Ramazan Jabbarli

Residual Tumor Volume as Best Outcome Predictor in Low Grade Glioma - A Nine-Years Near-Randomized Survey of Surgery vs. Biopsy.

Diffuse low grade gliomas (DLGG) are continuously progressive primary brain neoplasms that lead to neurological deficits and death. Treatment strategies are controversial. Randomized trials establishing the prognostic value of surgery do not exist. Here, we report the results of a nine-year near-randomized patient distribution between resection and biopsy. Until 2012, the Department of Neurosurgery and the Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery at the University Medical Center Freiburg were organized as separate administrative units both coordinating DLGG patient treatment independently. All consecutive adult patients with a new diagnosis of DLGG by either stereotactic biopsy or resection were included. Pre- and post-operative tumor volumetry was performed. 126 patients, 87 men (69%), 39 women (31%), median age 41 years, were included. 77 (61%) were initially managed by biopsy, 49 (39%) by resection. A significant survival benefit was found for patients with an initial management by resection (5-year OS 82% vs. 54%). The survival benefit of patients with initial resection was reserved to patients with a residual tumor volume of less than 15u2009cm3. Maximum safe resection is the first therapy of choice in DLGG patients if a near-complete tumor removal can be achieved. Accurate prediction of the extent-of-resection is required for selection of surgical candidates.

Early identification of individuals at high risk for cerebral infarction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: the BEHAVIOR score

Cerebral infarction (CI) is a crucial complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) associated with poor clinical outcome. We aimed at developing an early risk score for CI based on clinical characteristics available at the onset of SAH. Out of a database containing 632 consecutive patients with SAH admitted to our institution from January 2005 to December 2012, computed tomography (CT) scans up to day 42 after ictus were evaluated for CIs. Different parameters from admission up to aneurysm treatment were collected with subsequent construction of a risk score. Seven clinical characteristics were independently associated with CI and included in the Risk score (BEHAVIOR Score, 0 to 11 points): Blood on CT scan according to Fisher grade ≥ 3 (1 point), Elderly patients (age ≥ 55 years, 1 point), Hunt&Hess grade ≥ 4 (1 point), Acute hydrocephalus requiring external liquor drainage (1 point), Vasospasm on initial angiogram (3 points), Intracranial pressure elevation > 20 mm Hg (3 points), and treatment of multiple aneurysms (‘Overtreatment’, 1 point). The BEHAVIOR score showed high diagnostic accuracy with respect to the absolute risk for CI (area under curve = 0.806, P < 0.0001) and prediction of poor clinical outcome at discharge (P < 0.0001) and after 6 months (P = 0.0002). Further validation in other SAH cohorts is recommended.

Predictors and impact of early cerebral infarction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral infarction is a frequent and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study aimed to identify independent predictors of the timing of cerebral infarction and clarify its impact on disease course and patients’ outcome.

The CHESS score: a simple tool for early prediction of shunt dependency after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Acute hydrocephalus is an early and common complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, considerably fewer patients develop chronic hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement. Our aim was to develop a risk score for early identification of patients with shunt dependency after SAH.

Predictors of Severity of Cerebral Vasospasm caused by Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUNDnCerebral vasospasm is one of the leading causes of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The risk factors for the development of vasospasm have been evaluated in many clinical studies. However, it remains unclear if vasospasm severity can be predicted. The purpose of this study was to determine if different demographic and clinical factors that appear to be predictors of vasospasm can also prognosticate the severity of cerebral vasospasm.nnnMETHODSnWe retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent endovascular vasospasm treatment in a single center. In order to define predictors of vasospasm severity, we studied the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients. Vasospasm severity was defined by cerebral angiography, transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and therapeutic response on endovascular treatment. Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant predictors.nnnRESULTSnA total of 70 patients with vasospasm were included. Early onset of mean flow velocities>160 cm/second on transcranial Doppler ultrasound correlated with severity of angiographic vasospasm (P=.0469) and resistance against intra-arterial papaverine (P=.0277). Younger age (<51 years of age) was significantly associated with severity of vasospasm regarding extension on angiography (P=.0422), the need for repetitive endovascular treatment (P=.0084), persistence of transcranial Doppler ultrasound vasospasm after endovascular treatment (P=.0004), and resistance against intra-arterial papaverine (P=.0341).nnnCONCLUSIONSnYounger age and early onset of vasospasm on transcranial Doppler ultrasound are important predictors for vasospasm severity. We recommend early and aggressive therapy in this subgroup.

Aneurysm remnant after clipping: the risks and consequences.

OBJECTIVE The complete clipping of a cerebral aneurysm usually warrants its sustained occlusion, while clip remnants may have far-reaching consequences. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for clip remnants requiring retreatment and/or exhibiting growth. METHODS All consecutive patients with primary aneurysm clipping performed at University Hospital of Essen between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2013, were eligible for this study. Aneurysm occlusion was judged on obligatory postoperative digital subtraction angiography and the need for repeated vascular control. The identified clip remnants were correlated with various demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, aneurysm features, and surgery-related aspects. RESULTS Of 616 primarily clipped aneurysms, postoperative angiography revealed 112 aneurysms (18%) with clip remnants requiring further control (n = 91) or direct retreatment (n = 21). Seven remnants exhibited growth during follow-up, whereas 2 cases were associated with aneurysmal bleeding. Therefore, a total of 28 aneurysms (4.5%) were retreated as clip remnants (range 1 day to 67 months after clipping). In the multivariate analysis, the need for retreatment of clip remnant was correlated with the aneurysms initial size (> 12 mm; OR 3.22; p = 0.035) and location (anterior cerebral artery > internal carotid artery > posterior circulation > middle cerebral artery; OR 1.85; p = 0.003). Younger age with a cutoff at 45 years (OR 33.31; p = 0.004) was the only independent predictor for remnant growth. CONCLUSIONS The size and location of the aneurysm are the main risk factors for clip remnants requiring retreatment. Because of the risk for growth, younger individuals (< 45 years old) with clip remnants require a long-term (> 5 years) vascular follow-up. Clinical trial registration no: DRKS00008749 (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien).

Early Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Predicts the Occurrence and Severity of Symptomatic Vasospasm and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia

Background: Cerebral vasospasm usually develops several days after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and is generally acknowledged as a strong outcome predictor. In contrast, much less is known about the nature and eventual consequences of early angiographic vasospasm (EAVS) seen on admission digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Therefore, we aimed at identifying the risk factors and clinical impact of EAVS after SAH. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-one SAH patients with admission DSA performed within 72 h after the bleeding event were selected from a comprehensive database containing all consecutive SAH patients treated at our institution between January 2005 and December 2012. Predictors of EAVS, as well as associations between EAVS and delayed vasospasm-related complications, and unfavorable outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale >3) were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: EAVS was seen on 60 DSAs (11.3%) and was independently correlated with delayed symptomatic vasospasm requiring intra-arterial spasmolysis (OR 5.24, p < 0.0001), angioplasty (OR 2.56, p = 0.015) and repetitive endovascular treatment (OR 4.71, p < 0.0001). EAVS also increased the risk for multiple versus single territorial infarction on the follow-up CT scan(s) (OR 2.04, p = 0.047) and independently predicted unfavorable outcome (OR 2.93, p = 0.008). The presence of radiographic signs suspicious for fibromuscular dysplasia were independently associated with the occurrence of EAVS (OR 2.98, p = 0.026) and the need for repetitive endovascular vasospasm treatment (OR 3.95, p = 0.019). Conclusions: In view of the strong correlation with delayed symptomatic vasospasm and its ischemic complications, EAVS can be considered an alerting signal for severe symptomatic vasospasm. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the presence of EAVS on admission DSA.

The predictors and clinical impact of intraventricular hemorrhage in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background Intraventricular hemorrhage is known to complicate the course and outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aims To identify independent risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage development and its severity during aneurysm rupture. Methods Six hundred and twenty-five subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated at our institution between January 2005 and December 2012 were included. The severity of intraventricular hemorrhage was assessed according to the original Graeb score. Clinical and radiographic features of patients present at the bleeding event were tested as potential risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage. The characteristics of intraventricular hemorrhage were correlated with the clinical course and outcome. Results Intraventricular hemorrhage was present in 206 patients (33%) and was independently predicted by patient’s age (pu2009=u20090.001, odds ratio (OR)u2009=u20091.02/year of age increase), aneurysm size (pu2009=u20090.031, ORu2009=u20091.05/mm increase), and location (pu2009<u20090.0001, ORu2009=u20093.2 for aneurysms of posterior circulation). The severity of intraventricular hemorrhage was predicted by aneurysm size (pu2009=u20090.023) and location (higher severity for aneurysms of anterior circulation, pu2009=u20090.01). The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (pu2009<u20090.0001, ORu2009=u20094.1) and intraventricular hemorrhage severity of >3 points on the Graeb score (pu2009=u20090.029, ORu2009=u20093.4) was independently associated with poor outcome. Shunt dependency was associated only with the occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage (pu2009<u20090.0001, ORu2009=u20092.8) while the severity of intraventricular hemorrhage influenced the timing of shunt placement (pu2009=u20090.0156). Conclusions Increasing age, aneurysm size, and location in the posterior circulation are the main risk factors for occurrence of aneurysmal intraventricular hemorrhage, which is independently associated with poor outcome. The severity of intraventricular hemorrhage, however, is higher if the aneurysm is located in the anterior circulation and has impact on functional outcome, but not on shunt dependency.

Outcome after conservative management or surgical treatment for new-onset epilepsy in cerebral cavernous malformation

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine seizure outcome, functional outcome, and the withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) after conservative or surgical treatment of patients with new-onset cavernoma-related epilepsy (CRE). METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective comparative observational study of 79 consecutive patients, each with a single sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) and new-onset CRE. RESULTS Forty-one patients underwent initial surgery (IS), and 38 patients underwent initial conservative (IC) treatment. Of those in the latter group, 19 underwent delayed surgical (DS) treatment. At the last follow-up, 88%, 32%, and 79% of patients in the respective groups had been seizure free for at least 2 years (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] Class 1; IS vs IC, p < 0.0001) and 78%, 8%, and 58%, respectively, had been off AEDs (IS vs IC, p < 0.0001). The cumulative probability of staying seizure free (ILAE Class 1) during a 5-year period was 73% (mean seizure-free follow-up 49.8 ± 2.7 months, 95% CI 44.4-55.1 months) for the IS group, 22% (mean 31.8 ± 3.6 months, 95% CI 24.8-38.8 months) for the IC group, and 68% (mean 48.6 ± 4.3 months, 95% CI 40.1-57.1 months) for the DS group (IS vs IC p < 0.001). Long-term operative morbidity was 3%, and long-term morbidity in the conservatively treated group was also 3%. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CCM and new-onset CRE who underwent IS treatment showed better results in seizure control and the discontinuation of AEDs than the conservatively treated patients. Operative morbidity was comparable to the morbidity from symptomatic CCM hemorrhage in the conservative group. Half of the patients who started with conservative treatment underwent subsequent surgical treatment; however, a longer duration of epilepsy prior to surgery did not worsen postoperative seizure outcome.

Surgical Ventricular Entry is a Key Risk Factor for Leptomeningeal Metastasis of High Grade Gliomas

Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) of high grade gliomas (HGG) can lead to devastating disease courses. Understanding of risk factors for LM is important to identify patients at risk. We reviewed patient records and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of all patients with a first diagnosis of HGG who underwent surgery in our institution between 2008 and 2012. To assess the influence of potential risk factors for LM and the impact of LM on survival multivariate statistics were performed. 239 patients with a diagnosis of HGG and at least 6 months of MRI and clinical follow-up were included. LM occurred in 27 (11%) patients and was symptomatic in 17 (65%). A strong correlation of surgical entry to the ventricle and LM was found (HR: 8.1). Ventricular entry was documented in 137 patients (57%) and LM ensued in 25 (18%) of these. Only two (2%) of 102 patients without ventricular entry developed LM. Median overall survival of patients after diagnosis of LM (239 days) was significantly shorter compared to patients without LM (626 days). LM is a frequent complication in the course of disease of HGG and is associated with poor survival. Surgical entry to the ventricle is a key risk factor for LM.