Medical Specialties Commons^™

Operative Management Of Symptomatic, Metachronous Carotid Body Tumors Involving The Skull Base And Its Neurological Sequelae, Roberto G. Aru, Rony K. Aouad, Justin F. Fraser, Amanda M. Romesberg, Kevin W. Hatton, Sam C. Tyagi

Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery Faculty Publications

A 44-year-old morbidly obese woman with a history of right carotid body tumor (CBT) resection presented with a symptomatic, nonfunctional, left Shamblin-III CBT. Abutment of the skull base precluded distal internal carotid artery control for arterial reconstruction, favoring parent vessel sacrifice after an asymptomatic provocative test. She underwent CBT resection with anticipated sacrifice of cranial nerves X and XII and the common carotid artery and its branches, developing baroreceptor failure syndrome and sequelae of cranial nerve sacrifice. When facing a symptomatic, metachronous CBT abutting the skull base, upfront operative intervention with adjuvant radiation for residual tumor optimizes curative resection.

Pi3k/Mtor Dual Inhibitor Pf-04691502 Is A Schedule-Dependent Radiosensitizer For Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors, Zeta Chow, Jeremy Johnson, Aman Chauhan, Tadahide Izumi, Michael Cavnar, Heidi L. Weiss, Courtney M. Townsend Jr., Lowell B. Anthony, Carrigan Wasilchenko, Matthew L. Melton, Jörg Schrader, B. Mark Evers, Piotr G. Rychahou

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Patients with advanced-stage gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) have a poor overall prognosis despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy (e.g., peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)). Better treatment options are needed to improve disease regression and patient survival. The purpose of this study was to examine a new treatment strategy by combining PI3K/mTOR dual inhibition and radiotherapy. First, we assessed the efficacy of two PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors, PF-04691502 and PKI-402, to inhibit pAkt and increase apoptosis in NET cell lines (BON and QGP-1) and patient-derived tumor spheroids as single agents or combined with radiotherapy (XRT). Treatment with PF-04691502 decreased pAkt (Ser473) expression for up …

Left Ventricular Assist Device Thrombosis Treated With Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator In A Patient With Covid-19 Infection, Simone A. Jarrett, Jafar Alzubi, Savalan Babapoor-Farrokhran, Zaid Ammari, Mohammad Al-Sarie, Zachary Port, Farhan Hasni, Behnam Bozorgnia, Raphael Bonita

The VAD Journal

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is an established treatment for patients with end-stage, systolic heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation or destination therapy. LVAD pump thrombosis is a life-threatening complication than can be triggered by prothrombotic conditions such as infection. Management of pump thrombosis presents as both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of pump thrombosis in a patient with a HeartMate II (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL) and coronavirus (COVID-19) infection that was treated successfully with an intravenous thrombolytic, tissue plasminogen activator.

Infliximab As Rescue Therapy In Pediatric Severe Colitis, Kayla B. Briggs

Research Days

Background: Infliximab has been shown to be effective in achieving clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) refractory to conventional therapy. However, there is conflicting data in the literature regarding its effectiveness as rescue therapy in acute severe colitis. Furthermore, most studies were conducted in adults, and pediatric onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with more severe disease that may be less amenable to rescue therapy.

Objectives/Goal: We reviewed our experience with pediatric severe colitis and report outcomes following attempted rescue therapy with infliximab.

Methods/Design: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with UC or indeterminate colitis …

Unique Evaluation And Management Considerations For Adolescents With Late Gynecologic And Colorectal Issues In The Setting Of Anorectal Malformations, Wendy Jo Svetanoff

Research Days

Background: Females born with anorectal malformations (ARMs) and bladder exstrophy have a greater incidence of Mullerian and genital anomalies requiring early gynecologic assessment and frequent surgical intervention. However, there is little guidance for management considerations of pubertally identified Mullerian anomalies in these patients

Objectives/Goal: We sought to assess the unique colorectal, gynecologic, and psychological issues present during the adolescent years.

Methods/Design: A retrospective review was performed of 10-25 year old female patients born with an ARM, cloaca, or exstrophy that presented to our multidisciplinary clinic between 2009 and 2019. Data abstracted included the presenting problem, history, imaging studies, psychological evaluation, …

In Vitro Comparison Of Various High-Speed Vitrectomy Machines Using Dual Blade Cutters, Haroon Tayyab, Saima Jamil, Shiraz Hashmi

Section of Ophthalmology

Objectives: The objective of this study is to compare various dual blade vitrectomy cutters for their efficiency in an in vitro setting.
Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, we compared various vitrectomy systems including EVA (Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center, Zuidland, The Netherlands), REVOLUTION (Optikon 2000, Inc., Rome, Italy), and OS4 (Oertli Instrumente AG, Berneck, Switzerland) in terms of efficiency in vitreous cutting and aspiration for various vitreous substitutes. These substitutes included water, chicken egg albumin, and goat vitreous. We only used 23-gauge dual blade cutters across all platforms to maintain uniformity. The cutting and aspiration efficiency was measured across …

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Quality Of Life In Patients With Anorectal Malformations And Hirschsprung’S Disease – A Qualitative Systematic Review, Wendy Jo Svetanoff

Research Days

Background: While great strides have been made in surgical techniques and bowel management therapies for patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR), little is known about psychosocial and behavioral factors that impact the quality of life at each stage of development.

Objectives/Goal: We aimed to perform a qualitative literature review to highlight the psychosocial, emotional, and behavioral themes that affect the quality of life as patients born with congenital colorectal disease.

Methods/Design: A systematic literature review of all articles published between 1980-2019 was performed in the PubMed and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria included articles that reported on the …

Reconsidering Perioperative Antibiotic Use In Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Kayla B. Briggs

Research Days

Background: As rates of antimicrobial resistance increase, the use of prophylactic perioperative antibiotics (PPA) has been questioned in cases with a low risk of surgical site infection (SSI). In laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for biliary dyskinesia, hyperkinetic gallbladder, and gallbladder polyps, the use of PPA varies with no widely accepted practice pattern.

Objectives/Goal: We examined institutional PPA usage and SSI rates for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy to determine if PPAs are indicated.

Methods/Design: Following IRB approval, children/2010 and 8/2020 for symptomatic cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, hyperkinetic gallbladder, and/or gallbladder polyps were included. Several surgeons changed practice to selective PPA use in 2016, decreasing …

When Total Joint Arthroplasty After Septic Arthritis Can Be Safely Performed, Timothy L. Tan, Chi Xu, Feng-Chih Kuo, Elie Ghanem, Jaiben George, Noam Shohat, Ji-Ying Chen, Mel S Lee, Carlos Higuera, Javad Parvizi

Rothman Institute Papers

Background: Patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) following septic arthritis are at higher risk for developing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Minimal literature is available to guide surgeons on the optimal timing of TJA after completing treatment for prior native joint septic arthritis. This multicenter study aimed to determine the optimal timing of TJA after prior septic arthritis and to examine the role of preoperative serology in predicting patients at risk for developing PJI.

Methods: A total of 207 TJAs were performed after prior septic arthritis from 2000 to 2017 at 5 institutions. Laboratory values, prior treatment, time from the initial …

Lessons Learned After 760 Neurointerventions Via The Upper Extremity Vasculature: Pearls And Pitfalls., Ahmad Sweid, Joshua H. Weinberg, Omaditya Khanna, Somnath Das, Julie Kim, Darcy Curtis, Batoul Hammoud, Kareem El Naamani, Rawad Abbas, Shyam Majmundar, Kalyan C. Sajja, Nohra Chalouhi, Fadi Al Saiegh, Nikolaos Mouchtouris, Elias Atallah, M. Reid Gooch, Nabeel A. Herial, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Victor Romo, Robert H. Rosenwasswer, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The radial approach has been gaining more widespread use by neurointerventionalists fueled by data from the cardiology literature showing better safety and overall reduced morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To present our institution's experience with the radial approach for neuroendovascular interventions in 614 consecutive patients who underwent a cumulative of 760 procedures.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed and identified neuroendovascular procedures performed via the upper extremity vasculature access site.

RESULTS: Amongst 760 procedures, 34.2% (260) were therapeutic, and 65.7% (500) were nontherapeutic angiograms. Access sites were 71.5% (544) via a conventional radial artery, 27.8% (211) via a distal radial artery, 0.5% …

The Power Of Outpatient Botulinum Injections In Preventing Hirschsprung Associated Enterocolitis, Wendy Jo Svetanoff

Research Days

Background: Hirschsprung associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a potentially life-threatening complication, where the child often presents with obstructive symptoms. Failure of the internal anal sphincter (IAS) to relax is thought to play a role in these symptoms. Botulinum toxin (BT) injections assist in temporarily relieving obstructive symptoms due to IAS achalasia in patients with Hirschsprung’s disease following surgical pull-through. The use of BT may play a role in preventing HAEC episodes related to IAS dysfunction.

Objectives/Goal: Our aim was to determine the effect of scheduled outpatient Botulinum injections on the development of HAEC.

Methods/Design: A retrospective review between July 2010 – …

Pre-Hospital Traumatic Cardiopulmonary Arrest In Children At A Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, Kayla B. Briggs

Research Days

Background: The survival of traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest (TCA) requiring pre-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (P-CPR) is abysmal across age groups.

Objectives/Goal: We aim to describe the patterns of injury, pre-hospital interventions, and outcomes of children suffering from TCA leading to P-CPR at our institution to support standardized guidelines addressing the termination of prolonged resuscitation attempts in children.

Methods/Design: Following IRB approval, retrospective review was conducted to identify children ages 0-17 years who suffered TCA leading to P-CPR at our institution between 5/1/2009–3/1/2020. For analysis, patients were stratified into those still undergoing CPR at arrival and those who attained pre-hospital return of spontaneous …

Mini-Ace® Low-Profile Appendicostomy Button, Joseph Lopez

Research Days

Purpose: Malone antegrade continence enemas (MACE) provide a conduit in which the patient can achieve improved continence, be clean of stool, and gain independence in maintaining bowel function. The Mini-ACE® is a low-profile balloon button that is used to facilitate administration of antegrade enemas. We sought to describe our practice and short-term outcomes.

Methods: We present our experience using the Mini-ACE® at Children’s Mercy – Kansas City from April 2019 to September 2020. Patient demographics, colorectal diagnoses, tube sizes, flush regimens, patient experience and outcomes were examined.

Results: Thirty patients were included; 18 (60%) were male. The average age at …

Bar Removal Following Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair – Does Removal At 2 Years Affect Recurrence Or Satisfaction Rates?, Wendy Jo Svetanoff

Research Days

Background: Some patients with pectus excavatum require bar removal despite having the bar in for less than three years after minimally invasive placement (MIRPE). It is unknown whether early removal is associated with a higher recurrence rate or lower cosmetic satisfaction.

Objectives/Goal: The aim of this study was to review post-operative outcomes, specifically recurrence rate, and patient satisfaction in patients who underwent bar removal prior to three years.

Methods/Design: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent MIRPE between October 2006 and June 2017 and had bar removal less than 3 years after repair. Demographics, reason for bar removal, …

Neonatal Renal Failure In The Setting Of Anorectal Malformation: A Case Report And Literature Review., Wendy Jo Svetanoff, Asma Ahmed, Richard J. Hendrickson, Rebecca M. Rentea

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) can occur in isolation or in association with other anomalies, most commonly those of the genitourinary systems. Morbidity and mortality are highest among patients who develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) either from severe congenital anomalies (dysplastic kidneys) or from repeated infections in those who have vesicoureteral reflux or persistent recto-urinary fistulas. We describe our management strategy for a patient born with an ARM and bilateral dysplastic kidneys to highlight the nuances and complex decision-making considerations required in taking care of this complex patient population. Our patient is a male twin born at 32 weeks' gestational age who …

Setting A Threshold For Discharge Antibiotics In Children With Perforated Appendicitis: A Study Update, Kayla B. Briggs

Research Days

Background: To address concerns of antibiotic overutilization, normal white blood cell count (WBC) for age was previous l criteria for discontinuing antibiotics at discharge in perforated appendicitis. Retrospective review suggested a decrease in threshold for additional antibiotic administration to a discharge WBC(IAA).

Objectives/Goal: The purpose of our study is to determine if lowering the threshold for additional antibiotic administration decreased the rate of IAA after laparoscopic appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children who were not discharged with additional antibiotics.

Methods/Design: Following IRB approval, prospective data was retrospectively reviewed. Children with perforated appendicitis identified during laparoscopic appendectomy at our institution between …

Leveraging Collaboration In Pediatric Multidisciplinary Colorectal Care Using A Telehealth Platform, Joseph Lopez

Research Days

Purpose: Pediatric colorectal problems require complex multidisciplinary care. The COVID-19 health crisis has substantially shifted how this healthcare delivery can safely take place. We sought to track the characteristics of in-person (IP) and telehealth (TH) visits and subsequent satisfaction and utilization in this quality improvement project.

Methods: We present the multidisciplinary clinic experience from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 in which patient volume, visit time length, patient satisfaction survey results, and frequencies of colorectal diagnoses seen before (October 1, 2019 through January 31, 2020) and during the present pandemic (February 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020). Microsoft Teams …

Refining The Optimal First Treatment For Pediatric Breast Abscesses, Kayla B. Briggs

Research Days

Background: We previously reported treatment and outcomes of children with untreated, not spontaneously draining (UTND) breast abscesses. What has not been well defined however are those with previously treated, not spontaneously draining (PTND) pediatric breast abscesses. In general, a more conservative approach is favored in children with breast abscesses to avoid damage to the developing breast bud.

Objectives/Goal: We sought to determine if care at a pediatric tertiary referral center impacts disease persistence rate.

Methods/Design: Following IRB approval, patientstherapy.

Results: In all, 114 patients met inclusion criteria, 96 in the UTND group and 18 in the PTND group (Figure 1). …

Photobiostimulatory Effect Of A Single Dose Of Low-Level Laser On Orthodontic Tooth Movement And Pain, Irfan Qamruddin, Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Verda Mahroof, Mubassar Fida, Mohd Fadhli Khamis, Adam Husein

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Objective: To assess the effect of low-level laser applied at 3 weeks intervals on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and pain using conventional brackets (CB).
Materials and methods: Twenty patients with Angle's class II div 1 (10 males and 10 females; aged 20.25 ± 3.88 years) needing bilateral extractions of maxillary first bicuspids were recruited. Conventional brackets MBT of 0.022 in slot (McLaughlin Bennett Trevisi) prescription braces (Ortho Organizers, Carlsbad, Calif) were bonded. After alignment and levelling phase, cuspid retraction began with nitinol closed coil spring on 19 × 25 stainless steel archwire, wielding 150 gram force. 7.5 J/cm² energy …

Biomedical Porcine Models For The Study Of Surgical Hemostasis, Hindlimb Ischemia, And Pancreatic Cancer, Shruthishree Aravind

Theses & Dissertations

Murine models have dominated the world of biomedical research and comparative medicine since their development in the early 1900s. [1] While they may be suitable models to study proteomics and genomics, they may not serve as effective translational models. [2-4] Murine models do not accurately model the pathophysiology of human disease and are limited by their size, application of medical imaging and intervention, which reduces their overall preclinical predictive value. [2-4]

Porcine models on the other hand, are slowly and steadily bridging the gap between murine models and human patients. [5] Pigs …

Workplace Mistreatment And Mental Health In Female Surgeons In Pakistan, Mahim Malik, Hina Inam, Russell S. Martins, Mahin B N. Janjua, Nida Zahid, Sadaf Khan, Abida K. Sattar, Shaista Khan, Adil H. Haider, Ather Enam

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background: Despite workplace mistreatment, which includes harassment, bullying and gender discrimination(GD)/bias, being serious problems for female surgeons, there are limited data from lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan. This study explored harassment and GD/bias experienced by female surgeons in Pakistan, and the effects of these experiences on mental health and well-being.
Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted between July and September 2019 in collaboration with the Association of Women Surgeons of Pakistan, an organization consisting of female surgeons and trainees in Pakistan. An anonymous online survey was emailed directly, disseminated via social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), and sent …

Comparison Of Radiomic Feature Aggregation Methods For Patients With Multiple Tumors., Enoch Chang, Marina Z. Joel, Hannah Y. Chang, Justin Du, Omaditya Khanna, Antonio Omuro, Veronica Chiang, Sanjay Aneja

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Radiomic feature analysis has been shown to be effective at analyzing diagnostic images to model cancer outcomes. It has not yet been established how to best combine radiomic features in cancer patients with multifocal tumors. As the number of patients with multifocal metastatic cancer continues to rise, there is a need for improving personalized patient-level prognosis to better inform treatment. We compared six mathematical methods of combining radiomic features of 3,596 tumors in 831 patients with multiple brain metastases and evaluated the performance of these aggregation methods using three survival models: a standard Cox proportional hazards model, a Cox proportional …

Minimally Invasive Surgery For Septic Arthritis Of The First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: An Uncommon Approach Utilizing Small Joint Arthroscopy, Michael Thomas, Hinal Patel, Jeffrey Belancio

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Small joint arthroscopy can be utilized for septic arthritis, synovitis, osteochondral lesions, arthritis, and various other pathologies. However, information regarding arthroscopy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is limited in the literature. This case report discusses the use of arthroscopy for septic arthritis of the 1st MTPJ.

Incidental Malrotation In Adolescent Diagnosed With Appendicitis, David Ho, Jinsy Jacob, Russell Mordecai, Adam Richards

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

17-year-old male patient with a history of autism presenting with right lower quadrant pain that started in the morning. The appendix was not able to be visualized by ultrasonography. An abdominal and pelvic CT with contrast showed a dilated appendix with surrounding inflammation. Malrotation was not identified on CT Scan. Patient was transferred to a nearby Children’s Hospital for laparoscopic appendectomy. During the procedure, the pediatric surgeon noted that initially, neither the appendix nor cecum was present in the right lower quadrant. This case represents an uncommon finding for a patient in the adolescent age group.

Case Report: Splenic Infarct S/P Sleeve Gastrectomy, Dhara Patel, James Espinosa, Kishan Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A case of splenic infarct s/p sleeve gastrectomy is presented. A 28-year-old female presented with LUQ pain s/p sleeve gastrectomy POD7. CT scan with IV contrast revealed an area of nonenhancement at the superomedial aspect of the spleen consistent with a small splenic infarct. She was transferred out to the hospital under the service of the surgeon who had performed her sleeve gastrectomy. Splenic infarction is a rare post-op complication s/p sleeve gastrectomy. The spleen has dual blood supply via the splenic artery and short gastric arteries making complete infarction rare. It is usually diagnosed via CT with IV contrast. …

Brachial Artery Aneurysm After Arteriovenous Fistula Ligation Status Post-Kidney Transplant, Alyssa Imperatore, Justin Adibi, Rahul Sharma, Yury Bak

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) are the most common and effective method of receiving hemodialysis; However, these access techniques do not come without consequence. Aneurysmal degeneration after creation and even years after ligation of such AVF can occur. This is still considered a rare complication. A true brachial artery aneurysm has an overall incidence of 0.17% among peripheral artery aneurysms. Factors that increase incidence of this complication include trauma, age and immunosuppression. Research on this topic is becoming more prevalent, but more answers are still needed. Below is a case of brachial artery aneurysm presenting years after AVF ligation in a patient …

Biostimulatory Effects Of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound On Rate Of Orthodontic Tooth Movement And Associated Pain, Applied At 3-Week Intervals: A Split-Mouth Study, Irfan Qamruddin, Mohammad Khursheed Alam, Verda Mahroof, Meenaz Karim, Mubassar Fida, Mohd Fadhli Khamis, Adam Husein

Section of Dental-Oral Maxillofacial Surgery

Objective: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a noninvasive modality to stimulate bone remodeling (BR) and the healing of hard and soft tissues. This research evaluates the biostimulatory effect of LIPUS on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and associated pain, when applied at 3-week intervals.
Methods: Twenty-two patients (11 males and 11 females; mean age 19.18 ± 2.00 years) having Angle's Class II division 1 malocclusion needing bilateral extractions of maxillary first bicuspids were recruited for this split-mouth randomized clinical trial. After the initial stage of alignment and leveling with contemporary edgewise MBT (McLaughlin-Bennett-Trevisi) prescription brackets (Ortho Organizers, Carlsbad, …

Feasibility Of The Use Of A Stereoscopic Camera In The Final Inclusion (Sci-Fi) Of Donor Organ Assessment Using Virtual Reality Technology, Ismael A. Salas De Armas, Juan E. Marcano, Jayeshkumar A. Patel, Mehmet H. Akay, Manish K. Patel, Bindu Akkanti, Marwan F. Jumean, Sachin Kumar, Rajko Radovancevic, Sriram Nathan, Biswajit Kar, Igor D. Gregoric

The VAD Journal

Objective: Donor organ assessment is challenging, particularly when physicians and surgeons have to make decisions remotely. To improve communication and preparation for the transplant process, we proposed that a versatile, secure, and transportable video presence would enable a detailed assessment of donor organs.

Methods: A virtual reality camera with a 360-degree visualization range was used with a smartphone receiver to enable integral assessment of the donor's heart in the operating room, with visualization of the organs in real time. Prospective, observational data was collected in two cases in this proof-of-concept study. An assessment physician evaluated the donor heart remotely, and …

Removal Of Impella In The Setting Of Left Ventricular Thrombus: A Potential Indication For Cerebral Embolic Protection Devices, Miro Asadourian, Avinash Sharma, Richard Kiel, Felice Lin, Manminder Bhullar

The VAD Journal

Successful percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has been used for acute stabilization of cardiogenic shock (CS). Improved survival outcomes have been observed in patients with CS from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who undergo implantation of left ventricular (LV) to ascending aorta rotodynamic pumps, such as the Impella® device (Abiomed). However, thrombotic events are a known complication of such devices in poor flow states such as CS. There is limited evidence regarding the management of patients who develop an LV thrombus after Impella insertion. Currently, the Sentinel cerebral protection system (SCPS, Boston Scientific) is the only FDA-approved device for cerebral …

Intradural Extramedullary Primary Central Nervous System Melanoma Of The Craniovertebral Junction During Pregnancy: Observations And Outcomes, Fabiola Valenzuela, Sohum Desai

School of Medicine Publications

Background: Primary central nervous system (CNS) melanoma is a rare lesion derived from neural crest precursors. While its management is analogous to metastatic spinal melanoma, the literature does not describe this entity clearly in pregnant patients and the unique implications it presents. Here, we describe the case of a pregnant patient who presented with primary CNS melanoma of the cervical spine.

Case Description: A 27-year-old pregnant patient presented with a 3-month history of neck and interscapular pain. MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated a ventral intradural extramedullary mass adjacent to the C2-C3 vertebral bodies causing severe cord compression. The patient …