The Role of Simpson Grading System in Spinal Meningioma Surgery: Institutional Case Series, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although its validity has recently been questioned since its introduction, the Simpson grade has remained one of the most relevant factors in estimating the recurrence risk of intracranial meningiomas. This study aims to assess its role in spinal meningiomas through a retrospective analysis of a mono-institutional surgical series and literature meta-analysis.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature from 1980 to 2023, complemented by a mono-institutional series of 74 patients treated at "Santa Maria delle Grazie" hospital.

Complex Management of Brain Metastases in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can, in rare instances, metastasize to the CNS, which is often associated with a poor prognosis. We present the case of a 65-year-old male with a history of HNSCC who developed two enhancing brain lesions: one in the right parietal region and another in the right insular region. Initially, the patient was managed with CyberKnife radiosurgery targeting both lesions.

Giant Thoracic Meningocele: A Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach with Innovative Exclusion Technique.

Thoracic meningocele is a rare medical condition that is usually linked to neurofibromatosis type I. Respiratory and neurologic symptoms characterize it. Although there have been some improvements in surgical techniques, the condition has a high recurrence rate, with most cases recurring within a year of surgery.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty as the Treatment of Choice for Multiple Adjacent Lumbar Atypical Haemangiomas: A Case Report.

Atypical vertebral haemangiomas (VHs) are uncommon lesions that cause lumbar pain and motor symptoms. Current management mainly relies on radiotherapy, surgical spine decompression, or percutaneous techniques. We describe a unique case of a patient with two adjacent lumbar VHs and an underlying lumbar fracture which was treated only by percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV).

Massive bilateral paraclinoidal subdural empyema and parenchymal temporopolar abscess with anatomical infection pathway in a chronic inhaling cocaine-addicted patient: A case report and literature review.

Background: Focal suppurative bacterial infections of the central nervous system (CNS), such as subdural empyemas and brain abscesses, can occur when bacteria enter the CNS through sinus fractures, head injuries, surgical treatment, or hematogenous spreading. Chronic cocaine inhalation abuse has been linked to intracranial focal suppurative bacterial infections, which can affect neural and meningeal structures.

Case Description: We present the case of a patient who developed a cocaine-induced midline destructive lesion, a vast bilateral paraclinoidal subdural empyema, and intracerebral right temporopolar abscess due to cocaine inhalation abuse.

Giant "Dumbbell" Thoracic Schwannoma: Radical Excision of Rare Lesion in One Surgical Time by Combined Neurosurgical and Thoracoscopic Approach.

Dumbbell-shaped schwannomas are slow-growing tumors that are typically benign lesions. They account for 6%-14% of spinal neoplasms, with 30% having intradural and extradural components. A schwannoma is considered "giant" if it extends beyond the spine by >2.

Single-Chamber Leadless Cardiac Pacemaker in Patients Without Atrial Fibrillation: Findings From Campania Leadless Registry.

Introduction: Little is known about the clinical performance of single-chamber leadless pacemaker (LLPM) in patients without atrial fibrillation (AF) as pacing indication. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients who underwent single chamber LLPM implantation at three tertiary referral centers and to compare the safety and effectiveness of the single-chamber LLPM among patients with or without AF.

Materials And Methods: All the consecutive patients who underwent LLPM implantation at three referral centers were analyzed.

Degenerative Lumbar Spine Stenosis Consensus Conference: the Italian job. Recommendations of the Spinal Section of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery.

In the modern era evidence-based medicine, guidelines and recommendations represent a key-point of daily activity. The Spinal Section of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery introduced some recommendations regarding Degenerative Lumbar Spine Stenosis based on those of the Spine Committee of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, revising them on the basis of Italian common practice. In June 2019, a Committee of 21 spine surgeons met in Rome to validate the recommendations of the WFNS.

Esophagogastric Neoplasms Following Bariatric Surgery: an Updated Systematic Review.

The risk of gastric and/or esophageal cancers after bariatric surgery has been previously discussed in literature. A systematic review was performed to identify articles published between June 2012 and December 2018 reporting new cases of esophageal or gastric cancer not included in previous systematic reviews. Ten gastric malignancies, 28 esophageal cancers, and 2 gastro-intestinal stromal tumors (GIST) were identified.

Comparison between LigaSure™ and Harmonic® in Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Single-Center Experience on 422 Patients.

Background: New laparoscopic devices, such as electrothermal bipolar-activated devices (LigaSure™ (LS)) or ultrasonic systems (Harmonic® scalpel (HS)), have been applied recently to bariatric surgery allowing to reduce blood loss and surgical risks. The aim of this study was to retrospectively compare intraoperative performance of HS and LS, postoperative results, and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing LSG.

Methods: Data from 422 morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG in our Bariatric Unit at the Advanced Biomedical Sciences Department of the "Federico II" University of Naples (Italy) between January 2009 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.

No Difference in Ghrelin-Producing Cell Expression in Obese Versus Non-obese Stomach: a Prospective Histopathological Case-Control Study.

Background: To understand the role of ghrelin in the mechanism of action of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a prospective cohort case-control study to assess the expression of ghrelin-producing cells (GPC) in two groups of patients was designed.

Methods: Specimens of resected stomach from 26 obese patients who underwent LSG (group A), were compared by immunohistochemistry to control stomach samples from 26 non-obese patients (group B) resected for other pathologies or during autopsy; (GIST: 6 cases, inflammatory diseases: 4 cases, post-mortem autopsy cases with stomachs from healthy persons victims of traumatic accidents: 16 cases). Immunohistochemistry investigation was performed with the use of Ventana Benchmark ultra, anti-ghrelin antibody NOVUS, mouse monoclonal 2F4, diluted at 1:100.

Results following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in elderly obese patients: a single center experience with follow-up at three years.

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) represents the most performed bariatric surgical procedure worldwide. Morbid Overweight in elderly patients is becoming a significant health problem even in Italy. As well as in younger age groups, bariatric surgery could be indicated even in this subset of patients.

Versatility of sub-occipital approach for foramen magnum meningiomas: a single centre experience.

Background: Foramen magnum meningiomas (FMM) represent a challenge for neurosurgeons. Multiple surgical strategies have been reported to treat these lesions in their variable location. Contemporary technical innovations allow the utilization of common sub-occipital craniotomy to treat ventrally, ventro-laterally and dorsally located FMMs.

Combined intra-extradural approach for posterolateral thoracic disk herniations. Preliminary study and technical note.

Unlabelled: Purpose Thoracic disk herniation is uncommon. It still represents a challenge for spinal surgeons. Multiple surgical strategies are available and, often, they are matter of debate.

Balloon kyphoplasty for pure traumatic thoracolumbar fractures: retrospective analysis of 61 cases focusing on restoration of vertebral height.

Purpose: The literature concerning the use of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) for pure traumatic fractures is unclear. We report our experience about the treatment of a specific subgroup of traumatic vertebral fractures (AOSpine type A) with BKP through a retrospective analysis.

Methods: Sixty-one patients affected by AOSpine type A traumatic fractures of the thoracolumbar spine underwent BKP at our institution (2004-2008): 26 males and 35 females; mean age 52 ± 15 (18-75) years.

Spontaneous intracranial extradural haematoma associated with frontal sinusitis and orbital involvement.

Intracranial extradural hematoma is usually traumatic. Rarely, it can occur spontaneously associated with coagulative disorders (spontaneous or iatrogenic), dural vascular malformation, cranio-facial tumors and infections. In these cases, spontaneous extradural hematoma (SEH) is a serious event that needs to be recognized and managed in time to avoid fatal outcome.

Spontaneous intraparenchymal tension pneumocephalus triggered by compulsive forceful nose blowing.

The case is described of a 50-year-old man, treated for 10 years in an outpatient psychiatric clinic for an obsessive compulsive disorder, who presented with acute loss of consciousness after forceful nose blowing. A CT scan revealed an intraparenchymal air collection with tension signs in the left frontal lobe and a bone defect in the roof of the ethmoid sinus. After emergency left frontal craniotomy and dura opening, the gaseous collection was evacuated by a ventricular catheter inserted into the brain and the bone defect was repaired with pericranium flap and muscle.

Double concentric craniotomy for a craniocerebral penetrating nail. Case report and technical note.

Background: Craniocerebral penetrating injuries from nail-gun accidents are rare and usually are discovered immediately after the trauma. Several surgical procedures have been described to extract a foreign body that is infixed in the skull and has penetrated the surrounding structures; blind extraction, craniectomy, and craniotomy.

Case Description: We report the case of a 25-year-old ex-carpenter who presented with jacksonian seizure at the left limb.

Anaplastic oligodendroglioma presenting with drop metastases in the cauda equina.

Metastatic involvement of the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) pathway in oligodendrogliomas is not uncommon; however, symptomatic involvement of the spinal cord is very rare: less of 10 cases have been published. To our knowledge, an intracranial oligodendroglioma presenting with symptoms of drop metastases in the cauda equina has never been reported. We report a case of 67-year-old woman who after 1 month of severe low back and legs pain developed symptoms of raised intracranial pressure.

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts of the spine. Report of three cases.

Neurenteric spinal cysts are infrequently occurring dysraphic lesions that are caused by persistent or abnormal communication among neuroectoderm, notochord, and endoderm. They are generally located at the intradural, extramedullary compartment of the low cervical or upper spinal canal. They occur primarily in infants and in young adults in combination with other congenital abnormalities.