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World Neurosurgery Dec 2023Crooke cell adenomas (CCAs) are a rare, aggressive subset of secretory pituitary corticotroph adenomas (sCTAs) found in 5%-10% of patients with Cushing disease. Multiple...
BACKGROUND
Crooke cell adenomas (CCAs) are a rare, aggressive subset of secretory pituitary corticotroph adenomas (sCTAs) found in 5%-10% of patients with Cushing disease. Multiple studies support worse outcomes in CCAs but are limited by small sample size and single-institution databases. We compared outcomes in CCA and sCTA using a multicenter, international retrospective database of high-volume skull base centers.
METHODS
Patients surgically treated for pituitary adenoma from January 2017 through December 2020 were included.
RESULTS
Among 2826 patients from 12 international centers, 20 patients with CCA and 480 patients with sCTA were identified. No difference in baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, or postoperative complications was seen. Microsurgical approaches (60% CCA vs. 62.3% sCTA) were most common. Gross total resection was higher in CCA patients (100% vs. 83%, P = 0.05). Among patients with gross total resection according to intraoperative findings, fewer CCA patients had postoperative hormone normalization of pituitary function (50% vs. 77.8%, P < 0.01) and remission of hypersecretion by 3-6 months (75% vs. 84.3%, P < 0.01). This was the case despite CCA having better local control rates (100% vs. 96%, P < 0.01) and fewer patients with remnant on magnetic resonance imaging (0% vs. 7.2%, P < 0.01). A systematic literature review of 35 studies reporting on various treatment strategies reiterated the high rate of residual tumor, persistent hypercortisolism, and tumor-related mortality in CCA patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This modern, multicenter series of patients with CCA reflects their poor prognosis and reduced postsurgical hormonal normalization. Further work is necessary to better understand the pathophysiology of CCA to devise more targeted treatment approaches.
Topics: Humans; ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Retrospective Studies; Adenoma; Pituitary Neoplasms; Pituitary Gland; Treatment Outcome; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37757948
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.076 -
Neurosurgical Review Sep 2023Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a novel surgical technique requiring specific training. Different models and simulators have been recently suggested for it, but no... (Review)
Review
Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a novel surgical technique requiring specific training. Different models and simulators have been recently suggested for it, but no systematic review is available. To provide a systematic and critical literature review and up-to-date description of the training models or simulators dedicated to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. A search was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until February 2023; Google was also searched to document commercially available. For each model, the following features were recorded: training performed, tumor/arachnoid reproduction, assessment and validation, and cost. Of the 1199 retrieved articles, 101 were included in the final analysis. The described models can be subdivided into 5 major categories: (1) enhanced cadaveric heads; (2) animal models; (3) training artificial solutions, with increasing complexity (from "box-trainers" to multi-material, ct-based models); (4) training simulators, based on virtual or augmented reality; (5) Pre-operative planning models and simulators. Each available training model has specific advantages and limitations. Costs are high for cadaver-based solutions and vary significantly for the other solutions. Cheaper solutions seem useful only for the first stages of training. Most models do not provide a simulation of the sellar tumor, and a realistic simulation of the suprasellar arachnoid. Most artificial models do not provide a realistic and cost-efficient simulation of the most delicate and relatively common phase of surgery, i.e., tumor removal with arachnoid preservation; current research should optimize this to train future neurosurgical generations efficiently and safely.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Endoscopy; Cadaver; Computer Simulation; Databases, Factual; Skull Base Neoplasms
PubMed: 37725193
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02149-3 -
Rhinology Dec 2023This meta-analysis aims to investigate the outcome of sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (snAdCC). We followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies reporting 5-year... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This meta-analysis aims to investigate the outcome of sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (snAdCC). We followed PRISMA guidelines and included studies reporting 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for snAdCC. Eligible studies were identified through a literature search and assessed using JBI critical appraisal checklist. A total of 17 studies were included comprising 2259 patients (mean age: 58.1 years, 52.7% female, 47.3% male). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the 5-year OS, 10-year OS, and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) were 68%, 40%, and 47.2%, respectively. Descriptive statistics on study level showed high rates of locally advanced tumor stages at diagnosis: 23% cT3, 53% cT4, 3.4% N+, and 4.2% M+. 29.7% of the tumors were in the nasal cavity, 67.6% in the paranasal sinuses. The maxillary, ethmoid, sphenoid, and frontal sinus were affected in 50.9%, 7.2%, 4%, and 0.5%, of cases. A combination of surgery and radiotherapy was used in 45.4% of the patients and 19.3% of patients received surgery only. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the significance of thorough surveillance for individuals with snAdCC to identify any potential recurrence or progression of the disease.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Nose Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Frontal Sinus
PubMed: 37703531
DOI: 10.4193/Rhin23.204 -
Neurosurgical Review Sep 2023Optic canal unroofing (OCU) has gradually become a routine technique for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) resection. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Optic canal unroofing (OCU) has gradually become a routine technique for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) resection. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OCU. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature on this topic from 2003 to 2023 were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Rigorous statistical analysis with a p-value was performed for related change in visual improvement, gross total resection (GTR), visual deterioration, and olfactory nerve damage. The study included 15 articles with 384 patients in whom OCU was performed by the transcranial approach (TCA) or the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Of these, 341 patients had preoperative visual loss, and 266 patients had postoperative visual recovery. The overall rate of visual improvement was 0.803 (95% CI: 0.733-0.874, p < 0.01). The rate of visual improvement in the EEA and TCA groups was 0.884 (95% CI: 0.803-0.965, p < 0.01) and 0.788 (95% CI: 0.700-0.875, p < 0.01). Further analysis of classification shows that the rate of visual improvement in Type I: < 2 cm was 0.889(95% CI: 0.739-0.969), Type II:2-4 cm was 0.844(95% CI: 0.755-0.910), Type III: > 4 cm was 0.500(95% CI: 0.068-0.932) and the total was 0.853(95% CI: 0.779-0.927 p < 0.01) with low heterogeneity of I = 20.80%.Twelve studies separately reported GTR with OCU was 293; the rate of GTR was 0.911 (95% CI: 0.848-0.961, p < 0.01). And the rate of GTR in Type I: < 2 cm was 0.933(95% CI: 0.817-0.986), Type II:2-4 cm was 0.880(95% CI: 0.800-0.936), Type III: > 4 cm was 0.600(95% CI: 0.147-0.947). The total was 0.897(95% CI: 0.830-0.965 p < 0.01) with low heterogeneity of I = 34.57%. The related complications of OCU were visual deterioration and olfactory nerve damage. Visual decline was reported in nine studies, and the rate was 0.077 (95% CI: 0.041-0.113, p < 0.01). Six studies reported olfactory nerve damage, and the overall rate was 0.054 (95% CI: 0.019-0.090, p < 0.01). OCU could significantly recover preoperative impaired vision and make GTR easier to achieve, which was also a safe and effective technique in TSM.
Topics: Humans; Meningioma; Postoperative Period; Skull Base Neoplasms; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37698750
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02151-9 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Sep 2023Awake craniotomy (AC) is a valuable technique for surgical interventions in eloquent areas, but its adoption in low- and middle-income countries faces challenges like... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Awake craniotomy (AC) is a valuable technique for surgical interventions in eloquent areas, but its adoption in low- and middle-income countries faces challenges like limited infrastructure, trained personnel shortage, and inadequate funding. This scoping review explores AC techniques in Latin American countries, focusing on patient characteristics, tumor location, symptomatology, and outcomes.
METHODS
A scoping review followed PRISMA guidelines, searching five databases in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. We included 28 studies with 258 patients (mean age: 43, range: 11-92). Patterns in AC use in Latin America were analyzed.
RESULTS
Most studies were from Brazil and Mexico (53.6%) and public institutions (70%). Low-grade gliomas were the most common lesions (55%), most of them located in the left hemisphere (52.3%) and frontal lobe (52.3%). Gross-total resection was achieved in 34.3% of cases. 62.9% used an Asleep-Awake-Asleep protocol, and 14.8% used Awake-Awake-Awake. The main complication was seizures (14.6%). Mean post-surgery discharge time was 68 h. Challenges included limited training, infrastructure, and instrumentation availability. Strategies discussed involve training in specialized centers, seeking sponsorships, applying for awards, and multidisciplinary collaborations with neuropsychology.
CONCLUSION
Improved accessibility to resources, infrastructure, and adequate instrumentation is crucial for wider AC availability in Latin America. Despite disparities, AC implementation with proper training and teamwork yields favorable outcomes in resource-limited centers. Efforts should focus on addressing challenges and promoting equitable access to this valuable surgical technique in the region.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Brain Neoplasms; Latin America; Wakefulness; Craniotomy; Glioma
PubMed: 37698707
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04433-0 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Nov 2023Aim of the present analysis was to report results of a systematic review of the literature in the setting of patients treated with hypoF PT for benign lesions of the... (Review)
Review
AIMS
Aim of the present analysis was to report results of a systematic review of the literature in the setting of patients treated with hypoF PT for benign lesions of the central nervous system (CNS).
METHODS
The methodology complied with the PRISMA recommendations. PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were interrogated in September 2022.
RESULTS
Twelve papers have been selected including patients treated for base of the skull meningiomas (6 papers), vestibular schwannoma (3 papers) and pituitary adenomas (3 papers). Clinical outcomes were evaluated with both radiologic images and clinical parameters. Long-term toxicity was reported in all but one series with an incidence ranging from 2 % to 7 % in patients treated for base of skull meningioma and 1-9 % for schwannoma.
CONCLUSIONS
HypoF PT is a safe and effective treatment in selected benign tumors of the CNS. Further dosimetric and clinical comparisons are required to better refine the patients' selection criteria.
Topics: Humans; Proton Therapy; Meningioma; Central Nervous System; Treatment Outcome; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37683814
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104114 -
World Neurosurgery Nov 2023Abducens nerve (AN) schwannomas are extremely rare tumors. Clinical characteristics and factors that influence postoperative outcomes are not well defined. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Abducens nerve (AN) schwannomas are extremely rare tumors. Clinical characteristics and factors that influence postoperative outcomes are not well defined.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize clinical features of AN schwannomas and predictors of surgical outcomes.
METHODS
PRISMA-guided systematic review of the literature on AN schwannomas was performed. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the predictive value of variables that influence postoperative outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 42 studies with 55 patients were evaluated. The mean age at presentation was 43.9 ± 14.6 years. The most common presenting symptom was cranial nerve VI palsy (69.1%). Cavernous sinus (49.1%) and prepontine cistern (36.3%) were the most commonly involved locations. Complete recovery after surgery was seen in 36.3% at a median follow-up of 28.4 ± 25.8 months. Preoperative AN palsy (P < 0.001), suboccipital approach (P = 0.007), and subtotal resection of tumor (P = 0.044) were significant protective factors for postoperative complications. Prepontine location and postoperative complications were poor prognostic indicators of AN recovery (odds ratio [OR], 0.10, P = 0.030 and OR, 0.10, P = 0.028, respectively). Subtotal resection was significantly correlated with higher odds of AN recovery (OR, 6.06; P = 0.040).
CONCLUSIONS
AN schwannomas are rare but serious tumors that can cause significant morbidity, with only approximately one third of patients showing complete recovery after surgery. The suboccipital approach was a protective factor for postoperative complications, especially when combined with subtotal resection. Knowledge of these factors along with tumor characteristics helps optimize surgical planning and preoperative counseling.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Abducens Nerve; Cranial Nerve Neoplasms; Abducens Nerve Diseases; Neurilemmoma; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37652133
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.08.100 -
ORL; Journal For Oto-rhino-laryngology... 2023The relationship between obesity and complications after lateral skull base tumor resection is not clear. There is conflicting evidence regarding the incidence of...
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between obesity and complications after lateral skull base tumor resection is not clear. There is conflicting evidence regarding the incidence of postoperative complications in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between obesity and outcomes following lateral skull base tumor resection.
DATA SOURCES
Data were extracted from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL.
METHODS
Included studies assessed the relationship between obesity and outcomes following lateral skull base tumor removal. Studies with ≤5 patients, pediatric patients, duplicate patient populations, or insufficient data were excluded. Two independent investigators reviewed each study for inclusion. A third reviewer served as a tie-breaker for any conflicts. Extracted data includes patient demographics, tumor pathology, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes including incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and other postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and readmission and reoperation rates. Descriptive statistics were used to compare postoperative outcomes for obese and nonobese controls.
RESULTS
14 studies met final inclusion criteria. Nine studies evaluated the relationship between obesity and CSF leaks. Four studies found a significant increase in postoperative CSF leak in obese patients compared to nonobese controls. The remaining studies trended toward an increased incidence of CSF leak in the obese population but did not reach statistical significance. One out of seven studies found that obesity increased postoperative LOS, and one out of five studies found that obesity increased reoperation rates following tumor resection.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results, obesity does not appear to increase LOS, readmission, or reoperation rates after lateral skull base tumor resection. The relationship between obesity and postoperative CSF leak, however, warrants further analysis.
Topics: Humans; Child; Skull Base Neoplasms; Skull Base; Retrospective Studies; Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak; Obesity; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37604124
DOI: 10.1159/000531531 -
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of... Oct 2023The therapeutic management of local tumour recurrence after a first course of radical radiotherapy is always complex. Surgery and reirradiation carry increased morbidity...
The therapeutic management of local tumour recurrence after a first course of radical radiotherapy is always complex. Surgery and reirradiation carry increased morbidity due to radiation-induced tissue changes. Proton beam therapy (PBT) might be advantageous in the reirradiation setting, thanks to its distinct physical characteristics. Here we systematically reviewed the use of PBT in the management of recurrent central nervous system (CNS) and base of skull (BoS) tumours, as published in the literature. The research question was framed following the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) criteria: the population of the study was cancer patients with local disease recurrence in the CNS or BoS; the intervention was radiation treatment with PBT; the outcomes of the study focused on the clinical outcomes of PBT in the reirradiation setting of local tumour recurrences of the CNS or BoS. The identification stage resulted in 222 records in Embase and 79 in Medline as of March 2023. Sixty-eight duplicates were excluded at this stage and 56 were excluded after screening as not relevant, not in English or not full-text articles. Twelve full-text articles were included in the review and are presented according to the site of disease, namely BoS, brain or both brain and BoS. This review showed that reirradiation of brain/BoS tumour recurrences with PBT can provide good local control with acceptable toxicity rates. However, reirradiation of tumour recurrences in the CNS or BoS setting needs to consider several factors that can increase the risk of toxicities. Therefore, patient selection is crucial. Randomised evidence is needed to select the best radiation modality in this group of patients.
Topics: Humans; Re-Irradiation; Proton Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Brain Neoplasms; Brain
PubMed: 37574418
DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2023.07.010 -
Journal of Neurosurgery Feb 2024Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) are challenging lesions to treat because of their deep location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Patients with these... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Petroclival meningiomas (PCMs) are challenging lesions to treat because of their deep location and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. Patients with these lesions commonly present because of local mass effect. A symptom that proves challenging to definitively manage is trigeminal neuralgia (TN), which occurs in approximately 5% of PCM cases. To date, there is no consensus on whether microsurgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) leads to better outcomes in the treatment of TN secondary to PCM. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors aimed to evaluate the available literature on the efficacy of microsurgical resection versus SRS for controlling TN secondary to PCM.
METHODS
The Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were queried from database inception to May 17, 2022, using the search terms "(petroclival AND meningioma) AND (trigeminal AND neuralgia)." Study inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) reports on patients aged ≥ 18 years and diagnosed with TN secondary to PCM, 2) cases treated with microsurgical resection or SRS, 3) cases with at least one posttreatment follow-up report of TN pain, 4) cases with at least one outcome of tumor control, and 5) publications describing randomized controlled trials, comparative or single-arm observational studies, case reports, or case series. Exclusion criteria were 1) literature reviews, technical notes, conference abstracts, or autopsy reports; 2) publications that did not clearly differentiate data on patients with PCMs from data on patients with different tumors or with meningiomas in different locations (other intracranial or spinal meningiomas); 3) publications that contained insufficient data on treatments and outcomes; and 4) publications not written in the English language. References of eligible studies were screened to retrieve additional relevant studies. Data on pain and tumor outcomes were compared between the microsurgical resection and SRS treatment groups. The DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman variance correction was used to pool estimates from the included studies.
RESULTS
Two comparative observational studies and 6 single-arm observational studies describing outcomes after primary intervention were included in the analyses (138 patients). Fifty-seven patients underwent microsurgical resection and 81 underwent SRS for the management of TN secondary to PCM. By the last follow-up (mean 71 months, range 24-149 months), the resection group had significantly higher rates of pain resolution than the SRS group (82%, 95% CI 50%-100% vs 31%, 95% CI 18%-45%, respectively; p = 0.004). There was also a significantly longer median time to tumor recurrence following resection (43.75 vs 16.7 months, p < 0.01). The resection group showed lower rates of pain persistence (0%, 95% CI 0%-6% vs 25%, 95% CI 13%-39%, p = 0.001) and pain exacerbation (0% vs 12%, 95% CI 3%-23%, p = 0.001). The most common postintervention Barrow Neurological Institute pain score in the surgical group was I (66.7%) compared with III (27.2%) in the SRS group. Surgical reintervention was less frequently required following primary resection (1.8%, 95% CI 0%-37% vs 19%, 95% CI 1%-48%, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Microsurgical resection is associated with higher rates of TN pain resolution and lower rates of pain persistence and exacerbation than SRS in the treatment of PCM. SRS with further TN management is a viable alternative in patients who are not good candidates for microsurgical resection.
Topics: Humans; Trigeminal Neuralgia; Meningioma; Treatment Outcome; Radiosurgery; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pain; Skull Base Neoplasms; Meningeal Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 37542438
DOI: 10.3171/2023.5.JNS222557