Transcranial versus Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approaches in Management of Recurrent Giant Pituitary Adenomas

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the transcranial and the endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches for patients with recurrent giant pituitary adenomas as regards the extent of tumor resection and the clinical outcome. METHODS: The study included 21 patients with recurrent giant pituitary adenomas divided into two groups; Group A included nine patients operated on by transcranial approaches and Group B included 12 patients operated on by the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Both groups were compared as regards the extent of tumor resection and the post-operative clinical outcome, particularly the visual and endocrinological outcomes, in addition to morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: There was a higher incidence of total and near-total resection in Group B (41.7%) and a higher incidence of subtotal resection in Group A (55.6%). The incidence of visual improvement was higher in Group B (55.6%) than in Group A (28.6%). Post-operative biochemical remission was achieved in 100% of Group B patients and in 50% of Group A patients with functioning adenomas. The incidence of post-operative complications was higher in Group A (77.8%) than in Group B (50%). CONCLUSION: The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for recurrent giant pituitary adenomas is associated with a higher extent of tumor resection, better rates of visual improvement and endocrinological remission, and lower incidence of complications. The transcranial approach should be reserved for some adenomas with marked lateral or anterior extensions, fibrous tumors, and after the failure of the endoscopic transsphenoidal approach.

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Transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas: current indications and clinical and radiological outcomes

Egyptian Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.1186/s41984-021-00117-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mohamed M. Salama ◽

Mohamed Reda Rady

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Third Ventricle ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Combined Approach ◽

Total Resection ◽

Third Nerve Palsy ◽

Clinical And Radiological Outcome ◽

Transcranial Approach ◽

Anterior Fossa

Abstract Background The indications of transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas have declined in the last decades with the widespread performance of endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches. The aim of the study was to review the current indications of transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas and to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome following these approaches. Patients and methods This study included 16 patients with fresh, residual, or recurrent pituitary adenomas operated upon by transcranial approaches alone or in combination with transsphenoidal approaches. The indication to perform a transcranial approach was reviewed for each patient. Postoperative clinical outcome and the extent of tumor resection were assessed. Results The indications of transcranial approaches were significant parasellar and/or anterior fossa extensions in 6 patients, failed previous transsphenoidal surgery in 3 patients, giant adenoma extending into the third ventricle in 3 patients, dumbbell-shaped adenoma in 2 patients, and doubtful diagnosis in 2 patients. Two patients with invasive giant adenomas were operated upon by a combined approach. There was a single mortality. Permanent complications included visual loss in one patient, third nerve palsy in one patient, hypopituitarism in two patients, and permanent diabetes insipidus in two patients. Gross total resection was achieved in one patient, subtotal resection in seven patients, and partial resection in eight patients. Conclusion Transcranial approaches are still needed for some complex pituitary adenomas particularly giant tumors with significant lateral, anterior, or superior extensions, tumors with fibrous consistency particularly after failure of transsphenoidal approach, and dumbbell-shaped tumors with severe constriction at the diaphragm.

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Fronto - temporal approach in sellar and parasellar tumors

Romanian Neurosurgery ◽

10.2478/v10282-012-0024-z ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 80-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bianca Pintea ◽

Andreea Mogyoros ◽

Zorinela Andrasoni ◽

I.St. Florian

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Cranial Base ◽

Motor Deficit ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Shortest Distance ◽

Surgeon Experience ◽

Csf Leakage ◽

Transcranial Approach ◽

Third Cranial Nerve Palsy

Abstract Introduction: The fronto-temporal approach represent the shortest distance to the ipsilateral optic nerve and carotid artery, and allow the direct verification of the optical nerves, the carotid arteries, the pituitary stalk, the tumor and its relationship with the suprasellar structures. Objective: The purpose of this study is to advocate an available cranial base technique for removing these tumors and to delineate the technique’s advantages that aid in achieving an improved extent of tumor resection and enhancing the patients’ overall outcome. Materials and methods: We present a retrospective study of a single surgeon experience on 355 consecutive cases with sellar and parasellar tumors admitted and operated by transcranial approaches in our department between January 2000 and December 2012. Results: Tumors in the sellar region represent 11, 8% of all tumors operated in our department. The most common type of tumor was pituitary adenomas, 165 of cases, followed by sellar and parasellar meningiomas, 128 of cases. Craniopharyngioma represent 12% of cases encountered in this region. All our cases underwent surgery by transcranial approach, unilateral frontotemporal in 252 of cases (71%). In pituitary adenomas total and near total resection was achieved in 100% of patients operated by transcranial approaches. For resection of craniopharyngiomas we have frequently chosen the extended fronto-temporal approach. The most common surgical related complications were: postoperative hematomas 9 of cases; wound infections, 6 of cases and CSF leakage, 12 of cases; transient visual alteration in 12 cases, transient third cranial nerve palsy in 6 of cases, transient motor deficit in 7 cases, hydrocephalus, 6 cases; transient diabetes insipidus in the large majority of pituitary adenomas and craniopharingiomas. Only 4 cases of pituitary adenomas and 6 of craniopharingiomas recurred after subtotal resection, requiring re-intervention. The mortality rate in our study was 2%. Conclusions: Our experience demonstrated that the management of the large suprasellar tumors via fronto-temporal approach remains the main route for these tumors with significant extrasellar extension, fibrous tumors, cases with unrelated pathology that might complicate a transsphenoidal approach and recurrent tumors after previous transsphenoidal surgery. In our opinion there is no need for larger osteotomies or extensive drilling of cranial base. “Instead of bone, remove the tumor; it's easier even for the patient”.

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Treatment strategies for giant pituitary adenomas in the era of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: a multicenter series

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2021.1.jns203982 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Alexander Micko ◽

Matthew S. Agam ◽

Andrew Brunswick ◽

Ben A. Strickland ◽

Martin J. Rutkowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Gross Total Resection ◽

Total Resection ◽

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery ◽

Group A ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Group B

OBJECTIVE Given the anatomical complexity and frequently invasive growth of giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs), individually tailored approaches are required. The aim of this study was to assess the treatment strategies and outcomes in a large multicenter series of GPAs in the era of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS). METHODS This was a retrospective case-control series of 64 patients with GPAs treated at two tertiary care centers by surgeons with experience in ETS. GPAs were defined by a maximum diameter of ≥ 4 cm and a volume of ≥ 10 cm3 on preoperative isovoxel contrast-enhanced MRI. RESULTS The primary operation was ETS in all cases. Overall gross-total resection rates were 64% in round GPAs, 46% in dumbbell-shaped GPAs, and 8% in multilobular GPAs (p < 0.001). Postoperative outcomes were further stratified into two groups based on extent of resection: group A (gross-total resection or partial resection with intracavernous remnant; 21/64, 33%) and group B (partial resection with intracranial remnant; 43/64, 67%). Growth patterns of GPAs were mostly round (11/14, 79%) in group A and multilobular (33/37, 89%) in group B. In group A, no patients required a second operation, and 2/21 (9%) were treated with adjuvant radiosurgery. In group B, early transcranial reoperation was required in 6/43 (14%) cases due to hemorrhagic transformation of remnants. For the remaining group B patients with remnants, 5/43 (12%) underwent transcranial surgery and 12/43 (28%) underwent delayed second ETS. There were no deaths in this series. Severe complications included stroke (6%), meningitis (6%), hydrocephalus requiring shunting (6%), and loss or distinct worsening of vision (3%). At follow-up (mean 3 years, range 0.5–16 years), stable disease was achieved in 91% of cases. CONCLUSIONS ETS as a primary treatment modality to relieve mass effect in GPAs and extent of resection are dependent on GPA morphology. The pattern of residual pituitary adenoma guides further treatment strategies, including early transcranial reoperation, delayed endoscopic transsphenoidal/transcranial reoperation, and adjuvant radiosurgery.

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Transcranial approach in giant pituitary adenomas: results and outcome in a modern series

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences ◽

10.23736/s0390-5616.16.03889-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thomas Graillon ◽

Frédéric Castinetti ◽

Stéphane Fuentes ◽

Regis Gras ◽

Thierry Brue ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Transcranial Approach ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenomas

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Estimating Risk of Pituitary Apoplexy after Resection of Giant Pituitary Adenomas

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part B Skull Base ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1722993 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

John T. Butterfield ◽

Takako Araki ◽

Daniel Guillaume ◽

Ramachandra Tummala ◽

Emiro Caicedo-Granados ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Pituitary Apoplexy ◽

Residual Tumor ◽

Extent Of Resection ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Surgical Approaches ◽

Subtotal Resection ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Cranial Nerve Palsies ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenomas

Abstract Background Pituitary apoplexy after resection of giant pituitary adenomas is a rare but often cited morbidity associated with devastating outcomes. It presents as hemorrhage and/or infarction of residual tumor in the postoperative period. Because of its rarity, its incidence and consequences remain ill defined. Objective The aim of this study is to estimate the rate of postoperative pituitary apoplexy after resection of giant pituitary adenomas and assess the morbidity and mortality associated with apoplexy. Methods A systematic review of literature was performed to examine extent of resection in giant pituitary adenomas based on surgical approach, rate of postoperative apoplexy, morbidities, and mortality. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach were compared. Results Seventeen studies were included in quantitative analysis describing 1,031 cases of resection of giant pituitary adenomas. The overall rate of subtotal resection (<90%) for all surgical approaches combined was 35.6% (95% confidence interval: 28.0–43.1). Postoperative pituitary apoplexy developed in 5.65% (n = 19) of subtotal resections, often within 24 hours and with a mortality of 42.1% (n = 8). Resulting morbidities included visual deficits, altered consciousness, cranial nerve palsies, and convulsions. Conclusion Postoperative pituitary apoplexy is uncommon but is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in subtotal resection cases. These findings highlight the importance in achieving a maximal resection in a time sensitive fashion to mitigate the severe consequences of postoperative apoplexy.

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NCOG-31. GIANT PITUITARY ADENOMA (GPA) SCORE: A NOVEL SCORING SYSTEM TO PREDICT POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOMES OF GIANT PITUITARY ADENOMAS

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noab196.621 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_6) ◽

pp. vi158-vi158

Author(s):

Syed Ather Enam ◽

Fauzan Alam Hashmi ◽

Sanam Mir Ghazi ◽

Ahsan Ali Khan ◽

Muhammad Bilal Tariq ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Scoring System ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Maximum Diameter ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenoma ◽

Giant Pituitary Adenomas ◽

The Mean ◽

Suprasellar Extension

Abstract BACKGROUND Giant pituitary adenomas (GPA) are uncommon and highly variable in morphology and extension. There is no scoring system that considers all the dimensions of adenoma invasion. We developed a new Giant Pituitary Adenoma score and report our surgical experience and evaluate outcomes after resection of these tumors in accordance with the preoperative score. METHODS We developed a novel scoring system for classifying giant pituitary adenomas, and 11-year data of GPA surgery at our center was collected retrospectively, based on this scoring system. GPA Score considered tumor’s parasellar extension, encasement of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA), suprasellar extension > 2 cm, suprasellar extension > 4cm and retrosellar extension. Maximum possible score was 9. The scoring system was applied to 53 patients of GPA who underwent surgical resection between January 1, 2006, and December 2017. The Lundin-Pederson (ABC/2) method was used to calculate the tumor volume both pre- and post-resection and linear regression was used to assess the relationship between extent of tumor resection and GPA score. RESULTS The median age of the study population was 42.08 ± 16.49 years. The mean maximum diameter of the pituitary adenomas was 5.0 cm (range 4.0 cm-8.5cm) while the mean volume of the adenomas was 27.3 cm3 (range 10 cm3-149 cm3). There were 3 cases of score 2, 5 cases of score 3, 13 cases of score 4, 20 cases of score 5, 9 cases of score 6 and 3 cases of score 7. The range of tumor volumes of tumors for scores from 2-7 was 17.3 cm3 to 65.8 cm3 and GPA score was correlated with the percent residual tumor using linear regression that was statistically significant (p= 0.001). CONCLUSION GPA Score is a reliable scoring system to predict the extent and subsequent difficulty in tumor resection in GPA.

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Extended transsphenoidal approach for pituitary adenomas invading the anterior cranial base, cavernous sinus, and clivus: a single-center experience with 126 consecutive cases

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2009.3.jns0929 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 112 (1) ◽

pp. 108-117 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Bing Zhao ◽

Yu-Kui Wei ◽

Gui-Lin Li ◽

Yong-Ning Li ◽

Yong Yao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Cavernous Sinus ◽

Pituitary Adenomas ◽

Tumor Resection ◽

Cranial Base ◽

Transsphenoidal Approach ◽

Preoperative Imaging ◽

Surgical Removal ◽

Extended Transsphenoidal Approach ◽

Anterior Cranial Base

Object The standard transsphenoidal approach has been successfully used to resect most pituitary adenomas. However, as a result of the limited exposure provided by this procedure, complete surgical removal of pituitary adenomas with parasellar or retrosellar extension remains problematic. By additional bone removal of the cranial base, the extended transsphenoidal approach provides better exposure to the parasellar and clival region compared with the standard approach. The authors describe their surgical experience with the extended transsphenoidal approach to remove pituitary adenomas invading the anterior cranial base, cavernous sinus (CS), and clivus. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed in 126 patients with pituitary adenomas that were surgically treated via the extended transsphenoidal approach between September 1999 and March 2008. There were 55 male and 71 female patients with a mean age of 43.4 years (range 12–75 years). There were 82 cases of macroadenoma and 44 cases of giant adenoma. Results Gross-total resection was achieved in 78 patients (61.9%), subtotal resection in 43 (34.1%), and partial resection in 5 (4%). Postoperative complications included transient cerebrospinal rhinorrhea (7 cases), incomplete cranial nerve palsy (5), panhypopituitarism (5), internal carotid artery injury (2), monocular blindness (2), permanent diabetes insipidus (1), and perforation of the nasal septum (2). No intraoperative or postoperative death was observed. Conclusions The extended transsphenoidal approach provides excellent exposure to pituitary adenomas invading the anterior cranial base, CS, and clivus. This approach enhances the degree of tumor resection and keeps postoperative complications relatively low. However, radical resection of tumors that are firm, highly invasive to the CS, or invading multidirectionally remains a big challenge. This procedure not only allows better visualization of the tumor and the neurovascular structures but also provides significant working space under the microscope, which facilitates intraoperative manipulation. Preoperative imaging studies and new techniques such as the neuronavigation system and the endoscope improve the efficacy and safety of tumor resection.

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A positron emission tomography study of cerebrovascular reserve before and after shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic chronic hydrocephalus

Neurosurgical FOCUS ◽

10.3171/foc.2000.8.2.8 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Petra M. Klinge ◽

Georg Berding ◽

Thomas Brinker ◽

Wolfram H. Knapp ◽

Madjid Samii

Keyword(s):

Positron Emission Tomography ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Emission Tomography ◽

Control Group ◽

Chronic Hydrocephalus ◽

Cerebrovascular Reserve ◽

Shunt Placement ◽

Positron Emission ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Object In this study the authors use positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) in chronic hydrocephalus. Methods Ten patients whose mean age was 67 ± 10 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were compared with 10 healthy volunteers who were 25 ±3 years of age. Global CBF and CVR were determined using 15O–H2O and PET prior to shunt placement and 7 days and 7 months thereafter. The CVR was measured using 1 g acetazolamide. Neurological status was assessed based on a score assigned according to the methods of Stein and Langfitt. Seven months after shunt placement, five patients showed clinical improvement (Group A) and five did not (Group B). The average global CBF before shunt deployment was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (40 ± 8 compared with 61 ± 7 ml/100 ml/minute; mean ± SD, p < 0.01). In Group A the CBF values were significantly lower than in Group B (36 ± 7 compared with 44 ± 8 ml/100 ml/minute; p < 0.05). The CVR before surgery, however, was not significantly different between groups (Group A = 43 ± 21%, Group B = 37 ± 29%). After shunt placement, there was an increase in the CVR in Group A to 52 ± 37% after 7 days and to 68 ± 47% after 7 months (p < 0.05), whereas in Group B the CVR decreased to 14 ± 18% (p < 0.05) after 7 days and returned to the preoperative level (39 ± 6%) 7 months after shunt placement. Conclusions The preliminary results indicate that a reduced baseline CBF before surgery does not indicate a poor prognosis. Baseline CBF before shunt placement and preoperative CVR are not predictive of clinical outcome. A decrease in the CVR early after shunt placement, however, is related to poor late clinical outcome, whereas early improvement in the CVR after shunt placement indicates a good prognosis.

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Microrna Expression Profile Identifies Distinct Clinically Relevant Sub-Groups in Multiple Myeloma: Novel Prognostic Markers and Potential Targets for Therapy

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.96.96 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 96-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sophia Adamia ◽

Herve AvetLoiseau ◽

Samirkumar B Amin ◽

Yu-Tzu Tai ◽

Steven P. Treon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Myeloma ◽

Cell Differentiation ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Signaling Pathways ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Normal Plasma ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract MicroRNA, an abundant class of small endogenous RNAs, regulate target genes through inducing translational inhibition and cleavage of targeted transcripts. To date, microRNAs have been implicated in normal biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation as well as in malignant transformation. However, their role in multiple myeloma (MM) remains unknown. Here we investigated role of microRNAs in myelomagenesis, and their influence on prognosis and clinical outcome. We evaluated profiles of 384 microRNAs in bone marrow derived CD138+ plasma cells (PC) from 79 uniformly treated MM patients, 11 MM cell lines and 9 healthy donors using qRT-PCR based microRNA array. The relative expression was calculated using comparative Ct method, and data was normalized using endogenous controls and analyzed using SDS, RQ manager, R and dChip softwares. MicroRNA expression profiles detected in MM patients were correlated with clinical outcome measures. We observed significant modulate expression of 61 microRNAs in myeloma cells compared to normal plasma cells. When more stringent criteria were used, we identified 24 differentially expressed microRNAs in patient samples. Further, unsupervised hierarchical clustering of filtered microRNAs, based on their DCt values, identified two major groups within the MM population (groups A and group B). Samples of Group A clusters with MM cell lines, indicating more proliferative nature of MM patient cells. Within B group, a second degree node group B2, clusters with normal plasma cells indicating more indolent course, while patients in an additional node B1 represented an assorted pattern. The unsupervised clustering of all MM samples showed consistent changes in miR-30b, -30c, -30d, -142-5p, -24, -191, -181d, -374, -146b, -140, -145, -125a, -151, -223, -155, let7b, indicative of a role of these microRNA in myelomagenesis; while supervised analysis of samples within groups A and B identified modulated expression of different sets of miRNAs. In group A miR-585 and let-7f were upregulated 8–12 fold, while miRs -125a, -126, -155, -223, -146a, -374 -19a, -20a, -26a, -30a -5p, -30b, and -30d were significantly downregulated; in group B, all differentially expressed microRNAs were downregulated (p<0.001) compared to normal plasma cells. These modulated miRNAs target critical signaling pathways including apoptosis, hematopoietic cell differentiation and proliferation, survival and angiogenesis by upregulating function of HOX9, c-myc, VCAM-1, Bcl-2, E2F1, SHP1, SHP2, VEGF, and DUSp6 molecules. We further analyzed the effect of microRNA on clinical outcome. We have observed significantly superior event free and overall survival of patients in group B2 compared to patients in group A (2 yr estimated EFS 79% versus 54% respectively; p=0.05; and 2 yr estimated OS 94% versus 70% respectively; p =0.017). Taken together this data identifies critical microRNAs as modulators of gene expression and signaling pathways and provides potential novel microRNA and gene targets in MM to both understand biological behavior and for therapeutic application.

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Portable Intraoperative Computed Tomography Scan in Image-Guided Surgery for Brain High-grade Gliomas: Analysis of Technical Feasibility and Impact on Extent of Tumor Resection

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000001112 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 19-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Giuseppe MV Barbagallo ◽

Stefano Palmucci ◽

Massimiliano Visocchi ◽

Sabrina Paratore ◽

Giancarlo Attinà ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tumor Resection ◽

Residual Tumor ◽

High Grade ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Technical Feasibility ◽

Intraoperative Computed Tomography ◽

Guided Surgery ◽

Image Guided ◽

Group A ◽

Group B

Abstract BACKGROUND Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard among image-guided techniques for glioma surgery. Scant data are available on the role of intraoperative computed tomography (i-CT) in high-grade glioma (HGG) surgery. OBJECTIVE To verify the technical feasibility and usefulness of portable i-CT in image-guided surgical resection of HGGs. METHODS This is a retrospective series control analysis of prospectively collected data. Twenty-five patients (Group A) with HGGs underwent surgery using i-CT and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence. A second cohort of 25 patients (Group B) underwent 5-ALA fluorescence–guided surgery but without i-CT. We used a portable 8-slice CT scanner and, in both groups, neuronavigation. Extent of tumor resection (ETOR) and pre- and postoperative Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores were measured; the impact of i-CT on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was also analyzed. RESULTS In 8 patients (32%) in Group A, i-CT revealed residual tumor, and in 4 of them it helped to also resect pathological tissue detached from the main tumor. EOTR in these 8 patients was 97.3% (96%-98.6%). In Group B, residual tumor was found in 6 patients, whose tumor's mean resection was 98% (93.5-99.7). The Student t test did not show statistically significant differences in EOTR in the 2 groups. The KPS score decreased from 67 to 69 after surgery in Group A and from 74 to 77 in Group B (P = .07 according to the Student t test). Groups A and B did not show statistically significant differences in OS and PFS (P = .61 and .46, respectively, by the log-rank test). CONCLUSION No statistically significant differences in EOTR, KPS, PFS, and OS were observed in the 2 groups. However, i-CT helped to verify EOTR and to update the neuronavigator with real-time images, as well as to identify and resect pathological tissue in multifocal tumors. i-CT is a feasible and effective alternative to intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Portable i-CT can provide useful real-time information during brain surgery and can be easily introduced in neurosurgical theaters in daily practice.

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