Lipomas as an Extremely Rare Cause for Brachial Plexus Compression: A Case Series and Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Brachial plexus lipomas are extremely rare benign tumors that may cause slow progression of neurological deficits leading to thoracic outlet syndrome. Up to now, surgery remains challenging. The aim of this study is to present our surgical treatment regime and long-term neurological outcome in three cases of giant brachial plexus lipomas and to show results of systematic review. Patients and Methods Retrospective analysis of our database “peripheral nerve lesion” to identify patients suffering from brachial plexus lipomas between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019. Systematic review was performed for literature published until March 31, 2020, analyzing PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library independently by two authors. Results Over the past years, three patients suffering from giant brachial plexus lipomas attended to our neurosurgical department. All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound examinations, and electrophysiological testing. Tumors were removed microsurgically via anterior/posterior, supraclavicular/infraclavicular, and combined approaches. The patients were accessed postoperatively by MRI and clinical follow-up. Systematic review of the literature revealed 22 cases, which were analyzed in regard to demographics, surgical treatment, and neurological outcome. Conclusion Brachial plexus lipomas are an extremely rare cause for brachial plexus compression. Total microsurgical removal with intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring is the treatment of choice with excellent long-term MRI and clinical outcome.

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Mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric stroke: systematic review, individual patient data meta-analysis, and case series

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2019.5.peds19126 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 558-571 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kartik Bhatia ◽

Hans Kortman ◽

Christopher Blair ◽

Geoffrey Parker ◽

David Brunacci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Neurological Outcomes

OBJECTIVEThe role of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric acute ischemic stroke is uncertain, despite extensive evidence of benefit in adults. The existing literature consists of several recent small single-arm cohort studies, as well as multiple prior small case series and case reports. Published reports of pediatric cases have increased markedly since 2015, after the publication of the positive trials in adults. The recent AHA/ASA Scientific Statement on this issue was informed predominantly by pre-2015 case reports and identified several knowledge gaps, including how young a child may undergo thrombectomy. A repeat systematic review and meta-analysis is warranted to help guide therapeutic decisions and address gaps in knowledge.METHODSUsing PRISMA-IPD guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature from 1999 to April 2019 and individual patient data meta-analysis, with 2 independent reviewers. An additional series of 3 cases in adolescent males from one of the authors’ centers was also included. The primary outcomes were the rate of good long-term (mRS score 0–2 at final follow-up) and short-term (reduction in NIHSS score by ≥ 8 points or NIHSS score 0–1 at up to 24 hours post-thrombectomy) neurological outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients < 18 years of age. The secondary outcome was the rate of successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3).RESULTSThe authors’ review yielded 113 cases of mechanical thrombectomy in 110 pediatric patients. Although complete follow-up data are not available for all patients, 87 of 96 (90.6%) had good long-term neurological outcomes (mRS score 0–2), 55 of 79 (69.6%) had good short-term neurological outcomes, and 86 of 98 (87.8%) had successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3). Death occurred in 2 patients and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 1 patient. Sixteen published thrombectomy cases were identified in children < 5 years of age.CONCLUSIONSMechanical thrombectomy may be considered for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (ICA terminus, M1, basilar artery) in patients aged 1–18 years (Level C evidence; Class IIb recommendation). The existing evidence base is likely affected by selection and publication bias. A prospective multinational registry is recommended as the next investigative step.

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Transorbital Endoscopic Surgery for Sphenoid Wing Meningioma: Long-Term Outcomes and Surgical Technique

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1713854 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 81 (04) ◽

pp. 357-368

Author(s):

N. Goncalves ◽

D.E. Lubbe

Keyword(s):

Minimally Invasive ◽

Endoscopic Surgery ◽

Case Series ◽

Surgical Approaches ◽

Benign Tumors ◽

Long Term Outcomes ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Visual Outcomes ◽

Presenting Symptoms

AbstractSphenoid wing meningiomas are benign tumors that can result in proptosis, visual impairment, and pain. Traditional open surgical approaches are associated with significant morbidity. Transorbital endoscopic surgery has been developed as a minimally invasive approach to gain access to these tumors and address the main presenting symptoms. Case series reporting transorbital endoscopic resection of sphenoid wing meningiomas using combined endonasal, pre-caruncular, and extended superior eyelid approaches have demonstrated stable and/or improved short- and medium-term visual outcomes. Earlier medial optic nerve decompression appears to result in more favorable long-term visual outcomes. Transorbital endoscopic surgery therefore represents an emerging minimally invasive alternative to deal with these challenging lesions.

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Proton pump inhibitors do not increase the risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Diseases of the Esophagus ◽

10.1093/dote/doaa041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Madhav Desai ◽

Venkat Nutalapati ◽

Sachin Srinivasan ◽

Jihan Fathallah ◽

Chandra Dasari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Proton Pump ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Case Reports ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Extensive Literature ◽

Meta Regression

SUMMARY Published studies have reported variable results on the association between duration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and the risk of dementia. An extensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane for studies examining the risk of cognitive decline and dementia among PPI users versus non-PPI users in prospective studies. Retrospective database linkage studies, case reports, case series, editorials, uncontrolled cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and review articles were excluded. Primary outcome was pooled hazard rate (HR) of any dementia among PPI users compared with non-PPI users. Secondary outcomes were pooled HR of Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and risk with long-term PPI follow-up (more than 5 years) studies. Meta-analysis outcomes, heterogeneity (I2), and meta-regression (for the effect of covariates) were derived by statistical software R and Open meta-analyst. A total of six studies (one RCT and five prospective) with 308249 subjects, average age of 75.8 ± 5.2 years, and follow-up of 5 (range 1.5–11) years were included in the analysis. Pooled HR of any dementia was 1.16 (n = 6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.86–1.47). Results remained unchanged when only studies with long-term PPI use (more than 5 years) were analyzed (n = 4, pooled HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.66–1.53). Finally, the pooled HR for AD was 1.06 (n = 3, 95% CI 0.70–1.41). There was substantial heterogeneity among inclusion studies (I2 = 93%). Meta-regression did not demonstrate a significant role of age at study start (P = 0.1) or duration of PPI use (P = 0.62) to incident dementia. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis do not show a significant relationship between PPI use and dementia in prospective studies with at least a 5-year follow-up.

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Long-term outcomes of acromegaly treated with fractionated stereotactic radiation: case series and literature review

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npx002 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 255-262

Author(s):

Ryan Rhome ◽

Isabelle M Germano ◽

Ren-Dih Sheu ◽

Sheryl Green

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Literature Review ◽

Case Series ◽

Tumor Control ◽

Pituitary Neoplasms ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Biochemical Control ◽

Low Incidence

Abstract Background Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas represent an uncommon subset of pituitary neoplasms. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) have been used as primary or adjuvant treatment. The purpose of this study is to report the long-term tumor control and toxicity from our institution and to perform a systematic literature review of acromegaly patients treated with FSRT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with FSRT (median dose 50.4 Gray [Gy], range 50.4–54 Gy) between 2005 and 2012 who had: 1) GH-secreting adenoma with persistently elevated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) despite medical therapy and 2) clinical follow up >3 years after FSRT. Patients were treated with modern FSRT planning techniques. Biochemical control was defined as IGF-1 normalization. Systematic review of the literature was performed for FSRT in acromegaly. Results With a median follow-up of 80 months, radiographic control was achieved in all 11 patients and overall survival was 100%. Long-term biochemical control was achieved in 10 patients (90.9%) with either FSRT alone (36.4%) or FSRT with continued medical management (45.5%). No patient experienced new hypopituitarism, cranial nerve dysfunctions, or visual deficits. Our systematic review found published rates of biochemical control and hypopituitarism vary, with uniformly good radiographic control and low incidence of visual changes. Conclusions Adjuvant FSRT offered effective long-term biochemical control and radiographic control, and there was a lower rate of complications in this current series. Review of the literature shows variations in published rates of biochemical control after FSRT for acromegaly, but low incidence of serious toxicities.

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Evaluation of Metatarsal Head Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty in the Surgical Treatment of Hallux Rigidus: A Retrospective Study and Mid- to Long-Term Follow-up

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640017695864 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 22-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Musa Uğur Mermerkaya ◽

Erkan Alkan ◽

Mehmet Ayvaz

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Case Series ◽

Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽

Metatarsal Head ◽

Treatment Method ◽

Hallux Rigidus ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of metatarsal head resurfacing hemiarthroplasty in the surgical treatment of advanced-stage hallux rigidus. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of 57 consecutive patients (25 [43.9%] males, 32 [56.1%] females; mean age, 61.0 ± 6.4 years) who underwent first metatarsal head resurfacing hemiarthroplasty (HemiCAP) for hallux rigidus between August 2007 and September 2010. Sixty-five implantations were performed in 57 patients; 8 patients underwent bilateral procedures. All patients were clinically rated prior to surgery and at the final follow-up visit using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion (MTPJ ROM). Results. The median follow-up duration was 81 (range = 8-98) months. The median preoperative AOFAS score was 34 (range = 22-59) points, which had increased to 83 (range = 26-97) points at the final follow-up visit (P < .001). The median preoperative first MTPJ ROM was 25° (range = 15° to 40°), which had increased to 75° (range = 30° to 85°) at the final follow-up visit (P < .001). Conclusions. First MTPJ hemiarthroplasty is an effective treatment method that recovers toe function and first MTPJ ROM, and provides good mid- to long-term functional outcomes. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series

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Active Infective Native and Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients after Surgical Treatment

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10091868 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1868

Author(s):

Mohamed Salem ◽

Christine Friedrich ◽

Mohammed Saad ◽

Derk Frank ◽

Mostafa Salem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Prosthetic Valve ◽

Pacemaker Implantation ◽

Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Preoperative Embolization ◽

Duration Of Surgery ◽

Cerebral Embolization ◽

Short And Long Term

Background: Active infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious disease associated with high mortality. The current study represents our experience over 18 years with surgical treatment for active infective native and prosthetic valve endocarditis (INVE, IPVE). Method: Analysis of 413 patients (171 with IPVE vs. 242 with INVE) who underwent cardiac surgery due to IE between 2002 and 2020. Results: Patients with IPVE were significantly older (64.9 ± 13.2 years vs. 58.3 ± 15.5 years; p < 0.001) with higher EuroSCORE II (21.2 (12.7; 41.8) vs. 6.9 (3.0; 17.0); p < 0.001)) and coronary heart disease (50.6% vs. 38.0%; p < 0.011). Preoperative embolization was significantly higher within INVE (35.5% vs. 16.4%; p < 0.001) with high incidence of cerebral embolization (18.6% vs. 7.6%; p = 0.001) and underwent emergency curative surgery than the IPVE group (19.6% vs. 10.6%; p < 0.001). However, patients with IPVE were significantly represented with intracardiac abscess (44.4% vs.15.7%; p < 0.001). Intraoperatively, the duration of surgery was expectedly significantly higher in the IPVE group (356 min vs. 244 min.; p = 0.001) as well as transfusion of blood (4 units (0–27) vs. 2 units (0–14); p < 0.001). Post-operatively, the incidence of bleeding was markedly higher within the IPVE group (700 mL (438; 1163) vs. 500 mL (250; 1075); p = 0.005). IPVE required significantly more permanent pacemakers (17.6% vs. 7.5%: p = 0.002). The 30-day mortality was higher in the IPVE group (24.6% vs. 13.2%; p < 0.003). Conclusion: Patients with INVE suffered from a higher incidence of cerebral embolization and neurological deficits than patients with IPVE. Surgical treatment in INVE is performed mostly as an emergency indication. However, patients with IPVE were represented commonly with intracardiac abscess, and had a higher indication of pacemaker implantation. The short- and long-term mortality rate among those patients was still high.

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Efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in neonatal seizures: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000683 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. e000683

Author(s):

Yang He ◽

Jun Tang ◽

Meng Zhang ◽

Tao Xiong ◽

Shalini Ojha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Antiepileptic Drugs ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcome ◽

Case Series ◽

Primary Data ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Neonatal Seizures ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Long Term Outcomes

IntroductionSeizures are one of the most common neurological disorders of neonates, which is also an emergency in the neonatal intensive care unit. For neonates, the recommended first-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) include phenobarbitone, which may be effective in only 50% of seizures. Some new AEDs, such as levetiracetam, have been shown to be effective in adults and older children. However, their efficacy for neonatal seizures remains uncertain. The aim of this investigation is to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of all AEDs in neonates. Additionally, the long-term outcomes following neonatal seizures, in relation to the development of cerebral palsy and epilepsy, will be studied.MethodWe will perform a systematic review including randomised controlled studies (RCTs), cohort studies, case-controlled studies and case series studies which evaluated the efficacy of AEDs and short-term and long-term outcomes in neonatal seizures. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Clinical trial.gov will be searched. There will be no language restriction. Risk bias in RCTs will be evaluated by the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, while cohort and case-control studies will be evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A network meta-analysis will be performed by the Bayesian model using WinBUGS V.1.4.3 and R software if there is a high degree of homogeneity among studies. Otherwise, we will perform a narrative review without pooling. Subgroup analyses will be performed in different AEDs and dosage groups.OutcomeThe primary outcomes will be seizure cessation confirmed by electroencephalogram and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Secondary outcomes will be neonatal mortality during hospitalisation and suspected drug toxicity.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required as no primary data are collected. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.

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Εndovascular Repair of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery ◽

10.1177/1538574419895383 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 54 (3) ◽

pp. 254-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stefanos Giannopoulos ◽

Evan Trinidad ◽

Herbert Aronow ◽

Peter Soukas ◽

Ehrin J. Armstrong

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Carotid Artery ◽

Endovascular Repair ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Extracranial Carotid Artery ◽

Ischemic Attack ◽

Meta Analyses

Objective: Both true and false extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are a potential source of morbidity and mortality. While ECAA have historically been treated surgically, endovascular reconstruction with stenting is an emerging treatment option. The aim of our study was to report clinical/radiologic outcomes following endovascular repair of ECAAs. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 68 case reports and case series, comprising 162 patients, were included. Most patients presented with at least one symptom or sign related to the ECAA (89.5%; N = 145/162). In 42.6% (N = 69/162) and 46.3% (N = 75/162) of the cases polytetrafluoroethylene covered and uncovered stents were deployed respectively. Immediate post-procedural imaging demonstrated complete aneurysm exclusion in 86.4% (N = 140/162) of the cases and minimal filling of the aneurysm sack in 10.5% (N = 17/162) of all cases. Perioperative adverse event rates were 3.1% for stroke, 1.2% for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 4.3% for mortality. During a mean follow-up of 21.8months, there were additionally observed one stroke, two TIAs and three deaths. Overall 88.6 % of the patients (N = 117/132) remained asymptomatic, partially recovered or at least did not suffer from new neurologic deficits during follow up, with no signs of stenosis or occlusion of the carotid artery. Conclusions: Endovascular stenting for the treatment of ECAAs is feasible with acceptable short- and long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes. Prospective real-world studies are needed to further validate the safety and the long-term patency of endovascular repair.

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Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis to the Spine—Case Series and Review of Literature

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci9070160 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 160 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Dinesh Ramanathan ◽

Nikhil Sahasrabudhe ◽

Esther Kim

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Case Series ◽

Poor Response ◽

Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽

Antifungal Drugs ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Spinal Instability ◽

Intractable Pain ◽

Systemic Dissemination ◽

Paraspinal Abscess

Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infectious disease caused by the Coccidioides species endemic to Southwestern United States. Symptomatic patients typically present as community-acquired pneumonia. Uncommonly, in about 1% of infections, hematogenous extra pulmonary systemic dissemination involving skin, musculoskeletal system, and meninges occur. Disseminated spinal infection is treated with antifungal drugs and/or surgical treatment. A retrospective review of medical records at our institution was done between January 2009 to December 2018 and we present three cases of spinal coccidioidomycosis and review the current literature. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis can lead to spondylitis that can present as discitis or a localized spinal or paraspinal abscess. Spinal coccidioidomycosis is typically managed with antifungal treatments but can include surgical treatment in the setting poor response to medical therapy, intractable pain, presence of neurological deficits due to compression, or structural spinal instability.

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Surgical Treatment of Chronic Hand Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Case Series

The Journal of Hand Surgery (Asian-Pacific Volume) ◽

10.1142/s2424835519500462 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (03) ◽

pp. 359-370

Author(s):

David L. Colen ◽

Oded Ben-Amotz ◽

Thibaudeau Stephanie ◽

Arman Serebrakian ◽

Martin J. Carney ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Surgical Treatment ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Case Series ◽

Ulnar Artery ◽

Pharmacologic Therapy ◽

Cold Intolerance ◽

Algorithmic Approach ◽

Surgical Interventions ◽

Hand Ischemia

Background: Chronic hand ischemia refers to progressive, non-acute ischemic symptoms such as cold intolerance, rest pain, ulceration, tissue necrosis, and digit loss and poses a significant challenge in management. Conservative treatment begins with medical optimization and pharmacologic therapy, but when symptoms persist, surgical intervention may be required. Various operations exist to improve circulation including sympathectomy, arterial bypass, or venous arterialization. The purpose of this study is to systematically review published outcomes and present our experience with each surgical technique. Methods: A systematic review of literature regarding surgical treatment of chronic hand ischemia published between 1990 and 2016 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. A retrospective-review of surgical interventions for chronic hand ischemia from 2010 to 2016 was then conducted. Primary outcomes included improvement in pain, wound-healing, and development of new ulcerations. Results: The review included 38 eight studies, showing all three techniques were effective in treating chronic hand ischemia. Sympathectomy had the lowest rate of new ulcerations (0.8%); bypass had the highest rate of healing existing ulcerations (89%). Arterialization was associated with consistent pain improvement pain (100%) but more complications (30.8%). Our series included 18 patients with 21 affected hands, 18 sympathectomies, 6 ulnar artery bypasses, and 1 arterialization. Most hands had improvement of wounds (89.5%) and pain (78.9%). No patients developed new ulcerations, but one required secondary amputation. Conclusions: When conservative measures fail to improve chronic hand ischemia, surgical intervention is an effective last line treatment. An algorithmic approach can determine the best operation for patients with chronic hand ischemia.

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