Background and Purpose-ABC/2 is still widely accepted for volume estimations in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) despite known limitations, which potentially accounts for controversial outcome-study results. The aim of this study was to establish and validate an automatic segmentation algorithm, allowing for quick and accurate quantification of ICH. Methods-A segmentation algorithm implementing first-and second-order statistics, texture, and threshold features was trained on manual segmentations with a random-forest methodology. Quantitative data of the algorithm, manual segmentations, and ABC/2 were evaluated for agreement in a study sample (n=28) and validated in an independent sample not used for algorithm training (n=30). Results-ABC/2 volumes were significantly larger compared with either manual or algorithm values, whereas no significant differences were found between the latter (P<0.0001; Friedman+Dunn's multiple comparison

OBJECTIVE In this analysis, the authors sought to identify variables triggering an additional resection (AR) and determining residual intraoperative tumor volume in 1.5-T intraoperative MRI (iMRI)-guided glioma resections. METHODS A consecutive case series of 224 supratentorial glioma resections (WHO Grades I–IV) from a prospective iMRI registry (inclusion dates January 2011–April 2013) was examined with univariate and multiple regression models including volumetric data, tumor-related, and surgeon-related factors. The surgeon's expectation of an AR, in response to a questionnaire completed prior to iMRI, was evaluated using contingency analysis. A machine-learning prediction model was applied to consider if anticipation of intraoperative findings permits preoperative identification of ideal iMRI cases. RESULTS An AR was performed in 70% of cases after iMRI, but did not translate into an accumulated risk for neurological morbidity after surgery (p = 0.77 for deficits in cases with AR vs no AR). New severe persistent deficits occurred in 6.7% of patients. Initial tumor volume determined frequency of ARs and was independently correlated with larger tumor remnants delineated on iMRI (p < 0.0001). Larger iMRI volume was further associated with eloquent location (p = 0.010) and recurrent tumors (p < 0.0001), and with WHO grade (p = 0.0113). Greater surgical experience had no significant influence on the course of surgery. The surgeon's capability of ruling out an AR prior to iMRI turned out to incorporate guesswork (negative predictive value 43.6%). In a prediction model, AR could only be anticipated with 65% accuracy after integration of confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS Routine use of iMRI in glioma surgery is a safe and reliable method for resection guidance and is characterized by frequent ARs after scanning. Tumor-related factors were identified that influenced the course of surgery and intraoperative decision-making, and iMRI had a common value for surgeons of all experience levels. Commonly, the subjective intraoperative impression of the extent of resection had to be revised after iMRI review, which underscores the manifold potential of iMRI guidance. In combination with the failure to identify ideal iMRI cases preoperatively, this study supports a generous, tumor-oriented rather than surgeon-oriented indication for iMRI in glioma surgery.

Purpose The incidence of acute subdural hematomas (aSDH) is rising. However, beneficial effects of surgery for the oldest aSDH patients remain unclear. We hence describe the postoperative outcome of octa- and nonagenarians with aSDH in comparison to a younger patient cohort. Methods Patients aged ≥ 80 years surgically treated for traumatic aSDH at a single institution between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and imaging variables were assessed, and univariate analysis was performed to identify factors predicting outcome at discharge. Results were compared to a cohort of younger aSDH patients and statistical analysis was performed. Long-term outcome was prospectively evaluated with the GOSE and QOLIBRI. Results 27 aSDH patients aged ≥ 80 years were identified. On admission, 41% were in a comatose state and in-hospital mortality was 33%. At discharge, 22% had a favorable outcome (GOS 4 + 5). In univariate statistical analysis, better neurological status (GCS > 8), ≤ 1 comorbidity and smaller aSDH volumes were significant predictors for a favorable outcome. Comparison to 27 younger aSDH patients revealed significant differences in the prevalence of comorbidities and antithrombotics. At long-term follow-up, quality of life of aSDH patients was reduced (median QOLIBRI 54%). Conclusion Outcome after surgical treatment of aSDH in octa- and nonagenarians is not detrimental per se. Predictors for a favorable outcome are a non-comatose state on admission (GCS > 8), ≤ 1 preexisting comorbidity and a lower aSDH volume in patients aged ≥ 80 years. In individual patients, surgical evacuation of aSDH might remain a treatment option even in high ages.

C ancer cells predominantly gain energy through a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation even in the presence of abundant oxygen (known as the Warburg effect). Consequently, both the higher glucose uptake rate and the reduced cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO 2 ) consumption pose possible targets for imaging metabolic tumor activity.Conventional MRI sequences do not provide information on tissue metabolic activity. MR spectroscopy allows for the detection of metabolic products in vivo (eg, lactate) (1), but has limited routine applicability because of technical complexity, low spatial resolution, and clinical time constraints (2). Further, chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI has recently gained considerable attention as an imaging technique sensitive to tissue pH by amide proton transfer (3). However, recent studies (4) suggest that the endogenous amide contrast in tumors is dominated by histologic and genetic features through altered protein concentrations.Blood oxygen level2dependent imaging, most commonly applied to functional MRI, can be used to quantitatively measure CMRO 2 (5-7). However, these techniques provide only indirect measures and rely on complex physiologic assumptions in data interpretation and calibration processes (8), which impair robustness and specificity. Alternative approaches to assess tumor hypoxia are on the basis of PET or single photon emission CT, available with fluorine 18 fluoromisonidazole or other radioligands (9). Direct CMRO 2 assessment is possible by using the short-lived (~122 seconds) radioisotope oxygen 15 ( 15 O)

Inflammation after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is non-resolving and thus still present in chronic injury stages. It plays a key role in the pathophysiology of SCI and has been associated with further neurodegeneration and development of neuropathic pain. Neural precursor cells (NPCs) have been shown to reduce the acute and sub-acute inflammatory response after SCI. In the present study, we examined effects of NPC transplantation on the immune environment in chronic stages of SCI. SCI was induced in rats by clip-compression of the cervical spinal cord at the level C6-C7. NPCs were transplanted 10 days post-injury. The functional outcome was assessed weekly for 8 weeks using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale, the CatWalk system, and the grid walk test. Afterwards, the rats were sacrificed, and spinal cord sections were examined for M1/M2 macrophages, T lymphocytes, astrogliosis, and apoptosis using immunofluorescence staining. Rats treated with NPCs had compared to the control group significantly fewer pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and reduced immunodensity for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), their marker enzyme. Anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages were rarely present 8 weeks after the SCI. In this model, the sub-acute transplantation of NPCs did not support survival and proliferation of M2 macrophages. Post-traumatic apoptosis, however, was significantly reduced in the NPC group, which might be explained by the altered microenvironment following NPC transplantation. Corresponding to these findings, reactive astrogliosis was significantly reduced in NPC-transplanted animals. Furthermore, we could observe a trend toward smaller cavity sizes and functional improvement following NPC transplantation. Our data suggest that transplantation of NPCs following SCI might attenuate inflammation even in chronic injury stages. This might prevent further neurodegeneration and could also set a stage for improved neuroregeneration after SCI.

No abstract

EoR, extent of resectionFLAIR, fluid-attenuated inversion recoveryGTR, gross total resectionIDH1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1iMRI, intraoperative magnetic resonance imagingLGG, low-grade gliomaMGMT, methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferasenPND, new permanent neurological deficitOS, overall survivalPFS, progression-free survivalSTR, subtotal resectionWHO, World Health Organization.

No abstract