Thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography for the differentiation of malignant versus non-malignant intracranial space-occupying lesions in developing countries.

Background: Thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography (TI-SPECT) imaging has been used historically to distinguish malignant cerebral neoplasms from infectious etiologies.

Objectives: Our study aims to conduct a retrospective study, review existing literature, and perform meta-analysis on the use of TI-SPECT to differentiate malignant from non-malignant nervous system lesions when other advanced imaging modalities are not available, such as in resource-limited setting.

Methods: A retrospective study on the use of TI-SPECT in differentiating malignant versus non-malignant nervous system lesions was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in the Philippines.

Pituitary Adenoma in the Philippines: A Scoping Review on the Treatment Gaps, Challenges, and Current State of Care.

Background: Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumors that impose a heavy burden on patients worldwide. The local burden of disease is yet to be established due to scarcity of data. In line with this, this study aims to present the challenges and gaps in the treatment of pituitary adenomas in the Philippines.

Protocol for Safety and Efficacy of MLC901 (NeuroAiD II) in Patients With Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial (ANDROMEDA).

Background And Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of death and disability, affecting approximately 69 million individuals each year worldwide. A significant portion of TBI research has focused on treatments for neuroprotection and/or neurorecovery, with most failing to transition to successful clinical applications despite promising animal/in vitro study results. MLC901 (NeuroAiD II), with origins from a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to exhibit both neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties in in vitro and animal studies for stroke and TBI.

Intracranial Mass Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients in the Philippines: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Central nervous system involvement is commonly seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with up to 2%-10% of patients presenting with intracranial mass lesions. The management of these lesions depends largely on their etiology and their relative frequency in the local population.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with HIV and evidence of intracranial mass lesions on cranial magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography from 2007 to 2018.

Safety and Outcome of Decompressive Hemicraniectomy After Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review.

Background: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) is widely recommended as a surgical treatment for intractable increased intracranial pressure after malignant cerebral infarction. Many patients given recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) develop cerebral edema after reperfusion or failed recanalization. However, the safety and efficacy of DH after rtPA administration remain largely unknown.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy without clot evacuation in spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage: A systematic review.

Objective: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) effectively alleviates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Its role in the management of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) however remains uncertain. This study aims to review the efficacy and safety of DH without clot evacuation in SICH.

Underutilization of epilepsy surgery in ASEAN countries.

Purpose: This survey was performed to determine the availability of epilepsy surgery, and understand the limiting factors to epilepsy surgery in ASEAN countries with total of 640 million population.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was completed by national representatives in all ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).

Results: Overall facilities for initial epilepsy pre-surgical evaluation are available in most countries, but further non-invasive and invasive investigations are limited.