Markus Bruder

Ventriculostomy-Related Hemorrhage After Treatment of Acutely Ruptured Aneurysms: The Influence of Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Treatment

BACKGROUND Endovascular techniques have gained importance in recent years in the treatment of acutely ruptured aneurysms. Sometimes artificial anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents are indicated after endovascular aneurysm occlusion to prevent thromboembolic complications. Because many patients require ventriculostomy secondary to hydrocephalus, we analyzed ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage in patients with and without anticoagulant therapy. METHODS Between January 2007 and December 2013, 444 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute hydrocephalus received treatment requiring ventriculostomy. Treatment-related complications were entered in a prospectively conducted database and analyzed retrospectively. All patients received low-molecular-weight heparin in prophylactic dosage starting 24 hours after aneurysm treatment. Heparin (dosage depending on patient weight) was administered during all endovascular procedures. RESULTS In 117 of 444 patients (26%), additional anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents were administered after treatment of the ruptured aneurysm. Heparin was used in 70 of 117 patients (60%), acetylsalicylic acid was used in 61 (52%), clopidogrel was used in 25 (21%), and tirofiban was used in 23 (20%). In 42 patients (36%), anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs were combined. Ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage was observed in 55 patients (12%). A ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage occurred in 28 of 117 patients (24%) with anticoagulation therapy and in 27 of 327 patients (8%) without anticoagulation therapy (P < 0.001). The hemorrhage rate in all patients receiving endovascular treatment was significantly higher than in patients receiving microsurgical treatment (P < 0.05). Hemorrhage was more likely to be observed when ventriculostomy was performed before the additional anticoagulation was started, although this was not statistically significant. No surgical intervention was necessary to treat ventriculostomy-related bleeding. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving endovascular treatment were at higher risk for ventriculostomy-related hemorrhage, especially when anticoagulation was administered after aneurysm occlusion. Although no clinically relevant external ventricular drain-related hemorrhage occurred, ventriculostomy should be performed before anticoagulation whenever possible.

Intramedullary Solitary Fibrous Tumor—A Benign Form of Hemangiopericytoma? Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are benign tumors of the soft tissue occurring anywhere in the human body but arise predominantly in the visceral pleura. SFTs of the central nervous system are rare, especially when they occur within the spinal cord. CASE DESCRIPTION We present a case of an 83-year-old female patient presenting with acute spastic paralysis of the lower extremities after a history of progressive weakness and incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were typical for meningioma, but an intradural, mainly intramedullary tumor was found at the first operation. A second operation was performed under neurophysiological monitoring, and complete removal of the tumor was achieved. Neurological conditions improved after the procedure, but the patient remained paraparetic. Histological and immunohistochemical findings revealed an SFT. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence that SFTs and hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are not different entities but should be considered as different graduations of a common spectrum. The extent of resection is a prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in SFT; therefore we recommend surgery with complete resection whenever possible depending on the results of mandatory intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in these cases.

Effect of heparin on secondary brain injury in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: an additional ‘H’ therapy in vasospasm treatment

Objective Secondary brain injury leads to high morbidity and mortality rates in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). However, evidence-based treatment strategies are sparse. Since heparin has various effects on neuroinflammation, microthromboembolism and vasomotor function, our objective was to determine whether heparin can be used as a multitarget prophylactic agent to ameliorate morbidity in SAH. Methods Between June 1999 and December 2014, 718 patients received endovascular treatment after rupture of an intracranial aneurysm at our institution; 197 of them were treated with continuous unfractionated heparin in therapeutic dosages after the endovascular procedure. We performed a matched pair analysis to evaluate the effect of heparin on cerebral vasospasm (CVS), cerebral infarction (CI), and outcome. Results The rate of severe CVS was significantly reduced in the heparin group compared with the control group (14.2% vs 25.4%; p=0.005). CI and multiple ischemic lesions were less often present in patients with heparin treatment. These effects were enhanced if patients were treated with heparin for >48 hours, but the difference was not significant. Favorable outcome at 6-month follow-up was achieved in 69% in the heparin group and in 65% in the control group. Conclusions Patients receiving unfractionated continuous heparin after endovascular aneurysm occlusion have a significant reduction in the rate of severe CVS, have CI less often, and tend to have a favorable outcome more often. Our findings support the potential beneficial effects of heparin as a multitarget therapy in patients with SAH, resulting in an additional ‘H’ therapy in vasospasm treatment.

Stereotactic Biopsy of Pineal Lesions

BACKGROUND Stereotactic biopsies are carried out to obtain tumor tissue of unknown entity from cerebral lesions. Thus, tumor tissue can be examined, resulting in correct diagnosis and treatment. These procedures go in hand with high accuracy, high diagnostic yield, and low complication rates. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to evaluate the results and complications of stereotactic biopsies carried out for lesions of the pineal region. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective database and included 14 patients who underwent stereotactic biopsy of a pineal lesion between 2006 and February 2016. The Leksell stereotactic frame was used in all patients, and entry and target points were calculated using the BrainLab stereotactic system. We evaluated histopathologic results and postoperative complications such as hydrocephalus and hemorrhage. RESULTS Histopathologic diagnosis was established in all patients. On postoperative computed tomography, 7 patients (50%) showed a circumscribed blood collection at the site of biopsy. Six patients (42.8%) required a cerebrospinal fluid drain preoperatively. Two patients needed external ventricular drain postoperatively (14.2%). One of these patients showed a small hemorrhage area that caused the hydrocephalus. The other patient showed only postoperative swelling. Preoperatively, 2 patients (14.2%) already had a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, whereas postoperatively, another 4 patients (28.5%) needed a VP shunt. Thus, of the 14 patients, 6 (42.8%) required a VP shunt. CONCLUSIONS Because of their localization, pineal lesions may result in emergence of a hydrocephalus. Stereotactic biopsies in this area may increase this effect and, thus, even VP shunts are necessary in some patients.

Acute subdural hematoma in patients on oral anticoagulant therapy: management and outcome

OBJECTIVE Isolated acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) is increasing in older populations and so is the use of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). The dramatic increase of OAT-with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as well as with conventional anticoagulants-is leading to changes in the care of patients who present with aSDH while receiving OAT. The purpose of this study was to determine the management and outcome of patients being treated with OAT at the time of aSDH presentation. METHODS In this single-center, retrospective study, the authors analyzed 116 consecutive cases involving patients with aSDH treated from January 2007 to June 2016. The following parameters were assessed: patient characteristics, admission status, anticoagulation status, perioperative management, comorbidities, clinical course, and outcome as determined at discharge and through 6 months of follow-up. Oral anticoagulants were classified as thrombocyte inhibitors, vitamin K antagonists, and DOACs. Patients were stratified based on which type of medication they were taking, and subgroup analyses were performed. Predictors of unfavorable outcome at discharge and follow-up were identified. RESULTS Of 116 patients, 74 (64%) had been following an OAT regimen at presentation with aSDH. The patients who were taking oral anticoagulants (OAT group) were significantly older (OR 12.5), more often comatose 24 hours postoperatively (OR 2.4), and more often had ≥ 4 comorbidities (OR 3.2) than patients who were not taking oral anticoagulants (no-OAT group). Accordingly, the rate of unfavorable outcome was significantly higher in patients in the OAT group, both at discharge (OR 2.3) and at follow-up (OR 2.2). Of the patients in the OAT group, 37.8% were taking a thrombocyte inhibitor, 54.1% a vitamin K antagonist, and 8.1% DOACs. In all cases, OAT was stopped on discovery of aSDH. For reversal of anticoagulation, patients who were taking a thrombocyte inhibitor received desmopressin 0.4 μg/kg, 1-2 g tranexamic acid, and preoperative transfusion with 2 units of platelets. Patients following other oral anticoagulant regimens received 50 IU/kg of prothrombin complex concentrates and 10 mg of vitamin K. There was no significant difference in the rebleeding rate between the OAT and no-OAT groups. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher for patients who were taking a thrombocyte inhibitor (OR 3.3), whereas patients who were taking a vitamin K antagonist had a significantly higher 6-month mortality rate (OR 2.7). Patients taking DOACs showed a tendency toward unfavorable outcome, with higher mortality rates than patients on conventional OAT or patients in the vitamin K antagonist subgroup. Independent predictors for unfavorable outcome at discharge were comatose status 24 hours after surgery (OR 93.2), rebleeding (OR 9.8), respiratory disease (OR 4.1), and infection (OR 11.1) (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.684). Independent predictors for unfavorable outcome at follow-up were comatose status 24 hours after surgery (OR 12.7), rebleeding (OR 3.1), age ≥ 70 years (OR 3.1), and 6 or more comorbidities (OR 3.1, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.466). OAT itself was not an independent predictor for worse outcome. CONCLUSIONS An OAT regimen at the time of presentation with aSDH is associated with increased mortality rates and unfavorable outcome at discharge and follow-up. Thrombocyte inhibitor treatment was associated with increased short-term mortality, whereas vitamin K antagonist treatment was associated with increased long-term mortality. In particular, patients on DOACs were seriously affected, showing more unfavorable outcomes at discharge as well as at follow-up. The suggested medical treatment for aSDH in both OAT and no-OAT patients seems to be effective and reasonable, with comparable rebleeding and favorable outcome rates in the 2 groups. In addition, prior OAT is not a predictor for aSDH outcome.

A benchmark approach to hemorrhage risk management of cavernous malformations

Objective Despite the low annual risk of hemorrhage associated with a cavernous malformation (CM) (0.6%–1.1% per year), the risk of rehemorrhage rate and severity of neurologic deficits is significantly higher; therefore, we aimed to evaluate the rupture risk of CMs depending on various factors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of all patients with CM admitted to our institution between 1999 and April 2016. Cavernoma volume, location of the lesion, existence of a developmental venous anomaly (DVA), number of cavernomas, and patient characteristics (sex, age, hypertension, and antithrombotic therapy) were assessed. Results One hundred fifty-four patients with CM were included; 89 (58%) ruptured CMs were identified. In statistical univariable analysis, the existence of a DVA was significantly higher in the ruptured cavernoma group (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 4.6). A multivariable analysis of all included independent risk factors designated young age (<45 years) (p < 0.05; OR 2.2), infratentorial location (p < 0.01; OR 2.9), and existence of a DVA (p < 0.0001; OR 4.7) with significantly higher risk of rupture in our patient cohort. A separate analysis of these anatomical locations, supratentorial vs infratentorial, indicated that the existence of a DVA (p < 0.01; OR 4.16) in ruptured supratentorial cases and CM volume (≥1 cm3) (p < 0.0001; OR 3.5) in ruptured infratentorial cases were significant independent predictors for hemorrhage. Conclusions Young age (<45 years), infratentorial location, and the presence of a DVA are associated with a higher hemorrhage risk. CM volume (≥1 cm3) and the existence of a DVA were independently in accordance with the anatomical location high risk factors for CM rupture.

MRI-detection rate and incidence of lumbar bleeding sources in 190 patients with non-aneurysmal SAH

Background Up to 15% of all spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) have a non-aneurysmal SAH (NASAH). The evaluation of SAH patients with negative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is sometimes a diagnostic challenge. Our goal in this study was to reassess the yield of standard MR-imaging of the complete spinal axis to rule out spinal bleeding sources in patients with NASAH. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the spinal MRI findings in 190 patients with spontaneous NASAH, containing perimesencephalic (PM) and non-perimesencephalic (NPM) SAH, diagnosed by computer tomography (CT) and/or lumbar puncture (LP), and negative 2nd DSA. Results 190 NASAH patients were included in the study, divided into PM-SAH (n = 87; 46%) and NPM-SAH (n = 103; 54%). Overall, 23 (22%) patients had a CT negative SAH, diagnosed by positive LP. MR-imaging of the spinal axis detected two patients with lumbar ependymoma (n = 2; 1,05%). Both patients complained of radicular sciatic pain. The detection rate raised up to 25%, if only patients with radicular sciatic pain received an MRI. Conclusion Routine radiological investigation of the complete spinal axis in NASAH patients is expensive and can not be recommended for standard procedure. However, patients with clinical signs of low-back/sciatic pain should be worked up for a spinal pathology.

Dislocated Pacemaker Electrode Simulating Focal Epileptic State in a Patient with Subdural Hematoma—Case Report and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND Due to demographic changes, the number of patients with traumatic brain injury carrying a cardiac resynchronization therapy device is increasing. One of the common complications of subdural hematoma (SDH) is epilepsy, whereas one of the most frequent early complications after cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation is lead dislocation. The latter might then cause unintended skeletal muscle stimulation that might be misinterpreted in seizure-prone patients. CASE DESCRIPTION An 86-year-old female patient with an initially conservatively treated SDH on the right side presented with a tonic muscle contraction in her left arm 2 weeks after the trauma not responding to antiepileptic therapy. A computed tomography scan revealed residual hematoma on the right side with regular, time-dependent resorption. The muscle contraction was misdiagnosed as a focal epileptic state leading to evacuation of the chronic SDH. Additionally, routine postoperative chest radiographs were performed. Postoperatively, the tonic muscle contraction in her arm persisted. Chest radiographs revealed a dislocation of the left ventricular electrode, which appeared retracted into the left subclavian vein, next to the plexus brachialis. After deactivating the electrode, the alleged focal state ceased. CONCLUSIONS In case of refractory treatment of epilepsy, dislocation of pacemaker electrodes is a, most certainly, rare but possible differential diagnosis. Confirmation of electrode position and function is easily and quickly feasible and will help prevent futile seizure-directed therapy.

Surgical Treatment of Spinal Synovial Cysts in Elderly Patients: Symptoms, Treatment Course, and Outcome in Patients >75 Years of Age

BACKGROUND With the aging of our society comes a rising number of elderly patients with progressive degeneration of the spine associated with synovial cysts. Surgical treatment may be particularly challenging in elderly patients because of comorbidities. METHODS Patients treated in our department between 1999 and 2014 for spinal synovial cysts were screened. The 28 patients ≥75 years old were classified as elderly and were compared with 96 patients 50-74 years old. No patient underwent fusion as part of cyst resection. RESULTS Despite a significantly higher frequency of muscle reflex changes in elderly patients at presentation, symptoms, cyst levels, rate of complications, and surgical method were not different between groups. Cyst adherence to the dura and subtotal resection were observed significantly more often in the elderly group (18% vs. 3%; P < 0.05). Outcome according to the Oswestry Disability Index was classified as no disability or minimal disability in 85% of the elderly group and in 82% of the control group. Recurrent cyst and delayed fusion rates were lower in the elderly group (4% and 4%) compared with the control group (7% and 8%). CONCLUSIONS The clinical course of elderly patients with surgical treatment of spinal synovial cysts did not differ compared with younger patients. Good or excellent results could be achieved and persisted for a long time in most cases. Fusion should be performed only in cases of severe instability. Nonaggressive cyst removal in cases of dural attachment enables low cerebrospinal fluid fistula rates without increasing cyst recurrence rates.