Purpose Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSFR) remains a frequent complication of endonasal approaches to pituitary and skull base tumours. Watertight skull base reconstruction is... Show morePurpose Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea (CSFR) remains a frequent complication of endonasal approaches to pituitary and skull base tumours. Watertight skull base reconstruction is important in preventing CSFR. We sought to systematically review the current literature of available skull base repair techniques. Methods Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for studies (2000-2020) that (a) reported on the endonasal resection of pituitary and skull base tumours, (b) focussed on skull base repair techniques and/or postoperative CSFR risk factors, and (c) included CSFR data. Roles, advantages and disadvantages of each repair method were detailed. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed where possible. Results 193 studies were included. Repair methods were categorised based on function and anatomical level. There was absolute heterogeneity in repair methods used, with no independent studies sharing the same repair protocol. Techniques most commonly used for low CSFR risk cases were fat grafts, fascia lata grafts and synthetic grafts. For cases with higher CSFR risk, multilayer regimes were utilized with vascularized flaps, gasket sealing and lumbar drains. Lumbar drain use for high CSFR risk cases was supported by a randomised study (Oxford CEBM: Grade B recommendation), but otherwise there was limited high-level evidence. Pooled CSFR incidence by approach was 3.7% (CI 3-4.5%) for transsphenoidal, 9% (CI 7.2-11.3%) for expanded endonasal, and 5.3% (CI 3.4-7%) for studies describing both. Further meaningful meta-analyses of repair methods were not performed due to significant repair protocol heterogeneity. Conclusions Modern reconstructive protocols are heterogeneous and there is limited evidence to suggest the optimal repair technique after pituitary and skull base tumour resection. Further studies are needed to guide practice. Show less
Rojas-Villabona, A.; Sokolska, M.; Solbach, T.; Grieve, J.; Rega, M.; Torrealdea, F.; ... ; Jager, H.R. 2021
PurposeIntra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is the gold standard technique for radiosurgery target delineation in brain Arterio-Venous Malformations (AVMs). This study aims to... Show morePurposeIntra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is the gold standard technique for radiosurgery target delineation in brain Arterio-Venous Malformations (AVMs). This study aims to evaluate whether a combination of three Magnetic Resonance Angiography sequences (triple-MRA) could be used for delineation of brain AVMs for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKR).MethodsFifteen patients undergoing DSA for GKR targeting of brain AVMs also underwent triple-MRA: 4D Arterial Spin Labelling based angiography (ASL-MRA), Contrast-Enhanced Time-Resolved MRA (CE-MRA) and High Definition post-contrast Time-Of-Flight angiography (HD-TOF). The arterial phase of the AVM nidus was delineated on triple-MRA by an interventional neuroradiologist and a consultant neurosurgeon (triple-MRA volume). Triple-MRA volumes were compared to AVM targets delineated by the clinical team for delivery of GKR using the current planning paradigm, i.e., stereotactic DSA and volumetric MRI (DSA volume). Difference in size, degree of inclusion (DI) and concordance index (CcI) between DSA and triple-MRA volumes are reported.ResultsAVM target volumes delineated on triple-MRA were on average 9.8% smaller than DSA volumes (95%CI:5.6-13.9%; SD:7.14%; p = .003). DI of DSA volume in triple-MRA volume was on average 73.5% (95%CI:71.2-76; range: 65-80%). The mean percentage of triple-MRA volume not included on DSA volume was 18% (95%CI:14.7-21.3; range: 7-30%).ConclusionThe technical feasibility of using triple-MRA for visualisation and delineation of brain AVMs for GKR planning has been demonstrated. Tighter and more precise delineation of AVM target volumes could be achieved by using triple-MRA for radiosurgery targeting. However, further research is required to ascertain the impact this may have in obliteration rates and side effects. Show less
