Automatic Image Registration Provides Superior Accuracy Compared with Surface Matching in Cranial Navigation.

Objective: The precision of neuronavigation systems relies on the correct registration of the patient's position in space and aligning it with radiological 3D imaging data. Registration is usually performed by the acquisition of anatomical landmarks or surface matching based on facial features. Another possibility is automatic image registration using intraoperative imaging.

Health-related quality of life in surgically treated asymptomatic meningioma patients: A population-based matched cohort study.

Background: Asymptomatic patients with meningiomas are increasingly detected, where management can be challenging in terms of surgery versus watchful waiting. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important factor in clinical decision-making, albeit not greatly studied in this patient group. The aim of this paper is to map the HRQoL among patients with surgically removed asymptomatic meningioma as compared to the general population.

Critical thresholds of long-pressure reactivity index and impact of intracranial pressure monitoring methods in traumatic brain injury.

Background: Moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a global mortality rate of about 30%, resulting in acquired life-long disabilities in many survivors. To potentially improve outcomes in this TBI population, the management of secondary injuries, particularly the failure of cerebrovascular reactivity (assessed via the pressure reactivity index; PRx, a correlation between intracranial pressure (ICP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)), has gained interest in the field. However, derivation of PRx requires high-resolution data and expensive technological solutions, as calculations use a short time-window, which has resulted in it being used in only a handful of centers worldwide.

The use of advanced technology for preoperative planning in cranial surgery - A survey by the EANS Young Neurosurgeons Committee.

Introduction: Technological advancements provided several preoperative tools allowing for precise preoperative planning in cranial neurosurgery, aiming to increase the efficacy and safety of surgery. However, little data are available regarding if and how young neurosurgeons are trained in using such technologies, how often they use them in clinical practice, and how valuable they consider these technologies.

Research Question: How frequently these technologies are used during training and clinical practice as well as to how their perceived value can be qualitatively assessed.

[Treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage - An overview].

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) carries the highest mortality and morbidity of all stroke types. Although small vessel disease accounts for the majority of ICH, there is a broad spectrum of other etiologies. Modern imaging techniques are a cornerstone of the work-up process.

Long-term follow up of patients with WHO grade 2 oligodendroglioma.

Purpose: Since the introduction of the molecular definition of oligodendrogliomas based on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-status and the 1p19q-codeletion, it has become increasingly evident how this glioma entity differs much from other diffuse lower grade gliomas and stands out with longer survival and often better responsiveness to adjuvant therapy. Therefore, apart from using a molecular oligodendroglioma definition, an extended follow-up time is necessary to understand the nature of this slow growing, yet malignant condition. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term course of the oligodendroglioma disease in a population-based setting and to determine which factors affect outcome in terms of survival.

Higher Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Specific IgG Antibody Levels in Plasma Samples from Patients with Metastatic Brain Tumors Are Associated with Longer Survival.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in tissue samples from patients with glioblastoma but little is known about the systemic immunological response to HCMV in these patients. To investigate the presence and clinical significance of HCMV antibodies levels in plasma samples obtained from patients with brain tumors. HCMV-specific IgG and IgM antibody levels were determined in 59 plasma samples collected from brain tumor patients included in a prospective study and in 114 healthy individuals.

Effect of Disulfiram and Copper Plus Chemotherapy vs Chemotherapy Alone on Survival in Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Disulfiram has demonstrated broad antitumoral effect in several preclinical studies. One of the proposed indications is for the treatment of glioblastoma.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of disulfiram and copper as add-on to alkylating chemotherapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Learning Curve Analysis and Adverse Events After Implementation of Neurosurgical Laser Ablation Treatment: A Population-Based Single-Institution Consecutive Series.

Objective And Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the first 30 patients treated with stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) at our institution since the introduction of the technique in September 2019. We aimed to analyze our initial results and potential learning curve by investigating precision and lesion coverage and assessing the frequency and nature of adverse events according to the Landriel-Ibanez classification for neurosurgical complications.

Results: Indications were de novo gliomas (23%), recurrent gliomas (57%), and epileptogenic foci (20%).

[Neurosurgery still pivotal in the diagnostics and treatment of brain tumor patients].

Treatment of adult patients with brain tumors is a multi-disciplinary effort involving several medical disciplines: neurosurgery, oncology, neurology, neuropathology, neuroradiology, and rehabilitation medicine. While the brain tumor field has gone through vast diagnostical changes during the last decade, the hopes of similar achievements in the systemic treatment of these patients with new methods have so far not been fulfilled. As such, neurosurgery still has a pivotal role in the diagnostics and treatment of brain tumor patients.

Laser interstitial thermal therapy using the Leksell Stereotactic System and a diagnostic MRI suite: how I do it.

Background: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a stereotactic neurosurgical procedure used to treat neoplastic and epileptogenic lesions in the brain. A variety of advanced technological instruments such as frameless navigation systems, robotics, and intraoperative MRI are often described in this context, although the surgical procedure can also be performed using a standard stereotactic setup and a diagnostic MRI suite.

Methods: We report on our experience and a surgical technique using a Leksell stereotactic frame and a diagnostic MRI suite to perform LITT.

Stockholm score of lesion detection on computed tomography following mild traumatic brain injury (SELECT-TBI): study protocol for a multicentre, retrospective, observational cohort study.

Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common reasons for emergency department (ED) visits. A portion of patients with mTBI will develop an intracranial lesion that might require medical or surgical intervention. In these patients, swift diagnosis and management is paramount.

Effect of Irrigation Fluid Temperature on Recurrence in the Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The effect of a physical property of irrigation fluid (at body vs room temperature) on recurrence rate in the evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) needs further study.

Objective: To explore whether irrigation fluid temperature has an influence on cSDH recurrence.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This was a multicenter randomized clinical trial performed between March 16, 2016, and May 30, 2020.

Long-Term Functional Outcome and Quality of Life After Surgical Evacuation of Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Results from a Swedish Nationwide Cohort.

Objective: To investigate long-term survival, neurologic outcome, and quality of life in patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treated with craniotomy and hematoma evacuation.

Methods: A nationwide multicenter retrospective analysis of 341 patients who underwent craniotomy and evacuation of supratentorial ICH between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, was performed. Baseline characteristics associated with 6-month mortality and long-term mortality were investigated.

Transformation of neurosurgical training from "see one, do one, teach one" to AR/VR & simulation - A survey by the EANS Young Neurosurgeons.

Introduction: Modern technologies are increasingly applied in neurosurgical resident training. To date, no data are available regarding how frequently these are used in the training of neurosurgeons, and what the perceived value of this technology is.

Research Question: The aim was to benchmark the objective as well as subjective experience with modern- and conventional training technologies.

Surgical outcomes of pediatric brain tumors in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review.

Background: Pediatric Brain Tumors (PBT) are a common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Contrary to high-income countries (HIC), survival rates in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) remains low despite advances in neurosurgical care and diagnostics over the past decades. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the surgical outcomes for PBT in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the distribution of PBT types.

The association of patient age with postoperative morbidity and mortality following resection of intracranial tumors.

Introduction: The postoperative functional status of patients with intracranial tumors is influenced by patient-specific factors, including age.

Research Question: This study aimed to elucidate the association between age and postoperative morbidity or mortality following the resection of brain tumors.

Material And Methods: A multicenter database was retrospectively reviewed.

Time Course and Clinical Significance of Hematoma Expansion in Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Preventing intracranial hematoma expansion has been advertised as a possible treatment opportunity in traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the time course of hematoma expansion, and whether the expansion affects outcome, remains poorly understood. In light of this, the aim of this study was to use 3D volume rendering to determine how traumatic intracranial hematomas expand over time and evaluate its impact on outcome.

Percutaneously inserted ventriculo-ureteral shunt as a salvage treatment in paediatric hydrocephalus: a technical note.

Background: Hydrocephalus is a challenge for paediatric neurosurgeons. When the abdominal cavity and heart fail as diversion sites for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), many of the otherwise used alternative diversion sites are not feasible due to the smaller physical body size of children and infants. Using the urinary system as a site of diversion has been described in adults primarily.

Dura Management Strategies in the Surgical Treatment of Adult Chiari Type I Malformation: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Population-Based Parallel Cohort Case Series.

Background: Symptomatic Chiari I malformation is treated with suboccipital decompression and C1 laminectomy. However, whether the dura should be opened (durotomy) or enlarged with a graft (duraplasty) remains unclear.

Objective: To compare outcomes in adult Chiari I malformation patients treated with duraplasty, durotomy, or without dural opening ("mini-decompression").

Loss of H3K27me3 in WHO grade 3 meningioma.

Immunohistochemical quantification of H3K27me3 was reported to distinguish meningioma patients with an unfavorable prognosis but is not yet established as a prognostic biomarker within WHO grade 3 meningiomas. We studied H3K27me3 loss in a series of biopsies from primary and secondary malignant meningioma to validate its prognostic performance and describe if loss of H3K27me3 occurs during malignant transformation. Two observers quantified H3K27me3 status as "complete loss", < 50% and > 50% stained cells in 110 tumor samples from a population-based consecutive cohort of 40 WHO grade 3 meningioma patients.