The Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score as a Predictor of Aneurysm Growth or Rupture

Background and purpose: The Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score (UIATS) was built to harmonize the treatment decision making on unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, it may also function as a predictor of aneurysm progression. In this study, we aimed to assess the validity of the UIATS model to identify aneurysms at risk of growth or rupture during follow-up. Methods: We calculated the UIATS for a consecutive series of conservatively treated unruptured intracranial aneurysms, included in our prospectively kept neurovascular database. Computed tomography angiography and/or magnetic resonance angiography imaging at baseline and during follow-up was analyzed to detect aneurysm growth. We defined rupture as a cerebrospinal fluid or computed tomography-proven subarachnoid hemorrhage. We calculated the area under the receiver operator curve, sensitivity, and specificity, to determine the performance of the UIATS model. Results: We included 214 consecutive patients with 277 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysms were followed for a median period of 1.3 years (range 0.3-11.7 years). During follow-up, 17 aneurysms enlarged (6.1%), and two aneurysms ruptured (0.7%). The UIATS model showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 44%. The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.46-0.79). Conclusions: Our observational study involving consecutive patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm showed poor performance of the UIATS model to predict aneurysm growth or rupture during follow-up

An auditory brainstem implant for treatment of unilateral tinnitus:protocol for an interventional pilot study

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus may have a very severe impact on the quality of life. Unfortunately, for many patients, a satisfactory treatment modality is lacking. The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) was originally indicated for hearing restoration in patients with non-functional cochlear nerves, for example, in neurofibromatosis type II. In analogy to a cochlear implant (CI), it has been demonstrated that an ABI may reduce tinnitus as a beneficial side effect. For tinnitus treatment, an ABI may have an advantage over a CI, as cochlear implantation can harm inner ear structures due to its invasiveness, while an ABI is presumed to not damage anatomical structures. This is the first study to implant an ABI to investigate its effect on intractable tinnitus. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this pilot study, 10 adults having incapacitating unilateral intractable tinnitus and ipsilateral severe hearing loss will have an ABI implanted. The ABI is switched on 6 weeks after implantation, followed by several fitting sessions aimed at finding an optimal stimulation strategy. The primary outcome will be the change in Tinnitus Functioning Index. Secondary outcomes will be tinnitus burden and quality of life (using Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires), tinnitus characteristics (using Visual Analogue Scale, a tinnitus analysis), safety, audiometric and vestibular function. The end point is set at 1 year after implantation. Follow-up will continue until 5 years after implantation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands (METc 2015/479). The trial is registered at www.clinicialtrials.gov and will be updated if amendments are made. Results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02630589. TRIAL STATUS: Inclusion of first patient in November 2017. Data collection is in progress. Trial is open for further inclusion. The trial ends at 5 years after inclusion of the last patient

The current status of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection of intracranial meningiomas-a critical review

Meningiomas are the second most common primary tumors affecting the central nervous system. Surgical treatment can be curative in case of complete resection. 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been established as an intraoperative tool in malignant glioma surgery. A number of studies have tried to outline the merits of 5-ALA for the resection of intracranial meningiomas. In the present paper, we review the existing literature about the application of 5-ALA as an intraoperative tool for the resection of intracranial meningiomas. PubMed was used as the database for search tasks. We included articles published in English without limitations regarding publication date. Tumor fluorescence can occur in benign meningiomas (WHO grade I) as well as in WHO grade II and WHO grade III meningiomas. Most of the reviewed studies report fluorescence of the main tumor mass with high sensitivity and specificity. However, different parts of the same tumor can present with a different fluorescent pattern (heterogenic fluorescence). Quantitative probe fluorescence can be superior, especially in meningiomas with difficult anatomical accessibility. However, only one study was able to consistently correlate resected tissue with histopathological results and nonspecific fluorescence of healthy brain tissue remains a confounder. The use of 5-ALA as a tool to guide resection of intracranial meningiomas remains experimental, especially in cases with tumor recurrence. The principle of intraoperative fluorescence as a real-time method to achieve complete resection is appealing, but the usefulness of 5-ALA is questionable. 5-ALA in intracranial meningioma surgery should only be used in a protocolled prospective and long-term study

Concordant Symptomatic Intracranial Aneurysm in a Monozygotic Twin:A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The development of an intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a multifactorial process, involving genetic and environmental factors. The presence of IA or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in twins is particularly interesting, since both genetic and environmental factors can be studied. It also raises the question of whether, when one twin is affected, the other asymptomatic twin should be examined for an IA. We report on a monozygotic (MZ) twin-pair with aSAH in both twins and we review all reported cases of IA in MZ twins. Including our case, we found only 14 MZ twin-pairs in which both twins harbored an IA, suggesting a heavy underreporting in the medical literature. In this small group, a high concordance was noted in the sites of IAs. In MZ twins, the preferred sites for IAs are the branching arteries, while aneurysms arising from fusion arteries are rare. These sites differ from the preferential sites seen in series of familial IAs and series of sporadic IAs. We therefore hypothesize that the twinning process might play a significant role in the development of IAs in MZ twins. To further explore and substantiate this, the large twin registries should be studied. Although IAs in MZ twins with a negative family history for IAs should not be regarded as familial IAs, screening of the asymptomatic twin should be seriously considered if one MZ twin presents with an aSAH or an IA, because of the high fatality rates reported in asymptomatic (and not screened) MZ twin-halves

The Diagnostic Value of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Unfavorable Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool to monitor cerebral regional oxygen saturation. Impairment of microvascular circulation with subsequent cerebral hypoxia during delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is associated with poor functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, NIRS could be useful to predict the risk for DCI and functional outcome. However, only limited data is available on NIRS regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) distribution in SAH. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of NIRS rSO2 values in non-traumatic SAH patients with the occurrence of DCI and functional outcome at two months. In addition, the predictive value of NIRS rSO2 was compared with the previously validated SAFIRE grade (derived from Size of the aneurysm, Age, FIsher grade, world federation of neurosurgical societies after REsuscitation).METHODS: In this study, the rSO2 distribution of patient with and without DCI after SAH are compared. The optimal cutoff points to predict DCI and outcome are assessed, and its predictive value is compared to the SAFIRE grade.RESULTS: Out of 41 patients, 12 developed DCI, and 9 had unfavorable outcome at 60 days. Prediction of DCI with NIRS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.62-0.92; p=0.0028) with an optimal cutoff point of 65% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.45). Prediction of favorable outcome with NIRS had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.0003) with an optimal cutoff point of 63% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.63). Regression analysis showed that NIRS rSO2 score is complementary to the SAFIRE grade.CONCLUSION: NIRS rSO2 monitoring in patients with SAH may improve prediction of DCI and clinical outcome after SAH.</p

The Diagnostic Value of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Unfavorable Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool to monitor cerebral regional oxygen saturation. Impairment of microvascular circulation with subsequent cerebral hypoxia during delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is associated with poor functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, NIRS could be useful to predict the risk for DCI and functional outcome. However, only limited data is available on NIRS regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) distribution in SAH. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of NIRS rSO2 values in non-traumatic SAH patients with the occurrence of DCI and functional outcome at two months. In addition, the predictive value of NIRS rSO2 was compared with the previously validated SAFIRE grade (derived from Size of the aneurysm, Age, FIsher grade, world federation of neurosurgical societies after REsuscitation).METHODS: In this study, the rSO2 distribution of patient with and without DCI after SAH are compared. The optimal cutoff points to predict DCI and outcome are assessed, and its predictive value is compared to the SAFIRE grade.RESULTS: Out of 41 patients, 12 developed DCI, and 9 had unfavorable outcome at 60 days. Prediction of DCI with NIRS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.62-0.92; p=0.0028) with an optimal cutoff point of 65% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.45). Prediction of favorable outcome with NIRS had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.0003) with an optimal cutoff point of 63% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.63). Regression analysis showed that NIRS rSO2 score is complementary to the SAFIRE grade.CONCLUSION: NIRS rSO2 monitoring in patients with SAH may improve prediction of DCI and clinical outcome after SAH.</p

The Diagnostic Value of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Unfavorable Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool to monitor cerebral regional oxygen saturation. Impairment of microvascular circulation with subsequent cerebral hypoxia during delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is associated with poor functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, NIRS could be useful to predict the risk for DCI and functional outcome. However, only limited data is available on NIRS regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) distribution in SAH. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of NIRS rSO2 values in non-traumatic SAH patients with the occurrence of DCI and functional outcome at two months. In addition, the predictive value of NIRS rSO2 was compared with the previously validated SAFIRE grade (derived from Size of the aneurysm, Age, FIsher grade, world federation of neurosurgical societies after REsuscitation).METHODS: In this study, the rSO2 distribution of patient with and without DCI after SAH are compared. The optimal cutoff points to predict DCI and outcome are assessed, and its predictive value is compared to the SAFIRE grade.RESULTS: Out of 41 patients, 12 developed DCI, and 9 had unfavorable outcome at 60 days. Prediction of DCI with NIRS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.62-0.92; p=0.0028) with an optimal cutoff point of 65% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.45). Prediction of favorable outcome with NIRS had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.0003) with an optimal cutoff point of 63% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.63). Regression analysis showed that NIRS rSO2 score is complementary to the SAFIRE grade.CONCLUSION: NIRS rSO2 monitoring in patients with SAH may improve prediction of DCI and clinical outcome after SAH.</p

The Diagnostic Value of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Unfavorable Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool to monitor cerebral regional oxygen saturation. Impairment of microvascular circulation with subsequent cerebral hypoxia during delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is associated with poor functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, NIRS could be useful to predict the risk for DCI and functional outcome. However, only limited data is available on NIRS regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) distribution in SAH. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of NIRS rSO2 values in non-traumatic SAH patients with the occurrence of DCI and functional outcome at two months. In addition, the predictive value of NIRS rSO2 was compared with the previously validated SAFIRE grade (derived from Size of the aneurysm, Age, FIsher grade, world federation of neurosurgical societies after REsuscitation).METHODS: In this study, the rSO2 distribution of patient with and without DCI after SAH are compared. The optimal cutoff points to predict DCI and outcome are assessed, and its predictive value is compared to the SAFIRE grade.RESULTS: Out of 41 patients, 12 developed DCI, and 9 had unfavorable outcome at 60 days. Prediction of DCI with NIRS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.62-0.92; p=0.0028) with an optimal cutoff point of 65% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.45). Prediction of favorable outcome with NIRS had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.0003) with an optimal cutoff point of 63% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.63). Regression analysis showed that NIRS rSO2 score is complementary to the SAFIRE grade.CONCLUSION: NIRS rSO2 monitoring in patients with SAH may improve prediction of DCI and clinical outcome after SAH.</p

The predictive value of the CTA Vasospasm Score on delayed cerebral ischaemia and functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background and purpose: Delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) is a severe complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that can significantly impact clinical outcome. Cerebral vasospasm is part of the pathophysiology of DCI and therefore a computed tomography angiography (CTA) Vasospasm Score was developed and an exploration was carried out of whether this score predicts DCI and subsequent poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Methods: The CTA Vasospasm Score sums the degree of angiographic cerebral vasospasm of 17 intradural arterial segments. The score ranges from 0 to 34 with a higher score reflecting more severe vasospasm. Outcome measures were cerebral infarction due to DCI (CI-DCI), radiological and clinical DCI, and unfavorable functional outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale >2 at 6 months. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to assess predictive value and to determine optimal cut-off scores. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated by Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: This study included 59 patients. CI-DCI occurred in eight patients (14%), DCI in 14 patients (24%) and unfavorable outcome in 12 patients (20%). Median CTA Vasospasm Scores were higher in patients with (CI-)DCI and poor outcome. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the highest area under the curve on day 5: CI-DCI 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.99), DCI 0.68 (95% CI 0.50–0.87) and functional outcome 0.74 (95% CI 0.57–0.91). Cohen's kappa between the two raters was moderate to substantial (0.57–0.63). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the CTA Vasospasm Score on day 5 can reliably identify patients with a high risk of developing (CI-)DCI and unfavorable outcome

The Diagnostic Value of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Unfavorable Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive tool to monitor cerebral regional oxygen saturation. Impairment of microvascular circulation with subsequent cerebral hypoxia during delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is associated with poor functional outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, NIRS could be useful to predict the risk for DCI and functional outcome. However, only limited data is available on NIRS regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) distribution in SAH. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of NIRS rSO2 values in non-traumatic SAH patients with the occurrence of DCI and functional outcome at two months. In addition, the predictive value of NIRS rSO2 was compared with the previously validated SAFIRE grade (derived from Size of the aneurysm, Age, FIsher grade, world federation of neurosurgical societies after REsuscitation).METHODS: In this study, the rSO2 distribution of patient with and without DCI after SAH are compared. The optimal cutoff points to predict DCI and outcome are assessed, and its predictive value is compared to the SAFIRE grade.RESULTS: Out of 41 patients, 12 developed DCI, and 9 had unfavorable outcome at 60 days. Prediction of DCI with NIRS had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95%CI 0.62-0.92; p=0.0028) with an optimal cutoff point of 65% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.45). Prediction of favorable outcome with NIRS had an AUC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.74-0.98; p=0.0003) with an optimal cutoff point of 63% (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.63). Regression analysis showed that NIRS rSO2 score is complementary to the SAFIRE grade.CONCLUSION: NIRS rSO2 monitoring in patients with SAH may improve prediction of DCI and clinical outcome after SAH.</p