No abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the utility of standardised volumetric spinal cord measurement as an indicator of successful disconnection of a Type 1 spinal dural arteriovenous fistula.DesignRetrospective analysis at a tertiary neuroscience centre.SubjectsPatients with symptomatic Type 1 spinal dAVFs presenting to the senior author and neurovascular MDT (June 2009 – December 2017). Inclusion based on availability of appropriate cross-sectional imaging. DAVFs arising below T12 excluded: 18 patients with a total 19 dAVFs identified.MethodsType 1 fistulation demonstrated on TRICKS MR angiography and spinal catheter angiography. Sagittal volumes evaluated using Horos (Purview, Annapolis, USA) and wireframe models created. Measurement arbitrarily standardised at ±2 levels from the origin of the fistulous draining vein. Pre- and post-operative clinical outcomes assessed using the Aminoff-Logue Scale. Wilcoxon test employed for between-group comparisons and Spearman’s rank test for clinico-radiological correlation (Prism 7, GraphPad Software, Inc. California).ResultsCord volumes reduced by a mean of 0.854 cm3 (p=0.0181; 95% CI=−1.55,–0.16; SD=1.44). Volume change was not related to gait (r=0.037, p=0.8812, 95% CI=−0.44, 0.49) or micturition scores (r=−0.24, p=0.3165, 95% CI=−0.64, 0.25).ConclusionsSurgical disconnection of type 1 dAVF resulted in a reduction in spinal cord volume. This was not predictive of change in clinical indices in this small series but perhaps merits investigation of this as a surrogate marker in a larger series.

Background Supratentorial Metastatic Melanomas are common and increasingly treated with immunotherapy. While improving the outcome, the immunotherapy potentially increases the risks of the intracranial surgical procedures, particularly bleeding. However, scarce reports address this complications. Case Description A 52-year old male with a history of right upper limb excised skin lesion resected with wide local excision 6 months prior to admission, who presented with a three weeks history of progressive headaches, vomiting, odd behaviours, forgetfulness, and left lower sided weakness. Brain imaging showed a right frontal lesion with evidence of haemorrhage within it with midline shift and mass effect. He underwent craniotomy and resection of the lesion with no post-operative complication, resolution of left sided hemiparesis and post-operative imaging documenting complete resection and no post-operative complications. The histopathology confirmed metastatic melanoma and he received adjuvant immunotherapy (Nivolumab), however he represented 4 weeks post operatively with sudden onset headache with vomiting with no neurological deficit, brain imaging showed a delayed hematoma in the surgical site. Conclusions This case report highlights the risk of post-operative bleeding with the immunotherapy and paves the way for further studies with regards to the safety of immunotherapy after intracranial procedures