Background: In aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) identification of the bleeding source cannot always be assessed according to the hemorrhage pattern. Therefore, we developed a statistical model for the prediction of the ruptured aneurysm in patients with SAH and multiple potential bleeding sources at the time of ictus. Methods: Between 2012 and 2015, 252 patients harboring 619 aneurysms were admitted to the authors' institution. Patients were followed prospectively. Aneurysm and patient characteristics, as well as radiological findings were entered into a computerized database. Gradient boosting techniques were used to derive the statistical model for the prediction of the ruptured aneurysm. Based on the statistical prediction model, a scoring system was produced for the use in the clinical setting. The aneurysm with the highest score poses the highest possibility of being the bleeding source. The prediction score was then prospectively applied to 34 patients suffering from SAH and harboring MIAs. Results: According to the statistical prediction model the main factors affecting the rupture in patients harboring multiple aneurysms were: 1) aneurysm size, 2) aneurysm location and 3) aneurysm shape. The prediction score identified correctly the ruptured aneurysm in all the patients that were used in the prospective validation. Even in the five most debatable and challenging cases assessed in the period of prospective validation, for which the score was designed for, the ruptured aneurysm was predicted correctly. Conclusions: This new and simple prediction score might provide additional support for neurovascular teams for treatment decision in SAH patients harboring multiple aneurysms. In a small prospective sample, the prediction score performed with high accuracy but larger cohorts for external validation are warranted.

Background Facial nerve palsy is a severe morbid condition that occurs after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate facial nerve outcomes based on surgical techniques, tumour size, and immunohistochemical factors. Methods One hundred eighteen patients with VS were retrospectively analysed. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 83 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 35 patients. Follow-up was 60 months (median). Facial nerve outcomes were assessed for 24 months after surgery. Analysis of the MIB-1 index was performed in 114 patients (97%) to evaluate recurrence and facial nerve outcomes. Results Immediately after surgery, 16 of 35 patients (45.7%) with STR and 21 of 83 patients (25.3%) with GTR had a good (House-Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) facial nerve outcome (p = 0.029). Semi-sitting positioning (p = 0.002) and tumour size class of 3 (> 4 cm) were also associated with worse HB outcomes after 2 years (p = 0.004) in univariate analyses. The MIB-1 index was significantly correlated with diffuse infiltration of tumour-associated CD45 + lymphocytes (r = 0.63, p = 0.015) and CD68 + macrophages (r = 0.43, p = 0.021). ROC analysis found an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.60-0.86, p = 0.003) for the MIB-1 index in predicting poor facial nerve outcomes. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed an MIB-1 index ≥ 5% (16/28 (57.1%) vs. 5/ 40 (12.5%); p < 0.001, OR = 14.0, 95% CI = 3.2-61.1) and a tumour size class of 3 (6/8 (75.0%) vs. 2/8 (25.0%); p = 0.01, OR = 14.56, 95% CI = 1.9-113.4) were predictors of poor HB scores (≥ 3) after 1 year. Conclusions An MIB-1 index ≥ 5% seems to predict worse long-term facial nerve outcomes in VS surgery.

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Primary decompressive craniectomy (PDC) in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in order to decrease elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is controversially discussed. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of PDC on long-term clinical outcome in these patients in a single-center cohort and to perform a systematic review of literature. Eighty-seven consecutive poor-grade SAH patients (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades IV and V) were analyzed between October 2012 and August 2017 at the author’s institution. PDC was performed due to clinical signs of herniation or brain swelling according to the treating surgeon. Outcome was analyzed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Literature was systematically reviewed up to August 2019, and data of poor-grade aSAH patients who underwent PDC was extracted for statistical analyses. Of 87 patients with poor-grade aSAH in the single-center cohort, 38 underwent PDC and 49 did not. Favorable outcome at 2 years post-hemorrhage did not differ significantly between the two groups (26% versus 20%). Systematic literature review revealed 9 studies: Overall, a favorable outcome could be achieved in nearly half of the patients (49%), with an overall mortality of 24% (median follow-up 11 months). Despite a worse clinical status at presentation (significantly higher rate of mydriasis and additional ICH), poor-grade aSAH patients with PDC achieve favorable outcome in a significant number of patients. Therefore, treatment and PDC should not be omitted in this severely ill patient collective. Prospective controlled studies are warranted.