-
Journal of the Neurological Sciences May 2021The seizure activity associated with hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) is refractory to medical management and surgical intervention is often required. Stereotactic... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The seizure activity associated with hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) is refractory to medical management and surgical intervention is often required. Stereotactic Radiofrequency Ablation (SRFA) is a minimally invasive technique offering targeted lesion ablation with a reduced risk of complications.
OBJECTIVE
Here, we review the current literature on the use of SRFA for HHs.
METHODS
This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic literature review. A database search of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted in July 2020.
RESULTS
A total of 12 articles were included in this review, showing outcomes for 185 unique patients. Of these patients, 142 (76.8%) experienced some extent of therapeutic benefit in alleviating seizures following SRFA, with 128 (69.2%) patients achieving complete freedom from seizures. Common transient complications included hyponatremia (52 patients, 28.1%), hyperphagia (48 patients, 25.9%), hyperthermia (47 patients, 25.4%), Horner's syndrome (103 patients, 55.7%), and weight gain (75 patients, 40.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
SRFA is a potential therapy for patients with HHs, especially when resection confers significant risk to surrounding structures. Multiple rounds of SRFA treatment may be needed in approximately a quarter of patients to improve gelastic seizure outcomes but may not affect non-gelastic seizures. There is limited data on the use of SRFA for HHs and further case series and clinical trials are needed to establish the use of SRFA for HHs.
Topics: Epilepsies, Partial; Hamartoma; Humans; Hypothalamic Diseases; Radiofrequency Ablation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33813160
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117428 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... May 2021Body lateropulsion (BLP) is seen in neurological lesions involving the pathways responsible for body position and verticality. We report a case of isolated body...
INTRODUCTION
Body lateropulsion (BLP) is seen in neurological lesions involving the pathways responsible for body position and verticality. We report a case of isolated body lateropulsion (iBLP) as the presentation of lateral medullary infarction and conducted a systematic literature review.
METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 3, 2020.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
age ≥ 18, presence of BLP, confirmed stroke on imaging.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA
age < 18, qualitative reviews, studies with inadequate patient data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics 20.
RESULTS
A 64-year-old man presented with acute-onset iBLP. Brain MRI demonstrated acute infarction in the right caudolateral medulla. His symptoms progressed with ipsilateral Horner syndrome over the next 24 hours and contralateral hemisensory loss 10 days later. Repeat MRI showed an increase in infarct size. BLP resolved partially at discharge. Systematic review: 418 abstracts were screened; 59 studies were selected reporting 103 patients. Thirty-three patients had iBLP (32%). BLP was ipsilateral to stroke in 70 (68%) and contralateral in 32 (32%). The most common stroke locations were medulla (n = 63, 59%), pons (n = 16, 15%), and cerebellum (n = 16, 15%). Four strokes were cortical, 3 frontal and 1 temporoparietal (3%). The most common etiology was large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) in 20 patients (32%), followed by small-vessel occlusion in 12 (19%). Seventeen (27%) had large-vessel occlusion (LVO), 12 involving the vertebral artery. Sixty (98%) had some degree of resolution of BLP; complete in 41 (70%). Median time-to-resolution was 14 days (IQR 10-21). There was no relationship between time-to-resolution and age, sex, side of BLP or side of stroke.
CONCLUSION
BLP was commonly seen with medullary infarction and was the isolated finding in one-third. LAA and LVO were the most common etiologies. Recovery of BLP was early and complete in most cases.
Topics: Brain Stem Infarctions; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Sensation Disorders
PubMed: 33652344
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105680 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2021Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Surgical removal of the cancer is the mainstay of treatment; however, tumour handling during surgery can... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. Surgical removal of the cancer is the mainstay of treatment; however, tumour handling during surgery can cause microscopic dissemination of tumour cells and disease recurrence. The body's hormonal response to surgery (stress response) and general anaesthesia may suppress immunity, promoting tumour dissemination. Paravertebral anaesthesia numbs the site of surgery, provides good analgesia, and blunts the stress response, minimising the need for general anaesthesia.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of paravertebral anaesthesia with or without sedation compared to general anaesthesia in women undergoing breast cancer surgery, with important outcomes of quality of recovery, postoperative pain at rest, and mortality.
SEARCH METHODS
On 6 April 2020, we searched the Specialised Register of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group (CBCG); CENTRAL (latest issue), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (via OvidSP); Embase (via OvidSP); the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal; and ClinicalTrials.gov for all prospectively registered and ongoing trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in adult women undergoing breast cancer surgery in which paravertebral anaesthesia with or without sedation was compared to general anaesthesia. We did not include studies in which paravertebral anaesthesia was given as an adjunct to general anaesthesia and then this was compared to use of general anaesthesia.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently extracted details of trial methods and outcome data from eligible trials. When data could be pooled, analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis, and the random-effects model was used if there was heterogeneity. When data could not be pooled, the synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) approach was applied. The GRADE approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Nine studies (614 participants) were included in the review. All were RCTs of parallel design, wherein female patients aged > 18 years underwent breast cancer surgery under paravertebral anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. None of the studies assessed quality of recovery in the first three postoperative days using a validated questionnaire; most assessed factors affecting quality of recovery such as postoperative analgesic use, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), hospital stay, ambulation, and patient satisfaction. Paravertebral anaesthesia may reduce the 24-hour postoperative analgesic requirement (odds ratio (OR) 0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01 to 0.34; 5 studies, 305 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to general anaesthesia. Heterogeneity (I² = 70%) was attributed to the fixed dose of opioids and non-steroidal analgesics administered postoperatively in one study (70 participants), masking a difference in analgesic requirements between groups. Paravertebral anaesthesia probably reduces the incidence of PONV (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.30; 6 studies, 324 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), probably results in a shorter hospital stay (mean difference (MD) -79.39 minutes, 95% CI -107.38 to -51.40; 3 studies, 174 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and probably reduces time to ambulation compared to general anaesthesia (SWiM analysis): percentages indicate vote counting based on direction of effect (100%, 95% CI 51.01% to 100%; P = 0.125; 4 studies, 375 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Paravertebral anaesthesia probably results in higher patient satisfaction (MD 5.52 points, 95% CI 1.30 to 9.75; 3 studies, 129 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) on a 0 to 100 scale 24 hours postoperatively compared to general anaesthesia. Postoperative pain at rest and on movement was assessed at 2, 6, and 24 postoperative hours on a 0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Four studies (224 participants) found that paravertebral anaesthesia as compared to general anaesthesia probably reduced pain at 2 postoperative hours (MD -2.95, 95% CI -3.37 to -2.54; moderate-certainty evidence). Five studies (324 participants) found that paravertebral anaesthesia may reduce pain at rest at 6 hours postoperatively (MD -1.54, 95% CI -3.20 to 0.11; low-certainty evidence). Five studies (278 participants) found that paravertebral anaesthesia may reduce pain at rest at 24 hours postoperatively (MD -1.19, 95% CI -2.27 to -0.10; low-certainty evidence). Differences in the methods of two studies (119 participants) and addition of clonidine to the local anaesthetic in two studies (109 participants), respectively, contributed to the heterogeneity (I² = 96%) observed for these two outcomes. Two studies (130 participants) found that paravertebral anaesthesia may reduce pain on movement at 6 hours (MD-2.57, 95% CI -3.97 to -1.17) and at 24 hours (MD -2.12, 95% CI -4.80 to 0.55; low-certainty evidence). Heterogeneity (I² = 96%) was observed for both outcomes and could be due to methodological differences between studies. None of the studies reported mortality related to the anaesthetic technique. Eight studies (574 participants) evaluated adverse outcomes with paravertebral anaesthesia: epidural spread (0.7%), minor bleeding (1.4%), pleural puncture not associated with pneumothorax (0.3%), and Horner's syndrome (7.1%). These complications were self-limiting and resolved without treatment. No data are available on disease-free survival, chronic pain, and quality of life. Blinding of personnel or participants was not possible in any study, as a regional anaesthetic technique was compared to general anaesthesia. Risk of bias was judged to be serious, as seven studies had concerns of selection bias and three of detection bias.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate-certainty evidence shows that paravertebral anaesthesia probably reduces PONV, hospital stay, postoperative pain (at 2 hours), and time to ambulation and results in greater patient satisfaction on the first postoperative day compared to general anaesthesia. Paravertebral anaesthesia may also reduce postoperative analgesic use and postoperative pain at 6 and 24 hours at rest and on movement based on low-certainty evidence. However, RCTs using validated questionnaires are needed to confirm these results. Adverse events observed with paravertebral anaesthesia are rare.
Topics: Adult; Analgesia; Anesthesia Recovery Period; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia, Spinal; Bias; Breast Neoplasms; Early Ambulation; Female; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Incidence; Intention to Treat Analysis; Length of Stay; Nerve Block; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Satisfaction; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 33629404
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012968.pub2 -
Journal of Spine Surgery (Hong Kong) Mar 2020The anterior approach to the cervical spine is commonly utilized for a variety of degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, and infectious indications. While many potential... (Review)
Review
The anterior approach to the cervical spine is commonly utilized for a variety of degenerative, traumatic, neoplastic, and infectious indications. While many potential complications overlap with those of the posterior approach, the distinct anatomy of the anterior neck also presents a unique set of hazards. We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the etiology, presentation, natural history, and management of these complications. Following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), a PubMed search was conducted to evaluate clinical studies and case reports of patients who suffered a complication of anterior cervical spine surgery. The search specifically included articles concerning adult human subjects, written in the English language, and published from 1989 to 2019. The PubMed search yielded 240 articles meeting our criteria. The overall rates of complications were as follows: dysphagia 5.3%, esophageal perforation 0.2%, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy 1.3%, infection 1.2%, adjacent segment disease 8.1%, pseudarthrosis 2.0%, graft or hardware failure 2.1%, cerebrospinal fluid leak 0.5%, hematoma 1.0%, Horner syndrome 0.4%, C5 palsy 3.0%, vertebral artery injury 0.4%, and new or worsening neurological deficit 0.5%. Morbidity rates in anterior cervical spine surgery are low. Nevertheless, the unique anatomy of the anterior neck presents a wide variety of potential complications involving vascular, aerodigestive, neural, and osseous structures.
PubMed: 32309668
DOI: 10.21037/jss.2020.01.14 -
World Neurosurgery Jan 2020Horner syndrome is an infrequently seen complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Multicenter studies have reported a very low incidence, less than...
BACKGROUND
Horner syndrome is an infrequently seen complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Multicenter studies have reported a very low incidence, less than 0.1%.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the incidence in, characteristics of, and postoperative course in patients in whom postoperative Horner syndrome developed after ACDF.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective review of all patients who experienced Horner syndrome after ACDF for cervical degenerative disease at a single tertiary care institution between 2017 and 2018. A systematic review was then performed to identify studies investigating prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of postoperative Horner syndrome after ACDF.
RESULTS
Of 1116 patients at our institution who underwent ACDF, the incidence of Horner syndrome was 0.45%. C4/5 and C5/6 were the 2 most common surgical levels. The complication was noted to occur immediately after surgery, and at least partial improvement was identified in all patients an average 3.5 months after surgery (range, 10 days to 6 months). These findings were consistent with our systematic review of 21 studies that showed an incidence of 0.6% (range, 0.02% to 4.0%), the most common surgical level C5/6 (64%), and 82% of patients experiencing at least partial resolution of symptoms within 1 year (60.7% complete, 21.4% partial resolution).
CONCLUSION
Horner syndrome occurs in 0.6% of patients undergoing ACDF. Careful postoperative examination should reveal this complication, which may be underdiagnosed or underreported in larger multicenter case series. The majority of patients experience complete resolution of symptoms within 6 months to 1 year and can be treated conservatively and expectantly.
Topics: Aged; Cervical Vertebrae; Diskectomy; Female; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Incidence; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Intraoperative Complications; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Spinal Fusion; Sympathetic Nervous System; Tertiary Care Centers; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31465851
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.08.101 -
Heart Rhythm Oct 2019Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is an important adjunctive option for patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Reports of efficacy of CSD in...
BACKGROUND
Cardiac sympathetic denervation (CSD) is an important adjunctive option for patients with refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Reports of efficacy of CSD in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) and refractory VA vary widely in literature.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of arrhythmic outcomes and complications in patients with SHD who underwent CSD due to recurrent VAs.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) were searched to identify reports on CSD in SHD using appropriate medical subject terms. No sample size restriction was applied. All patients with known channelopathies were excluded. Baseline demographic and surgical data, arrhythmic outcomes, and procedural complications were evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies and 173 patients were included. Of the 173 patients (121 [70%] male); pooled mean age 54.6 [95% confidence interval 52.6-56.7] years), 48 (28%) had ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 141 (82%) underwent bilateral CSD. Overall freedom from events ranged from 58% to 100%. Complications were reported in 49 patients(28%). Transient hypotension (9%), pneumothorax (5%), neuropathic pain (skin sensitivity) (4%), Horner syndrome (3%), sweating pattern changes (3%), and hemothorax (2%) were the most common complications. No procedure-related deaths were reported.
CONCLUSION
CSD reduced the number of VA events in patients with SHD, and the benefit from the intervention seemed to be independent of the underlying SHD. Although overall rate of postprocedural complications was high, most of the complications were temporary. Major postprocedural complications after CSD were infrequent.
Topics: Aged; Comorbidity; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Survival Rate; Sympathectomy; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31252084
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2019.06.018 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Oct 2019Horner's syndrome (HS) is characterised by a triad of ocular miosis, ptosis and anhidrosis. HS may be a subtle sign of occult pathology in otherwise asymptomatic...
OBJECTIVE
Horner's syndrome (HS) is characterised by a triad of ocular miosis, ptosis and anhidrosis. HS may be a subtle sign of occult pathology in otherwise asymptomatic children, neuroblastoma (NBL) being the the most common associated malignant tumour. Despite such knowledge, the incidence of underlying malignancy in children with HS remains unclear and robust evidence to guide best clinical practice is sparse. We performed a systematic review of the literature with the aim of identifying the incidence of NBL in children with HS of unknown aetiology, and establishing if screening for NBL should be routinely performed in this patient population.
METHODS
Systematic review of the literature (PubMed and Ovid/Medline database, 1961-2018).
RESULTS
The initial search identified 334 manuscripts, of which 8 studies were included in the final analysis. All reports were single-centre retrospective studies without control groups and included a total of 152 patients (age range 0-20 years). All studies investigated patients with HS but without previously established diagnosis. In the studies included, 17 out of a total of 152 patients were diagnosed with a space-occupying lesion. 12 out of the 152 patients were subsequently detected with NBL.
CONCLUSION
HS in children may be the first sign of occult malignancy. We report the first systematic review that comprehensively investigates the incidence of malignancy in this unique patient cohort. We show that HS of unknown aetiology in children warrants further investigation(s) to exclude an underlying space-occupying lesion. This should include cross-sectional imaging of the brain, neck and thorax, plus urinary catecholamines for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Algorithms; Brain Neoplasms; Catecholamines; Child; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Neoplasms; Neuroblastoma
PubMed: 31186293
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-317007 -
European Journal of Anaesthesiology Jun 2019Interscalene brachial plexus blockade is the most common regional anaesthesia technique for alleviating pain after shoulder surgery, but complications occur, including... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Interscalene brachial plexus blockade is the most common regional anaesthesia technique for alleviating pain after shoulder surgery, but complications occur, including ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis, Horner's syndrome and hoarseness. The supraclavicular approach might be an effective alternative with fewer adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in postoperative pain scores and morphine equivalents between interscalene and supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. Secondary endpoints were serious adverse events.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive literature search of Embase, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Web of Science was performed from the earliest record to December 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Prospective randomised controlled trials that compare interscalene and supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks in patients undergoing shoulder surgery were eligible for inclusion. Only studies that reported their methods transparently and comprehensibly were included. Conference abstracts or meeting abstracts were not excluded a priori. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methodology.
RESULTS
Twelve studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The supraclavicular approach showed overall comparable 24-h pain scores (mean difference -0.34; 95% CI -0.75 to 0.07, P = 0.11) and comparable morphine equivalent consumption (mean difference 1.84 mg per 24 h; 95% CI -0.00 to 3.69, P = 0.05). Secondary endpoint analysis revealed a significantly lower rate of hemidiaphragmatic paresis (risk ratio 0.56; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.82, P = 0.003) and Horner's syndrome (risk ratio 0.29; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.44, P < 0.00001) for the supraclavicular approach. There was no significant difference in hoarseness (risk ratio 0.73; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.13, P = 0.16).
CONCLUSION
After 24 postoperative hours, pain scores and consumption of morphine equivalents were comparable. Adverse effects were less common with the supraclavicular approach. The supraclavicular approach might be an efficient alternative to the interscalene approach for shoulder surgery. However, the available evidence is inadequate and prevents a firm conclusion.
Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Brachial Plexus Block; Hoarseness; Horner Syndrome; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Pneumothorax; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Paralysis; Shoulder Joint
PubMed: 31045699
DOI: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000000988 -
BioMed Research International 2019This study aimed to summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Chiari malformation type I- (CM-1-) associated syringobulbia. We performed a literature...
This study aimed to summarize the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Chiari malformation type I- (CM-1-) associated syringobulbia. We performed a literature review of CM-1-associated syringobulbia in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Our concerns were the clinical features, radiologic presentations, treatment therapies, and prognoses of CM-1-associated syringobulbia. This review identified 23 articles with 53 cases. Symptoms included headache, neck pain, cranial nerve palsy, limb weakness/dysesthesia, Horner syndrome, ataxia, and respiratory disorders. The most frequently involved area was the medulla. Most of the patients also had syringomyelia. Surgical procedures performed included posterior fossa decompression, foramen magnum decompression, cervical laminectomy, duraplasty, and syringobulbic cavity shunt. Most patients experienced symptom alleviation or resolution postoperatively. A syringobulbic cavity shunt provided good results in refractory cases. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of syringobulbia in CM-1 patients, especially those with symptoms of sudden-onset brain-stem involvement. The diagnosis relies on the disorder's specific symptomatology and magnetic resonance imaging. Our review suggests that the initial therapy should be posterior fossa decomposition with or without duraplasty. In refractory cases, additional syringobulbic cavity shunt is the preferred option.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Arnold-Chiari Malformation; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Headache; Humans; Infant; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medulla Oblongata; Middle Aged; Neurosurgical Procedures; Syringomyelia; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31016190
DOI: 10.1155/2019/4829102 -
Journal of Neurology Jun 2019Simultaneous dissection of three or four cervical arteries rarely occurs. As a result, limited information is available on clinical characteristics, underlying causes,...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Simultaneous dissection of three or four cervical arteries rarely occurs. As a result, limited information is available on clinical characteristics, underlying causes, treatment, and outcome of these patients.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of individual patient data on triple and quadruple cervical artery dissection (CeAD). We included all cases for whom, at minimum, data on age, sex and affected cervical arteries were available.
RESULTS
Out of 1396 publications identified in the initial search, 52 were included, with data available on 96 patients. Mean age was 42 years and 66% were women. 63% had triple CeAD. The most common manifestations were headache (69%), neck pain (44%), motor deficit (36%), and Horner syndrome (34%). 57% had an ischemic stroke, in the majority of these patients the stroke was confined to the vascular territory of a single artery. 83% were managed medically (antiplatelets or anticoagulants) and 11% underwent endovascular treatment. An underlying disease or triggering event was identified in 71%, most commonly trauma (35%, cervical manipulative therapy in 13%), infection (18%), fibromuscular dysplasia (16%), and hereditary connective tissue disorder (8%). In-hospital mortality was 1%. 80% of patients had a good functional outcome (mRS 0-1) at follow-up. Two recurrences (3%) were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Triple or quadruple CeAD mostly affected young women, and underlying disease or triggering event could be identified in more than two-thirds of patients. Less than two-thirds of triple or quadruple CeAD patients suffered ischemic stroke. Most patients were managed medically and the majority had a favorable outcome.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Single-Case Studies as Topic; Vertebral Artery Dissection
PubMed: 30904955
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09269-1