Directional deep brain stimulation electrodes in Parkinson's disease: meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature.

Background: Since their introduction in 2015, directional leads have practically replaced conventional leads for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Yet, the benefits of directional DBS (dDBS) over omnidirectional DBS (oDBS) remain unclear. This meta-analysis and systematic review compares the literature on dDBS and oDBS for PD.

Sendaway capillary NT-proBNP in pulmonary hypertension.

Background: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a biomarker of cardiac ventricular wall stress that is incorporated into pulmonary hypertension (PH) risk stratification models. Sendaway sampling may enable patients to perform NT-proBNP tests remotely. This UK-wide study aimed to assess the agreement of sendaway NT-proBNP with standard venous NT-proBNP and to assess the effect of delayed processing.

Directional electrodes in deep brain stimulation: Results of a survey by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

Introduction: Directional Leads (dLeads) represent a new technical tool in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and a rapidly growing population of patients receive dLeads.

Research Question: The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies(EANS) functional neurosurgery Task Force on dLeads conducted a survey of DBS specialists in Europe to evaluate their use, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Material And Methods: EANS functional neurosurgery and European Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ESSFN) members were asked to complete an online survey with 50 multiple-choice and open questions on their use of dLeads in clinical practice.

Dandy-Walker Phenotype with Brainstem Involvement: 2 Distinct Subgroups with Different Prognosis.

Background And Purpose: Although cardinal imaging features for the diagnostic criteria of the Dandy-Walker phenotype have been recently defined, there is a large range of unreported malformations among these patients. The brainstem, in particular, deserves careful attention because malformations in this region have potentially important implications for clinical outcomes. In this article, we offer detailed information on the association of brainstem dysgenesis in a large, multicentric cohort of patients with the Dandy-Walker phenotype, defining different subtypes of involvement and their potential clinical impact.