| 1. |
- El-Hajj, Victor Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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An unusual cause of chronic neuropathic pain : report of a case of multiple intradural spinal arachnoid cysts and review of the literature
- 2023
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 165, s. 2699-2705
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) arise either intra- or extradurally and are usually solitary, while cases of multiple SACs have been scarcely reported in the literature. Herein, we report on a rare case of multiple and recurring intradural spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) causing severe spinal cord compression and neuropathic radicular pain, in a 35-year-old female with a 10-year follow-up. Two separate attempts at surgery were performed but only provided temporary relief since the cysts recurred and new ones formed along the entirety of the spinal cord. Finally, a conservative approach with physiotherapy and a combination of analgesic medications was pursued.
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| 2. |
- El-Hajj, Victor Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Long-term outcomes following surgical treatment of spinal arachnoid cysts : a population-based consecutive cohort study
- 2023
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In: The spine journal. - : Elsevier. - 1529-9430 .- 1878-1632. ; 23:12, s. 1869-1876
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are rare, cerebrospinal fluid-filled sacs lined by an arachnoid membrane in the spinal canal. Symptoms can develop due to pressure on the spinal cord or adjacent spinal nerves by the cyst itself or by interrupted flow of cerebrospinal fluid. If noninvasive management fails or neurological deterioration occurs, surgical treatment is recommended. However, data is lacking on long-term outcomes after surgery.PURPOSE: To determine long-term outcomes in patients surgically treated for SACs.STUDY DESIGN: Population-based cohort-study.PATIENT SAMPLE: All consecutive patients treated for either intra-or extradural SACs with surgery between 2005 and 2020 at the author's institution were included.OUTCOME MEASURES: American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA).METHODS: Data was primarily extracted from electronic patient medical notes. Telephone inter-views were performed to assess long-term postoperative outcomes. All analyses were conducted using the statistical software program R version 4.0.5. Statistical significance was set at p<.05.RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included. Cyst excision was performed in 11 (32%) cases, and fenestration in the remaining 23 (68%). The median follow-up time was 8.0 years. Surgery resulted in a significant long-term improvement in both AIS (p=.012) and mJOA (p=.005). Sensory deficit was the symptom that most often improved (81%), followed by pain (74%) and motor func-tion (64%). AIS deteriorated in two patients, of which one case was attributed to a surgical compli-cation. Local cyst recurrence requiring reoperation was seen in 4 (12%) cases, all of them following cyst fenestration. One patient (3%) required reoperation for progression of the cyst progression at a different level.CONCLUSION: This study reports outcomes of surgically treated SACs with the longest follow-up time to date. Microsurgical cyst excision or fenestration were safe treatment options, and the neurological improvements seen in the immediate postoperative phase were maintained at long-term follow-up.
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| 3. |
- El-Hajj, Victor Gabriel, et al.
(author)
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Safety of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries, a single center comparative matched analysis
- 2024
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 166:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionAnterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) are both common surgical procedures in the management of pathologies of the subaxial cervical spine. While recent reviews have demonstrated ACCF to provide better decompression results compared to ACDF, the procedure has been associated with increased surgical risks. Nonetheless, the use of ACCF in a traumatic context has been poorly described. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of ACCF as compared to the more commonly performed ACDF.MethodsAll patients undergoing ACCF or ACDF for subaxial cervical spine injuries spanning over 2 disc-spaces and 3 vertebral-levels, between 2006 and 2018, at the study center, were eligible for inclusion. Patients were matched based on age and preoperative ASIA score.ResultsAfter matching, 60 patients were included in the matched analysis, where 30 underwent ACDF and ACCF, respectively. Vertebral body injury was significantly more common in the ACCF group (p = 0.002), while traumatic disc rupture was more frequent in the ACDF group (p = 0.032). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of surgical complications, including implant failure, wound infection, dysphagia, CSF leakage between the groups (p >= 0.05). The rates of revision surgeries (p > 0.999), mortality (p = 0.222), and long-term ASIA scores (p = 0.081) were also similar.ConclusionResults of both unmatched and matched analyses indicate that ACCF has comparable outcomes and no additional risks compared to ACDF. It is thus a safe approach and should be considered for patients with extensive anterior column injury.
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| 4. |
- Fletcher-Sandersjöö, Alexander, et al.
(author)
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Absolute Contusion Expansion Is Superior to Relative Expansion in Predicting Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes : A Multi-Center Observational Cohort Study
- 2024
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In: Journal of Neurotrauma. - : Mary Ann Liebert. - 0897-7151 .- 1557-9042. ; 41:5-6, s. 705-713
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Contusion expansion (CE) is a potentially treatable outcome predictor in traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a suitable end-point for hemostatic therapy trials. However, there is no consensus on the definition of clinically relevant CE, both in terms of measurement criteria (absolute vs. relative volume increase) and cutoff values. In light of this, the aim of this study was to assess the predictive abilities of different CE definitions on outcome. We performed a multi-center observational cohort study of adults with moderate-to-severe TBI treated in an intensive care unit. The exposure of interest was CE, defined as the absolute and relative volume change between the first and second computed tomography scan. The primary outcome was the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 6–12 months post-injury, dichotomized into unfavorable (GOS ≤3) or favorable (GOS ≥4). The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. In total, 798 patients were included, with a median duration of 7.0 h between the first and second CT scan. The median absolute and relative CE was 1.5 mL (interquartile range [IQR] 0.1–8.3 mL) and 100% (IQR 10–530%), respectively. Both CE forms were independently associated with unfavorable GOS. Absolute CE outperformed relative CE in predicting both unfavorable GOS (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.65 vs. 0.60, p = 0.002) and all-cause mortality (AUC: 0.66 vs. 0.60, p = 0.003). For dichotomized CE, absolute cutoffs of 1–10 mL yielded the best results. We conclude that absolute CE demonstrates stronger outcome correlation than relative CE. In studies focusing on lesion progression in TBI, it may be advantageous to use absolute CE as the primary outcome metric. For dichotomized outcomes, cutoffs between 1 and 10 mL are suggested, depending on the desired sensitivity-specificity balance.
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| 5. |
- Gharios, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Spontaneous spinal cord infarction : a systematic review
- 2024
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In: BMJ neurology open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2632-6140. ; 6:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous spinal cord infarction (SCInf) is a rare condition resulting in acute neurological impairment. Consensus on diagnostic criteria is lacking, which may present a challenge for the physician. This review aims to analyse the current literature on spontaneous SCInf, focusing on epidemiology, the diagnostic process, treatment strategies and neurological outcomes.METHODS: The study was performed in accordance with a previously published protocol. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were searched using the keywords 'spontaneous', 'spinal cord', 'infarction' and 'ischaemic'. The eligibility of studies was evaluated in two steps by multiple reviewers. Data from eligible studies were extracted and systematically analysed.RESULTS: 440 patients from 33 studies were included in this systematic review. Analysis of vascular risk factors showed that hypertension was present in 40%, followed by smoking in 30%, dyslipidaemia in 29% and diabetes in 16%. The severity of symptoms at admission according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was score A 19%, score B14%, score C36% and score D32%. The mean follow-up period was 34.8 (±12.2) months. ASIA score at follow-up showed score A 11%, score B 3%, score C 16%, score D 67% and score E 2%. The overall mortality during the follow-up period was 5%. When used, MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) supported the diagnosis in 81% of cases. At follow-up, 71% of the patients were able to walk with or without walking aids.CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a significant role for vascular risk factors in the pathophysiology of spontaneous SCInf. In the diagnostic workup, the use of DWI along with an MRI may help in confirming the diagnosis. The findings at follow-up suggest that neurological recovery is to be expected, with the majority of patients regaining ambulation. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and underscores the necessity for further research to establish diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines.
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| 6. |
- Jensdottir, Margret, et al.
(author)
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Learning Curve Analysis and Adverse Events After Implementation of Neurosurgical Laser Ablation Treatment: A Population-Based Single-Institution Consecutive Series.
- 2023
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In: Neurosurgery clinics of North America. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-1349 .- 1042-3680. ; 34:2, s. 259-267
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We conducted a retrospective review of the first 30 patients treated with stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) at our institution since the introduction of the technique in September 2019. We aimed to analyze our initial results and potential learning curve by investigating precision and lesion coverage and assessing the frequency and nature of adverse events according to the Landriel-Ibanez classification for neurosurgical complications.Indications were de novo gliomas (23%), recurrent gliomas (57%), and epileptogenic foci (20%). There was a trend toward improvement of lesion coverage and target deviation, and a statistically significant improvement in entry point deviation, over time. Four patients (13.3%) experienced a new neurological deficit, where three patients had transient and one patient had permanent deficits, respectively. Our results show a learning curve on precision measures over the first 30 cases. Based on our results the technique can safely be implemented at centers with experience in stereotaxy.
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| 7. |
- Jensdottir, Margret, et al.
(author)
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Standardized reporting of adverse events and functional status from the first 5 years of awake surgery for gliomas: a population-based single-institution consecutive series.
- 2022
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In: Acta neurochirurgica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0942-0940. ; 164:8, s. 1995-2008
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To report our experience and investigate frequencies of adverse events and functional status from the first 5 years of performing awake surgery for gliomas in a single-center population-based setting.We conducted a review of all patients with a glioma treated with awake surgery during the first 5 years following introduction of awake surgery at our center (February 2015 to February 2020). We assessed functional and radiological outcome, with adverse events classified according to the Landriel-Ibanez classification for neurosurgical complications, while neurological deficits were further subdivided into transient vs permanent. We sought to analyze our initial results and learning curve, as well as compare our results with literature.Forty-two patients were included. The median age was 38 years (range 18-66) and 13 (31%) were female. The indication for awake surgery was a presumed glioma in or near an eloquent area. The overall 30-day complication rate was 25 (59%), with 19 (45%) grade I complications, 3 (7%) grade II complications, and 3 (7%) grade III complications. Fifteen patients (36%) experienced transient neurological deficits, and 11 (26%) permanent neurological deficits. At 3-month follow-up, the Karnofsky Performance Score was 80 or higher for the entire cohort. The median extent of resection was 87%, with GTR achieved in 11 (26%). In search of potential learning curve difficulties, patients were divided into the 21 patients treated first (Early Group) versus the remaining 21 patients treated later (Late Group); no statistically significant difference in operating time, amount of tumor removed, or incidence of long-term postoperative neurological deficit was identified between groups. No awake surgery was aborted due to seizures. Comparison to the literature was limited by the diverse and unsystematic way in which previous studies have reported adverse events after awake craniotomy for gliomas.We provide a standardized report of adverse events and functional status following awake surgery for glioma during a single-center 5-year learning period, with similar rates of severe adverse events and functional outcome compared to literature without concerns of substantial learning curve difficulties. However, this comparison was flawed by non-standardized reporting of complications, highlighting a demand for more standardized reporting of adverse events after awake craniotomies.
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| 8. |
- Kristiansson, Helena, et al.
(author)
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Dura Management Strategies in the Surgical Treatment of Adult Chiari Type I Malformation : A Retrospective, Multicenter, Population-Based Parallel Cohort Case Series
- 2022
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In: Operative Neurosurgery. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 2332-4252 .- 2332-4260. ; 23:4, s. 304-311
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Symptomatic Chiari I malformation is treated with suboccipital decompression and C1 laminectomy. However, whether the dura should be opened (durotomy) or enlarged with a graft (duraplasty) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes in adult Chiari I malformation patients treated with duraplasty, durotomy, or without dural opening ("mini-decompression").METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter, population-based cohort study was performed of all adult patients surgically treated for a Chiari I malformation at 3 regional neurosurgical centers between 2005 and 2017. Three different dura management strategies were favored by the participating hospitals, with data stratified accordingly. The primary outcome was measured using the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS), dichotomized into favorable (CCOS >= 13) or unfavorable (CCOS <= 12). Propensity score matching was used to adjust for potential confounders in outcome comparisons.RESULTS: In total, 318 patients were included, of whom 52% were treated with duraplasty, 37% with durotomy, and 11% with mini-decompression. In total, 285 (90%) showed a favorable surgical outcome (CCOS >= 13). Duraplasty was associated with more favorable CCOS and shorter hospital stay compared with durotomy, both in unadjusted (93% vs 84%. P = .018 and 6.0 vs 8.0 days, P < .001) and adjusted analyses (92% vs 84%, P = .044 and 6.0 vs 8.0 days, P < .001). Mini-decompression was excluded from the adjusted analyses because of its small sample size.CONCLUSION: In this study of adult Chiari I malformation, posterior fossa decompression with duraplasty was associated with more favorable postoperative outcome, as determined by the CCOS, compared with posterior fossa decompression with durotomy alone.
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| 9. |
- Pietilä, Riikka, et al.
(author)
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Molecular anatomy of adult mouse leptomeninges
- 2023
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In: Neuron. - : Elsevier. - 0896-6273 .- 1097-4199. ; 111:23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Leptomeninges, consisting of the pia mater and arachnoid, form a connective tissue investment and barrier enclosure of the brain. The exact nature of leptomeningeal cells has long been debated. In this study, we iden-tify five molecularly distinct fibroblast-like transcriptomes in cerebral leptomeninges; link them to anatomically distinct cell types of the pia, inner arachnoid, outer arachnoid barrier, and dural border layer; and contrast them to a sixth fibroblast-like transcriptome present in the choroid plexus and median eminence. Newly identified transcriptional markers enabled molecular characterization of cell types responsible for adherence of arach-noid layers to one another and for the arachnoid barrier. These markers also proved useful in identifying the molecular features of leptomeningeal development, injury, and repair that were preserved or changed after traumatic brain injury. Together, the findings highlight the value of identifying fibroblast transcriptional subsets and their cellular locations toward advancing the understanding of leptomeningeal physiology and pathology.
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| 10. |
- Singh, Aman, et al.
(author)
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Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation
- 2024
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In: Acta Neurochirurgica. - : Springer. - 0001-6268 .- 0942-0940. ; 166:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia.MethodsAll individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006.ResultsIn total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified.ConclusionOccipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.
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