Biomedical subjects

Matthew J McGirt

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew J McGirt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Adjustable vs set-pressure valves decrease the risk of proximal shunt obstruction in the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus.

INTRODUCTION: The use of programmable shunt valves has increased dramatically in the practice of pediatric hydrocephalus. Despite theoretical advantages, it remains unclear if the use of programmable vs set-pressure valves affects shunt outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological records of all pediatric patients undergoing ventriculoperitoneal (VP), ventriculopleural (VPl), and ventriculoatrial (VA) shunt surgery from 2001 to 2004 at an academic institution were reviewed. The association of programmable vs set-pressure valves with subsequent shunt revision was assessed by Kaplan-Meier shunt survival plots and log-rank analysis. RESULTS: A total of 279 VP, VPl, and VA shunt surgeries were performed on patients with median (interquartile range) age of 4 (1-14) years (161 male, 118 female; 158 communicating, 122 obstructive hydrocephalus). Programmable valves were used in 76 (27%) cases and set-pressure valves in 203 (73%). At mean+/-SD follow-up of 17 +/- 13 months, programmable vs set-pressure valves were associated with reduced risk of both overall shunt revision [26 (35%) vs 109 (54%); relative risk (RR) (95% CI); 0.61 (0.41-0.91), p = 0.016] and proximal obstruction [9 (12%) vs 58 (28%); RR (95% CI); 0.39 (0.27-0.80), p = 0.006]. There was no difference in distal obstruction [3 (4%) vs 11 (5%) cases], infection [6 (8%) vs 12 (6%) cases], valve obstruction [0 (0%) vs 4 (2%)], or shunt disconnection [2 (3%) vs 1 (1%)] between adjustable and set-pressure valves, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experience, the use of programmable vales was associated with a decreased risk of proximal shunt obstruction and shunt revision. Programmable valves may be preferred in patients frequently experiencing proximal shunt failure. A prospective, controlled study is warranted to evaluate the potential value of adjustable vs set-pressure valve systems.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Systemic administration of simvastatin after the onset of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage attenuates cerebral vasospasm.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental evidence suggests that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mediated leukocyte extravasation contributes to the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm. Simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, decreases intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and competitively inhibits leukocyte intercellular adhesion molecule-1 binding. We hypothesized that administration of simvastatin after the onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) would attenuate perivascular granulocyte migration and ameliorate cerebral vasospasm in a rabbit model of SAH. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) underwent injection of autologous blood into the cisterna magna or sham surgery followed by subcutaneous injection of simvastatin (40 mg/kg) or vehicle 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after SAH or sham surgery. Seventy-two hours later, basilar artery lumen diameter was measured by in situ perfusion/fixation and image analysis. CD-18 monoclonal antibody stained perivascular granulocytes and macrophages were counted under light microscopy. RESULTS: In vehicle treated rabbits, mean +/- standard deviation basilar artery diameter was reduced 3 days after SAH (n = 5) versus sham (n = 5) rabbits (0.49 +/- 0.08 mm versus 0.75 +/- 0.03 mm, P < 0.01). After SAH, mean +/- standard deviation basilar artery diameter was greater in simvastatin (n = 5) treated rabbits versus vehicle (n = 5) (0.63 +/- 0.04 mm versus 0.49 +/- 0.08 mm, P < 0.01). In vehicle treated rabbits, SAH resulted in an increase in the mean +/- standard deviation perivascular CD18 cell count (sham-vehicle, 2.8 +/- 2; SAH-vehicle 90 +/- 27; P < 0.01). Subcutaneous administration of simvastatin attenuated this increase in perivascular CD18-positive cells after SAH (SAH statin, 41.6 +/- 13; SAH vehicle, 90 +/- 27; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous administration of simvastatin after the onset of SAH attenuates perivascular granulocyte migration and ameliorates basilar artery vasospasm after experimental SAH in rabbits. 5-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, such as simvastatin, may potentially serve as agents in the prevention of cerebral vasospasm after SAH.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Hyperglycemia independently increases the risk of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, and death after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that hyperglycemia lowers the neuronal ischemic threshold, potentiates stroke volume in focal ischemia, and is associated with morbidity and mortality in the surgical critical care setting. It remains unknown whether hyperglycemia during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) predisposes patients to perioperative stroke and operative related morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The clinical and radiological records of all patients undergoing CEA and operative day glucose measurement from 1994 to 2004 at an academic institution were reviewed and 30-day outcomes were assessed. The independent association of operative day glucose before CEA and perioperative morbidity and mortality were assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and one patients with a mean age of 72 +/- 10 years (748 men, 453 women) underwent CEA (676 asymptomatic, 525 symptomatic). Overall, stroke occurred in 46 (3.8%) patients, transient ischemic attack occurred in 19 (1.6%), myocardial infarction occurred in 19 (1.6%), and death occurred in 17 (1.4%). Increasing operative day glucose was independently associated with perioperative stroke or transient ischemic attack (Odds ratio [OR], 1.005; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.01; P = 0.03), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.004-1.016; P = 0.017), and death (OR, 1.007; 95% CI, 1.00-1.015; P = 0.04). Patients with operative day glucose greater than 200 mg/dl were 2.8-fold, 4.3-fold, and 3.3-fold more likely to experience perioperative stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.37-5.67; P = 0.005), myocardial infarction (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.28-14.4; P = 0.018), or death (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 1.07-10.1; P = 0.037), respectively. Median and interquartile range length of hospitalization was greater for patients with operative day glucose greater than 200 mg/dl (4 d [interquartile range, 2-15 d] versus 3 d [interquartile range, 2-7 d]; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Independent of previous cardiac disease, diabetes, or other comorbidities, hyperglycemia at the time of CEA was associated with an increased risk of perioperative stroke or transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, and death. Strict glucose control should be attempted before surgery to minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality after CEA.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Relationship of cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging with outcome after decompression for Chiari I malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients with symptomatic Chiari I malformations experience symptom recurrence after surgical decompression. Identification of predictors of outcome is needed to better select patients most likely to benefit from surgical intervention. We examined whether or not cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics assessed by cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging could independently predict response to posterior fossa decompression for Chiari I malformations. METHODS: Pre- and postoperative CSF flow dynamics were assessed by cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging in 130 consecutive patients receiving posterior fossa decompression for a Chiari I malformation between 1997 and 2003. CSF flow was classified as "abnormal" if biphasic flow was either absent or decreased through the aqueduct, fourth ventricle and its outlets, the foramen magnum, or ventral or dorsal to the cervical spinal cord. If no evidence of decreased flow was noted, CSF flow was classified as "normal." The association between preoperative CSF flow dynamics, all recorded variables, and long-term outcome was assessed using multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: All patients had tonsil herniation more than 5 mm below the foramen magnum (average, 11 +/- 5 mm). Abnormal hindbrain CSF flow was observed in 81% of patients (43% complete obstruction, 38% reduced flow). Normal CSF flow was observed in 19% of patients. In multivariate analysis, patients with normal preoperative hindbrain CSF flow were 4.8-fold more likely to experience symptom recurrence after surgery (relative risk, 4.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-12.5; P < 0.001) regardless of degree of tonsillar ectopia or presence of syringomyelia. Isolated frontal headache (relative risk, 4.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-9.8; P < 0.05) and scoliosis (relative risk, 9.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-10.5; P < 0.001) also were independent risk factors for symptom recurrence. CONCLUSION: Normal preoperative hindbrain CSF flow was an independent risk factor for treatment failure after decompression for Chiari I malformation regardless of the degree of tonsillar ectopia. Cine phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging may be a valuable tool in identifying patients who are less likely to respond to surgical decompression for Chiari I malformation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Frameless image-guided stereotactic brain biopsy procedure: diagnostic yield, surgical morbidity, and comparison with the frame-based technique.

OBJECT: The gold standard for stereotactic brain biopsy target localization has been frame-based stereotaxy. Recently, frameless stereotactic techniques have become increasingly utilized. Few authors have evaluated this procedure, analyzed preoperative predictors of diagnostic yield, or explored the differences in diagnostic yield and morbidity rate between the frameless and frame-based techniques. METHODS: A consecutive series of 110 frameless and 160 frame-based image-guided stereotactic biopsy procedures was reviewed. Associated variables for both techniques were reviewed and compared. All stereotactic biopsy procedures were included in a risk factor analysis of nondiagnostic biopsy sampling. Frameless stereotaxy led to a diagnostic yield of 89%, with a total permanent morbidity rate of 6% and a mortality rate of 1%. Larger lesions were fivefold more likely to yield diagnostic tissues. Deep-seated lesions were 2.7-fold less likely to yield diagnostic tissues compared with cortical lesions. Frameless compared with frame-based stereotactic biopsy procedures showed no significant differences in diagnostic yield or transient or permanent morbidity. For cortical lesions, more than one needle trajectory was required more frequently to obtain diagnostic tissues with frame-based as opposed to frameless stereotaxy, although this factor was not associated with morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: With regard to diagnostic yield and complication rate, the frameless stereotactic biopsy procedure was found to be comparable to or better than the frame-based method. Smaller and deep-seated lesions together were risk factors for a nondiagnostic tissue yield. Frameless stereotaxy may represent a more efficient means of obtaining biopsy specimens of cortical lesions but is otherwise similar to the frame-based technique.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Risk of cerebral vasopasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage reduced by statin therapy: A multivariate analysis of an institutional experience.

OBJECT: Impairment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), endothelium-dependent relaxation, and cerebrovascular autoregulation all occur in vasospastic cerebral arteries following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, both improve endothelial function and increase eNOS messenger RNA, protein, and enzymatic activity threefold. Increasing experimental evidence in animal models of SAH suggests that statins may ameliorate cerebral vasospasm. The authors hypothesized that patients chronically treated with statins would have a decreased risk of symptomatic vasospasm after SAH. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 115 patients with SAH who were consecutively admitted to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit of Duke University between 1998 and 2001. The independent association of statin therapy to symptomatic vasospasm was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Fifteen patients (13%) admitted with SAH were receiving statin therapy for at least 1 month before admission. Forty-nine patients (43%) experienced symptomatic vasospasm a mean of 5.8 +/- 3 days after onset of SAH. Current statin therapy on admission (odds ratio [OR] 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.77) was independently associated with an 11-fold reduction in the risk of symptomatic vasospasm. Fisher Grade 3 SAH (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.50-5.71) and rupture of anterior cerebral or internal carotid artery aneurysm (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.29-10.91) were independently associated with an increased risk of symptomatic vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective case series, patients who received statin therapy for at least 1 month demonstrated an 11-fold decrease in the risk of developing symptomatic vasospasm after SAH.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Preoperative imaging of cervical spine hemangioblastomas using three-dimensional fusion digital subtraction angiography. Report of two cases.

Angiography is often performed to identify the vascular supply of hemangioblastomas prior to resection. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) digital subtraction (DS) angiography and three-dimensional (3D) DS angiography provides high-resolution images of the vascular structures associated with these lesions. However, such 3D DS angiography often does not provide reliable anatomical information about nearby osseous structures, or when it does, resolution of vascular anatomy in the immediate vicinity of bone is sacrificed. A novel angiographic reconstruction algorithm was recently developed at The Johns Hopkins University to overcome these inadequacies. By combining two separate sequences of images of bone and blood vessels in a single 3D representation, 3D fusion DS (FDS) angiography provides precise topographic information about vascular lesions in relation to the osseous environment, without a loss of resolution. In this paper, the authors present the cases of two patients with cervical spine hemangioblastomas who underwent preoperative evaluation with FDS angiography and then successful gross-total resection of their tumors. In both cases, FDS angiography provided high-resolution 3D images of the hemangioblastoma anatomy, including each tumor's topographic relationship with adjacent osseous structures and the location and size of feeding arteries and draining veins. These cases provide evidence that FDS angiography represents a useful adjunct to magnetic resonance imaging and 2D DS angiography in the preoperative evaluation and surgical planning of patients with vascular lesions in an osseous environment, such as hemangioblastomas in the spinal cord.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Simvastatin reduces vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: results of a pilot randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasospasm remains a major source of morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We demonstrate that simvastatin reduces serum markers of brain injury and attenuates vasospasm after SAH. METHODS: Patients with angiographically documented aneurysmal SAH were randomized within 48 hours of symptom onset to receive either simvastatin (80 mg daily; n=19) or placebo (n=20) for 14 days. Plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine phosphokinase were recorded weekly to evaluate laboratory evidence of hepatitis or myositis. Serum markers of brain injury were recorded daily. The primary end point of vasospasm was defined as clinical impression (delayed ischemic deficit not associated with rebleed, infection, or hydrocephalus) in the presence of > or =1 confirmatory radiographic test (angiography or transcranial Doppler demonstrating mean V(MCA) >160 m/sec). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in laboratory-defined transaminitis or myositis between groups. No patients developed clinical symptoms of myopathy or hepatitis. Plasma von Willebrand factor and S100beta were decreased 3 to 10 days after SAH (P<0.05) in patients receiving simvastatin versus placebo. Highest mean middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler velocities were significantly lower in the simvastatin-treated group (103+/-41 versus 149+/-47; P<0.01). In addition, vasospasm was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the simvastatin-treated group (5 of 19) compared with those who received placebo (12 of 20). CONCLUSIONS: The use of simvastatin as prophylaxis against delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal SAH is a safe and well-tolerated intervention. Its use attenuates serum markers associated with brain injury and decreases the incidence of radiographic vasospasm and delayed ischemic deficit.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Baseline neuropsychological profile and cognitive response to cerebrospinal fluid shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neurocognitive changes and predict neurocognitive outcome after ventriculoperitoneal shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). BACKGROUND: Reports of neurocognitive response to shunting have been variable and studies that predict cognitive outcomes after shunting are limited. We reviewed our experience with cognitive outcomes for INPH patients who were selected for shunting based on abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure monitoring and positive response in any of the NPH symptoms following large volume CSF drainage. METHODS: Forty-two INPH patients underwent neurocognitive testing and Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) prior to shunting. Neurocognitive testing or MMSEwere performed at least 3 months after shunt insertion. Significant improvement in a neurocognitive subtest was defined as improvement by one standard deviation (1 SD) for the patient's age, sex and education level. Significant improvement in overall neurocognitive outcome was defined as a 4-point improvement in MMSE or improvement by 1 SD in 50% of the administered neurocognitive subtests. Nonparametric tests were used to assess changes. Predictors of outcome were assessed via logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (52.3%) showed overall neurocognitive improvement, and significant improvement was seen in tests of verbal memory and psychomotor speed. Predictive analysis showed that patients scoring more than 1 SD below mean at baseline on verbal memory immediate recall were fourfold less likely to show overall cognitive improvement, and sixfold less likely if also associated with visuoconstructional deficit or executive dysfunction. Verbal memory scores at baseline were higher in patients who showed overall cognitive improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Shunting INPH patients on the basis of CSF pressure monitoring and drainage response shows a significant rate of cognitive improvement, and baseline neurocognitive test scores may distinguish patients likely to respond to shunt surgery from those who will not.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Frameless stereotactic ventricular shunt placement for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting effectively reverses symptoms of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts have traditionally been used in patients with IIH due to a frequently undersized ventricular system. However, the advent of image-guided stereotaxis has enabled effective ventricular catheter placement in patients with IIH. We describe the first large series of frameless stereotactic ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting for patients with slit ventricles and IIH. METHODS: We describe the frameless stereotactic VP shunting technique for IIH in 32 procedures. Outcomes following shunt placement, time to shunt failure, and etiology of shunt failure are reported. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients underwent 32 ventricular shunting procedures (20 VP, 10 ventriculoatrial, 2 ventriculopleural). One hundred percent of shunts were successfully placed into slit ventricles, all requiring only one pass of the catheter under stereotactic guidance to achieve the desired location and CSF flow. There were no procedure-related complications and each ventricular catheter showed rapid egress of CSF. All (100%) patients experienced significant improvement of headache immediately after shunting. Ten percent of ventricular shunts failed at 3 months after insertion, 20% failed by 6 months, 50% failed by 12 months, and 60% failed by 24 months. Shunt revision was due to distal obstruction in 67%, overdrainage in 20%, and distal catheter migration or CSF leak in 6.5%. There were no shunt revisions due to proximal catheter obstruction or shunt infection. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience treating patients with IIH, frameless stereotactic ventricular CSF shunts were extremely effective at treating IIH-associated intractable headache, and continued to provide relief in nearly half of patients 2 years after shunting without many of the shunt-related complications that are seen with LP shunts. Placing ventricular shunts using image-guided stereotaxis in patients with IIH despite the absence of ventriculomegaly is an effective, safe treatment option.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Surgical reversal of prolonged blindness from a metastatic neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Reports of tumor-related anterior visual pathway blindness that have resolved after surgical decompression are rare. The longest reported duration of tumor-related blindness completely reversed by optic nerve decompression is 3 days. We describe a pediatric patient with 7 days of no light perception who experienced reversal of blindness following tumor resection and optic nerve decompression. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 33-month-old boy presented with a 4-day history of no light perception. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass involving the sphenoid sinus, sella turcica, and clivus with significant optic nerve involvement. Loss of light perception and complete absence of a pupillary light reflex were documented for the next 72 h. A sluggish pupillary light reflex was regained 24 h after instituting intravenous steroids. An urgent bi-frontal craniotomy and optic nerve decompression were performed 7 days after the onset of blindness. Surgical pathology revealed metastatic neuroblastoma. Eleven days after optic nerve decompression, the child was able to count fingers and recognize faces and printed book characters. CONCLUSION: Prolonged blindness secondary to tumor-related optic nerve compression may be reversible up to 1 week from onset in children presenting with no light perception.

Blindness↗

PubMed2005

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors reduce the risk of perioperative stroke and mortality after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events through anti-inflammatory, plaque stabilization, and neuroprotective effects independent of lipid lowering. This study was designed to investigate whether statin use reduces the incidence of perioperative stroke and mortality among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: All patients undergoing CEA from 1994 to 2004 at a large academic medical center were retrospectively reviewed. The independent association of statin use and perioperative morbidity was assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: CEA was performed by 13 surgeons on 1566 patients (987 men and 579 women; mean age, 72 +/- 10 years), including 1440 (92%) isolated and 126 (8%) combined CEA/coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The indication for CEA was symptomatic disease in 660 (42%) cases. Six hundred fifty-seven (42%) patients received a statin medication for at least 1 week before surgery. Statin use was associated with a reduction in perioperative strokes (1.2% vs 4.5%; P < .01), transient ischemic attacks (1.5% vs 3.6%; P < .01), all-cause mortality (0.3% vs 2.1%; P < .01), and median (interquartile range) length of hospitalization (2 days [2-5 days] vs 3 days [2-7 days]; P < .05). Adjusting for all demographics and comorbidities in multivariate analysis, statin use independently reduced the odds of stroke threefold (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.35 [0.15-0.85]; P < .05) and death fivefold (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.20 [0.04-0.99]; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that perioperative statin use may reduce the incidence of cerebrovascular events and mortality among patients undergoing CEA.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

The use of ventriculoperitoneal shunts for uncontrollable intracranial hypertension without ventriculomegally secondary to HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

BACKGROUND: The risks associated with implanting a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt in immunocompromised patients with ongoing CSF infection have historically discouraged surgeons from implanting CSF shunts in patients with HIV and cryptococcal meningitis. However, this patient population often requires frequent lumbar punctures to manage elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) secondary to cryptococcal infection. To date, only 7 cases of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis have been reported. Few of these reports have included outcomes more than 3 months postsurgery. It remains unclear if VP shunts are an effective long-term treatment of intracranial hypertension in this patient population. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Two patients with HIV/AIDS (CD4 counts of 8 and 81 cells/mm(3)) presented with altered mental status, visual changes, florid cryptococcal meningitis, and elevated ICP (>500 mm CSF) without evidence of hydrocephalus on computed tomography scan. Both patients experienced rapid reversal of symptoms with external lumbar CSF drainage, and remained lumbar drain-dependent after 2 weeks of amphotericin B and flucytosine therapy. Despite evidence of unresolved cryptococcal meningitis, each patient underwent implantation of a VP shunt without complication and was discharged on lifetime fluconazole therapy. They remained asymptomatic at 12 and 16 months after surgery without evidence of shunt infection or malfunction. CONCLUSION: Patients with intracranial hypertension and HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis who cannot tolerate cessation of external lumbar CSF drainage or frequent lumbar punctures may be considered for VP shunt placement despite severe immunosuppression and persistent CSF cryptococcal infection.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed2005

Intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population: case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysms in children (< or =18 years old) are rare, and their epidemiology is poorly understood. We present a prospective 14-year experience at our institution and review the literature to clarify the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Review of medical records in the Johns Hopkins aneurysm prospective database and review of the literature since 1939 were performed. RESULTS: Of 1377 intracranial aneurysm cases at our institution from 1991 to 2004, 19 (1.4%) pediatric patients were treated using microsurgical or endovascular techniques. Male/female ratio was 2.2:1. Eleven percent occurred at the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation, and 42% were located in the posterior circulation. Seven (37%) were giant lesions; 58% presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients in good Hunt and Hess grade (I-III) comprised 42%, and poor-grade (IV-V) patients comprised 16%. At a mean follow-up duration of 3.0 +/- 3 years, 95% of patients demonstrated favorable outcomes with Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5. In the literature, a total of 706 pediatric intracranial aneurysm cases have been described since 1939. The male/female ratio is 1.8:1. The ICA bifurcation was the location in 26%, and only 17% were in the posterior circulation. Twenty percent were giant lesions, and 80% presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Good- and poor-grade patients comprise 49% and 36% of the total cases, respectively. Favorable outcome was reported in 60%. CONCLUSIONS: During recent decades, good outcomes after the treatment of ruptured and unruptured pediatric aneurysms have increased, reaching 95% in the current series. Pediatric intracranial aneurysms occur more commonly in male patients and have a predilection for the terminal ICA bifurcation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of a distal pericallosal aneurysm visualized with 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiography: case report and treatment implications.

BACKGROUND: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of cerebrovascular structures. Recently, 3-dimensional DSA (3D-DSA) has been increasingly used to obtain detailed information about the morphology and dimensions of intracranial aneurysms. We report the case of a patient who presented with a distal pericallosal artery aneurysm, which appeared by 2D imaging to be a fusiform, possible mycotic aneurysm. This was then revealed to be a saccular bifurcation aneurysm by 3D-DSA. This additional information changed the treatment plan for this patient from medical management to a surgical approach. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 56-year-old man with a history of hypertension and alcohol abuse with withdrawal seizures, who presented with a large intracranial hemorrhage on initial computed tomography scan. After stabilization with intracranial pressure management, the patient underwent magnetic resonance angiography and 4-vessel DSA. These initial studies showed a distal, fusiform pericallosal aneurysm consistent with a mycotic aneurysm. Rotational DSA was then used to generate 3D images of the structure that revealed a saccular bifurcation aneurysm. This enabled the decision to offer operative treatment rather than conservative medical management. DISCUSSION: This report highlights the value of 3D-DSA in establishing the appropriate treatment plan for patients with unique cerebral aneurysms. The higher resolution images used in this case provided information that was crucial in shifting the treatment focus from medical management, for what appeared to be a mycotic aneurysm by traditional DSA, to surgical intervention, for a clear hemodynamic aneurysm at a vessel bifurcation seen with 3D-DSA. Accurate pre-interventional evaluation and differential diagnosis are critical to designing the most effective lowest risk treatment plan. The standard method in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms has been DSA. Yet, higher resolution images of unclear or high-risk aneurysms are often required to guide clinical decision making. The emergence of new, less invasive endovascular techniques for securing intracranial aneurysms has placed greater emphasis on precisely defining the shape and dimensions of an aneurysm. Three-dimensional DSA is currently the highest resolution imaging modality available for the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. CONCLUSION: 3D-DSA was used to evaluate a small, distal pericallosal artery aneurysm and revealed a saccular bifurcation aneurysm not visualized with magnetic resonance angiography and conventional DSA. This additional resolution permitted the team to consider a surgical approach for a patient who would otherwise have been treated medically. This high-resolution technique is particularly useful in guiding clinical decision making in the context of aneurysms that carry a relatively broad differential diagnosis, potentially high interventional risk, and unclear morphology.

Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures↗

PubMed2005

Diagnosis, treatment, and analysis of long-term outcomes in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: The response to shunt surgery for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is variable because INPH is difficult to distinguish from other conditions causing the same symptoms. To date, no clinical picture or diagnostic test can distinguish INPH or predict response to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery. We reviewed our 10-year experience with INPH to characterize long-term outcome and to identify independent predictors of outcome after shunt surgery. METHODS: Patients were classified as having INPH only if they had: 1) ventriculomegaly, 2) two or more INPH clinical features, 3) no risk factor for secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus, 4) A- or B-waves on CSF pressure monitoring, and 5) clinical improvement during a 3-day CSF drainage trial via a spinal catheter. Independent predictors of outcome were assessed via a multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two patients underwent 179 shunt surgeries. Forty-four (33%), 79 (60%), and 99 (75%) patients demonstrated objective improvement 3, 6, and 24 months after shunt surgery, respectively. Gait improved first in 88 (93%) patients. Dementia and urinary incontinence were twofold less likely to improve. Radiological evidence of corpus callosum distension, gait impairment as the primary symptom, and shorter duration of INPH symptoms predicted improvement. Duration of symptoms and gait as the primary symptom were independent predictors by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: INPH can be diagnosed accurately with CSF pressure monitoring and CSF drainage via a spinal catheter. CSF shunting is safe and effective for INPH with a long-term shunt response rate of 75%. Independent predictors of improvement are the presence of gait impairment as the dominant symptom and shorter duration of symptoms.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

The syndrome of hydrocephalus in young and middle-aged adults (SHYMA).

OBJECTIVES: Currently, headache, nausea/vomiting, visual changes, and altered mental status are accepted as indications for the evaluation of hydrocephalus in children; while dementia, gait apraxia, and urinary incontinence remain indications in the elderly. The clinical presentation of hydrocephalus in young and middle-aged adults remains poorly described. Hence, middle-aged patients with mild gait, cognitive, or urinary symptoms unaccompanied by clear exam findings often remain undiagnosed and untreated. METHODS: We report the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of 46 adults (ages 16-55 years) presenting with congenital, acquired, or idiopathic hydrocephalus with imaging-documented ventriculomegaly and elevated CSF pressure. RESULTS: Primary symptoms were related to gait (70%), cognition (70%), urinary urgency (48%), and headaches (56%). Eighty-four percent complained of impaired job performance. The exam findings were subtle or absent (no gait apraxia, minor gait changes in 42.9%, mildly abnormal Mini Mental State exams in only 14.3%, and incontinence in only 3.6%). Twenty-nine patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting, and 11 endoscopic third ventriculostomy, of whom six subsequently required a VP shunt. Symptomatic improvement was observed in 93% of patients 16+/- 11 months after shunting (56% complete resolution, 37% partial resolution). Patients had been followed for their symptoms an average of 6 years (range, 1-30) prior to diagnosis. DISCUSSION: We propose that there exists a clinically distinct syndrome of hydrocephalus in young and middle-aged adults (SHYMA) that comprises hydrocephalus of all etiologies. SHYMA is characterized by complaints of impaired gait, cognition, bladder control, and headaches, with a discrepancy between the prominence of symptoms and the subtlety of clinical signs. Despite the subtlety of clinical signs, CSF diversion treatment is effective at resolving symptomatology.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Accuracy of frameless and frame-based image-guided stereotactic brain biopsy in the diagnosis of glioma: comparison of biopsy and open resection specimen.

OBJECTIVES: Tissue heterogeneity and rapid tumor progression may decrease the accuracy a prognostic value of stereotactic brain biopsy in the diagnosis of gliomas. Correct tumor grading is therefore dependent on the accuracy of biopsy needle placement. There has been a dramatic increase in the utilization of frameless image-guided stereotactic brain biopsy; however, its accuracy in the diagnosis of glioma remains unstudied. METHODS: The diagnoses of 21 astrocytic brain tumors were derived using image-guided stereotactic biopsy (12 frame-based, nine frameless) and followed by open resection of the lesion 1.5 (0.5-4) months later. The histologic diagnoses yielded by the biopsy were compared with subsequent histologic diagnosis from open tumor resection. RESULTS: Histology of 21 stereotactic biopsies accurately represented the greater lesion at open resection a median of 45 days later in 16 (76%) cases and correctly guided therapy in 19 (91%) cases. Biopsy accuracy of frameless versus frame-based stereotaxis was similar (89 versus 66%, p=0.21). In three (14%) cases, biopsy specimens were adequate to diagnose glioma; however, histology was insufficient for definitive tumor grading. Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (ODG) was under-graded as low-grade ODG in one (5%) case. Biopsy of new onset glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) yielded necrosis/gliosis and was termed non-diagnostic in one patient. Tumors <50 cm(3) were 8-fold less likely to accurately represent the grade of the entire lesion at resection compared with lesions <50 cm(3) (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 0.9-100, p=0.05). DISCUSSION: Both frameless and frame-based MRI-guided stereotactic brain biopsy are safe and accurately represent the larger glioma mass sufficiently to guide subsequent therapy. Large tumor volume had a higher incidence of non-concordance. Increasing the number of specimens taken through the long dimension of large tumors may improve diagnostic accuracy.

Adult↗