The adjustable proGAV shunt: a prospective safety and reliability multicenter study.

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of the gravitation-assisted adjustable proGAV shunt system with a prospective multicenter study conducted in 10 German hospitals.

Methods: Enrollment for this observational study began in April 2005 and concluded in February 2006. The protocol required re-examinations 3 and 6 months postoperatively and fixed the endpoint of follow-up at 12 months after implantation.

Treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic arterial stenoses with a balloon-expandable cobalt chromium stent (Coroflex Blue): procedural safety, efficacy, and midterm patency.

Introduction: We evaluated the coronary balloon-expandable cobalt chromium stent Coroflex Blue for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic arterial stenoses (IAAS).

Methods: Between March 2007 and October 2007, a total of 25 patients (20 male, age median 67 years) with 30 IAAS underwent endovascular treatment using Coroflex Blue stents (B. Braun, Germany).

Bony fusion through an empty cervical disc interspace implant.

Objective: Today most cervical intervertebral implants (cages) have at least one cranio-caudal hole which can be filled to facilitate bony fusion. Whether this should be done or not remains a matter of debate. The assessment of bony fusion remains difficult, especially in titanium implants.

Anterior cervical spinal fusion with the Intromed ZWE System: preliminary experience.

The implantation of a spacer is common practice after ventral discectomy in the cervical spine. Besides bone or bone cement (Palacos, Sulfix, and Allofix), the surgeon has the choice of a variety of factory-made implants (cages). We report on our experience with the Intromed ZWE [Zwischenwirbel-Ersatzsystem (Intervertebral Replacement System)] implant.

PMMA versus titanium cage after anterior cervical discectomy - a prospective randomized trial.

Introduction: Nonautologous interbody fusion materials are utilised in increasing numbers after anterior cervical disc surgery to overcome the problem of donor site morbidity of autologous bone grafts. This study investigates the performance of two nonautologous materials, the bone cement Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and titanium cages. This prospective randomised trial, with assessment of the results by an independent observer, evaluates whether a Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer or a titanium cage provides a better fusion rate around the implant and a better clinical outcome.

Reconstruction of large defects on the scalp and forehead as an interdisciplinary challenge: experience in the management of 39 cases.

Aims: To describe options and indications for different surgical reconstruction techniques after resection of large skin tumours on the scalp taking into account an interdisciplinary approach of cranio-maxillofacial surgeon, dermatologist, and neurosurgeon, and to evaluate complications and postoperative outcome.

Patients And Methods: From a total of 39 patients with large skin tumour resections on the scalp and/or the forehead, treated between January 01, 1995 and June 30, 2005, a number of 42 surgical reconstructions were performed. The medical histories, the surgical treatment, postoperative complications, follow-up and outcome were evaluated.

Frequency of unexpected and important histopathological findings in routine intervertebral disc surgery.

Object: The value of routine histopathological examination of intervertebral disc tissue has been questioned, but sufficient numbers of studies have yet to be conducted to provide a definitive sense of its importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and frequency of unexpected histopathological findings in intervertebral disc surgery.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective examination of consecutive surgical specimens obtained in patients with benign indication for discectomy at four neurosurgical centers.

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation causing progressive Brown-Séquard syndrome.

We report a 59-year-old woman with a 2.5 year history of progressive loss of temperature sensation and dysesthesia in the right and weakness in the contralateral lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography myelography of the spinal cord demonstrated transdural herniation and deformation of the spinal cord in the upper thoracic spine.

[Primary central nervous system lymphoma as a neurological manifestation of AIDS stage].

In patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is over 100 times greater than with noninfected persons. Primary central nervous system lymphoma as a complication of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs in up to 2.4% of all cases and is strongly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus.

CNTF and its receptor subunits in human gliomas.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes the survival of various neuronal cell populations. It is produced by astrocytes and influences the development and differentiation of glial cells. CNTF and related neuropoietic cytokines affect growth and differentiation of various neoplasms.

[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in AIDS. Overview and retrospective analysis of 17 patients].

We describe retrospectively the course of 17 AIDS patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and give a review of their clinical symptoms and survival times. The relative frequency of PML in our cohort of AIDS patients was 2.6%.

Craniocervical artery dissection: MR imaging and MR angiographic findings.

Dissection of the carotid and vertebral arteries is a not so uncommon cause of stroke and has to be considered as a differential diagnosis especially in younger patients. Therapeutic and prognostic implications are different from those in extracranial atherosclerotic disease. Dissection results from hemorrhage into the vessel wall usually between the layers of the media.

Surgical management of intraosseous skull base tumors with aid of Operating Arm System.

Invasion of bone and critical neurovascular structures often impedes complete resection of intraosseous skull base neoplasms, and these lesions tend to recur unless all infiltrated bone is removed. Evolving experience with image guidance over the past few years indicates the potential value of neuronavigation in skull base lesions diffusely infiltrating or fixed to bone structures. We report our early experience with the Radionics Operating Arm System (OAS), specifically emphasizing its utility as an adjunct in the treatment of intraosseous skull base tumors, mainly meningiomas.

Intracranial metastasis of a spinal myxopapillary ependymoma. A case report.

A 37-year-old man exhibited a suprasellar tumor which histologically proved to be a myxopapillary ependymoma. Since these gliomas are virtually restricted to the cauda equina region, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed which revealed multiple spinal tumors. The present case seems to be the first report on spontaneous intracranial seeding of a spinal myxopapillary ependymoma.

Lumbar spinal neurinoma presenting with nocturnal pain. A case report.

Neurinomas are the most common intradural extramedullary tumors of the spine. Together with meningeoma they account for 80% to 90% of all tumors in this compartment. Radicular pain is the initial symptom in the majority of cases while motor disorders are less common and occur later in the course of the disease.

Short-term lack of cerebral perfusion with good outcome. Advantages of early intracranial pressure monitoring.

A 21-year-old man was injured by a tailboard of a truck. He suffered a severe head injury with bilateral depressed skull fractures necessitating surgical decompression. On admission to the hospital the patient showed bending to pain stimuli (Glasgow Coma Score 5).