) real-world time metrics of stroke care delivery, (2) outcome differences between direct and transfer patients undergoing MT, and (3) the potential impact of local hospital bypass. RESULTS: A total of 984 patients were analyzed. Median onset-to-revascularization time was 202.0 minutes for direct versus 311.5 minutes for transfer patients (P<0.001). Clinical outcomes were better in the direct group, with 60.0% (299/498) achieving functional independence compared with 52.2% (213/408) in the transfer group (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.79; P=0.02). Likewise, excellent outcome (modified Rankin Score 0-1) was achieved in 47.4% (236/498) of direct patients versus 38.0% (155/408) of transfer patients (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.92; P=0.005). Mortality did not differ between the 2 groups (15.1% for direct, 13.7% for transfer; P=0.55). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator did not impact outcomes. Hypothetical bypass modeling for all transferred patients suggested that intravenous tissue plasminogen activator would be delayed by 12 minutes, but MT would be performed 91 minutes sooner if patients were routed directly to endovascular-capable centers. If bypass is limited to a 20-mile radius from onset, then intravenous tissue plasminogen activator would be delayed by 7 minutes and MT performed 94 minutes earlier. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, real-world study, interhospital transfer was associated with significant treatment delays and lower chance of good outcome. Strategies to facilitate more rapid identification of large-vessel occlusion and direct routing to endovascular-capable centers for patients with severe stroke may improve outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Primary Results of the STRATIS Registry.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers has become standard of care for treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients because of large vessel occlusion. The STRATIS registry (Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated With Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) aimed to assess whether similar process timelines, technical, and functional outcomes could be achieved in a large real world cohort as in the randomized trials. METHODS: STRATIS was designed to prospectively enroll patients treated in the United States with a Solitaire Revascularization Device and Mindframe Capture Low Profile Revascularization Device within 8 hours from symptom onset. The STRATIS cohort was compared with the interventional cohort of a previously published SEER patient-level meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 984 patients treated at 55 sites were analyzed. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 17.3. Intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator was administered in 64.0%. The median time from onset to arrival in the enrolling hospital, door to puncture, and puncture to reperfusion were 138, 72, and 36 minutes, respectively. The Core lab-adjudicated modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b was achieved in 87.9% of patients. At 90 days, 56.5% achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, all-cause mortality was 14.4%, and 1.4% suffered a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. The median time from emergency medical services scene arrival to puncture was 152 minutes, and each hour delay in this interval was associated with a 5.5% absolute decline in the likelihood of achieving modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2. CONCLUSIONS: This largest-to-date Solitaire registry documents that the results of the randomized trials can be reproduced in the community. The decrease of clinical benefit over time warrants optimization of the system of care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02239640.

BAER suppression during posterior fossa dural opening.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative monitoring with brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) provides an early warning signal of potential neurological injury and may avert tissue damage to the auditory pathway or brainstem. Unexplained loss of the BAER signal in the operating room may present a dilemma to the neurosurgeon. METHODS: This paper documents two patients who displayed a unique mechanism of suppression of the BAER apparent within minutes following dural opening for resection of a posterior fossa meningioma. RESULTS: In two patients with anterior cerebellopontine angle and clival meningiomas, there was a significant deterioration of the BAER soon after durotomy but prior to cerebellar retraction and tumor removal. Intracranial structures in the posterior fossa lying between the tumor and dural opening were shifted posteriorly after durotomy. CONCLUSION: We hypothesized that the cochlear nerve and vessels entering the acoustic meatus were compressed or stretched when subjected to tissue shift. This movement caused cochlear nerve dysfunction that resulted in BAER suppression. BAER was partially restored after the tumor was decompressed, dura repaired, and bone replaced. BAER was not suppressed following durotomy for removal of a meningioma lying posterior to the cochlear complex. Insight into the mechanisms of durotomy-induced BAER inhibition would allay the neurosurgeon's anxiety during the operation.

Targeted intraarterial anti-VEGF therapy for medically refractory radiation necrosis in the brain.

Radiation necrosis (RN) is a serious complication that can occur in up to 10% of brain radiotherapy cases, with the incidence dependent on both dose and brain location. Available medical treatment for RN includes steroids, vitamin E, pentoxifylline, and hyperbaric oxygen. In a significant number of patients, however, RN is medically refractory and the patients experience progressive neurological decline, disabling headaches, and decreased quality of life. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a known mediator of cerebral edema in RN. Recent reports have shown successful treatment of RN with intravenous bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody for VEGF. Bevacizumab, however, is associated with significant systemic complications including sinus thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, gastrointestinal tract perforation, wound dehiscence, and severe hypertension. Using lower drug doses may decrease systemic exposure and reduce complication rates. By using an intraarterial route for drug administration following blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD), the authors aim to lower the bevacizumab dose while increasing target delivery. In the present report, the authors present the cases of 2 pediatric patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, who presented with medically intractable RN following stereotactic radiosurgery. They received a single intraarterial infusion of 2.5 mg/kg bevacizumab after hyperosmotic BBBD. At mean follow-up duration of 8.5 months, the patients had significant and durable clinical and radiographic response. Both patients experienced resolution of their previously intractable headaches and reversal of cushingoid features as they were successfully weaned off steroids. One of the patients regained significant motor strength. There was an associated greater than 70% reduction in cerebral edema. Intraarterial administration of a single low dose of bevacizumab after BBBD was safe and resulted in durable clinical and radiographic improvements at concentrations well below those required for the typical systemic intravenous route. Advantages over the intravenous route may include higher concentration of drug delivery to the affected brain, decreased systemic toxicity, and a significantly lower cost.

Intrathecal treatment of cerebral vasospasm.

Treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a major therapeutic challenge. Systemic drug administration is the current treatment of choice, but patients often do not respond beneficially to this approach. Intrathecal (IT) drug administration has several anatomic and pharmacodynamic advantages over conventional systemic treatment of cerebral vasospasm. We reviewed the most recent literature describing IT administration of several drugs to treat aneurysm-induced SAH and cerebral vasospasm, including 16 clinical trials using IT fibrinolytic agents and 10 trials using several IT vasodilators. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of these trials but made no attempt to perform a meta-analysis using these data. IT drug administration of fibrinolytic agents and vasodilators caused lysis of the subarachnoid clot burden and diminished cerebral vasospasm, respectively. The studies reviewed reported a wide range of drug doses, intervals between aneurysm hemorrhage and initiation of treatment, success of clot dissolution, and degree of vasodilation of vessels in vasospasm. Treatment of vasospasm by IT drug administration is safe and largely effective after the aneurysm has been secured. Our findings indicate that IT treatment effectively delivers a higher drug concentration to vessels in vasospasm with minimal systemic effects. Drugs administered by this route are reported to lyse subarachnoid clots, attenuate cerebral vasospasm, improve clinical outcomes, and decrease the incidence of hydrocephalus. With greater understanding of drug pharmacodynamics, the IT route of drug administration may provide a rational, alternative approach to treating aneurysm-induced cerebral vasospasm.

Mechanical thrombectomy as first-line treatment for venous sinus thrombosis: technical considerations and preliminary results using the AngioJet device.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke that is usually treated medically with intravenous heparin therapy followed by long-term anticoagulation therapy. A series of patients with CVT who underwent rheolytic thrombectomy with the AngioJet as a first-line adjunctive treatment in addition to standard anticoagulation therapy is presented. METHODS: Prospectively maintained endovascular databases at two institutions were retrospectively reviewed. The available clinical and imaging data were compiled at each institution and combined for analysis. RESULTS: Over 18 months, 13 patients (seven women and six men; age range 17-73 years, median age 45 years) with CVT were treated with rheolytic thrombectomy. Immediate (partial or complete) recanalization of the thrombosed intracranial sinuses was achieved in all patients. At a median radiographic follow-up of 7 months there was continued patency of all recanalized sinuses. Clinical follow-up was available on nine patients: modified Rankin score of 0 in four patients, 1 in three patients and 6 in two patients. CONCLUSION: This series demonstrates the feasibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy as a first-line treatment for acute CVT. This technique facilitates the prompt restoration of intracranial venous outflow, which may result in rapid neurological and symptomatic improvement.

Multimodality treatment of a ruptured grade IV posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation in a patient pregnant with twins: case report.

INTRODUCTION: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM) account for a significant percentage of brain hemorrhages in pregnant patients. There is general consensus that ruptured AVMs in pregnant women should be managed based on neurosurgical rather than obstetric considerations. Since the risk of re-hemorrhage is significantly higher in the pregnant patient with a ruptured AVM, aggressive treatment during pregnancy must be considered if this can be accomplished with acceptable risk. Recent advances in endovascular technology have increased the potential for successful treatment of previously inoperable high-grade AVMs. CASE REPORT: A 17-year-old woman pregnant with twins experienced sudden onset headache and became unresponsive at 20 weeks gestation. A CT scan of the head showed cerebellar hemorrhage and obstructive hydrocephalus. Cerebral angiography showed a 5.5 cm AVM in the cerebellar vermis with deep drainage for a Spetzler Martin grade IV classification. Extensive two-stage Onyx embolization with complete casting of the nidus was performed. The patient delivered healthy twin girls at 36 weeks gestation by a planned cesarean section. This was followed by surgical resection of the AVM 4 months later with minimal blood loss. A follow-up angiogram showed no evidence of AVM recurrence 3 months after surgical resection. Her balance was significantly improved and she walked unassisted. She had mild cerebellar speech. Her twin girls are progressing normally. CONCLUSION: Extensive endovascular Onyx embolization is feasible in the setting of a ruptured high-grade AVM during pregnancy. The rationale for proceeding with treatment is the perceived higher likelihood of re-hemorrhage from such a lesion.

Styloidogenic jugular venous compression syndrome: diagnosis and treatment: case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Intracranial venous hypertension is known to be associated with venous outflow obstruction. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical venous outflow obstruction causing pseudotumor cerebri. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We report 2 patients presenting with central venous outflow obstruction secondary to osseous compression of the internal jugular veins at the craniocervical junction. The point of jugular compression was between the lateral tubercle of C1 and a prominent, posteriorly located styloid process. In both cases, catheter venography showed high-grade jugular stenosis at the level of C1 with an associated pressure gradient. The dominant jugular vein was decompressed after the styloid process was resected. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the jugular stenosis and normalization of preoperative pressure gradients. In both cases, the symptoms of intracranial hypertension resolved. CONCLUSION: Intracranial venous hypertension may result from extrinsic osseous compression of the jugular veins at the skull base. Although rare, this phenomenon is important to recognize because primary stenting not only is ineffective but also may actually exacerbate the outflow obstruction. The osseous impingement of the dominant jugular vein can be relieved via a decompressive styloidectomy, and the clinical results can be excellent.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas masquerading as dural sinus thrombosis.

The authors report dural sinus thrombosis diagnosed in 2 patients based on noninvasive imaging results, which were revealed to be dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) diagnosed using digital subtraction (DS) angiography. The first patient was a 63-year-old man who presented with headaches. Magnetic resonance venography was performed and suggested dural sinus thrombosis of the left transverse sinus and jugular vein. He was administered warfarin anticoagulation therapy but then suffered multiple intracranial hemorrhages. A DS angiogram was requested for a possible dural sinus thrombectomy, but the DS angiogram revealed a DAVF. The patient underwent serial liquid embolization with complete obliteration of the DAVF. The second patient, an 11-year-old boy, also presented with headaches and was diagnosed with dural sinus thrombosis on MR imaging. A DS angiogram was also requested for a possible thrombectomy and revealed a DAVF. This patient underwent serial liquid embolization and eventual operative resection. These reports emphasize that different venous flow abnormalities can appear similar on noninvasive imaging and that proper diagnosis is critical to avoid contraindicated therapies.

Improved image interpretation with combined superselective and standard angiography (double injection technique) during embolization of arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Interpretation of angioarchitecture during embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is critical to optimizing results. We describe an adjunctive technique to aid in the interpretation of AVM embolization and improve safety. METHODS: In the past 100 consecutive patients who underwent AVM embolization by a single surgeon (RAM), each AVM nidus was selectively catheterized and microangiography was performed. After the microcatheter contrast exited the AVM, guiding catheter angiography was performed during the same digital run. The microangiogram was digitally superimposed on the guiding catheter angiogram to delineate important landmarks such as the nidus perimeter, draining veins, and microcatheter tip, which were then drawn on the digital subtraction angiographic monitor with a marking pen in two orthogonal views. RESULTS: Important landmarks were continually visualized during the embolization procedure despite subtracted fluoroscopy ("blank" roadmap). These techniques qualitatively helped to: 1) appreciate the overall size and morphology of the nidus, 2) clearly visualize the safe limits of the embolic injection within the nidus perimeter, 3) clearly visualize draining patterns to help avoid premature venous embolization, 4) decipher small draining veins from arteries, 5) continuously monitor the location and status of the microcatheter tip, and 6) increase the confidence of the surgeon during prolonged embolic injections. CONCLUSION: The double injection technique, with marking pen demarcation of the nidus perimeter, venous drainage, and microcatheter tip position, was qualitatively useful in every case.

Real-time image guidance for open vascular neurosurgery using digital angiographic roadmapping.

OBJECTIVE: Angiographic roadmapping, commonly used for catheter navigation in endovascular procedures, is the superimposition of a live fluoroscopic image on a previously stored digitally subtracted angiogram. We evaluated this technique for the first time as a method for image-guided navigation during surgical resection of intracranial and spinal vascular lesions. METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed 38 procedures in 35 patients at two centers performed by one neurosurgeon in which intraoperative roadmapping was used as an image-guided navigation tool for surgical resection of cranial and spinal arteriovenous malformations or fistulae. This technique requires femoral or radial artery access and a portable vascular C-arm capable of digitally subtracted angiogram and roadmap angiography in the operating room suite. Once a roadmap identifying the vascular lesion is obtained, a sterile radiopaque instrument is placed over the skin/wound to precisely localize the lesion in multiple dimensions. RESULTS: Angiographic roadmapping was used for resection of seven spinal arteriovenous malformations or fistulae, 23 cranial arteriovenous malformations or fistulae, one aneurysm, two carotid-cavernous fistulae, and transtorcular embolization of five vein of Galen malformations. In all cases, the technique helped us to make precisely localized incisions, avoid unnecessary bone removal, and readily directed us to the vascular lesion. In several cases, it allowed localization of small fistulae not visible on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomographic angiography scans. Finally, this approach facilitated immediate angiographic confirmation of complete resection at the end of each case. CONCLUSION: Angiographic roadmapping is an effective intraoperative navigation tool for resection of vascular lesions that has not been previously described and offers several advantages to frameless stereotaxy.

Delayed occurrence of multiple spinal drop metastases from a posterior fossa choroid plexus papilloma. Case report.

Choroid plexus papilloma is a benign central nervous system tumor that occasionally spreads along the subarachnoid space. The authors report the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with back pain 19 years after resection of a posterior fossa choroid plexus papilloma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple spinal lesions without any residual or recurrent intracranial tumor. All spinal lesions were resected and histologically diagnosed as atypical choroid plexus papilloma. The authors suggest that patients in whom choroid plexus papilloma is diagnosed should undergo total neuraxis imaging at the time of initial diagnosis as well as periodic follow-up examinations after resection to rule out drop metastases.