Decompression and nonfusion dynamic stabilization for spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Object Spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) mostly occurs in the elderly population (typically > 65 years old), causing pain in the legs and back, claudication, and spinal deformity. The surgical strategy for DLS is controversial concerning the surgical approach, fusion area, decompression area, correction methods, and ideal angle of curve correction. A nonfusion stabilization system with motion preservation has been recently used for degenerative spinal diseases with favorable outcomes. This study attempted to analyze surgical outcomes after decompression and nonfusion stabilization for spinal stenosis with a mild to moderate degree of DLS. Methods Twenty-eight patients (21 women and 7 men, with a mean age of 65.3 years) with spinal stenosis and DLS who underwent decompressive surgery and nonfusion stabilization with the Dynesys system were included in this study. Medical records and radiological studies were reviewed to access clinical and radiological outcomes and surgery-related complications. Results Fifty-nine segments were decompressed and stabilized without fusion in 28 patients, consisting of 1 segmental stabilization in 8 patients (28.6%, L4–5), 2 segmental stabilizations in 11 patients (39.3%, L3–5), 3 segmental stabilizations in 7 patients (25.0%, L2–5 in 6 patients, L3–S1 in 1 patient), and 4 segmental stabilizations in 2 patients (7.1%, L2–S1 in 1 patient, L1–5 in 1 patient). The mean follow-up period was 30.7 months. Radiologically, the mean lumbar scoliotic angle was 13.7° before surgery, 5.1° at 3 months postoperatively, 3.8° at 12 months postoperatively, 4.2° at 24 months postoperatively, and 3.9° at the last follow-up, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Lumbar lordosis and range of motion were preserved. The score on the visual analog scale for leg and back pain significantly decreased, and the Oswestry Disability Index significantly improved after surgery. There were no newly developed neurological deficits or aggravation of neurological symptoms. A radiolucent line around the pedicle screw was observed in 4 patients (14.2%) with 5 screws (2.8%). Conclusions Adding nonfusion stabilization after decompressive surgery resulted in a safe and effective procedure for elderly patients with lumbar stenosis with a mild to moderate scoliosis angle (< 30°). Statistically significant improvement of the clinical outcome was obtained at the last follow-up evaluation with no progression of the degenerative scoliosis.

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The influence of approach side on facet preservation in microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2010.5.spine091001 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 758-765 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Akira Matsumura ◽

Takashi Namikawa ◽

Hidetomi Terai ◽

Tadao Tsujio ◽

Akinobu Suzuki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Recovery Rate ◽

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Spinal Instability ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Unilateral Approach ◽

Scale Scores ◽

The Mean

Object The authors compared the clinical outcomes of microscopic bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach (MBDU) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) and for lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) without instability. The authors also compared postoperative spinal instability in terms of different approach sides (concave or convex) following the procedure. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in 50 consecutive patients (25 in the DLS group and 25 in the LCS group) who underwent MBDU; the minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Patients with DLS were divided into 2 subgroups according to the surgical approach side: a concave group (23 segment) and a convex group (17 segments). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores for the assessment of low-back pain were evaluated before surgery and at final follow-up. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale scores and recovery rates were compared between the DLS and LCS groups, and between the convex and concave groups. Cobb angle and scoliotic wedging angle (SWA) were evaluated on standing radiographs before surgery and at final follow-up. Facet joint preservation (the percentage of preservation) was assessed on pre- and postoperative CT scans, compared between the LCS and DLS groups, and compared between the concave and convex groups. The influence of approach side on postoperative progression of segmental instability was also examined in the DLS group. Results The mean recovery rate was 58.7% in the DLS and 62.0% in the LCS group. The mean recovery rate was 58.6% in the convex group and 60.6% in the concave group. There were no significant differences in recovery rates between the LCS and DLS groups, or between the DLS subgroups. The mean Cobb angles in the DLS group were significantly increased from 12.7° preoperatively to 14.1° postoperatively (p < 0.05), and mean preoperative SWAs increased significantly from 6.2° at L3–4 and 4.1° at L4–5 preoperatively to 7.4° and 4.9°, respectively, at final follow-up (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in percentage of preservation between the DLS and LCS groups. The mean percentages of preservation on the approach side in the DLS group at L3–4 and L4–5 were 89.0% and 83.1% in the convex group, and those in the concave group were 67.3% and 77.6%, respectively. The percentage of preservation at L3–4 was significantly higher in the convex than the concave group. The mean SWA had increased in the concave group (p = 0.01) but not the convex group (p = 0.15) at final follow-up. Conclusions The MBDU can reduce postoperative segmental spinal instability and achieve good postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with DLS. The convex approach provides surgeons with good visibility and improves preservation of facet joints.

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CHALLENGING DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR SCOLIOSIS WITH SEGMENTAL CORRECTIVE FUSION SURGERY

Journal of Musculoskeletal Research ◽

10.1142/s0218957706001807 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 10 (03) ◽

pp. 141-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Takahiro Iizuka ◽

S. Yamada

Keyword(s):

Spinal Curvature ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Spinal Alignment ◽

Poor Bone Quality ◽

Fusion Surgery ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Cobb’S Angle ◽

Correction Surgery ◽

The Mean

Changes in the curvature have not been reported in degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) when the correction surgery was performed. The purpose of our study was to clarify the influence of the correction surgery of DLS. Twenty-one patients underwent corrective lumbar reconstruction surgery (1998–2003) only at the neurologically affected levels. The spinal curvature was retrospectively evaluated in these 21 patients with DLS using Cobb's methods. The mean preoperative Cobb's angle was 17.7° while the mean postoperative Cobb's angle was 6.1° (p < 0.0001) at 1 month after the surgery and 9.0° at the final follow-up. The correction rate was 65.2% at 1 month after the surgery and 50.2% at the final follow-up. Cobb's angle increased by 2.9°/43.4 months (mean, 0.80°/year) in these procedure. The surgical goals of DLS are the relief of neurological disorders and the cessation of the deterioration of spinal alignment. Strategies for DLS may include complete decompression, or correction of the spinal alignment in elderly patients with poor bone quality. Decompression and correction in the PLIF procedure only at neurologically affected levels may be one of the surgical procedures to challenge DLS.

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Comparison between dynamic stabilization and instrumented fusion in the treatment of spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis

10.21203/rs.2.19711/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Lei Luo ◽

Lang Fang ◽

Qiang Zhou ◽

Chen Zhao ◽

Pei Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Spinal Stenosis ◽

Perioperative Complications ◽

Dynamic Stabilization ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Instrumented Fusion ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Posterior Instrumented Fusion

Abstract Background Posterior instrumented fusion is the most widely accepted surgical treatment for spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, long fusion can affect daily activities due to lumbar stiffness. Several clinical studies have shown that Dynesys dynamic stabilization in addition to laminectomy could lead to significant improvements in clinical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of Dynesys dynamic stabilization with posterior instrumented fusion for the management of spinal stenosis with DLS. Methods Between August 2010 and Deccember 2015, a total of 46 patients with spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis were enrolled in this study. 26 patients (Dynesys group) had fenestration decompression, selective intervertebral fusion and Dynesys stabilizationin. 20 patients (fusion group) underwent posterior instrumented fusion. Clinical outcomes, radiographic data, and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups. The average duration of follow-up for the Dynesys group and fusion group was 38 and 33 months respectively. Results The mean number of fixed segments were 3.3±0.8 in Dynesys group and 4.3±0.8 in fusion group. Lower average values of operative duration and blood loss were observed in the dynamic group than in the fusion group. VAS for back and leg pain improved in both groups of patients. There were significant difference in ODI and LSDI (lumbar stiffness disability index) between Dynesys group and fusion group at the last follow-up. The scoliosis Cobb's angle and lumbar lordosis significantly improved in both groups after surgery, and no significant difference were observed between the groups at the last follow-up (P＞0.05). Dynesys stabilization resulted in significantly higher preservation of motion at the implanted segments. Conclusions This study demonstrated that both Dynesys dynamic stabilization and instrumented fusion can improve clinical outcomes of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Compared to instrumented fusion, Dynesys stabilizationin have advantages on blood loss, operation time, perioperative complications. In addition, Dynesys stabilization partially preserves the ROM of the stabilized segments that may reduce the limitation on daily activities caused by lumbar stiffness. Dynesys stabilizationin can also correct scoliosis, prevent progression of the curve, and maintain lumbar lordosis in mild to moderate lumbar scoliosis without sagittal imbalance.

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Adult spinal deformity and its relationship with height loss: A 34-year longitudinal cohort study

10.21203/rs.2.21724/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mutsuya Shimizu ◽

Tetsuya Kobayashi ◽

Hisashi Chiba ◽

Issei Senoo ◽

Hiroshi Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Deformity ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Height Loss ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Physical Change ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Pelvic Parameters ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background: Age-related height loss is a normal physical change that occurs in all individuals over 50 years of age. Although many epidemiological studies on height loss have been conducted worldwide, none have been long-term longitudinal epidemiological studies spanning over 30 years. This study was designed to investigate changes in adult spinal deformity and examine the relationship between adult spinal deformity and height loss.Methods: Fifty-three local healthy subjects (32 men, 21 women) from Furano, Hokkaido, Japan, volunteered for this longitudinal cohort study. Their heights were measured in 1983 and again in 2017. Spino-pelvic parameters were compared between measurements obtained in 1983 and 2017. Individuals with height loss were then divided into two groups, those with degenerative spondylosis and those with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and different characteristics were compared between the two groups.Results: The mean age of the subjects was 44.4 (31-55) years at baseline and 78.6 (65-89) years at the final follow-up. The mean height was 157.4 cm at baseline and 153.6 cm at the final follow-up, with a mean height loss of 3.8 cm over 34.2 years. All parameters except for thoracic kyphosis were significantly different between measurements taken in 1983 and 2017 (p<0.05). Height loss in both sexes was related to changes in pelvic parameters including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (R=0.460 p=0.008 in men, R=0.553 p=0.012 in women), pelvic tilt (R=0.374 p=0.035 in men, R=0.540 p=0.014 in women), and sagittal vertical axis (R=0.535 p=0.002 in men, R=0.527 p=0.017 in women). Greater height loss was more commonly seen in women (p=0.001) and in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (p=0.02).Conclusions: This longitudinal study revealed that height loss is more commonly observed in women and is associated with adult spinal deformity and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Height loss is a normal physical change with aging, but excessive height loss is due to spinal kyphosis and scoliosis leading to spinal malalignment. Our findings suggest that height loss might be an early physical symptom for spinal malalignment.

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Adult spinal deformity and its relationship with height loss: A 34-year longitudinal cohort study

10.21203/rs.2.21724/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mutsuya Shimizu ◽

Tetsuya Kobayashi ◽

Hisashi Chiba ◽

Issei Senoo ◽

Hiroshi Ito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Deformity ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Height Loss ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Physical Change ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Pelvic Parameters ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Age-related height loss is a normal physical change that occurs in all individuals over 50 years of age. Many epidemiological studies were conducted on height loss worldwide, however, over the 30 years longitudinal epidemiological studies have not been conducted. This study was designed to investigate changes in adult spinal deformity and examine the relationship between adult spinal deformity and height loss. Methods Fifty-three local healthy subjects (32 men, 21 women) from Furano, Hokkaido, Japan, volunteered for this longitudinal cohort study. Their heights were measured in 1983 and again in 2017. Spino-pelvic parameters were compared between 1983 and 2017. Individuals with height loss were then divided into two groups, those with degenerative spondylosis and those with degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and different characteristics were compared between the two groups. Results The mean age of the subjects was 44.4 (31-55) years at baseline and 78.6 (65-89) years at the final follow-up. The mean height was 157.4 cm at baseline and 153.6 cm at the final follow-up, with a mean height loss of 3.8 cm over 34.2 years. All parameters except for thoracic kyphosis were significantly different between 1983 and 2017 (p<0.05). Height loss was related to changes in pelvic parameters including pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (R=0.553 p<0.0001), pelvic tilt (R=0.462 p<0.0001), and sagittal vertical axis (R=0.514 p<0.0001). Greater height loss was more commonly seen in women (p=0.001) and in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (p=0.02). Conclusions This longitudinal study revealed that height loss is more commonly observed in women and is associated with adult spinal deformity and degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Height loss is a normal physical change with aging, but excessive height loss is due to spinal kyphosis and scoliosis leading to spinal malalignment. Our findings suggest that height loss might be an early physical symptom for spinal malalignment.

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Risk of progression of degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2011.6.spine10929 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 558-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Jun-Yeong Seo ◽

Kee-Yong Ha ◽

Tae-Hyok Hwang ◽

Ki-Won Kim ◽

Young-Hoon Kim

Keyword(s):

Vertebral Body ◽

Curve Progression ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Disc Space ◽

Apical Vertebra ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

The Mean ◽

Cobb Method ◽

The Relationship

Object In this paper the authors' goal was to determine the factors associated with the progression of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). Methods Twenty-seven patients (3 men and 24 women; mean age 64.9 years) with more than 10° of lumbar scoliosis at baseline were monitored for a mean period of 10 years. The radiological evaluation included measurement of the scoliosis angle using the Cobb method, the direction of the scoliosis, the relationship between the intercrest line and the L-5 vertebra, lateral listhesis, segmental angle, distance from the center of the sacral line to the apical vertebra, degenerative listhesis anteriorly or posteriorly or both, and lordosis angle. In addition, the lateral osteophyte difference, disc index, and severity of osteoporosis were measured. The pain and disability outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) relative to severity of the angle of scoliosis. Results The mean initial and final scoliosis angles were 14° ± 5.4° and 25° ± 8.5°, respectively. The initial disc index at the L-3 vertebra (Spearman ρ = 0.7, p < 0.001), the sum of the segmental wedging angles above and below the L-3 vertebra (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001), and the initial disc index at the apical vertebra (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001) were correlated with the last follow-up angle of the scoliosis. By contrast, there was no statistically significant correlation between the initial segmental angles at L2–3 and L3–4 and the final follow-up scoliosis angle (ρ = 0.2, p = 0.67; and ρ = 0.1, p = 0.22; respectively). When the authors separated the patients into 3 groups according to the sum of the segmental angles above and below L-3 (< 5°, 5° to 10°, and > 10°), they found that 3 (42.9%) of 7, 8 (66.7%) of 12, and 6 (75.0%) of 8 patients in the 3 groups showed increases of greater than 10° in scoliosis angle. The mean distance from the center of the sacral line to the apical vertebra was 36.0 ± 9.7 mm, and the distance correlated with the measurement of the last follow-up angle of the scoliosis (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001). The mean angle of the scoliosis was significantly greater when the intercrest line passed through the L-5 or L4–5 disc space than when the line passed through the L-4 vertebral body (31.4° ± 7.9° vs 21.8° ± 6.7°, p = 0.01). The ODI correlated with the measurement of the angle of the scoliosis (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001). Age, sex, osteoporosis, the direction of the scoliosis, listhesis of coronal and sagittal planes, the lateral osteophyte difference, and the vertebral body index did not correlate with curve progression. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrated that the progression of DLS was affected by the relationship between the intercrest line and the L-5 vertebra. When L-5 was deep seated, progression of DLS was found. Asymmetrical change in the disc space above and below the L-3 or apical vertebra may also be an important predictor of curve progression.

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Patterns of neurological deficits and recovery of postoperative C5 nerve palsy

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.5.spine20514 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 742-750

Author(s):

John K. Houten ◽

Joshua R. Buksbaum ◽

Michael J. Collins

Keyword(s):

Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽

Decompressive Surgery ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Motor Deficit ◽

C5 Palsy ◽

Signal Change ◽

The Mean ◽

Signal Changes

OBJECTIVEParesis of the C5 nerve is a well-recognized complication of cervical spine surgery. Numerous studies have investigated its incidence and possible causes, but the specific pattern and character of neurological deficits, time course, and relationship to preoperative cord signal changes remain incompletely understood.METHODSRecords of patients undergoing cervical decompressive surgery for spondylosis, disc herniation, or ossification of the longitudinal ligament, including the C4–5 level, were reviewed from a 15-year period, identifying C5 palsy cases. Data collected included age, sex, diabetes and smoking statuses, body mass index, surgical levels, approach, presence of increased cord signal intensity, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores. Narrative descriptions of the patterns and findings on neurological examination were reviewed, and complications were noted. The minimum follow-up requirement for the study was 12 months.RESULTSOf 642 patients who underwent cervical decompressive surgery, 18 developed C5 palsy (2.8%). The incidence was significantly lower following anterior surgery (6 of 441 [1.4%]) compared with that following cervical laminectomy and fusion (12 of 201 [6.0%]) (p < 0.001). There were 10 men and 8 women whose mean age was 66.7 years (range 54–76 years). The mean preoperative mJOA score of 11.4 improved to 15.6 at the latest follow-up examination. There were no differences between those with and without C5 palsy with regard to sex, age, number of levels treated, or pre- or postoperative mJOA score. Fifteen patients with palsy (83%) had signal changes/myelomalacia on preoperative T2-weighted imaging, compared with 436 of 624 (70%) patients without palsy; however, looking specifically at the C4–5 level, signal change/myelomalacia was present in 12 of 18 (67%) patients with C5 palsy, significantly higher than in the 149 of 624 (24%) patients without palsy (p < 0.00003). Paresis was unilateral in 16 (89%) and bilateral in 2 (11%) patients. All had deltoid weakness, but 15 (83%) exhibited new biceps weakness, 8 (44%) had triceps weakness, and 2 (11%) had hand intrinsic muscle weakness. The mean time until onset of palsy was 4.6 days (range 2–14 days). Two patients (11%) complained of shoulder pain preceding weakness; 3 patients (17%) had sensory loss. Recovery to grade 4/5 deltoid strength occurred in 89% of the patients. No patient had intraoperative loss of somatosensory or motor evoked potentials or abnormal intraoperative C5 electromyography activity.CONCLUSIONSPostoperative C5 nerve root dysfunction appears in a delayed fashion, is predominantly a motor deficit, and weakness is frequently appreciated in the biceps and triceps muscles in addition to the deltoid muscle. Preoperative cord signal change/myelomalacia at C4–5 was a significant risk factor. No patient had a detectable deficit in the immediate postoperative period or changes in intraoperative neuromonitoring status. Neurological recovery to at least that of grade 4/5 occurred in nearly 90% of the patients.

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Radiologic prognostic factors of curve progression in early degenerative lumbar scoliosis

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2020.7.spine20266 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Jin-Sung Park ◽

Se-Jun Park ◽

Chong-Suh Lee ◽

Tae-hoon Yum ◽

Bo-Taek Kim

Keyword(s):

Cobb Angle ◽

Curve Progression ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Disc Space ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Radiological Parameters ◽

Lateral Subluxation ◽

Lower Disc ◽

The Mean

OBJECTIVESeveral radiological parameters related to the aging spine have been reported as progression factors of early degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, it has not been determined which factors are the most important. In this study the authors aimed to determine the risk factors associated with curve progression in early DLS.METHODSFifty-one patients with early DLS and Cobb angles of 5°–15° were investigated. In total, 7 men and 44 women (mean age 61.6 years) were observed for a mean period of 13.7 years. The subjects were divided into two groups according to Cobb angle progression (≥ 15° or < 15°) at the final follow-up, and radiological parameters were compared. The direction of scoliosis, apical vertebral level and rotational grade, lateral subluxation, disc space difference, osteophyte difference, upper and lower disc wedging angles, and relationship between the intercrest line and L5 vertebra were evaluated.RESULTSDuring the follow-up period, the mean curve progression increased from 8.8° ± 3.2° to 19.4° ± 8.9°. The Cobb angle had progressed by ≥ 15° in 17 patients (33.3%) at the final follow-up. In these patients the mean Cobb angle increased from 9.4° ± 3.4° to 28.8° ± 7.5°, and in the 34 remaining patients it increased from 8.5° ± 3.1° to 14.7° ± 4.8°. The baseline lateral subluxation, disc space difference, and upper and lower disc wedging angles significantly differed between the groups. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the upper and lower disc wedging angles were significantly correlated with curve progression (OR 1.55, p = 0.035, and OR 1.89, p = 0.004, respectively).CONCLUSIONSAsymmetrical degenerative change in the lower apical vertebral disc, which leads to upper and lower disc wedging angles, is the most substantial factor in predicting early DLS progression.

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Natural history and treatment options of radiation-induced brain cavernomas: a systematic review

Neurosurgical Review ◽

10.1007/s10143-021-01598-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gildas Patet ◽

Andrea Bartoli ◽

Torstein R. Meling

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Natural History ◽

Radiation Treatment ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Average Dose ◽

Cavernous Malformations ◽

Radiation Induced ◽

The Mean

AbstractRadiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are delayed complications of brain irradiation during childhood. Its natural history is largely unknown and its incidence may be underestimated as RCIMS tend to develop several years following radiation. No clear consensus exists regarding the long-term follow-up or treatment. A systematic review of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed. Based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included, totaling 113 children with RICMs, 86 were treated conservatively, and 27 with microsurgery. We were unable to precisely define the incidence and natural history from this data. The mean age at radiation treatment was 7.3 years, with a slight male predominance (54%) and an average dose of 50.0 Gy. The mean time to detection of RICM was 9.2 years after radiation. RICM often developed at distance from the primary lesion, more specifically frontal (35%) and temporal lobe (34%). On average, 2.6 RICMs were discovered per child. Sixty-seven percent were asymptomatic. Twenty-one percent presented signs of hemorrhage. Clinical outcome was favorable in all children except in 2. Follow-up data were lacking in most of the studies. RICM is most often asymptomatic but probably an underestimated complication of cerebral irradiation in the pediatric population. Based on the radiological development of RICMs, many authors suggest a follow-up of at least 15 years. Studies suggest observation for asymptomatic lesions, while surgery is reserved for symptomatic growth, hemorrhage, or focal neurological deficits.

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Important Factors for a Combined Neurovascular Team to Consider in Selecting a Treatment Modality for Patients with Previously Clipped Residual and Recurrent Intracranial Aneurysms

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000053209.61909.f2 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 52 (4) ◽

pp. 732-739 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Brian L. Hoh ◽

Bob S. Carter ◽

Christopher M. Putman ◽

Christopher S. Ogilvy

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Treatment Modality ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Parent Vessel ◽

Surgical Risk ◽

Fatal Hemorrhage ◽

The Mean ◽

Selection Of

Abstract OBJECTIVE Intracranial residual and recurrent aneurysms can occur after surgical clipping, with risks of growth and rupture. In the past, surgical reoperation, which can be associated with higher risk than the initial operation, was the only available treatment. A combined neurovascular team that uses both surgical and endovascular therapies could maximize efficacy and outcomes while minimizing risks in these difficult cases. The indications for which surgical or endovascular treatment should be used to treat patients with residual or recurrent aneurysms, however, have not been elucidated well. We have reviewed the 10-year experience of our combined neurovascular team to determine in a retrospective manner which factors were important to treatment modality selection for patients with these residual and recurrent lesions. METHODS From 1991 to 2001, the combined neurovascular unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital treated 25 residual and recurrent previously clipped aneurysms (15 had been clipped at other centers). Only patients in whom a clip had been placed were included in the study; patients who did not have a clip placed or whose aneurysms were wrapped or coated were excluded. The radiographic studies and clinical data were reviewed retrospectively to determine the efficacy, outcomes, and factors important to the selection of treatment strategy in these patients. RESULTS The patients' clinical presentations were radiographic follow-up, 17 patients; rehemorrhage, 3; mass effect, 3; and thromboembolism, 2. The mean aneurysm recurrence or residual size was 11 mm (range, 4–26 mm). The mean interval until representation was 6.6 years (range, 1 wk–25 yr). Treatment consisted of: coiling, 11 patients; reclipping, 8; proximal parent vessel balloon occlusion, 2; extracranial-intracranial bypass with coil occlusion of aneurysm and parent vessel, 2; extracranial-intracranial bypass with clip trapping, 1; and extracranial-intracranial bypass with proximal clip occlusion of parent vessel, 1. The mean radiographic follow-up period was 11 months. Complete angiographic occlusion was found in 19 aneurysms (76%), at least 90% occlusion was found in 4 aneurysms (16%), intentional partial coil obliteration was found in 1 fusiform lesion (4%), and intentional retrograde flow was found in 1 fusiform lesion (4%). Clinical outcomes were excellent or good in 19 patients (76%). Twenty-one patients (84%) were neurologically the same after retreatment (13 remained neurologically intact, and 8 had preexisting neurological deficits that did not change). Three patients (12%) had new neurological deficits after retreatment, and one patient (4%) died. There were four complications of retreatment (16%), one of which was a fatal hemorrhage in a patient 1 month after intentional partial coil obliteration of a fusiform vertebrobasilar junction aneurysm. Factors important to the selection of treatment modality were recurrence or residual location (all posterior circulation lesions were treated endovascularly), lesion size (lesions larger than 10 mm were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques), and aneurysm morphology (fusiform and wide-necked lesions were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques). CONCLUSION The proper selection of surgical or endovascular treatment for residual and recurrent previously clipped aneurysms can achieve excellent radiographic efficacy with low mortality. Factors important to the selection of treatment by this combined neurovascular team were posterior circulation location, aneurysm size larger than 10 mm, and fusiform morphology, which were treated endovascularly or with the use of combined techniques because of the higher surgical risk associated with these factors. For aneurysms with lower surgical risk, such as some anterior circulation aneurysms and aneurysms smaller than 10 mm, we prefer to perform a reoperation because of superior radiographic cure without compromising the outcome.

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