Abstract: BACKGROUND Factors predicting the growth or rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remain under debate. Increased availability of neuro-imaging has led to increasing incidental findings, therefore understanding the natural history is vital to make appropriate management and follow-up decisions. We analysed a large dataset of UIAs to better identify patients at increased risk, therefore requiring enhanced monitoring and/or prophylactic intervention. METHODS Electronic patient records were reviewed from consecutive patients regarding the following data: baseline demographics; past medical and smoking history; indication for imaging detecting the UIA(s); size, location and morphology of UIA(s), duration of imaging follow-up, detection of growth and rupture. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for UIA growth or rupture. Subgroup analysis was performed for 'small' aneurysms (<7mm). RESULTS 445 UIAs in 274 patients were analysed. Total imaging follow-up was 2268 aneurysm-years (median 3.8 years/UIA). 27 UIAs grew (1.2% annually), and 15 ruptured (0.46%). 70.1% of UIAs were detected incidentally. Mean aneurysm diameter was 4.1mm.Logistic regression identified age < 50, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), hypertension and diameter > 7mm as significant risk factors for growth/rupture. Additionally, previous smoking compared to current smoking was a protective factor against growth or rupture, but no significant difference was seen when comparing current- with non-smokers. Small aneurysm subgroup analysis identified diameter > 5mm, age < 50, ADPKD, and ongoing smoking as risk factors. No significant difference was observed in risk between those with and without previous SAH. CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the need for imaging surveillance of even small UIAs. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for growth/rupture of pre-existing aneurysms, while ADPKD is a particularly strong risk factor.

Abstract: Brain Tumour Related Epilepsy (BTRE) has a significant impact on Quality of Life with implications for driving, employment, and social activities. Management of BTRE is complex due to the higher incidence of drug resistance and the potential for interaction between anti-cancer therapy and anti-seizure medications (ASMs). Neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, palliative care physicians and clinical nurse specialists treating these patients would benefit from up-to-date clinical guidelines. We aim to review the current literature and to outline specific recommendations for the optimal treatment of BTRE, encompassing both Primary Brain Tumours (PBT) and Brain Metastases (BM). A comprehensive search of the literature since 2000 on BTRE was carried out in PubMed, MEDLINE and EMCARE. A broad search strategy was used, and the evidence evaluated and graded based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Seizure frequency varies between 10 and 40% in patients with Brain Metastases (BM) and from 30% (high-grade gliomas) to 90% (low-grade gliomas) in patients with PBT. In patients with BM, risk factors include number of BM and melanoma histology. In patients with PBT, BTRE is more common in patients with lower grade histology, frontal and temporal tumours, presence of an IDH mutation and cortical infiltration. All patients with BTRE should be treated with ASMs. Non-enzyme inducing ASMs are recommended as first line treatment for BTRE, but up to 50% of patients with BTRE due to PBT remain resistant. There is no proven benefit for the use of prophylactic ASMs, although there are no randomised trials testing newer agents. Surgical and oncological treatments i.e. radiotherapy and chemotherapy improve BTRE. Vagus Nerve Stimulation has been used with partial success. The review highlights the relative dearth of high-quality evidence for the management of BTRE and provides a framework for further studies aiming to improve seizure control, quality of life, and indications for ASMs.KEY POINTSOffer levetiracetam or lamotrigine to all patients with primary or metastatic brain tumours who have seizure(s), irrespective of whether these are partial or generalised.ASM withdrawal for patients in remission is not recommended due to high rates of seizure recurrence.ASM prophylaxis is not generally recommended in the management of seizure-naïve patients.Both levetiracetam and lamotrigine are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION In contrast to standard-of-care treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma, there is limited consensus on therapy upon disease progression. The role of resection for recurrent glioblastoma remains unclear. This study aimed to identify factors for overall survival (OS) and post-progression survival (PPS) as well as to validate an existing prediction model. METHODS This was a multi-centre retrospective study that reviewed consecutive adult patients from 2006 to 2019 that received a repeat resection for recurrent glioblastoma. The primary endpoint was PPS defined as from the date of second surgery until death. RESULTS 1032 glioblastoma patients were identified and 190 (18%) underwent resection for recurrence. Patients that had second surgery were more likely to be younger (<70 years) (adjusted OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6), to have non-eloquent region tumours (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.6) and received temozolomide chemoradiotherapy (aOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). Resection for recurrent tumour was an independent predictor for OS (aOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.7) (mOS: 16.9 months versus 9.8 months). For patients that previously received temozolomide chemoradiotherapy and subsequent repeat resection (137, 13%), the median PPS was 9.0 months (IQR: 5.0-17.5). Independent PPS predictors for this group were a recurrent tumour volume of >50cc (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), local recurrence (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-3.3) and 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection during second surgery (aOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1-2.8). A National Institutes of Health Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme Scale score of 0 conferred an mPPS of 10.0 months, a score of 1-2, 9.0 months and a score of 3, 4.0 months (log-rank test, p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION Surgery for recurrent glioblastoma can be beneficial in selected patients and carries an acceptable morbidity rate. The pattern of recurrence influenced PPS and the NIH Recurrent GBM Scale was a reliable prognostication tool.

Abstract: BACKGROUND neurosurgical interventions such as MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) are increasingly deployed for treatment of essential tremor. OBJECTIVE to make recommendations for monitoring treatment effects during and after MRgFUS based on our investigation of correlations between different scales of tremor severity. METHODS twenty-five clinical assessments were collected from thirteen patients before and after unilateral MRgFUS sequential lesioning of the thalamus and posterior subthalamic area for alleviating essential tremor. Scales included Bain Findley Spirography (BFS), Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST), Upper Extremity Total Tremor Score (UETTS) and Quality of Life of Essential Tremor (QUEST), and were documented at baseline, while lying in the scanner with stereotactic frame attached (BFS), and at 24-month follow-up. RESULTS the four different scales of tremor severity all correlated significantly. BFS and CRST showed a strong correlation of 0.833 (p < 0.001). BFS, UETTS and CRST correlated moderately with QUEST (ρ = 0.575-0.721, p < 0.001). BFS and UETTS correlated significantly with all CRST subparts, with the strongest correlation between UETTS and CRST part C (ρ = 0.831, p < 0.001). Moreover, BFS drawn sitting upright in an outpatient setting correlated with spirals drawn in a supine position on the scanner bed with the stereotactic frame attached. CONCLUSION we recommend a combination of BFS & UETTS for intraoperative assessment of awake essential tremor patients and BFS & QUEST for pre-operative and follow-up assessments, as these scale sets are quick and simple to collect and provide meaningful information whilst meeting the practical constraints of intraoperative assessment.

Abstract: PURPOSE Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a well-recognized consequence of head injury with a rising incidence worldwide. Whilst symptomatic CSDH warrants consideration of surgical intervention, the management of asymptomatic CSDH (AsCSDH) remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we investigate the natural history of AsCSDH, the requirement for radiological monitoring, and the role of neurosurgical input. METHODS Head injury referrals to a tertiary neurosurgical unit over two years were screened to identify patients with AsCSDH. Clinical, radiological, and outcome parameters were collected for included patients. RESULTS Of 2725 referrals, 106 (3.9%) patients were eligible for inclusion. The cohort consisted of predominantly male patients (70.8%) with an average age of 81.9 years and independent at baseline (79.3%). Radiological follow-up was recommended by neurosurgery in 4 patients (3.8%). Medical teams performed follow-up imaging for 57 patients (53.8%) culminating in a total of 116 follow-up scans, predominantly for falls or monitoring purposes. Antithrombotic agents were used by 61 patients (57.5%). Anticoagulants were held in 26/37 patients (70.3%) and antiplatelets in 12/29 patients (41.4%), ranging from 7 to 16 days when specified. Only one patient required neurosurgical intervention at 3 months from the time of initial presentation after the development of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Patients with AsCSDH do not require neuroradiological follow-up or neurosurgical intervention in the majority of instances. Medical professionals should explain to patients, families, and caregivers that the isolated finding of CSDH is not necessarily a cause for concern but safety netting advice regarding AsCSDH should be provided.

Abstract: The massa intermedia (MI) or interthalamic adhesion (ITA) is a band of tissue connecting the medial surfaces of the thalami and is present in the majority of healthy individuals. Its enlargement as well as its absence have been associated with some pathological states.We describe the first case report of a 3-year-old child presenting with obstructive hydrocephalus in the context of an enlarged massa intermedia. The patient's symptoms abated following an endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Abstract: AbstractObjectives To assess the effectiveness of subtemporal decompression in the management of slit ventricle syndrome.Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) who underwent subtemporal decompression (STD) at our centre between 2010 and 2021. Cases were identified using the hospital database. Medical records for each patient were reviewed, including operative and radiological reports.Results Fifteen patients underwent STD for the management of SVS. Median age at time of STD was 9.18 years. Aetiology of hydrocephalus consisted of spinal dysraphism (5), idiopathic (4), post-infectious (1), post-haemorrhagic (3), secondary to tumour (1), and craniofacial anomalies (1). Median age at first shunt insertion was 3.4 months. Median pre-operative period assessed, from initial shunt insertion to STD, was 4.54 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.12–10.47) years. Twelve patients underwent ≥1 shunt revision prior to STD. All patients had a diagnosis of SVS at time of STD. Presenting symptoms, for the admission in which STD was performed, included nausea (9), vomiting (8), lethargy (8), headache (12), irritability (5), and visual disturbances (6). One third underwent shunt revision at the time of STD. Two patients developed post-operative complications requiring further surgery (meningitis requiring shunt revision: 1; wound debridement: 1). Three patients developed uncomplicated post-operative pyrexia, which was managed with antibiotics. Median duration of post-operative follow-up was 5.4 (IQR 1.73–8.54) years. Eleven patients underwent ≥1 shunt related procedure following STD. Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a significant difference in number of shunt related procedures before (median = 5, IQR 1–8) and after (median = 3, IQR 0–5) STD (Z = −2.083, p = .037). All patients reported subjective symptom improvement post-operatively. Thirteen patients experienced symptom recurrence at a median duration of 10 months post-operatively.Conclusions STD was associated with a reduction in the amount of shunt related procedures required in this group of patients with SVS. Further study is required to confirm this association.Keywords: Hydrocephalusslit ventricle syndromeneurosurgical procedurescraniotomycerebrospinal fluid shunts AcknowledgementsWe thank Mr Aidan Beegan, Biostatistician at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Clinical Research Centre, for his guidance on statistical methods and data analysis. We thank Mr Kenny Lynch, Project Data Manager at CHI Clinical Research Centre, for his assistance with data management. We thank Mr Ciaran Greaney for his work in managing the Data Protection Impact Assessment. We thank the CHI Clinical Research and Innovation Centre for their support throughout the project.Disclosure statementThe authors report there are no competing interests to declare.Additional informationFundingThe authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Goal directed fluid therapy (GDFT) may be a rational approach to adopt in neurosurgical patients, in whom intravascular volume optimization is of utmost importance. Most of the parameters used to guide GDFT are derived invasively. We postulated that the total volume of intraoperative intravenous fluid administered during elective craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumours would be comparable between two groups receiving GDFT guided either by the non-invasively derived plethysmography variability index (PVI) or by stroke volume variation (SVV). METHODS 60 ASA category 1, 2 and 3 patients between 18 and 70 years of age were randomized to receive intraoperative fluid guided either by SVV (SVV group; n = 31) or PVI (PVI group; n = 29). The total volume of fluid administered intraoperatively was recorded. Serum creatinine was measured before the surgery, at the end of the surgery, 24 h after surgery and on the fifth post-operative day. Arterial cannulation was performed before induction in all patients. Serum lactate was measured before induction, once in 2 h intraoperatively, at the end of the surgery and 24 h after the surgery. Brain relaxation score was assessed by the surgeon during dural opening and dural closure. Patients were followed up till discharge or death. The duration of mechanical ventilation and the duration of hospital stay was noted for all patients. RESULTS The volume of fluid given intraoperatively was significantly higher in the SVV group (p = 0.005). The two groups were comparable with respect to serum lactate and serum creatinine measured at pre-determined time intervals. Brain relaxation score was also comparable between the groups. SVV and PVI displayed moderate to strong correlation intraoperatively. The duration of mechanical ventilation and the length of the hospital stay were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS PVI and SVV are equally effective in guiding GDFT in adults undergoing elective craniotomy for supratentorial brain tumours.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Intracranial rhabdomyosarcomas represent a rare condition, posing a diagnostic challenge to physicians. Brain intraparenchymal rhabdomyosarcomas are exceptionally rare with poorly understood pathogenesis. METHODS Here we report the first adult case of intraparenchymal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with brainstem and cranial nerve involvement. We conducted a literature search using Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed for published cases of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma of the brain. The keywords used were 'rhabdomyosarcoma' combined with 'intraparenchymal', 'parenchymal', 'cerebral' or 'brain' for title/abstract. Included cases were adult patients (>18 years of age). RESULTS A 59-year-old man presents with multiple cranial nerve palsies. MRI revealed a solitary pontine lesion that was not responsive to steroids. No systemic lesions were identified with an extensive imaging workup. A wide range of serum and cerebrospinal fluid tests were non-diagnostic during a ten-month workup until, ultimately, the patient died as a result of aspiration pneumonia. At autopsy, pathological examination on whole-brain autopsy revealed RMS, centred in the left side of pons with extension to the left side of the midbrain and the right side of pons with multiple cranial nerve involvement. There are only 20 adult cases of primary intraparenchymal RMS reported in the literature. Our present case is the first reported adult RMS in this location, with novel molecular information, providing some insight into the pathogenesis of this rare diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Intraparenchymal rhabdomyosarcoma without evidence of systemic primary disease is extremely rare, resulting in delayed diagnosis in some cases, particularly those not amenable to biopsy. The diagnostic challenge posed by this complementary case highlights the importance of maintaining a differential of neoplasm in the face of non-diagnostic investigations to the contrary.

Abstract: Accessory nerve schwannoma is a rare entity in patients presenting with cranial nerve (CN) deficits. Most of these tumours arise from the cisternal segment of the eleventh CN and extend caudally. Herein, we report the third case of an accessory schwannoma extending cranially into the fourth ventricle. A 61-year-old female presented with a history of variable headaches. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) revealed a large inhomogeneous contrast-enhancing lesion at the craniocervical junction extending through the foramen of Magendi and concomitant hydrocephalus due to obstruction of the foramina of Luschkae. Microsurgical tumour resection was performed in the half-sitting position. Intraoperatively, the tumour arose from a vestigial fascicle of the spinal accessory nerve. At three month follow-up, neither radiological tumour recurrence nor neurological deficits were observed.

Abstract: We describe the development of a direct traumatic arteriovenous fistula arising from the internal maxillary artery after an uneventful percutaneous trigeminal balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia, and its management through embolization and radiosurgery.

Abstract: PURPOSE We studied 571 patients with intracranial meningioma for clinical characteristics and tumor location associated with high grade meningioma (WHO II/III). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were participants in a multicentre epidemiologic study of risk factors for primary brain tumors including meningioma recruited from September 2005 to November 2019. We included patients 18 or older with a recent diagnosis of a primary intracranial meningioma of any subtype (ICD9/10: 9530-0, 9531-0, 9532-0, 9537-0, 9533-0, 9534-0, 9530-0, 9538-1, 9538-3) who were enrolled at neuro-oncology and neuro-surgery clinics in the southeastern U.S. RESULTS The median patient age was 58 years (IQR: 48-68) and the majority of patients were female (n = 415; 72.7%) and Caucasian (n = 516; 90.4%). Most patients were symptomatic (n = 460; 80.6%) and their tumours more commonly occurred in a non-skull base location (n = 298; 52.2%). A total of 86 patients (15.0%) had a WHO grade II/III meningioma. Compared to patients with WHO grade I tumours, patients with WHO II/III meningiomas were over 3-times more likely to be male (odds ratio (OR): 3.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98, 5.35) adjusting for age, race, symptomatic presentation, and skull-based location. Moreover, a WHO grade II/III meningioma was substantially less likely to be observed in asymptomatic patients (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.42), and in patients with a skull-based tumour (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.66), adjusting for other factors. Male gender, symptomatic tumour, and a non-skull base location were independently associated with WHO grade II/III meningioma. CONCLUSION These findings may shed additional light on the underlying pathogenesis of meningioma.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Setting minimum annual volume thresholds for pituitary surgery in England is seen as one way of improving outcomes for patients and service efficiency. However, there are few recent studies from the UK on whether a volume-outcome effect exists, particularly in the era of endoscopic surgery. Such data are needed to allow evidence-based decision making. The aim of this study was to use administrative data to investigate volume-outcome effects for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in England. METHODS Data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics database for adult endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery for benign neoplasm conducted in England from April 2013 to March 2019 (inclusive) were extracted. Annual surgeon and trust volume was defined as the number of procedures conducted in the 12 months prior to the index procedure. Volume was categorised as < 10, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39 and ≥40 procedures for surgeon volume and < 20, 20-39, 40-59, 60-79 and ≥80 procedures for trust volume. The primary outcome was repeat ETSPS during the index procedure or during a hospital admission within one-year of discharge from the index procedure. RESULTS Data were available for 4590 endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary procedures. After adjustment for covariates, higher surgeon volume was significantly associated with reduced risk of repeat surgery within one year (odds ratio (OR) 0.991 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.982-1.000)), post-procedural haemorrhage (OR 0.977 (95% CI 0.967-0.987)) and length of stay greater than the median (0.716 (0.597-0.859)). A higher trust volume was associated with reduced risk of post-procedural haemorrhage (OR 0.992 (95% CI 0.985-0.999)), but with none of the other patient outcomes studied. CONCLUSIONS A surgeon volume-outcome relationship exists for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in England.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Paraophthalmic aneurysms present a challenge to surgeons and their ideal management remains up for debate. We studied recent outcomes of these lesions in a single center. METHODS A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing treatment for paraophthalmic aneurysms from 2017-2019 was performed. Factors including patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, treatment modality, radiographic treatment outcome, clinical outcome, and length of stay were collected, and bivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS In total 84.5% (82/97) of aneurysms were treated endovascularly and 15.5% (15/97) surgically. In the surgery cohort, there were three transient perioperative complications (20%) and one minor postoperative complication (6.7%). Complete aneurysm occlusion or near complete (<2mm residual) was achieved in 100% (15/15). All but one patient had mRS ≤1 at the last follow-up. In the endovascular group, 78.1% (64/82) underwent flow diversion alone. Endovascular treatment was associated with a 4.9% (4/82) rate of periprocedural complications: 3 transient events, and 1 death, and a 3.7% (3/82) rate of delayed complications: 2 transient vision changes, and one death. Rate of total occlusion was 87.8% (72/82). 76 patients (92.7%) had mRS ≤1 at the last follow-up. Length of stay was significantly shorter in the endovascular group (3.4 days vs. 7.0 days) [p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS This series demonstrates similar safety to previously reported series as well as the efficacy of both surgical clipping and endovascular embolization of paraophthalmic aneurysms. Rate of complications and treatment efficacy were similar in both groups although this represents a single institution series not generalizable to all centers.

Abstract: BACKGROUND With an increasing elderly population, the number of neurosurgical patients aged 65 and over is rising. Ageing is closely related to multimorbidity and frailty, which are both recognised risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality. Comanagement by geriatricians and surgeons has been shown to reduce the length of admission and improve postoperative outcomes in orthopaedics, but evidence for this in neurosurgical patients is limited. AIMS To evaluate the demographics of the elderly neurosurgical population, and determine if input by medical teams or completion of frailty scores impacts patient outcomes. METHODS A retrospective notes review and review of coding and HES data, including length of stay, number of comorbidities, and mortality rate, was collected for geriatric neurosurgery and spinal surgery patients 65 years and older who were discharged following inpatient admission from April 2019 - March 2020. Full medical notes were retrieved for patients with a length of stay exceeding 14 days, with data on frailty scores and involvement of medical teams collected. Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the difference in outcomes between those reviewed and those not reviewed by medical teams. RESULTS Eighty-one patients had a length of stay over 14 days. 43% of these 81 patients were reviewed by medical teams during their admission. The mean length of stay was significantly shorter in those receiving medical input (22.8 ± 10.6 days vs 32.4 ± 16.0 days, p = 0.003). There was also a significant association between the completion of a frailty score and subsequent input by medical teams. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in length of stay observed when patients were reviewed by medical teams supports the role of elderly care physician comanagement in the elderly inpatient neurosurgical population.

Abstract: Background Anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) is an uncommon variant of spinal dysraphism. Surgical correction for this condition is challenging and optimal corrective approaches are uncertain.Objective To share our experience of managing this rare condition using the posterior trans-sacral approach and provide a contemporary review of the literature.Methods Retrospective review of case notes, operative records, and imaging of eligible patients treated via the posterior trans-sacral approach between 2006 and 2020 at our regional neurosciences centre.Results Three patients, two females and one male with a mean age of 30 years (range 16–38), were treated. Presenting symptoms included lower abdominal pain and recurrent miscarriages. Patients underwent corrective surgery using the posterior approach involving a sacral laminectomy, durotomy and closure of the communicating fistula. A single patient required reoperation due to early recurrence. Another patient proved challenging because of a very large sacral fistula and required two procedures due to the development of high-pressure headaches secondary to a recurrence. All patients improved symptomatically postoperatively and remained symptom free at the last clinic follow-up and have been discharged. Following review of the literature, only two other non-syndromic cases have been described.Conclusions ASM is an uncommon congenital abnormality, typically presenting with mass effect symptoms secondary to a presacral cystic mass. Surgical management using a posterior approach to close the meningeal sac is feasible and less invasive than an anterior approach. Long term clinical outcomes in our series were satisfactory.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Controversy remains with the use of post-operative subfascial drains for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, with limited guidelines and a paucity of conclusive evidence. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to analyse and collate an evidence summary to determine the efficacy of such drains. METHODS A systematic search of Medline (2002-2022.11), PubMed (2003-2022.11), Scopus (2002-2022.11), Cochrane Library (2015-2022.11) databases and reference lists of articles was conducted as per Cochrane systematic reviews standards. All relevant RCTs and NRCTs were included in this study. Data was extracted in a standardised form and analysed with RevMan version 5.4.1. Bias was assessed with RoB2 tool for RCTs and ROBINS-E tool for NRCTs. RESULTS Two RCTs (136 patients) and five NRCTs (7563 patients) were included. These had a moderate to high risk of bias, except for one very high-risk article. Meta-analysis results showed no significant differences for post-operative haematoma (P = 0.31), surgical site infection (P = 0.84), take back to theatre (P = 0.27), length of stay (P = 0.90), estimated blood loss (P = 0.09), and median operative time (P = 0.12). Dysphagia was significantly increased in the drain cohort (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION The low quality of available data in the included studies is insufficient to estimate the effect of post-operative drains for elective spondylotic ACDF. The findings suggest that if the decision to leave a drain in is left to the surgeon, then there is no difference in the rates of POH, SSI, LOS, or take back to the theatre. The significant association of dysphagia with drains, and the non-significant trends towards increased operative time and EBL with drains, must be considered in the context in which procedures may influence the decision to place drains. The results could not be stratified by various confounders that affect the decision-making process, including the number of levels operated. Due to the decreased quality and amount of evidence available, large-scale RCTs that adequately account for confounders should be performed.

Abstract: Introduction: DISH is an ankylosing disease, when fractured can be challenging to manage. A retrospective radiological study was conducted to evaluate the natural history and radiological characteristics of DISH on Computed tomography (CT).Methods: Paired CT scans with DISH that are separated at least two years apart were used to perform the following radiological measurements: Degree of disc space fusion, Osteophyte and vertebral body linear attenuation coefficients (LAC), and Osteophyte axial area size and location.Results: 164 patients were analysed with a mean duration of 4.49 years between scans. 38.14% (442/1159) of disc spaces had at least partial calcification. Most osteophytes were right sided before becoming more circumferential over time. The average fusion score was 54.17. Most of the changes in fusion occurred in the upper and lower thoracic regions. The thoracic region when compared to the lumbar region had a greater proportion of its disc spaced being fully fused. Disc level osteophyte areas were larger than Body level osteophytes. Disc osteophytes size growth rate drops over time from 10.89mm2/year in Stage 1 to 3.56mm2/year in Stage 3. Stage 3 disc spaces (-11.01HU/year) was also found to have had a reduction in their LAC over time when compared to Stage 1 disc spaces (17.04HU/year). This change in osteophyte LAC was not mirrored in the change in vertebral body LAC. We predict that the age of onset and complete thoracolumbar ankylosis of DISH to be 17.96 years and 100.59 years, respectively.Conclusion: DISH ankylosis of the spine a slow process that starts in the mid to lower thoracic region before extending cranially and caudally. After the bridging osteophyte has fully formed, remodelling of the osteophyte occurs.

Abstract: "AI, papermills, and challenges for editors." British Journal of Neurosurgery, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), pp. 1–2

Abstract: BACKGROUND CNS ganglioneuroblastoma in an extremely rare embryonal tumour, specifically in the pediatric population. Bad prognosis is documented due to aggressiveness and absence of protocolized treatment at the moment. CLINICAL DESCRIPTION We present the case of a 5-year-old boy who presented with sudden loss of consciousness. CT scan was performed showing a large posterior fossa lesion with several intraventricular focal lesions, suggesting metastases, the largest one located inside the III ventricle. The patient underwent a posterior fossa resection of the lesion and a subtotal resection of the III ventricle lesion, with adjuvant chemotherapy. The evolution was poor and the patient finally died 3 months after diagnosis. CONCLUSION Ganglioneuroblastoma is extremely likely to recur quickly and extensively. There is little knowledge about treatment options but is documented that gross total resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the best management in these patients.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION While the calvarial sutures have a limited importance for the modern neurosurgeon, they were of considerable interest to cranial surgeons from the time of Hippocrates onwards. The reasons for this interest together with the evolution of ideas are the subjects of this paper. MATERIALS AND METHODS The texts of surgeons from the time of Hippocrates to the eighteenth century have been studied and analysed. RESULTS Hippocrates advised against trepanation through a suture without specifying why. Galen taught that the dura was only attached to the interior of the calvarium at the sutures. The first author to state that the attachment was diffuse was Berengario da Carpi, at the beginning of the sixteenth century. This teaching was subsequently ignored until the eighteenth century, from which time it has been universally accepted. It was also first emphasized in the eighteenth century that it was not dangerous to trepan at the sutures. CONCLUSIONS This study documents the persistence of incorrect ideas from classical times to the middle of the eighteenth century. These notions would have limited the regions available for surgical access to the skull and thereby limited the benefits to be derived from surgery.

Abstract: BACKGROUND T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch sign is a specific imaging finding of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant astrocytomas. Histologically, a hypointense area on FLAIR images indicates the presence of microcysts. Here we report a case of IDH-mutant astrocytoma that shrunk spontaneously. CASE DESCRIPTION A 26-year-old woman presented with a complaint of headache. Her magnetic resonance (MR) images revealed a lesion mass with a T2-FLAIR mismatch sign in the left frontal lobe. Subsequently, after 1 month, she was referred to our department, and we found that the lesion had unexpectedly shrunk; however, no further shrinkage was observed in the next 3 months. Furthermore, a biopsy was performed, and the results indicated a diagnosis of astrocytoma, IDH-mutant CNS WHO grade 3. Thus, she underwent subtotal resection. We found no neurological deficits in the patient, and she received 60 Gy of radiotherapy at the local site and chemotherapy with nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU), followed by the administration of ACNU every 8 weeks for 2 years. Overall, after 36 months of tumour resection, she was in good health and exhibited no recurrence. Notably, her histological and MR image findings suggested that the macroscopic cyst was formed by the fusion of microcysts, which is a characteristic feature of IDH-mutant astrocytoma with a T2-FLAIR mismatch sign, and that the tumour shrunk because of the rupture of the cyst in the Sylvian cistern. CONCLUSION The present case report suggests that IDH-mutant astrocytoma cannot be ruled out even when the lesion shrinks spontaneously.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Glycerol rhizotomy is an established treatment for medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia in select cases where microvascular decompression is contraindicated or not preferred. The standard approach is to inject a fixed volume of glycerol using Hartel's technique into Meckel's cave. We discuss a 'volume-maximised' technique of measuring the volume of Meckel's cave using intra-operative fluoroscopy and injecting an equivalent volume of glycerol such that every patient receives a tailored quantity of glycerol dependent on the volume of Meckel's cave. The safety and efficacy of this approach is analysed. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 53 procedures where volume-maximised glycerol rhizolysis was utilised over a 7-year period (2012 -2018) at a single centre by the senior author was carried out. The incidence and duration of pain freedom and complications incurred over a median follow-up period of 8 years were analysed. RESULTS 37 procedures were carried out for typical trigeminal neuralgia, 13 for secondary trigeminal neuralgia, and 3 for atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Overall, pain freedom was achieved in 85% cases, and 92% in patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia. Median duration of pain freedom in patients with typical trigeminal neuralgia was 63 months, versus 6 months in those with secondary trigeminal neuralgia (p < 0.00001). 14 procedures (26.4%) resulted in mild and temporary complications. 54.7% of cases experienced hypoaesthesia in a distribution similar to or less extensive than the distribution of trigeminal neuralgia. The presence of hypoaesthesia post-procedure was highly predictive of longer pain freedom (95 months versus 8 months median pain freedom (p = 0.00003)). CONCLUSIONS Volume-maximised glycerol injection is safe and effective when compared to literature-reported outcomes post-standard volume glycerol injections. The duration of pain freedom achieved exceeds most literature-reported studies, with hypoaesthesia outcomes being comparable with previous studies. Pain freedom outcomes are more favourable in those with post-procedure hypoaesthesia.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION This study addresses surgical scheduling within the Department of Neurosurgery at Aarhus University Hospital (AUH). The department provides neurosurgical care to a population of 1.3 million in central Denmark, and has treatment obligations for specific neurosurgical diseases for the entire country, which has a population of 5.8 million. Efficient utilisation of the department's four operating suites is crucial to ensure that patients have timely access to both non-elective and elective neurosurgical procedures. Historically, the elective operating room (OR) schedule was made without consideration of the possible arrival of non-elective patients; consequently, elective surgeries were often cancelled to accommodate those with more urgent indications. The challenge was thus to introduce a structured way of planning for these non-elective surgical procedures that would minimise the need for cancelling elective surgeries without decreasing overall productivity. METHODS Using a mathematical model developed in a previous study at Leiden University Medical Center, the effect of allocating OR time during regular working hours for non-elective neurosurgical procedures at AUH was analysed, so that a weighted trade-off could be made between cancellations of elective patients due to an overflow of non-elective patients and unused OR time due to excessive reservation of time for non-elective patients. This allocation was tested in a six-week pilot study during weeks 24 & 25 and weeks 34-37 of 2020 before being implemented in 2021. RESULTS In the 35 weeks following the implementation, the new allocation strategy resulted in a significant 77% decrease in the cancellation of elective neurosurgical procedures when compared with the same time period in 2019, with a significant 16% increase in surgical productivity. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that with mathematical modelling complex problems in the distribution of neurosurgical OR capacity can be solved, improving both patient safety and the working environment of neurosurgeons and OR staff.

Abstract: Bilateral upper limb paraesthesia and pain are common symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Such symptoms instigate investigation by cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was the case for our patient, who was 72-years-in age and otherwise fit and well. During the scan he unfortunately developed sudden onset quadriplegia secondary to an intervertebral disc prolapse. This necessitated intubation due to respiratory failure and urgent transfer to the neurosciences critical care unit at a tertiary neurosciences centre. Despite prompt surgical decompression, he did not regain function. Extubation was unsuccessful on three occasions. Following discussion between the patient and his family, ventilation was withdrawn, and he died the following day. This case highlights the potentially devastating consequences of DCM and poses questions about the aetiology of DCM.

Abstract: BACKGROUND An increasing proportion of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) occurs in older patients, in whom there is widespread variability in treatment rates due to a different balance of risks. Our aim was to compare outcomes of patients over 80 years old with good grade aSAH who underwent treatment of their aneurysm with those who did not. METHODS Adult patients with good grade aSAH admitted to tertiary regional neurosciences centres contributing to the UK and Ireland Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Database (UKISAH) and a cohort of consecutive patients admitted from three regional cohorts were included for analysis. Outcomes were functional outcome at discharge, three months and survival at discharge. RESULTS In the UKISAH, patients whose aneurysm was treated were more likely to have a favourable outcome at discharge (OR 2.34, CI 1.12-4.91, p = .02), at three months (OR 2.29, CI 1.11-4.76, p = .04), and lower mortality (10% vs. 29%, OR 0.83, CI 0.72-0.94, p < .01). In the regional cohort, a similar pattern was seen, but after correction for frailty and comorbidity there was no difference in survival (HR 0.45, CI 0.12-1.68, p = .24) or favourable outcome at discharge (OR 0.83, CI 0.23-2.94, p = .77) and at three months (OR 1.03, CI 0.25-4.29, p = .99). CONCLUSIONS Better early functional outcomes in those undergoing aneurysm treatment appear to be explained by differences in frailty and comorbidity. Therefore, treatment decisions in this patient group are finely balanced with no clear evidence overall of either benefit or harm in this cohort.

Abstract: Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer of the respiratory system that rarely metastasizes to the brain. We report a case of sarcomatoid MPM (SMPM) managed with Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to achieve intracranial tumor control and improve neurological symptoms.Illustrative case: This 67-year-old female patient underwent SRS twice in order to treat a total of 15 brain metastases. One-month follow-up imaging after the first SRS demonstrated local tumor response and seven tumors with symptomatic vasogenic edema that responded to initial corticosteroids followed by bevacizumab. At a three-month follow-up after the first procedure, eight new tumors were detected and required repeat SRS. Although sustained tumor control resulted in improved neurological function, the patient subsequently expired from systemic disease progression 12 months after initial diagnosis and six months after initial SRS for brain metastases despite the concurrent use of systemic immunotherapy and systemic chemotherapy.Conclusions: Although SRS provided overall tumor control of metastatic brain disease, further advances in systemic therapies will be needed to improve survival in this aggressive rare cancer.