Balloon assisted Woven endobridge deployment (BAWD): A safety and efficacy study.

Background: Balloon-assisted deployment/remodelling is a proven adjunctive technique for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, and it may be a helpful adjunct in delivering the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device.

Objective: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of balloon-assisted WEB deployment in both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in both typical and atypical locations.

Methods: Patients who underwent treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms with the BAWD technique were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database at two neurointerventional centres.

A case study of a long-term glioblastoma survivor with unmethylated and hypermutated genotype.

Effective treatments that extend survival of malignant brain tumor glioblastoma (GBM) have not changed in more than a decade; however, there exists a minority patient group (<5%) whose survival is longer than 3 yr. We herein present a case report of a long-term surviving 51-yr-old female diagnosed with a unmethylated GBM. The patient was progression-free for 23 mo.

Association Between IDH1 and IDH2 Mutations and Preoperative Seizures in Patients with Low-Grade Versus High-Grade Glioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Patients with brain tumors, particularly gliomas, commonly present with seizures. Higher incidence of seizure has been reported in low-grade gliomas and tumors located within the temporal and insular area. The association between IDH1 and IDH2 mutations with preoperative seizures in glioma and the magnitude of this association in low-grade versus high-grade gliomas are unclear.

Resumption of Antithrombotic Agents in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: The clinical decision whether and when to resume antithrombotics in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) postoperatively is limited by a lack of quality evidence exploring this topic. Our study aims to assess the available evidence of patient complication outcomes, specifically hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, following the resumption or non-resumption of antithrombotic agents postoperatively in CSDH patients already on these agents before CSDH.

Methods: We followed recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.

Gliomatosis cerebri: Prognosis based on current molecular markers.

This study aims to review the literature and identify key molecular markers affecting the prognosis of Gliomatosis cerebri (2) to evaluate the level of evidence and identify outstanding markers requiring further study. A literature search was conducted across 5 major databases using the key terms: "Molecular markers" AND "Gliomatosis cerebri" OR "diffuse astrocytoma." Critical appraisal and data presentation was performed inline with the PRISMA guidelines.

Endoscopic Endonasal versus Microsurgical Transsphenoidal Approach for Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The pituitary adenoma causing acromegaly is typically resected through a transsphenoidal approach and visualized with an operating microscope or endoscope. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the clinical efficacy of endoscopic and microsurgical approaches.

Methods: Relevant studies using either endoscopic or microscopic transsphenoidal approaches for growth hormone pituitary adenomas were identified until February 2016.

Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation techniques for metastatic spinal disease.

Objective: Surgical treatment of spinal metastasis is generally a palliative procedure. Although minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques are supposedly less morbid than open techniques, there is a lack of stratification of MIS techniques based on anticipated longevity. A simple stratification into three percutaneous surgical techniques based on modified Tokuhashi score is here proposed.

Durable thrombosis in a rat model of arteriovenous malformation treated with radiosurgery and vascular targeting.

Object: Radiosurgical treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has the significant shortcomings of being limited to lesions smaller than 3 cm in diameter and of a latency-to-cure time of up to 3 years. A possible method of overcoming these limitations is stimulation of thrombosis by using vascular targeting. Using an animal model of AVM, the authors examined the durability of the thrombosis induced by the vascular-targeting agents lipopolysaccharide and soluble tissue factor conjugate (LPS/sTF).

Molecular responses of brain endothelial cells to radiation in a mouse model.

Although most small arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are curable, over 90% of large lesions are untreatable with current surgery or radiosurgery. Endothelial cells (EC) are believed to be pivotal in the resulting vascular changes after AVM are irradiated, although their role is not fully understood. Elucidating the molecular effects of radiation on EC may allow development of new therapies that modulate the response of AVM to radiation.

Successful endovascular and surgical treatment of spinal extradural metameric arteriovenous malformation. Case report.

A report of successful combined endovascular and surgical management of an unusual case of metameric (juvenile) spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is presented. The malformation had extradural and paraspinal components, but no intradural elements. It had caused rapid neurological deterioration to near-complete paraplegia prior to treatment (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Grade C).

Intracranial haemorrhage in pregnancy.

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is a rare, yet potentially devastating event in pregnancy. There is a risk of maternal mortality or morbidity and a significant risk to the unborn child. The risk of haemorrhage increases during the third trimester and is greatest during parturition and the puerperium.

Spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme induced by radiation after treatment for Hodgkin disease. Case report.

The authors report on a 26-year-old man with a very rare case of radiation-induced intramedullary spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme, which developed several years after radiotherapy for Hodgkin disease.

Concussion clinic referral demographics and recommendations: a retrospective analysis.

Objective: To review the demographic factors, mechanism of injury and treatment recommendations for patients attending a concussion clinic in New Zealand.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of data for all patients attending a concussion clinic in a single centre over a 2-year period. Data was collected via an electronic database and written clinical records.