Background: Despite the utility of administrative health data, there remains a lack of patient-centered outcome measures to meaningfully capture morbidity after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We sought to characterize and validate days at home (DAH) as a feasible measure to assess population-level moderate to severe TBI (msTBI) outcomes and health resource utilization. Methods: We utilized linked health administrative data sources to identify adults with msTBI patients presenting to trauma centers in Ontario injured between 2009-2021. DAH at 180 days reflects the total number of days spent alive and at home excluding the days spent institutionalized in acute care, rehabilitation, inpatient mental health settings or post-acute readmissions. Construct and predictive validity were determined; we additionally estimated minimally important difference (MID) in DAH180days. Results: There were 6340 patients that met inclusion criteria. Median DAH180days were 70 days (interquartile range 0-144). Increased health resource utilization at baseline, older age, increasing cranial injury severity and major extracranial injuries were significantly associated with fewer DAH180days. DAH180days was correlated to DAH counts at 1-3 years. The average MID estimate from anchor-based and distribution-based methods was 18 days. Conclusions: We introduce DAH180days as a feasible and sufficiently responsive patient-centered outcome measure with construct, predictive and face validity in an msTBI population.

Background: Challenges in predicting risk of recurrence for individual patients with meningioma limits appropriate selection of patients who may benefit from adjuvant radiation therapy to delay recurrence. Here, we aimed to develop and validate a combined clinicomolecular predictor of early recurrence for individual patients with meningiomas. Methods: A methylation-based predictor of 5-year recurrence-free-survival (RFS) was developed using DNA-methylation profiles from a training cohort of 228 patients. Model performance was compared to a standard-of-care histological-based model using three independent cohorts (N=54 ;N=140; N=64 patients). Subsequently, a nomogram that integrated the methylome-based predictor with prognostic clinical factors was developed and validated. Results: The methylome-based predictor of 5-year RFS performed favorably compared to a grade-based predictor when tested using the three validation cohorts (ΔAUC=0.10, 95%CI 0.03 – 0.018) and was independently associated with RFS on multivariable Cox regression analysis (HR=3.6, 95%CI 1.8–7.2, P<0.001). A nomogram combining the methylome-predictor with clinical factors demonstrated greater discrimination for recurrence than a nomogram using clinical factors alone (ΔAUC=0.25, 95%CI 0.22–0.27) and resulted in two risk groups with distinct recurrence patterns (HR=7.7, 95%CI 5.3–11.1, P<0.001) and clinical implications. Conclusions: Our validated models provide important novel prognostic information that could be used to individualize decisions regarding post-operative therapeutic interventions in meningioma.

Background: Recurrent glioblastoma portends a poor prognosis and the role of repeat surgery in improving survival remains uncertain. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to determine if repeat surgical resection provides a meaningful survival benefit for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched for articles that reported on overall-survival of patients with recurrent glioblastoma using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane from January 2000 to 2018. Studies that compared overall survival of patients treated with single surgery compared to repeat surgery in the temozolomide era were included for analysis.Primary outcomes were odds ratio for survival at 6, 12, and 24 months from date of initial diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were ratio odds ratio for survival at 6, 12, and 24 months from date of repeat surgery. The proportions of patients who had the outcomes of interest were pooled using random-effects model. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity across trials was quantified by the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated visually using funnel plots and quantified by the Egger regression. Results: Fourteen articles reporting on 3048 patients were included for analysis. The majority of articles were deemed to be of high quality with Newcastle Ottawa scale greater than 7 points. Pooled analysis showed improved overall survival following repeat surgery at 6- (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.23-2.45, p<0.05), 12- (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.20-2.45, p<0.05), and 24-months (OR 2.24,95% CI 1.01-4.95, p<0.05) and from date of initial diagnosis at 6- (OR 8.22, 95% CI 5.23-12.93, p<0.01), 12- (OR 4.16, 95% CI 3.25-5.36, p<0.01), and 24- (2.35, 95% CI 1.77-3.11, p<0.05) months. Conclusions: Repeat surgery for recurrent glioblastoma is associated with a significant survival advantage independent of other salvage therapies that include chemotherapy, radiation, and other antineoplastic regimens.

Background: Despite the critical role played by neurosurgeons in performing radiosurgery, neurosurgery residents in Canada have limited exposure to radiosurgery during their training. A survey of neurosurgery residents and faculty along with radiation oncology faculty was conducted to analyze perspectives regarding incorporating formal radiosurgery training into the neurosurgery residency curriculum Methods: An online survey platform was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize center and respondent characteristics. Categorical variables were compared using odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess statistical significance. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant Results: The response rate was 31% (119/381); 87% (102/119) of respondents were from the neurosurgical specialty and 13% (17/119) from radiation oncology. Some 46% of residents (18/40) were “very uncomfortable” with radiosurgery techniques, and 57% of faculty (42/73) believed that dedicated radiosurgery training would be beneficial though impractical. No respondents felt that “no training” would be beneficial. A total of 46% of residents (19/41) felt that this training would be beneficial and that time should be taken away from other rotations, if needed, while 58% of faculty (42/73) and 75% (28/41) of residents believed that either 1 or 1-3 months of time dedicated to training in radiosurgery would suffice Conclusions: Canadian neurosurgeons are actively involved in radiosurgery. Despite residents anticipating a greater role for radiosurgery in their future, they are uncomfortable with the practice. With the indications for radiosurgery expanding, this training gap can have serious adverse consequences for patients. Considerations regarding the incorporation and optimal duration of dedicated radiosurgery training into the Canadian neurosurgery residency curriculum are necessary.

Background: Several studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, patient, imaging and treatment factors associated with the optimal functional outcome require better definition. Methods: We pooled data from 8 randomized controlled trials (SYNTHESIS, MR RESCUE, IMS III, MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, EXTEND-IA, SWIFT-PRIME, and REVASCAT). We conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to evaluate predictors of optimal functional results (modified Rankin scale, mRS) at 90 days. Results: Meta-analysis of 8 trials including 2,423 patients yielded that endovascular therapy resulted in 44.6% functional independence (mRS 0-2) versus 31.8% in the usual care group (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.18-2.49, P=0.005). This treatment effect was significantly greater among patients with confirmed angiographic imaging of proximal arterial occlusion (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.72-2.90, P<0.001), in patients who received the combined therapy of intravenous tPA and endovascular intervention (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.46-2.92, P<0.001), and when using stent retriever for mechanical thrombectomy (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.88-3.04, P<0.001). Conclusions: The relative functional benefit associated with endovascular therapy among patients with acute ischemic stroke was increased when combined with intravenous tPA, with confirmed proximal arterial occlusion on angiographic imaging, and with use of stent retrievers for mechanical thrombectomy.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage has not been well established. Methods: We report a patient who developed a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to MM and conduct a systematic review of the literature. In addition, we discuss the underlying pathophysiology. Results: A 67-year-old relatively healthy female with a recent history of low back pain presented with an altered level of consciousness and left sided hemiplegia. CT demonstrated a large right temporal intracerebral hemorrhage. CT angiogram ruled out a vascular abnormality; however, multiple abnormal bony lesions were incidentally noted. Other causes for intracranial bleed were ruled out. She underwent a craniotomy for hematoma evacuation. Intra-operatively, the skull was noted to be abnormal and hematoma was not associated with a mass lesion. In addition, serum and urine electrophoresis were found to be positive for monoclonal free kappa light chains. Subsequent bone biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of MM. Our literature search identified 2 reported cases of spontaneous subdural hematomas and 2 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematomas secondary to MM. Moreover, only 4 reports in the literature document intracranial hemorrhage secondary to a mass developed from MM. Conclusions: Multiple myeloma is perhaps an under-reported possible cause for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma.