High frequency oscillations in relation to interictal spikes in predicting postsurgical seizure freedom

We evaluate whether interictal spikes, epileptiform HFOs and their co-occurrence (Spike + HFO) were included in the resection area with respect to seizure outcome. We also characterise the relationship between high frequency oscillations (HFOs) and propagating spikes. We analysed intracranial EEG of 20 patients that underwent resective epilepsy surgery. The co-occurrence of ripples and fast ripples was considered an HFO event; the co-occurrence of an interictal spike and HFO was considered a Spike + HFO event. HFO distribution and spike onset were compared in cases of spike propagation. Accuracy in predicting seizure outcome was 85% for HFO, 60% for Spikes, and 79% for Spike + HFO. Sensitivity was 57% for HFO, 71% for Spikes and 67% for Spikes + HFO. Specificity was 100% for HFO, 54% for Spikes and 85% for Spikes + HFO. In 2/2 patients with spike propagation, the spike onset included the HFO area. Combining interictal spikes with HFO had comparable accuracy to HFO. In patients with propagating spikes, HFO rate was maximal at the onset of spike propagation

Atlantoaxial Spondyloptosis with Type II Odontoid Fractures: A Report of 2 Cases

CASE: Two patients with delayed presentations of neck pain and fixed kyphotic deformity after trauma were found to have atlantoaxial spondyloptosis (AAS) with type II dens fractures. Owing to the rarity of AAS, outcomes and optimal treatment are not well understood. In both cases, closed reduction was achieved with a dynamic overhead traction setup, followed by posterior surgical stabilization with C1-2 screw fixation. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction remains a challenge because of the marked deformity of interlocking C1-C2 joints. However, patients with chronic fixed atlantoaxial dislocation due to odontoid fractures can be safely managed with closed reduction and fusion of C1-C2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V

High frequency oscillations in relation to interictal spikes in predicting postsurgical seizure freedom

Abstract We evaluate whether interictal spikes, epileptiform HFOs and their co-occurrence (Spike + HFO) were included in the resection area with respect to seizure outcome. We also characterise the relationship between high frequency oscillations (HFOs) and propagating spikes. We analysed intracranial EEG of 20 patients that underwent resective epilepsy surgery. The co-occurrence of ripples and fast ripples was considered an HFO event; the co-occurrence of an interictal spike and HFO was considered a Spike + HFO event. HFO distribution and spike onset were compared in cases of spike propagation. Accuracy in predicting seizure outcome was 85% for HFO, 60% for Spikes, and 79% for Spike + HFO. Sensitivity was 57% for HFO, 71% for Spikes and 67% for Spikes + HFO. Specificity was 100% for HFO, 54% for Spikes and 85% for Spikes + HFO. In 2/2 patients with spike propagation, the spike onset included the HFO area. Combining interictal spikes with HFO had comparable accuracy to HFO. In patients with propagating spikes, HFO rate was maximal at the onset of spike propagation

Fibrous non-union of odontoid fracture: Is it safe to accept non-operative management? A systematic review

OBJECTIVE: Non-operative management of odontoid fractures can result in solid fusion, unstable non-union and fibrous non-union. Those with fibrous non-union do not demonstrate dynamic instability on imaging but the safety of accepting this as an outcome is debatable. The authors provide the first systematic review of the existing literature, exploring the safety of accepting fibrous non-union as an outcome of odontoid fracture. METHODS: The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched in January 2022. Outcomes were extracted and categorized according to mortality, neurologic sequelae, pain, neck disability index and satisfaction. RESULTS: Of a total 700 abstracts screened, 79 full texts were assessed of which 13 studies were included. A total 141 patients had a fibrous non-union, all described in observational studies. Follow-up ranged between studies ranged from 0.6 to 5.8 years. None of the 141 patients had a neurologic event. One patient had a trauma-related mortality, however causality was not exposed. The majority of studies reported good to excellent pain scores. The majority of neck disabilities reported were in the range of mild to moderate apart from one study with five patients reporting severe disability. All patients reported good or excellent satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supports it is safe to forgo surgery in carefully selected patients with non-united odontoid fractures when there is near-anatomic alignment, lack of dynamic instability on imaging, normal neurologic exam and low risk for neck injury. Further study is needed to define the full natural history of fibrous non-union of odontoid fracture

SUMOtherapeutics for Ischemic Stroke.

The small, ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is a post-translational modifier with a profound influence on several key biological processes, including the mammalian stress response. Of particular interest are its neuroprotective effects, first recognized in the 13-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), in the context of hibernation torpor. Although the full scope of the SUMO pathway is yet to be elucidated, observations of its importance in managing neuronal responses to ischemia, maintaining ion gradients, and the preconditioning of neural stem cells make it a promising therapeutic target for acute cerebral ischemia. Recent advances in high-throughput screening have enabled the identification of small molecules that can upregulate SUMOylation, some of which have been validated in pertinent preclinical models of cerebral ischemia. Accordingly, the present review aims to summarize current knowledge and highlight the translational potential of the SUMOylation pathway in brain ischemia

Recurrent Glioblastoma—Molecular Underpinnings and Evolving Treatment Paradigms

Glioblastoma is the most common and lethal central nervous system malignancy with a median survival after progression of only 6–9 months. Major biochemical mechanisms implicated in glioblastoma recurrence include aberrant molecular pathways, a recurrence-inducing tumor microenvironment, and epigenetic modifications. Contemporary standard-of-care (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and tumor treating fields) helps to control the primary tumor but rarely prevents relapse. Cytoreductive treatment such as surgery has shown benefits in recurrent glioblastoma; however, its use remains controversial. Several innovative treatments are emerging for recurrent glioblastoma, including checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, nanoparticle delivery, laser interstitial thermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. This review seeks to provide readers with an overview of (1) recent discoveries in the molecular basis of recurrence; (2) the role of surgery in treating recurrence; and (3) novel treatment paradigms emerging for recurrent glioblastoma