Diagnostic approach, therapeutic strategies, and surgical indications in intradural thoracic disc herniation associated with CSF leak, intracranial hypotension, and CNS superficial siderosis.

Background And Purpose: Intradural disc herniation (IDH) can manifest with radicular or medullary syndrome. In about 15% of cases, IDH may be responsible, through a dural laceration, for a CSF leak, determining spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and CNS superficial siderosis (CNSss). This paper attempts to present an overview on IDH as the cause for both CSF leak, and subsequent SIH, and CNSss, and to describe a peculiar clinical and neuroradiological scenario related to this condition.

Stem cell transplantation for ischemic stroke.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with very large healthcare and social costs, and a strong demand for alternative therapeutic approaches. Preclinical studies have shown that stem cells transplanted into the brain can lead to functional improvement. However, to date, evidence for the benefits of stem cell transplantation in people with ischemic stroke is lacking.

The role of clinical and neuroimaging features in the diagnosis of CADASIL.

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common familial cerebral small vessel disease, caused by NOTCH3 gene mutations. The aim of our study was to identify clinical and neuroradiological features which would be useful in identifying which patients presenting with lacunar stroke and TIA are likely to have CADASIL.

Methods: Patients with lacunar stroke or TIA were included in the present study.

Stem cell transplantation for ischemic stroke.

Background: Studies in animal models of ischemic stroke have shown that stem cells transplanted into the brain can lead to functional improvement. However, to date, evidence for the benefits of stem cell transplantation in ischemic stroke patients is lacking.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of stem cell transplantation compared with conventional treatments in patients with ischemic stroke.