Neurosurgery Commons^™

Role Of Palliative Csf Diversion In Patients With Intracranial Metastatic Disease And Symptomatic Hydrocephalus, Farhan A. Mirza, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Hydrocephalus, unless treated, is one of the terminal manifestations of intracranial metastatic disease. Single lesions causing obstructive hydrocephalus are amenable to surgical resection, but in the setting of multiple lesions and communicating hydrocephalus from leptomeningeal disease, the approach to treatment is much less defined. The use of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) has been described, but data is limited. In this review, we summarize the sparse data available in literature describing the use of CSF diversion for patients with metastatic disease presenting with hydrocephalus and neurological decline.

Comparison Of Decompression Alone Versus Decompression With Fusion For Stenotic Lumbar Spine: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Syed Ijlal Ahmed, Gohar Javed, Syeda Beenish Bareeqa, Ali Shah, Maha Zubair, Rabbia Faisal Avedia, Noor Rahman, Syeda Sana Samar, Kashif Aziz

Section of Neurosurgery

The first line of treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis (with or without lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis) involves conservative options such as anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Approximately, 10%-15% of patients require surgery. Surgical treatment aims to decompress the spinal canal and dural sac from degenerative bony and ligamentous overgrowth. Different studies have given conflicting results. The aim of our study is to clear the confusion by comparing two surgical techniques. This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was conducted of the Ovid Embase, Scopus, Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Google …

Quality Of Life Among Patients Undergoing Decompressive Craniectomy For Traumatic Brain Injury Using Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended And Quality Of Life After Brain Injury Scale, Muhammad Waqas, Noor Malik, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Karim Rizwan Nathani, Sumia Andleeb Abbasi

Section of Neurosurgery

Objective: To assess quality of life of patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury and satisfaction of caregivers with outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care urban center in Pakistan. All patients with severe traumatic brain injury who underwent DC and survived >6 months were included. Outcomes were assessed using 2 scales: Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended and Quality of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury (QOLIBRI). The proforma was translated and validated into the national language. Patient caregivers were interviewed to ask if they would opt for DC in a similar situation in future. …

Biological Characteristics And Outcomes Of Gliosarcoma, Fauzan Alam Hashmi, Adnan Salim, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Section of Neurosurgery

Gliosarcoma is a highly aggressive primary brain tumour. It is a relatively rare tumour and comprises of two histological components, glial and sarcomatous. Gliosarcomas carry a poorer prognosis than that of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). The current review highlights important histological and radiological features of gliosarcoma in the light of recent literature, and also touches upon the treatment options and outcomes of various types of gliosarcoma.

Development Of Criteria Highly Suggestive Of Spinal Tuberculosis, Gohar Javed, Altaf Ali Laghari, Syed Ijlal Ahmed, Sarosh Madhani, Ahmed Ali Shah, Faizuddin Najmuddin, Reehana Khawaja

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: In a developing country there is a need for development of criteria that can be used for the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis, which is common in that region.
Methods: Demographic, clinical, and radiologic features of spinal tuberculosis and spinal epidural tumors have been compared statistically, and inferences have been drawn in terms of P values, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values.
Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between spinal tuberculosis and spinal pain, fever, gradually progressive lower limb weakness, contrast-enhancing epidural ± paravertebral lesions, continuous levels affected, spinal deformity, and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Conclusions: …

Value Of Routine Preoperative Tests For Coagulation Before Elective Cranial Surgery. Results Of An Institutional Audit And A Nationwide Survey Of Neurosurgical Centers In Pakistan, Naveed Zaman, Muhammad Bilal Tariq, Saad Akhtar, Sidra Sattar, Wajeeha Tariq, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Samie Asghar

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Routine preoperative blood testing has become a dogma. The general practice is to order preoperative workup as a knee-jerk response rather than individualize it for each patient. The fact that the bleeding brain tends to swell, which coupled with limited options for proximal control, packing, and overall hemostasis, leads to an overemphasis on the preoperative coagulation profile.
Material and methods: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of patients admitted at Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2010 to December 2015 for an elective craniotomy. The hospital registry was used to identify files for review. Data were …

Role Of Radiosurgery In Arteriovenous Malformations, Syed Ijlal Ahmed, Gohar Javed, Syed Naseeb Uneeb, Syeda Benish Bareeqa, Manaal Haider, Syeda Sana Samar, Armighan Haider Ans, Muhammad Tayyab Shera

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) consist of an abnormal nidus of blood vessels that shunt blood directly from an artery to a vein and thereby bypass an intervening capillary bed. AVMs may be found as an incidental finding. They may be associated with intracranial haemorrhage, seizures, headaches or neurological deficits. There are different treatment options for AVM. These include observation, microsurgery, Stereotactic radio surgery (SRS), endovascular embolization and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Methods: Data was collected using searching engines like Pubmed, Google scholar, Embase, Cinahl and Medline. MeSH and Non-MeSH terms were used like Arterio-venous malformations, microsurgery, endovascular embolization.
Results: …

The Significance Of Mgmt Methylation In Glioblastoma Multiforme Prognosis, Aaida Mumtaz Rao, Ayesha Quddusi, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Methylation of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) has been extensively studied as a biomarker in predicting the prognosis of patients with GBM (Glioblastoma multiforme). Its significance has been studied in various subgroups, including age, gender and even race. Correlation between prognosis with MGMT methylation and different treatment regimens has also been studied in detail. There are multiple techniques to analyze MGMT methylation in tumour specimen. We review the current evidence for the importance of MGMT methylation as a biomarker for prognosis in GBM patients, the techniques to analyze it and the effect of epidemiologic factors on its significance.

Factors Affecting Functional Outcome After Decompressive Craniectomy Performed For Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study, Farid Khan, Arif Villani, Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Factors affecting functional outcome after decompressive craniectomy (DC) performed for traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain poorly understood.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who underwent primary DC for TBI at our hospital between 2010 and 2014. Multivariate regression analyses were used to determine the predictors of functional outcome and overall survival.
Results: A total of 98 patients with severe (n = 81, 82.6%) or moderate (n = 17, 17.4%) TBI underwent primary DC and were included in this study. The 30-day and overall mortality rates were 15.3% and 25.5%, respectively. At a median follow-up …

Descriptive Epidemiology Of Karachi Road Traffic Crash Mortality In 2015, Rashid Jooma, Masood Ali Shaikh

Section of Neurosurgery

The Karachi city's Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Center (RTIRPC), collects Road Traffic Crash (RTC) data on injuries and fatalities from three major public and private hospitals' emergency departments. In the year 2015, 1021 deaths were recorded; with 871 (85.3%) deaths in males. Cumulatively, 286 (28.0%) deaths were recorded in the 21-30year age group, and for 198 (19.4%) RTC fatal victims, the primary vehicle involved was motorbike. Highest number of fatalities were recorded in the month of January i.e. 153 (15.0%), while the lowest number was recorded for June, with 47 (4.6%) fatalities. RTIRPC is a unique surveillance system …

Simpson Grading As Predictor Of Meningioma Recurrence, Ayesha Quddusi, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Meningimas are one of the commonest primary brain tumours and the commonest extra-axial primary brain tumour. Despite better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of the tumours, surgical excision remains the treatment of choice, and in a large proportion of cases, complete excision is curative. Simpson grading for the extent of resection of meningiomas, was introduced more than six decades ago, and has stood the test of time. With modern technological advancements, however, the relevance of Simpson grading has been questioned. Herein we review the recent literature on the relevance of Simpson grading more than sixty years after its introduction.

Management Of Arachnoid Cysts: A Comprehensive Review, Fatima Mustansir, Sanaullah Bashir, Aneela Darbar

Section of Neurosurgery

Arachnoid cysts are non-neoplastic, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled spaces lined with arachnoid membranes. Large arachnoid cysts are often symptomatic because they compress surrounding structures; therefore, they must be treated surgically. As several surgical management options exist, we explore the best approach according to each major type of arachnoid cyst: middle cranial fossa cyst, suprasellar cyst, intrahemispheric cyst, and quadrigeminal cyst.

Resolution Of Gestational Gigantomastia With Termination Of Pregnancy, Syed Sarmad Bukhari, Haris Manan, Mah Muneer Khan, Syed Shahmeer Raza

Section of Neurosurgery

Less than 100 cases of gestational gigantomastia have been described in literature. The aetiology and risk factors are not well-established. Various treatments have been used with some consensus. We present the case of a 47-year-old female who presented to us with bilateral gigantomastia in her 16th week of gestation. She had massively enlarged breasts which were very painful. Relevant laboratory investigations were normal. An incisional biopsy done prior to, and two trucut samples at presentation to us, showed normal breast tissue proliferation. In the absence of adequate pain control, it was decided to electively terminate the pregnancy and give a …

Prognostic Implications Of Histological Clear Cells In High-Grade Intracranial Ependymal Tumors: A Retrospective Analysis From A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, Fauzan Alam Hashmi, Hamid Hussain Rai, Muhammad Faheem Khan, Muhammad Ehsan Bari

Section of Neurosurgery

Background: Clear cell variant in ependymal tumors is rare. We aimed to compare the features and outcome of the World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 3 ependymal tumors with clear cells to the WHO Grade 3 classic anaplastic ependymoma (AE).
Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Aga Khan University, Pakistan, from 2003 to 2013. The medical records and radiology of patients with proven histopathology were reviewed. The analysis was done on SPSS 20.
Results: Nine cases of clear cell variant and 23 cases of classic AE were found, both of which combined equated to …

Depression In Adult Patients With Primary Brain Tumours: A Review Of Independent Risk Factors, Anum Sadruddin Pidani, Aaida Mumtaz Rao, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Depression is considered an under-diagnosed problem, especially in patients with malignancies. Patients with brain tumours in particular, have a relatively higher risk of developing depression, which is multifactorial. Herein, the authors review the recent literature on the prevalence of depression in patients with brain tumours, and explore the various risk factors involved.

Use Of Preoperative Apparent Diffusion Coefficients To Predict Brain Tumor Grade, Aneela Darbar, Muhammad Waqas, Syed Faaiz Enam, Shaikh D. Mahmood

Section of Neurosurgery

Introduction: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) sequence is based on the diffusion properties of water molecules within tissues and correlates with tissue cellularity. ADC may have a role in predicting tumor grade for gliomas, and may in turn assist in identifying tumor biopsy sites. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the competence of preoperative ADC values in predicting tumor grades.
Methods: This was a retrospective investigation. We calculated the ADC values in the areas of greatest restriction in solid tumor components, and we recorded the pattern of contrast enhancement. Pathology reports masked to the imaging results were reviewed …

Robotics In Neurosurgery: A Literature Review, Syed Ijlal Ahmed, Gohar Javed, Bakhtawar Mubeen, Syeda Beenish Bareeqa, Hiba Rasheed, Alizay Rehman, Masroor Mubeen Phulpoto, Syeda Sana Samar, Kashif Aziz

Section of Neurosurgery

Robotic surgery has been the forte of minimally invasive stereo-tactic procedures for some decades now. Ongoing advancements and evolutionary developments require substantial evidence to build the consensus about its efficacy in the field of neurosurgery. Main obstacle in obtaining successful results in neurosurgery is fine neural structures and other anatomical limitations. Currently, human rationalisation and robotic precision works in symbiosis to provide improved results. We reviewed the current data about recent interventions. Robots are capable of providing virtual data, superior spatial resolution and geometric accuracy, superior dexterity, faster manoeuvring and non-fatigability with steady motion. Robotic surgery also allows simulation of …

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Past, Present, And Future In Neurosurgery, Syed A. Quadri,, Muhammad Waqas, Inamullah Khan, Muhammad Adnan Khan, Sajid S. Suriya, Mudassir Farooqui, Brian Fiani

Section of Neurosurgery

Since Lynn and colleagues first described the use of focused ultrasound (FUS) waves for intracranial ablation in 1942, many strides have been made toward the treatment of several brain pathologies using this novel technology. In the modern era of minimal invasiveness, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) promises therapeutic utility for multiple neurosurgical applications, including treatment of tumors, stroke, epilepsy, and functional disorders. Although the use of HIFU as a potential therapeutic modality in the brain has been under study for several decades, relatively few neuroscientists, neurologists, or even neurosurgeons are familiar with it. In this extensive review, the authors intend to …

Correction: First Results On Survival From A Large Phase 3 Clinical Trial Of An Autologous Dendritic Cell Vaccine In Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma [J Transl Med., 16, (2018) (142)] Doi: 10.1186/S12967-018-1507-6, L. M. Liau, K. Ashkan, D. D. Tran, J. L. Campian, J. E. Trusheim, C. S. Cobbs, J. A. Heth, M. Salacz, M. Schulder, M. L. Bosch, +10 Additional Authors

Journal Articles

© 2018 The Author(s). Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in the spelling of one of the author names. In this Correction the incorrect and correct author names are indicated and the author name has been updated in the original publication. The authors also reported an error in the Methods section of the original article. In this Correction the incorrect and correct versions of the affected sentence are indicated. The original article has not been updated with regards to the error in the Methods section.

Prognostic Value Of 1p/19q Chromosomal Codeletion In Patients With Oligodendroglioma, Altaf Ali Laghari, Muhammad Usman Khalid, Namra Qadeer, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Oligodendrogliomas are common intra-axial primary brain tumours, and carry special significance due to several key features, which when present provide better prognosis compared to other intra-axial tumours. One of these features is presence of 1p/19q chromosomal codeletion that seems to not only be a marker of better prognosis but also signifies better response to chemotherapy. Herein the authors review the literature for evidence of the prognostic value of 1p/19q codeletion in OD.

Spatial Distribution Of Road Traffic Crash Fatalities In Karachi: Perspective From 2008-2012, Rashid Jooma, Mir Shabbar Ali, Masood Ali Shaikh

Section of Neurosurgery

Road Traffic Crash (RTC) mortality and morbidity is one of the major public health problems in Karachi. In this study we used geographic information systems (GIS) to visualize and quantify the spatial distribution of RTC mortality and yearly trend from 2008 to 2012, for all 24 administrative subdivisions of Karachi, using Road Traffic Injury Research and Prevention Center's (RTIRPC) data. Cumulatively, 6040 deaths were recorded by RTIRPC, out of which we were able to map 4657 (77.1%) deaths based on location information available in the database. During the 5-year period, highest number of cumulative RTC fatalities were recorded for Kemari, …

Plasma Derived From Human Umbilical Cord Blood: Potential Cell-Additive Or Cell-Substitute Therapeutic For Neurodegenerative Diseases, Jared Ehrhart, Paul R. Sanberg, Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

Limited efficacy of current therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disease has led to increased interest in alternative therapies. Cord blood plasma (CBP) derived from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) may be a potential therapeutic. Benefits of CBP injection into rodent models of aging or ischaemic stroke have been demonstrated, though how benefits are elicited is still unclear. The present study evaluated various factors within the same samples of CBP and human adult blood plasma/sera (ABP/S). Also, autologous CBP effects vs. ABP/S or foetal bovine serum supplements on mononuclear cells from hUCB (MNC hUCB) in vitro were determined. Results showed significantly low …

Reduction Of Microhemorrhages In The Spinal Cord Of Symptomatic Als Mice After Intravenous Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Accompanies Repair Of The Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier, David J. Eve, George Steiner, Ajay Mahendrasah, Paul R. Sanberg, Crupa Kurien, Avery Thomson, Cesar V. Borlongan, Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

Blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) alterations, including capillary rupture, have been demonstrated in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS patients. To date, treatment to restore BSCB in ALS is underexplored. Here, we evaluated whether intravenous transplantation of human bone marrow CD34⁺ (hBM34⁺) cells into symptomatic ALS mice leads to restoration of capillary integrity in the spinal cord as determined by detection of microhemorrhages. Three different doses of hBM34⁺ cells (5 × 10⁴, 5 × 10⁵ or 1 × 10⁶) or media were intravenously injected into symptomatic G93A SOD1 mice …

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Serum–Derived Α-Secretase: Functional Testing In Alzheimer’S Disease Mouse Models, Ahsan Habib, Huayan Hou, Takashi Mori, Jun Tian, Jin Zeng, Shengnuo Fan, Brian Giunta, Paul R. Sanberg, Darrell Sawmiller, Jun Tan

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related disorder that affects cognition. Our previous studies showed that the neuroprotective fragment of amyloid procurer protein (APP) metabolite, soluble APPα (sAPPα), interferes with β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, β-secretase) cleavage and reduces amyloid-β (Aβ) generation. In an attempt to identify approaches to restore sAPPα levels, we found that human cord blood serum (CBS) significantly promotes sAPPα production compared with adult blood serum (ABS) and aged blood serum (AgBS) in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing wild-type human APP. Interestingly, CBS selectively mediated the α-secretase cleavage of human neuron-specific recombinant APP₆₉₅ in a cell-free …

Therapeutic Cocktail Approach For Treatment Of Hyperhomocysteinemia In Alzheimer’S Disease, Michael Leon, Darrell Sawmiller, R. Douglas Shytle, Jun Tan

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

In the United States, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, accompanied by substantial economic and emotional costs. During 2015, more than 15 million family members who provided care to AD patients had an estimated total cost of 221 billion dollars. Recent studies have shown that elevated total plasma levels of homocysteine (tHcy), a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), is a risk factor for AD. HHcy is associated with cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and dementia; enhances the vulnerability of neurons to oxidative injury; and damages the blood–brain barrier. Many therapeutic supplements containing vitamin B12 and folate have …

Progress And Updates In Stroke Research: Introduction To The Special Issue On Stroke, Yu Luo, John H. Zhang, Paul R. Sanberg, Samantha M. Portis

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

As guest editors of this special issue, we are delighted to present 13 articles that discuss advances in stroke research including translational stroke research, stroke research milestones, and proposals for future directions. Stroke is a major cause of disability, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the fifth leading cause of death in the US alone. Possible factors contributing to stroke pathogenesis are elucidated and possible treatment modalities are explored in the following special issue of Cell Transplantation.

Human Cord Blood Serum-Derived App Α-Secretase Cleavage Activity Is Mediated By C1 Complement, Ahsan Habib, Darrell Sawmiller, Huayan Hou, Manasa Kanithi, Jun Tian, Jin Zeng, Dan Zi, Zhi-Xu He, Paul R. Sanberg, Jun Tan

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. In healthy individuals, amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by α-secretase, generating soluble α-amyloid precursor protein (sAPPα), which contributes neuroprotective functions in the neuronal environment. In contrast, in the neurodegenerative environment of AD patients, amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) of either 40 or 42 residues are generated by increased activity of β- and γ-secretase. These proteins amalgamate in specific regions of the brain, which disrupts neuronal functions and leads to cognitive impairment. Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) have proven useful as potential immunomodulatory therapies in various models of neurodegenerative diseases, …

Wada Asymmetry In Patients With Drug-Resistant Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Implications For Postoperative Neuropsychological Outcomes, Ryan W. Sever, Andrew C. Vivas, Fernando L. Vale, Mike R. Schoenberg

Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Intra-Arterial Nitroglycerin As Directed Acute Treatment In Experimental Ischemic Stroke, Michael E. Maniskas, Jill M. Roberts, Rebecca Trueman, Annastazia E. Learoyd, Amanda A. Gorman, Justin F. Fraser, Gregory J. Bix

Neuroscience Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Nitroglycerin (also known as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)), a vasodilator best known for treatment of ischemic heart disease, has also been investigated for its potential therapeutic benefit in ischemic stroke. The completed Efficacy of Nitric Oxide in Stroke trial suggested that GTN has therapeutic benefit with acute (within 6 hours) transdermal systemic sustained release therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine an alternative use of GTN as an acute therapy for ischemic stroke following successful recanalization.

METHODS: We administered GTN IA following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Because no standard dose of GTN is available following emergent large vessel occlusion, we …

Survival Benefit Of Surgery In Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme, Usama Khalid Choudry, Saad Akhtar Khan, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

There is an ongoing debate regarding role of surgery for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Older literature hinted at only modest survival benefits with surgery and a high rate of morbidity. However, more recent literature suggests better survival that may be attributed to better surgical techniques and better options in adjuvant treatment. Herein the authors review recent literature with regards to the possible role of surgery in recurrent GBM and also look into the key factors impacting second surgery.