Microsurgical Repair of Ventral Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: Efficacy and Safety of Patch-Sealing Versus Suturing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), microsurgical repair is recommended in Type 1 (ventral) dural leaks, when conservative measures fail. However, there is lacking consensus on the optimal surgical technique for permanent and safe closure of ventral leaks.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of surgically treated SIH patients with Type 1 leaks at our institution between 2013 and 2023. Patients were analyzed according to the type of surgical technique: (1) Microsurgical suture vs (2) extradural and intradural patching (sealing technique). End points were resolution of spinal longitudinal epidural cerebrospinal fluid collection (SLEC), change in brain SIH-Score (Bern-Score), headache resolution after 3 months, surgery time, complications, and reoperation rates.

RESULTS

In total, 85 (66% women) patients with consecutive SIH (mean age 47 ± 11 years) underwent transdural microsurgical repair. The leak was sutured in 53 (62%) patients (suture group) and patch-sealed in 32 (38%) patients (sealing group). We found no significant difference in the rates of residual SLEC and resolution of headache between suture and sealing groups (13% vs 22%, P = .238 and 89% vs 94%, P = .508). No changes were found in the postoperative Bern-Score between suture and sealing groups (1.4 [±1.6] vs 1.7 [±2.1] P = 1). Mean surgery time was significantly shorter in the sealing group than in the suture group (139 ± 48 vs 169 ± 51 minutes; P = .007). Ten patients of the suture and 3 of the sealing group had a complication (23% vs 9%, P = .212), whereas 6 patients of the suture and 2 patients of the sealing group required reoperation (11% vs 6%, P = .438).

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical suturing and patch-sealing of ventral dural leaks in patients with SIH are equally effective. Sealing alone is a significantly faster technique, requiring less spinal cord manipulation and may therefore minimize the risk of surgical complications.

Basilar Artery Perforator Aneurysms - The Phantom Menace of the Intracranial Universe

Cerebral perforators are end-arteries that vascularize specific deep territories in the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem. Due to improved imaging quality, these aneurysms are increasingly diagnosed in clinical routine. High resolution 3D angiographic images are mandatory and in some occasions fusion images might be helpful to detect these aneurysms. Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (or BAPAs) are one of the most common subtypes of perforator aneurysms and might cause subarachnoid hemorrhage along the brainstem (perimesencephalic hemorrhage). Due to the limited evidence, the management of BAPAs may pose a challenge in clinical routine. While some aneurysms can be managed conservatively, a few might require treatment to prevent rebleeding. We present the cases of two patients with BAPAs managed at our center in order to increase the awareness on these potentially underdiagnosed aneurysms.

European survey on follow-up strategies for unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Introduction

The increasing detection rates of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) pose a challenge for both neurovascular centers, tasked with managing a growing pool of patients requiring regular monitoring with imaging, and the healthcare system that must bear the costs of such surveillance. While there is consensus on the need for follow-up of UIA, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal cessation of surveillance, especially when considering diverse patient risk factors and, notably, in cases of treated aneurysms with stable rest perfusion. Detailed guidelines on UIA follow-up are currently lacking, exacerbating these challenges.

Research question

We sought to investigate European strategies for follow-up of untreated, microsurgically and endovascularly treated UIA.

Material and methods

An online survey consisting of 15 questions about follow-up management of UIA was sent out to the cerebrovascular section of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

Results

The survey response rate was 27.3% (68/249). There was consenus upon the necessity for long-term follow-up of UIA (100% [n = 68]). The recommendation to perform follow-up was inversely correlated with patient age and more prevalent among endovascularly compared to microsurgically treated patients (92.6% [n = 63] vs. 70.6% [n = 48]). A majority recommended continued follow-up of treated aneurysms with stable rest perfusion, with lifelong surveillance in patients under 60 years and continuation for 5-10 years in patients aged 61-80, irrespective of whether they underwent microsurgical (38.3% [n = 23]; 33.3% [n = 20]) or endovascular (41.9% [n = 26]; 30.6% [n = 19]) treatment.

Discussion and conclusion

This survey confirmed a European consensus on the necessity of long-term follow-up for untreated UIA. However, significant variations in follow-up strategies, especially for treated UIA and post-treatment rest perfusion, were noted. Despite limited evidence suggesting low risk from aneurysm remnants, respondents favored long-term follow-up, highlighting uncertainty in management. This underscores the need for collaborative research on aneurysm remnants and standardized follow-up protocols for UIA in Europe.

Decision-Making for Preventive Interventions in Asymptomatic Patients

The decision to treat an incidental finding in an asymptomatic patient results from careful risk-benefit consideration and is often challenging. One of the main aspects is after how many years the group who underwent the intervention and faced the immediate treatment complications will gain a treatment benefit over the conservatively managed group, which maintains a lower but ongoing risk. We identify a common error in decision-making. We illustrate how a risk-based approach using the classical break-even point at the Kaplan-Meier curves can be misleading and advocate for using an outcome-based approach, counting the cumulative number of lost quality-adjusted life years instead. In clinical practice, we often add together the yearly risk of the natural course up to the time point where the number equals the risk of the intervention and assume that the patient will benefit from an intervention beyond this point in time. It corresponds to the crossing of the Kaplan-Meier curves. However, because treatment-related poor outcome occurs at the time of the intervention, while the poor outcome in the conservative group occurs over a given time period, the true benefit of retaining more quality-adjusted life years in the interventional group emerges at a much later time. To avoid overtreatment of patients with asymptomatic diseases, decision-making should be outcome-based with counting the cumulative loss of quality-adjusted life years, rather than risk-based, comparing the interventional risk with the ongoing yearly risk of the natural course.

Laser speckle contrast imaging versus microvascular Doppler sonography in aneurysm surgery: A prospective study

Objective

This study aimed to compare microvascular Doppler sonography (MDS) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) for assessing vessel patency and aneurysm occlusion during microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

MDS and LSCI were used after clip placement during six neurovascular procedures including six patients, and agreement between the two techniques was assessed. LSCI was performed in parallel or right after MDS evaluation. The Doppler response was assessed through listening while flow in the LSCI videos was evaluated by three blinded neurovascular surgeons after the surgery. Statistical analysis determined the agreement between the techniques in assessing flow in 18 regions of interest (ROIs).

Results

Agreement between MDS and LSCI in assessing vessel patency was observed in 87 % of the ROIs. LSCI accurately identified flow in 93.3 % of assessable ROIs, with no false positive or negative measurements. Three ROIs were not assessable with LSCI due to motion artifacts or poor image quality. No complications were observed.

Conclusions

LSCI demonstrated high agreement with MDS in assessing vessel patency during microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. It provided continuous, real-time, full-field imaging with high spatial resolution and temporal resolution. While MDS allowed evaluation of deep vascular regions, LSCI complemented it by offering unlimited assessment of surrounding vessels.

Clinical outcome after surgical management of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

PURPOSE

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare pathology characterized by a hemorrhage in the spinal epidural space without prior surgical or interventional procedure. Recent literature reported contradictory findings regarding the clinical, radiological and surgical factors determining the outcome, hence the objective of this retrospective analysis was to re-assess these outcome-determining factors.

METHODS

Patients surgically treated for SSEH at our institution from 2010 - 2022 were screened and retrospectively assessed regarding management including the time-to-treatment, the pre-and post-treatment clinical status, the radiological findings as well as other patient-specific parameters. The outcome was assessed using the modified McCormick Scale. Statistical analyses included binary logistic regression and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

In total, 26 patients (17 men [65%], 9 women [35%], median age 70 years [interquartile range 26.5]) were included for analysis. The SSEHs were located cervically in 31%, cervicothoracically in 42% and thoracically in 27%. Twenty-four patients (92%) improved after surgery. Fifteen patients (58%) had a postoperative modified McCormick Scale grade of I (no residual symptoms) and 8 patients (31%) had a grade of II (mild symptoms). Only 3 (12%) patients remained with a modified McCormick Scale grade of IV or V (severe motor deficits / paraplegic). Neither time-to-treatment, craniocaudal hematoma expansion, axial hematoma occupation of the spinal canal, anticoagulation or antiplatelet drugs, nor the preoperative clinical status were significantly associated with the patients' outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical evacuation of SSEH generally leads to favorable clinical outcomes. Surgical hematoma evacuation should be indicated in all patients with symptomatic SSEH.

Improvement of health-related quality of life after closure of spinal CSF leaks in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an important cause of orthostatic headaches caused by spinal CSF leaks. It has a strong negative impact on patients' socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to analyze the impact of surgical and endovascular treatments on patients' HRQOL.

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective, observational cohort study that included all patients treated for SIH with microsurgery or embolization, depending on the type of CSF leak, at their institution between April 2022 and May 2023. Patients were asked to complete a specifically designed questionnaire, as well as the 15D HRQOL questionnaire, before and 3 months after treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 21 patients (14 female; mean age 51.7 years) were treated in the study period. There were 12 (57%) type 1 leaks, 3 (14%) type 2, and 6 (29%) type 3. While 20 (95.2%) leaks were localized in the thoracic spine, only 1 (4.8%) was found in the lumbar spine. All patients completed the questionnaires. Fifteen (71.4%) patients underwent microsurgery and 6 (28.6%) endovascular embolization. The mean 15D score improved from 0.802 before to 0.889 after treatment (p = 0.013). Compared with an age- and sex-matched general population, HRQOL was significantly impaired in patients with SIH before treatment. After treatment, the authors found no significant difference in the overall HRQOL between patients and the healthy population. Mean headache intensity on a numeric rating scale improved from 8.1 before treatment to 2.3 after treatment (p = 0.003). Patients reported that SIH had a notable impact on their social and working life.

CONCLUSIONS

SIH has a considerable negative impact on HRQOL. Microsurgery or embolization can dramatically improve HRQOL, subjective perception of health, and headache intensity. Therefore, surgical or endovascular treatment should be considered given the improvement observed in HRQOL for patients with SIH.

Clinical severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage over time: systematic review

The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is well studied. Yet, little is known about the trend of aSAH severity. This systematic review aims to analyze the distribution of aSAH severity over time. We performed a systematic review of the literature according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. We included studies from January 1968 up to December 2022. Studies were included if they either reported the severity of aSAH as single increments of the corresponding 5-point scale or as a binary measure (good grade 1-3, poor grade 4-5) on the Hunt and Hess (HH) or World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale. Studies with fewer than 50 patients, (systematic) reviews, and studies including non-aSAH patients were excluded. A total of 2465 publications were identified, of which 214 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In total, 102,845 patients with an aSAH were included. Over the last five decades the number of good-grade HH (0.741 fold, p = 0.004) and WFNS (0.749 fold, p < 0.001) has decreased. Vice versa, an increase in number of poor grade HH (2.427 fold, p = 0.004), WFNS (2.289 fold, p < 0.001), as well as HH grade 5 (6.737 fold, p = 0.010), WFNS grade 4 (1.235 fold, p = 0.008) and WFNS grade 5 (8.322 fold, p = 0.031) was observed. This systematic review shows a worldwide 2-3 fold increase of poor grade aSAH patients and an 6-8 fold increase of grade 5 patients, over the last 50 years. Whether this evolution is due to more severe hemorrhage, improvements in neuro-intensive care and prehospital management, or to a change in grading behavior is unknown. This study strongly emphasizes the necessity for an improved grading system to differentiate grade 4 and grade 5 patients for meaningful clinical decision- making.

Intracranial Aneurysm "Clip Anchoring": Technical Note

Clip slippage and displacement during or after intracranial aneurysm surgery is associated with morbidity and can be detrimental. We report the usage of concomitant aneurysm clips and artery clips aiming to avoid this complication in a patient undergoing elective aneurysm surgical clipping.

Quality of life in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated conservatively, before and after occlusion. A single center cohort study

Introduction

Rupture of intracranial aneurysms is the most frequent cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage and is associated with high morbidity. Recommendations for preventive treatment of unruptured aneurysms (UIAs) remain controversial due to inconsistent data on their natural history and the risks associated with treatment. The awareness of being diagnosed with one or more UIAs can provoke feelings of anxiety and psychosocial distress. Therefore, the impact of management on a patients' health perception and quality of life (QoL) is an essential factor to be considered in the treatment decision-making process.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess and compare QoL in patients diagnosed with one or more UIAs depending on their treatment as well as their pre- or postoperative status.

Material and methods

Demographic and clinical data as well as results of the 15D quality of life (15D QoL) questionnaire of 189 patients were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into different subgroups, depending on their treatment modalities (conservative, microsurgery or endovascular treatment) and their pre- or postoperative status at the time of completion of the questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the different subgroups.

Results

Conservatively treated patients had similar mean 15D QoL scores as preoperative patients. Despite an initial postoperative QoL reduction and a trend towards recovery and even an improvement of QoL in the long term after UIA occlusion, neither clinically relevant nor statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative mean 15D QoL scores were observed.

Conclusions

Health-related QoL does not significantly change after treatment of UIAs when compared to the preoperative period. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term postoperative quality of life changes as well as treatment-related influencing factors on patients' quality of life.

Cortical perfusion measurements with laser speckle contrast imaging during adenosine induced cardiac arrest for aneurysm clipping: a case report

Adenosine induced cardiac arrest (AiCA) is one of the methods used to facilitate microsurgical aneurysm clipping by providing more visibility and less pressure in the aneurysmal sac and neighboring vessels. We report the use of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) during AiCA to monitor the changes in pulsation and perfusion on the cortical surface during adenosine induced cardiac arrest for aneurysm clipping surgery. Application of this technology for perfusion monitoring may improve workflow and surgical guidance and provide valuable feedback continuously throughout the procedure. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0502840.

Training Performance Assessment for Intracranial Aneurysm Clipping Surgery Using a Patient-Specific Mixed-Reality Simulator: A Learning Curve Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The value of simulation-based training in medicine and surgery has been widely demonstrated. This study investigates the introduction and use of a new mixed-reality neurosurgical simulator in aneurysm clipping surgery, focusing on the learning curve and performance improvement.

METHODS

Five true-scale craniotomy head models replicating patient-specific neuroanatomy, along with a mixed-reality simulator, a neurosurgical microscope, and a set of microsurgical instruments and clips, were used in the operation theater to simulate aneurysm microsurgery. Six neurosurgical residents participated in five video-recorded simulation sessions over 4 months. Complementary learning modalities were implemented between sessions. Thereafter, three blinded analysts reported on residents' use of the microscope, quality of manipulation, aneurysm occlusion, clipping techniques, and aneurysm rupture. Data were also captured regarding training time and clipping attempts.

RESULTS

Over the course of training, clipping time and number of clipping attempts decreased significantly (P = .018, P = .032) and the microscopic skills improved (P = .027). Quality of manipulation and aneurysm occlusion scoring improved initially although the trend was interrupted because the spacing between sessions increased. Significant differences in clipping time and attempts were observed between the most and least challenging patient models (P = .005, P = .0125). The least challenging models presented higher rates of occlusion based on indocyanine green angiography evaluation from the simulator.

CONCLUSION

The intracranial aneurysm clipping learning curve can be improved by implementing a new mixed-reality simulator in dedicated training programs. The simulator and the models enable comprehensive training under the guidance of a mentor.

Patient-reported symptomatology and its course in spontaneous intracranial hypotension - Beware of a chameleon

OBJECTIVE

Although orthostatic headache is the hallmark symptom of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), patients can present with a wide range of different complaints and thereby pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Our aim was to describe and group the different symptoms associated with SIH and their course over time.

METHODS

We retrospectively surveyed consecutive patients diagnosed and treated for SIH at our institution from January 2013 to May 2020 with a specifically designed questionnaire to find out about their symptomatology and its course.

RESULTS

Of 112 eligible patients, 79 (70.5%) returned the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Of those, 67 (84.8%) reported initial orthostatic headaches, whereas 12 (15.2%) denied having this initial symptom. All except one (98.7%) patients reported additional symptoms: most frequently cephalic pressure (69.6%), neck pain (68.4%), auditory disturbances (59.5%), nausea (57%), visual disturbances (40.5%), gait disturbance (20.3%), confusion (10.1%) or sensorimotor deficits (21.5%). Fifty-seven (72.2%) patients reported a development of the initial symptoms predominantly in the first three months after symptom onset. Age and sex were not associated with the symptomatology or its course (p > 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Although characteristic of SIH, a relevant amount of patients present without orthostatic headaches. In addition, SIH can manifest with non-orthostatic headaches at disease onset or during the course of the disease. Most patients report a wide range of associated complaints. A high degree of suspicion is crucial for an early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Continuous hemodynamics monitoring during arteriovenous malformation microsurgical resection with laser speckle contrast imaging: case report

AVM surgery is challenging due to progressive and often unforeseeable flow changes during its resection which involve both the AVM and the surrounding brain tissue. Hence, accurate monitoring of blood flow is crucial to minimize complications and improve outcomes. The following case report illustrates the usefulness of complimentary non-invasive tools that can provide real time blood flow assessment. We present a case demonstrating the application of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) in evaluating vessel flow dynamics during AVM surgery. A 30-year-old female presented with sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Emergency imaging revealed a ruptured cerebellar AVM necessitating surgical intervention. LSCI was integrated into the surgical workflow, providing continuous visualization of relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of vessels surrounding the AVM. Before AVM resection, LSCI measurements revealed the arterialized vasculature supplying the AVM nidus; measurements after AVM resection showed significant hemodynamic changes including normal flow in the initially arterialized AVM draining veins and adjacent arterial branches. LSCI also detected blood flow alterations during temporary occlusion, enabling assessment of downstream vascular regions. In conclusion, we provide an example supporting the utility of LSCI for real-time hemodynamic monitoring during AVM resection surgery. LSCI offers non-invasive, continuous, and immediate blood flow information, complementing conventional imaging methods like indocyanine green angiography. Additionally, our findings suggest that LSCI has the potential to provide a non-invasive means of identifying the specific superficial vessel branches or cortical areas that receive blood supply from a particular vessel.

Intraoperative Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging to Assess Vessel Flow in Neurosurgery: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) has emerged as a promising tool for assessment of vessel flow during neurosurgery. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of visualizing vessel flow in the macrocirculation with a new fully microscope-integrated LSCI system and assess the validity and objectivity of findings compared with fluorescence angiography (FA).

METHODS

This is a single-center prospective observational study enrolling adult patients requiring microsurgical treatment for brain vascular pathologies or brain tumors. Three independent raters, blinded toward findings of FA, reviewed regions of interest (ROIs) placed in exposed vessels and target structures. The primary end point was the validity of LSCI for assessment of vessel flow as measured by the agreement with FA. The secondary end point was objectivity, measured as the inter-rater agreement of LSCI findings.

RESULTS

During 18 surgical procedures, 23 observations using FA and LSCI were captured simultaneously. Using LSCI, vessel flow was assessable in 62 (86.1%) and not assessable in 10 (13.9%) ROIs. The agreement between LSCI and FA was 86.1%, with an agreement coefficient of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.75-0.94). Disagreement between LSCI and FA was observed in the 10 ROIs that were not assessable. The agreement between ROIs that were assessable using LSCI and FA was 100%. The inter-rater agreement of LSCI findings was 87.9%, with an agreement coefficient of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Fully microscope-integrated LSCI is feasible and has a high potential for clinical utility. Because of its characteristics, LSCI can be viewed as a full-field visual micro-Doppler that can be used as a complementary method to FA for assessing vessel flow during neurosurgery. Despite technical limitations related to the early development phase of the fully microscope-integrated system, we demonstrated reasonable validity and objectivity of findings compared with FA. Further research and refinement of the system may enhance its value in neurosurgical applications.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Elderly Patients: Peri- and Postoperative Complications and Clinical Outcome

BACKGROUND

 Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is an effective surgical technique for treating various lumbar pathologies, but its use in elderly patients is controversial. Data concerning complications and effectiveness are sparse. We investigated peri- and postoperative complications, radiographic parameters, and clinical outcome in elderly patients.

METHODS

 Patients ≥65 years who underwent ALIF between January 2008 and August 2020 were included in the study. All surgeries were performed through a retroperitoneal approach. Clinical and surgical data as well as radiologic parameters were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

 A total of 39 patients were included; the mean age was 72.6 (±6.3) years (range: 65-90 years); and the mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk classification was 2.3 (±0.6). A laceration of the left common iliac vein was the only major complication recorded (2.6%). Minor complications occurred in 20.5% of patients. Fusion rate was 90.9%. Reoperation rate at the index level was 12.8 and 7.7% in adjacent segments. The multidimensional Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) improved from 7.4 (±1.4) to 3.9 (±2.7) after 1 year and to 3.3 (±2.6) after 2 years. Oswestry disability index (ODI) improved from 41.2 (±13.7) to 20.9 (±14.9) after 1 year and to 21.5 (±18.8) after 2 years. Improvements of at least the minimal clinically important change score of 2.2 and 12.9 points in the ODI and COMI after 2 years were noted in 75 and 56.3% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

 With careful patient selection, ALIF is safe and effective in elderly patients.

Phase I-II Study of Prone Hypofractionated Accelerated Breast and Nodal Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

In patients (pts) with breast cancer, prone radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to reduce heart and lung dose which may decrease late toxicity. Routinely used for whole breast irradiation, its use to treat regional lymph nodes (LNs) is not widespread.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this phase I-II study, pts treated with partial mastectomy or mastectomy with 1-5 pathologically involved LNs underwent whole breast or post-mastectomy RT plus regional nodal irradiation using IMRT to the supraclavicular and level III axillary LNs. Pts who underwent sentinel LN biopsy (SLNB) alone (no axillary dissection) had the level I and II axillary LNs included in the RT field. 40.5Gy in 15 daily 2.7Gy fractions with daily concomitant 0.5Gy tumor bed boost was prescribed. Normal tissue dose constraints included heart V5Gy<5%, ipsilateral lung V10Gy<20%, contralateral lung V5Gy<15%, ipsilateral brachial plexus (BP) maximal dose (Dmax)<43Gy, spinal cord Dmax≤37.5Gy, spinal cord + 0.5cm Dmax<41Gy, thyroid contralateral lobe Dmax<16Gy, esophagus V30Gy<50% and Dmax≤40.5Gy. The primary endpoints were dosimetric feasibility and incidence of >grade 2 acute toxicity according to CTCAE, v3.0. The secondary endpoint was late toxicity. Exploratory outcomes were local recurrence, disease free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Between January 2011 to December 2016, 97 pts with stage IB-IIA breast cancer were enrolled. 66 pts underwent partial mastectomy and 31 pts underwent mastectomy. 16 pts had SLNB alone. 33% (95% CI: 23.8%, 43.3%) met all protocol dose constraints. Heart, contralateral lung, spinal cord and esophagus V30Gy constraints were met by all pts. The ipsilateral lung constraint was met in 95% (95% CI: 88.6%, 98.4%) of plans with a mean V10Gy of 9.44% (SD: 6.08). The BP Dmax constraint was exceeded in 31.6% (95% CI: 22.4%, 41.9%) of plans with a mean increase of 2.86 Gy (SD: 7.92 Gy) over target. The esophageal Dmax<40.5Gy constraint was exceeded in 6 plans with an increase in 0.74 Gy (SD: 0.46 Gy) over target. There were no grade 3 acute toxicities meeting the primary toxicity endpoint. Common acute low-grade toxicities by pt included fatigue (grade 1: 54 [56%]; grade 2: 2 [2%]), esophagitis (grade 1: 8 [8%]; grade 2: 2 [2%]), dermatitis (grade 1: 81 [84%]; grade 2: 6 [6%]). At median and maximum follow up of 8.02 (IQR: 3.31) and 13.3 years, respectively, there were 2 local recurrences (2.1%). DFS and OS were 86.6% (95% CI: 78.2%, 92.7%) and 90.7% (95% CI: 83.1%, 95.7%), respectively. The incidence of pts with maximum grade 1, 2 and 3 late toxicities were 39 (40%), 14 (14%), and 2 (2%), respectively. The maximum grade late toxicities included 1 grade 3 retraction and 2 grade 3 asymmetries. There was no brachial plexopathy or pneumonitis.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with prone hypofractionated hybrid breast/chest wall tangents and IMRT to the regional LNs demonstrate excellent dosimetry to the heart, lungs and spinal cord, minimal acute and late toxicity and excellent clinical outcomes. PMID: 26723552.

Characterization of Objective Skin Color Changes during and after Breast and Chest Wall Radiotherapy and Correlation with Radiation-Induced Skin Toxicity in Breast Cancer Patients, Including Patients with Skin of Color

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation dermatitis (RD) is common among women undergoing breast and chest wall radiotherapy (RT); however, existing scales to assess the severity of RD are subjective and do not account for variability in skin of color (SOC). For instance, the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) criteria do not include hyperpigmentation in the grading scale. There is data indicating worse RD in African American and Hispanic patients; however, the rate and severity in SOC remains unknown given the lack of data using objective measures of RD. Spectrophotometry is one method to quantify the appearance of color by measuring spectral characteristics without the bias associated with subjective clinical scoring. We present a phase I prospective non-therapeutic clinical trial to objectively define SOC at baseline and evaluate spectrophotometric skin changes during and after breast or chest wall RT in parallel with physician-graded RD using CTCAE criteria. We hypothesize that there will be greater discrepancy between physician graded RD and objective measures of RD in patients with SOC in whom hyperpigmentation will be undercaptured by physician-grading. This is the first study intending to correlate SOC with objective changes after RT as a reliable indicator of RD. We offer a novel system for evaluating RD that is applicable to SOC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 60 patients with localized breast cancer (stage 0-III) undergoing conventional whole breast or chest wall RT (50Gy/ 25 fx), hypofractionated whole breast RT (40.5Gy/15 fx) or ultrahypofractionated partial breast RT (6Gy x5), with or without regional nodal RT were enrolled. 3 skin color readouts using the Commission International de l'Eclairage 3D color system (l*, a*, b*) were measured within the radiation field using a spectrophotometer at baseline, once weekly during RT, 10 days post RT, 4 weeks and 12 months post RT. The spectrophotometer is a non-invasive, hand-held device that is used in the clinic room with no additional equipment or setup requirements. Data is automatically exported to a spreadsheet organized by timepoint and patient. The l* axis is a gray scale (0 = black, 100 = white) correlating with skin pigmentation and the a* axis describes red and green values correlating with erythema. The primary objective is to evaluate the changes from baseline in skin color readouts in the quadrant of tumor location during and after RT based on fractionation. The secondary objective is to evaluate changes within and across groups defined by baseline skin color. Exploratory objectives include evaluating the association of baseline color readouts and changes after RT with acute and late grade > 2 clinician-rated skin and subcutaneous tissue effects according to the CTCAE, v5.0, physician graded cosmesis and clinical interventions to treat RD, such as use of topical steroids and oral analgesics. As of January 2023, we have enrolled 100% of the planned patients.

RESULTS

To be determined.

CONCLUSION

To be determined. Clinical Study Identifier: S22-00192.

A Phase II, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Study of the Safety and Efficacy of a Caffeine-Based Antifibrosis Cream in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Radiation induced fibrosis (RIF) is a common long term adverse event in patients undergoing post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) which can cause capsular contracture, implant loss, and reconstruction complications in women with implant-based breast reconstruction. At a molecular level, adenosine is a driver of RIF. Preclinical data have shown that pharmacologic blockade of the adenosine A2A Receptor (A2AR) in mice as well as an A2AR knockout mouse model prevented skin fibrosis associated with radiation injury. Caffeine is an A2AR antagonist which has been shown to block the development of hepatic fibrosis in liver disease patients. We present a phase II placebo controlled clinical trial to evaluate whether a caffeine-based cream can prevent RIF and thus reduce the rates of reconstructive complications in patients with tissue expander-based reconstruction requiring PMRT.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Women ≥ 18 years old with breast carcinoma stage 0-III status post mastectomy with tissue expander-based reconstruction who require PMRT to the chest wall +/- the regional nodes are being enrolled. The target accrual is 60 patients. Boost field to the chest wall, scar and/or nodal region is allowed. Patients with inflammatory breast cancer or those requiring skin bolus are excluded. Prior to starting radiation, patients will be randomized to placebo vs. caffeine cream and they will be instructed to apply the cream twice a day starting on the first day of radiation treatment and continuing daily for the duration of radiation until the removal of tissue expanders. The primary study endpoint is reconstructive complications requiring rehospitalization or reoperation by 2 years post radiation including reconstructive failure with or without reconstruction. A safety endpoint of grade ≥ 2 acute radiation dermatitis will also serve as a co-primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints are wound infection/cellulitis, hematoma, seroma, threatened exposure, wound dehiscence, implant leakage, rupture, and or deflation, and capsular contracture that do not meet criteria for the primary endpoint. Clinician rated cosmesis, local recurrence, regional recurrence, distant metastasis and survival up to 4 years are additional secondary endpoints. Exploratory endpoint includes the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) as a potential tool to quantitatively measure post irradiation fibrosis. Correlative aims include assessing epidermal thickness and fat layer thickness from tissue obtained at time of implant exchange for association with the development of fibrosis. The primary efficacy endpoint will be estimated using Kaplan Meier methods from date of randomization. Treatment comparisons will be based on a 2-sided log rank chi-square test and the hazard ratio will be estimated with 95% confidence intervals. The study started accruing in 12/2019 and is estimated to end by 04/2024. As of January 2023, 67% (40/60 patients) of the planned patients have been enrolled.

RESULTS

To be determined.

CONCLUSION

To be determined.

Benefit of Advanced 3D DSA and MRI/CT Fusion in Neurovascular Pathology

Digital subtraction angiography provides excellent spatial and temporal resolution; however, it lacks the capability to depict the nonvascular anatomy of the brain and spinal cord.A review of the institutional database identified five patients in whom a new integrated fusion workflow of cross-sectional imaging and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) provided important diagnostic information and assisted in treatment planning. These included two acutely ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), a small superficial brainstem AVM after radiosurgery, a thalamic microaneurysm, and a spine AVM, and fusion was crucial for diagnosis and influenced further treatment.Fusion of 3DRA and cross-sectional imaging may help to gain a deeper understanding of neurovascular diseases. This is advantageous for planning and providing treatment and, most importantly, may harbor the potential to minimize complication rates. Integrating image fusion in the work-up of cerebrovascular diseases is likely to have a major impact on the neurovascular field in the future.

Bleeding Risk of Cerebral Cavernous Malformations in Patients on Statin and Antiplatelet Medication: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Statin medication has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for stabilizing cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs). Although increasing evidence suggests that antiplatelet medication decreases the risk of CCM hemorrhage, data on statin medication in clinical studies are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of symptomatic CCM-related hemorrhage at presentation and during follow-up in patients on statin and antiplatelet medication.

METHODS

A single-center database containing patients harboring CCMs was retrospectively analyzed over 41 years and interrogated for symptomatic hemorrhage at diagnosis, during follow-up, and statin and antiplatelet medication.

RESULTS

In total, 212 of 933 CCMs (22.7%), harbored by 688 patients, presented with hemorrhage at diagnosis. Statin medication was not associated with a decreased risk of hemorrhage at diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, CI 0.23-1.69, P = .355); antiplatelet medication (OR 0.26, CI 0.08-0.86, P = .028) and combined statin and antiplatelet medication (OR 0.19, CI 0.05-0.66; P = .009) showed a decreased risk. In the antiplatelet-only group, 2 (4.7%) of 43 CCMs developed follow-up hemorrhage during 137.1 lesion-years compared with 67 (9.5%) of 703 CCMs during 3228.1 lesion-years in the nonmedication group. No follow-up hemorrhages occurred in the statin and the combined statin and antiplatelet medication group. Antiplatelet medication was not associated with follow-up hemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR] 0.7, CI 0.16-3.05; P = .634).

CONCLUSION

Antiplatelet medication alone and its combination with statins were associated with a lower risk of hemorrhage at CCM diagnosis. The risk reduction of combined statin and antiplatelet medication was greater than in patients receiving antiplatelet medication alone, indicating a possible synergistic effect. Antiplatelet medication alone was not associated with follow-up hemorrhage.

3D-Printed Head Model in Patient's Education for Micro-Neurosurgical Aneurysm Clipping Procedures

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D reconstruction from Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) are currently used in clinical consultations for patients diagnosed with intracranial aneurysms; however, they have limitations in helping patients understand the disease and possible treatments. This study investigates the use of a 3D-printed model of the patients' neurosurgical anatomy and vascular pathology as an educational tool in outpatient clinics.

METHODS

A 3D-printed model of a middle cerebral artery aneurysm was created for use during patient consultations to discuss microsurgical treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. In total, 38 patients and 5 neurosurgeons were included in the study. After the consultation, the patients and neurosurgeons received a questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model as an educational tool.

RESULTS

The 3D model improved the patients' understanding of the diagnosis, the aneurysm's relationship to the parent artery; the treatment process as well as the risks if left untreated. The patients found the 3D model to be an interesting tool (97%). The neurosurgeons were satisfied with the 3D-printed model as a patient encounter tool, they found the model effective during consultation (87%) and better than the conventional education tools used during consultations (97%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using a 3D model improves communication, enhances the patient's understanding of the pathology and its treatment and potentially facilitates the informed consent process in patients undergoing intracranial aneurysm surgery.

Successful weaning versus permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: post hoc analysis of a Swiss multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Acute hydrocephalus is a frequent complication after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Among patients needing CSF diversion, some cannot be weaned. Little is known about the comparative neurological, neuropsychological, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes in patients with successful and unsuccessful CSF weaning. The authors aimed to assess outcomes of patients by comparing those with successful and unsuccessful CSF weaning; the latter was defined as occurring in patients with permanent CSF diversion at 3 months post-aSAH.

METHODS

The authors included prospectively recruited alert (i.e., Glasgow Coma Scale score 13-15) patients with aSAH in this retrospective study from six Swiss neurovascular centers. Patients underwent serial neurological (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale), neuropsychological (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), disability (modified Rankin Scale), and HRQOL (EuroQol-5D) examinations at < 72 hours, 14-28 days, and 3 months post-aSAH.

RESULTS

Of 126 included patients, 54 (42.9%) developed acute hydrocephalus needing CSF diversion, of whom 37 (68.5%) could be successfully weaned and 17 (31.5%) required permanent CSF diversion. Patients with unsuccessful weaning were older (64.5 vs 50.8 years, p = 0.003) and had a higher rate of intraventricular hemorrhage (52.9% vs 24.3%, p = 0.04). Patients who succeed in restoration of physiological CSF dynamics improve on average by 2 points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment between 48-72 hours and 14-28 days, whereas those in whom weaning fails worsen by 4 points (adjusted coefficient 6.80, 95% CI 1.57-12.04, p = 0.01). They show better neuropsychological recovery between 48-72 hours and 3 months, compared to patients in whom weaning fails (adjusted coefficient 7.60, 95% CI 3.09-12.11, p = 0.02). Patients who receive permanent CSF diversion (ventriculoperitoneal shunt) show significant neuropsychological improvement thereafter, catching up the delay in neuropsychological improvement between 14-28 days and 3 months post-aSAH. Neurological, disability, and HRQOL outcomes at 3 months were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show a temporary but clinically meaningful cognitive benefit in the first weeks after aSAH in successfully weaned patients. The resolution of this difference over time may be due to the positive effects of permanent CSF diversion and underlines its importance. Patients who do not show progressive neuropsychological improvement after weaning should be considered for repeat CT imaging to rule out chronic (untreated) hydrocephalus.