Anatomical distribution of cancer stem cells between enhancing nodule and FLAIR hyperintensity in supratentorial glioblastoma: time to recalibrate the surgical target?

It is ge nerally accepted that glioblastoma (GBM) arise from cancer stem cells (CSC); however, there is little evidence on their anatomical distribution. We investigated the expression and distribution of SOX-2-positive and CD133-positive CSCs both in the enhancing nodule (EN) of GBM and in the FLAIR hyperintensity zones on a surgical, histopathological series of 33 GBMs. The inclusion criterion was the intraoperative sampling of different tumor regions individualized, thanks to neuronavigation and positivity to intraoperative fluorescence with the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA).

High Grade Glioma Treatment in Elderly People: Is It Different Than in Younger Patients? Analysis of Surgical Management Guided by an Intraoperative Multimodal Approach and Its Impact on Clinical Outcome.

Objective: Age is considered a negative prognostic factor for High Grade Gliomas (HGGs) and many neurosurgeons remain skeptical about the benefits of aggressive treatment. New surgical and technological improvements may allow extended safe resection, with lower level of post-operative complications. This opportunity opens the unsolved question about the most appropriate HGG treatment in elderly patients.

Recurrent high-grade glioma surgery: a multimodal intraoperative protocol to safely increase extent of tumor resection and analysis of its impact on patient outcome.

Objective: No consensus exists on the best treatment for recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG), particularly in terms of surgical indications, and scant data are available on the integrated use of multiple technologies to overcome intraoperative limits and pitfalls related to artifacts secondary to previous surgery and radiotherapy. Here, the authors report on their experience with the integration of multiple intraoperative tools in recurrent HGG surgery, analyzing their pros and cons as well as their effectiveness in increasing the extent of tumor resection. In addition, they present a review of the relevant literature on this topic.

FLAIRectomy in Supramarginal Resection of Glioblastoma Correlates With Clinical Outcome and Survival Analysis: A Prospective, Single Institution, Case Series.

Background: Extent of tumor resection (EOTR) in glioblastoma surgery plays an important role in improving survival.

Objective: To analyze the efficacy, safety and reliability of fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) images used to guide glioblastoma resection (FLAIRectomy) and to volumetrically measure postoperative EOTR, which was correlated with clinical outcome and survival.

Methods: A total of 68 glioblastoma patients (29 males, mean age 65.

Pros and cons of a minimally invasive percutaneous subdural drainage system for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma under local anesthesia.

Objective: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is a common neurosurgical disease among elderly population with concomitant degenerative neurological disorders. This is a retrospective series-control analysis of prospectively collected data, aiming to show advantages and indications of a minimally invasive, percutaneous drainage system for CSH.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analyse the clinical and radiological data of a minimally invasive, percutaneous draining system (Integra ™) used in fifteen patients (Group A; mean age: 75.

Intraoperative computed tomography, navigated ultrasound, 5-amino-levulinic acid fluorescence and neuromonitoring in brain tumor surgery: overtreatment or useful tool combination?

Background: Brain tumor surgery is routinely supported by several intraoperative techniques, such as fluorescence, brain mapping and neuronavigation, which are often used independently. Efficacy of navigation is limited by the brain-shift phenomenon, particularly in cases of large or deep-sited lesions. Intraoperative imaging was introduced also to update neuronavigation data, to try and solve the brain-shift phenomenon-related pitfalls and increase overall safety.

Retro-odontoid Degenerative Pseudotumour Causing Spinal Cord Compression and Myelopathy: Current Evidence on the Role of Posterior C1-C2 Fixation in Treatment.

Background: A retro-odontoid pseudotumour compressing the spinal cord and causing myelopathy is often associated with an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. A degenerative non-inflammatory retro-odontoid pseudotumour responsible for clinically relevant spinal cord compression is a rare condition described in small clinical series and is likely associated with craniovertebral junction hypermobility or instability-like conditions. For several years, direct removal of the lesion through an anterior or lateral approach has been advocated as the best surgical option.

Spinal Arachnoiditis Ossificans: Report of Quadruple-Triggered Case.

Background: Arachnoiditis ossificans (AO) is a rare condition often associated with previous spine surgery. Here we describe a unique case of a patient affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS), presenting with progressive neurologic deterioration due to AO. We also review the literature on evaluation and management of patients suffering from AO.

Thoracic Intradural-Extramedullary Epidermoid Tumor: The Relevance for Resection of Classic Subarachnoid Space Microsurgical Anatomy in Modern Spinal Surgery. Technical Note and Review of the Literature.

Background: Intradural epidermoid tumors of the spinal cord are commonly associated with spinal cord dysraphism or invasive procedures. We report the particular relationships between spinal subarachnoid compartments and thoracic intradural-extramedullary epidermoid tumor, highlighting the relevant anatomic changes that may influence microsurgery.

Methods: A 40-year-old woman from compressive myelopathy owing to a thoracic epidermoid tumor extending from T3 to T4 and not associated with spina bifida, trauma, previous surgery, or lumbar spinal puncture underwent microsurgical excision.

Out-of-third ventricle colloid cysts: review of the literature on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of an uncommon condition, with a focus on headache.

Introduction: Colloid cysts are rare benign intracranial lesions classically described as "third ventricle colloid cysts" because of their location within the third ventricle. These lesions' clinical and diagnostic features are mainly related to intermittent or persistent obstruction of foramina of Monro causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation impairment and symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. Few reports on colloid cysts located outside the third ventricle have been published over the years.