Pascal Jabbour

Lumbar Adjacent Segment Degeneration and Disease After Arthrodesis and Total Disc Arthroplasty

Study Design. Systematic review of published incidence of radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASDeg) and symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASDis) after arthrodesis or total disc replacement. Objective. Assess impact of surgery method and other factors on the incidence of ASDeg and ASDis. Summary of Background Data. Twenty-seven articles, none of which were class I or II, met the inclusion criteria. Twenty involved arthrodesis (1732 patients) and 7 involved arthroplasty (758 patients). Nineteen detailed ASDeg and 16 detailed ASDis. Methods. Data were established for number of patients, gender, average patient age, incidence of ASDeg and ASDis, average time to follow-up, and level and type of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify which parameters had a significant effect on the incidence of ASDeg and ASDis. Results. Three hundred fourteen of 926 patients in the arthrodesis group (34%) and 31 out of 313 patients in the total disc replacement group (9%) developed ASDeg. (P < 0.0001) Multivariate logistic regression indicated that higher odds of ASDeg were associated with: older patients (P < 0.001); arthodesis (P = 0.0008); and longer follow-up (P = 0.0025). For ASDis, 173/1216 (14%) arthrodesis patients developed ASDis compared to 7/595 (1%) of arthroplasty patients (P < 0.0001). Using multivariate logistic regression, higher odds of ASDis were seen in studies with fusion (P < 0.0001), higher percentages of male patients (P = 0.0019), and shorter follow-up (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Analysis of the literature suggests a correlation between fusion and the development of ASDeg compared to arthroplasty, but this association is dampened by the influence of patient age. There is a stronger correlation between fusion and ASDis compared to arthroplasty. The data supports only a class C recommendation (lowest tier) for the use of arthroplasty to reduce ASDis and disc degeneration compared to arthrodesis.

International Retrospective Study of the Pipeline Embolization Device: A Multicenter Aneurysm Treatment Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diverters are increasingly used in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Our aim was to determine neurologic complication rates following Pipeline Embolization Device placement for intracranial aneurysm treatment in a real-world setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device between July 2008 and February 2013 in 17 centers worldwide. We defined 4 subgroups: internal carotid artery aneurysms of ≥10 mm, ICA aneurysms of <10 mm, other anterior circulation aneurysms, and posterior circulation aneurysms. Neurologic complications included spontaneous rupture, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, permanent cranial neuropathy, and mortality. Comparisons were made with t tests or ANOVAs for continuous variables and the Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test for categoric variables. RESULTS: In total, 793 patients with 906 aneurysms were included. The neurologic morbidity and mortality rate was 8.4% (67/793), highest in the posterior circulation group (16.4%, 9/55) and lowest in the ICA <10-mm group (4.8%, 14/294) (P = .01). The spontaneous rupture rate was 0.6% (5/793). The intracranial hemorrhage rate was 2.4% (19/793). Ischemic stroke rates were 4.7% (37/793), highest in patients with posterior circulation aneurysms (7.3%, 4/55) and lowest in the ICA <10-mm group (2.7%, 8/294) (P = .16). Neurologic mortality was 3.8% (30/793), highest in the posterior circulation group (10.9%, 6/55) and lowest in the anterior circulation ICA <10-mm group (1.4%, 4/294) (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device is associated with the lowest complication rates when used to treat small ICA aneurysms. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality are higher in the treatment of posterior circulation and giant aneurysms.

Stent-Assisted Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms Predictors of Complications, Recanalization, and Outcome in 508 Cases

Background and Purpose— Self-expanding stents are increasingly used for treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. We assess the safety and the efficacy of intracranial stenting and determine predictors of treatment outcomes. Methods— A total of 508 patients with 552 aneurysms were treated with Neuroform and Enterprise stents between 2006 and 2011 at our institution. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of complications, recanalization, and outcome. Results— Of 508 patients, 461 (91%) were treated electively and 47 (9%) in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Complications occurred in 6.8% of patients. In multivariate analysis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, delivery of coils before stent placement, and carotid terminus/middle cerebral artery aneurysm locations were independent predictors of procedural complications. Angiographic follow-up was available for 87% of patients at a mean of 26 months. The rates of recanalization and retreatment were, respectively, 12% and 6.4%. Older age, previously coiled aneurysms, larger aneurysms, incompletely occluded aneurysms, Neuroform stent, and aneurysm location were predictors of recanalization. Favorable outcomes were seen in 99% of elective patients and 51% of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Patient age, ruptured aneurysms, and procedural complications were predictors of outcome. Conclusions— Stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms is safe, effective, and provides durable aneurysm closure. Higher complication rates and worse outcomes are associated with treatment of ruptured aneurysms. Stent delivery before coil deployment reduces the risk of procedural complications. Staging the procedure may not improve procedural safety. Closed-cell stents are associated with significantly lower recanalization rates.

Biology of intracranial aneurysms: role of inflammation

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) linger as a potentially devastating clinical problem. Despite intense investigation, our understanding of the mechanisms leading to aneurysm development, progression and rupture remain incompletely defined. An accumulating body of evidence implicates inflammation as a critical contributor to aneurysm pathogenesis. Intracranial aneurysm formation and progression appear to result from endothelial dysfunction, a mounting inflammatory response, and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation producing a pro-inflammatory phenotype. A later final common pathway appears to involve apoptosis of cellular constituents of the vessel wall. These changes result in degradation of the integrity of the vascular wall leading to aneurysmal dilation, progression and eventual rupture in certain aneurysms. Various aspects of the inflammatory response have been investigated as contributors to IA pathogenesis including leukocytes, complement, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and other humoral mediators. Furthermore, gene expression profiling of IA compared with control arteries has prominently featured differential expression of genes involved with immune response/inflammation. Preliminary data suggest that therapies targeting the inflammatory response may have efficacy in the future treatment of IA. Further investigation, however, is necessary to elucidate the precise role of inflammation in IA pathogenesis, which can be exploited to improve the prognosis of patients harboring IA.

Effect of early surgery, material, and method of flap preservation on cranioplasty infections: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND:Infection is a significant cause of morbidity with cranioplasty procedures. However, few studies have investigated the effect of specific surgical practices on cranioplasty infection. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the literature on the effect of early surgery (within 3 months of craniectomy), implant material, and method of flap preservation on cranioplasty infections, and to perform a subanalysis of the effect of early surgery on overall complications associated with cranioplasty. METHODS:A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Comparative studies that reported on timing of surgery, implant material (autograft vs allograft), or method of flap preservation (subcutaneous vs extracorporeal), and infection or complication rates were selected for detailed analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each analysis. RESULTS:Eighteen articles (2254 data points) met criteria for inclusion. There was no difference in infection rates (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.53-3.41; P = .53) or overall complication rates (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.29-1.11; P = .10) between early or later surgery. Fourteen studies (n = 1582) compared infection rates between autograft and allograft materials; there was no difference in infection rates between the two (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.40-1.66; P = .57). There was no significant difference in infection rates between subcutaneous or extracorporeal preservation (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.09-1.35; P = .13). CONCLUSION:Analysis of the best current evidence suggests that early surgery, implant material, and method of flap preservation have no effect on the rate of cranioplasty infections.

Comparison of Flow Diversion and Coiling in Large Unruptured Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms

Background and Purpose— Flow diversion has emerged as an important tool for the management of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to compare flow diversion and traditional embolization strategies in terms of safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes in patients with unruptured, large saccular aneurysms (≥10 mm). Methods— Forty patients treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) were matched in a 1:3 fashion with 120 patients treated with coiling based on patient age and aneurysm size. Fusiform and anterior communicating artery aneurysms were eliminated from the analysis. Procedural complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared. Results— There were no differences between the 2 groups in terms of patient age, sex, aneurysm size, and aneurysm location. The rate of procedure-related complications did not differ between the PED (7.5%) and the coil group (7.5%; P=1). At the latest follow-up, a significantly higher proportion of aneurysms treated with PED (86%) achieved complete obliteration compared with coiled aneurysms (41%; P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, coiling was an independent predictor of nonocclusion. Retreatment was necessary in fewer patients in the PED group (2.8%) than the coil group (37%; P<0.001). A similar proportion of patients attained a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0–2) in the PED group (92%) and in the coil group (94%; P=0.8). Conclusions— The PED provides higher aneurysm occlusion rates than coiling, with no additional morbidity and similar clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that the PED might be a preferred treatment option for large unruptured saccular aneurysms.

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Report No. 1, Control of Retinal Tumors, Subretinal Seeds, and Vitreous Seeds

OBJECTIVE To describe tumor control following intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. METHODS A retrospective interventional series in which 17 patients were treated with ophthalmic artery injection of melphalan, 5 mg, was undertaken to determine retinoblastoma control. RESULTS Of 190 children with retinoblastoma, 17 (9%) were treated with IAC. Catheterization was successful in 37 of 38 attempts. The treatment was primary in 13 cases (1 failed catheterization) and secondary in 4. The median retinoblastoma base was 20 mm and the median retinoblastoma thickness was 9.0 mm. Iris neovascularization was present in 5 cases. Following IAC, complete response of the main tumor was found in 14 cases (88%) and partial response was found in 2 (12%). Eyes with complete response and followed up for a minimum of 1 year (n = 10) showed no solid tumor recurrence. Of 11 eyes with subretinal seeds, 9 (82%) had complete response, 1 (9%) had partial response, and 1 (9%) had recurrence. Of 9 eyes with vitreous seeds, 6 (67%) had complete response, 2 (22%) had partial response, and 1 (11%) had recurrence. Globe salvage was achieved in 8 of 12 eyes (67%) treated with primary IAC, including 2 of 2 group C eyes, 4 of 4 group D eyes, and 2 of 6 group E eyes according to the International Classification of Retinoblastoma. Globe salvage was achieved in 2 of 4 eyes (50%) treated secondarily after failure of other methods. CONCLUSIONS Of 12 eyes managed with IAC as primary treatment, globe salvage was achieved in 67%. Eyes classified as group C or D showed 100% globe salvage, whereas group E had 33% salvage. Of 4 eyes managed with IAC as secondary treatment, globe salvage was achieved in 50%.

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Report No. 2, Treatment Complications

OBJECTIVE To describe treatment complications following intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. METHODS A retrospective interventional series of ophthalmic artery cannulation for IAC injection (3 planned sessions at 1-month intervals) was undertaken. Thirty-eight catheterizations of 17 eyes of 17 patients were performed from September 2008 to September 2010. Fluoroscopy of the ophthalmic artery was performed before and immediately after treatment. Heparin was given during the procedure and aspirin (40 mg) was given orally for 1 week. The treatment complications were determined. RESULTS Only 17 of 190 children were selected for treatment with IAC during this period. Following successful ophthalmic artery cannulation in 16 cases, there was no evidence of metastasis, stroke, brain injury, or persistent systemic toxic effects. Fluoroscopy demonstrated patent ophthalmic artery immediately before and after IAC injection in each case. Following therapy, orbital and adnexal findings at 1 month included eyelid edema (n = 13), blepharoptosis (n = 10), cilia loss (n = 1), and orbital congestion with temporary dysmotility (n = 12). These findings resolved within 6 months in all cases. Following therapy, vascular findings included ophthalmic artery stenosis (permanent in 3 cases, temporary in 1 case), confirmed on fluoroscopy in 3 cases. Concomitant central or branch retinal artery occlusion was noted (permanent in 2 cases, temporary in 1 case). Subtle retinal pigment epithelial mottling in 9 cases that slowly evolved to later-onset underlying choroidal atrophy in 5 cases was noted. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with IAC for retinoblastoma can lead to mild and severe short-term ocular complications, including eyelid edema as well as potentially blinding vascular obstruction. This procedure should be used with caution.

Endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms: current experience and future advances.

OBJECTIVE:The past 15 years have seen a revolution in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Endovascular technology has evolved rapidly since the Food and Drug Administration approval of Guglielmi detachable coils in 1995, which now allows successful treatment of most aneurysms. The authors provide a review of their 11-year experience at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience with endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms and discuss clinical trial outcomes and future directions of this treatment method. METHODS:The authors reviewed the clinical and angiographic outcomes for 1307 patients undergoing endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Their analysis focuses on posterior circulation and middle cerebral artery aneurysms, as well as cases of stent-assisted coil embolization. They review their procedural protocol and patient selection criteria for endovascular management. RESULTS:Several large clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial provides Level I evidence demonstrating a significant reduction in disability or death with endovascular treatment compared with surgical clipping. The most common procedural complications include intraprocedural rupture and thromboembolic events; avoidance strategies are also discussed. Vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage causes neurological morbidity and mortality and can be successfully managed by early recognition and interventional treatment with angioplasty, pharmacologic agents, or both. CONCLUSION:Long-term studies evaluating experience with aneurysm coil embolization during the past decade indicate that this is a safe and durable treatment method. The introduction of stent-assist techniques has improved the management of wide-neck aneurysms. Future technology developments will likely improve the durability of endovascular treatment further by delivering bioactive agents that promote aneurysm thrombosis beyond the coil mass alone. It is clear that endovascular therapy of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms is becoming a mainstay of practice in this patient population. Although not replacing open surgery, the continued improvements have allowed aneurysms that previously were amenable only to open clip ligation to be treated safely with durable long-term outcomes.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma in 70 eyes: outcomes based on the international classification of retinoblastoma.

OBJECTIVE To analyze our 5-year experience of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma as primary or secondary therapy. DESIGN Retrospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS A total of 70 eyes of 67 patients. INTERVENTION Ophthalmic artery chemotherapy infusion under fluoroscopic guidance was performed using melphalan (3, 5, or 7.5 mg) in every case, with additional topotecan (1 mg) and/or carboplatin (30 or 50 mg) as necessary. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Tumor control and treatment complications. RESULTS The mean patient age at IAC was 30 months. The treatment was primary in 36 eyes and secondary in 34 eyes. Those primary therapy eyes were classified according to the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) as group A (n = 0), B (n = 1), C (n = 4), D (n = 17), or E (n = 14). The secondary therapy eyes had failed previous intravenous chemotherapy (n = 34) in every case. Each eye received a mean of 3 IAC sessions per eye (median, 3; range, 1-7 sessions). After IAC with a mean follow-up of 19 months, globe salvage was achieved in 72% of primary-treated cases and in 62% of secondary-treated cases. Specifically, primary therapy achieved globe salvage for group B (100%), group C (100%), group D (94%), and group E (36%). Of all 70 eyes, complete regression was achieved for solid tumor in 48 of 51 eyes (94%), subretinal seeds in 40 of 42 eyes (95%), and vitreous seeds in 34 of 39 eyes (87%). After each catheterization (n = 198), the main complications included transient eyelid edema (5%), blepharoptosis (5%), and forehead hyperemia (2%). More lasting complications included vitreous hemorrhage (2%), branch retinal artery obstruction (1%), ophthalmic artery spasm with reperfusion (2%), ophthalmic artery obstruction (2%), partial choroidal ischemia (2%), and optic neuropathy (<1%). Over the past 3 years, the combined incidence of ophthalmic, retinal, and choroidal vascular ischemia was reduced to 1%. There was no patient with stroke, seizure, neurologic impairment, limb ischemia, secondary leukemia, metastasis, or death. CONCLUSIONS Five-year experience with IAC indicates that this technique is remarkably effective for the management of retinoblastoma as both a primary and a secondary treatment.