Deep learning-based prediction of rheumatoid arthritis-associated deformity on MRI.

Introduction: While the prevalence of surgery to correct atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), subaxial subluxation (SAS) and vertical translocation (VT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had declined, cervical deformity is still observed regularly.

Research Question: The objective of this study is to develop a deep learning-based algorithm to predict RA-associated upper cervical spine deformity in patients before or close to RA diagnosis, with the purpose of early risk stratification.

Materials And Methods: Patients with RA in which follow-up cervical MRI studies (at least 3 years apart) were available were identified retrospectively in two tertiary care centers.

The effect of antiseizure medication on mortality in spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background: Spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The efficacy of early antiseizure medication (ASM) is debated. Recent literature reports seizure rates ranging from 7.

Gabapentinoids confer survival benefit in human glioblastoma.

Neuronal-glioma interactions are increasingly recognized as critical in the development and progression of central nervous system tumors. Recent research highlights that gliomas can integrate into neural circuits through various mechanisms, including the synaptogenic factor thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). This new mechanistic understanding of cancer neuroscience allows for novel insights into target discovery.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated cervical spine deformity and flares in disease activity.

Introduction: While rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated cervical spine deformity seems to be less prevalent following the introduction of the medication regimen to suppress inflammation in RA in an early stage, identifying patients at risk for atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) or subaxial subluxation (SAS) remains challenging.

Research Question: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the association of the frequency of flares in systemic disease activity (DAS) and RA-associated cervical spine deformity.

Materials And Methods: This is a sub-analysis of the BeSt Study, where patients were treated to target DAS≤2.

Prolonged glucocorticoid use and rheumatoid arthritis-associated cervical spine deformity.

Objectives: RA patients are often prescribed glucocorticoids, although it is known that their long-term use increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The association between glucocorticoid use and RA-associated cervical spine deformity is yet to be determined.

Method: Duration and dose of glucocorticoid use were evaluated in patients with new onset RA (BeSt Trial).

Safety of non-osseous union of type II odontoid fractures-a multi-institutional cohort study.

Background Context: The management of type II odontoid fractures in elderly patients presents significant clinical challenges. Surgical treatment may lead to operative complications, while conservative management may increase the risk of non-osseous union, potentially compromising fracture stability.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the safety of non-osseous union subtypes in type II odontoid fractures following conservative treatment and to identify risk factors for unstable fractures.

Infliximab use and cervical spine deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Over the past decades, the incidence of surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated cervical spine deformity decreased. Infliximab has been observed as a protective treatment for joint damage in hands and feet; yet, the protective association between infliximab and the cervical spine has been uncertain.

Methods: Duration of infliximab use during 10 years of follow-up was evaluated in patients with new-onset RA (case control study using data from the BeSt Trial).

Brief report on the efficacy of sotorasib in KRAS-Mutated NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Introduction: Sotorasib has emerged as a treatment option for patients with KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its effect in patients with brain metastases is not well described. We assessed the intracranial response of sotorasib in a retrospective case series of patients with brain metastases (BMs) at a single institution.

Methods: Patients with KRAS-mutated NSCLC with BMs who received sotorasib at Mass General Brigham Hospitals were included.

The Impact of Tort Reforms on the Neurosurgical Malpractice Environment: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Background: Neurosurgeons, especially spine surgeons, have the highest risk of facing a malpractice claim. Average verdicts in spine surgery litigation has been shown to be over USD $1 million/case. This systematic review aimed to clarify the impact of tort reforms on neurosurgical health care environments across the United States, including patient outcomes, practice of defensive medicine, and physician supply aims.

The association between Disease Activity Score and rheumatoid arthritis-associated cervical deformity: radiological evaluation of the BeSt trial.

Objective: The authors' objective was to evaluate the association of the Disease Activity Score (DAS) with cervical spine deformity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients during 10-year optimal treatment of systemic disease.

Methods: The authors evaluated radiological and 10-year follow-up (FU) data of the BeSt (BehandelStrategien) trial. In 272 RA patients, atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), presence of vertical translocation (VT), and subaxial subluxation (SAS) were evaluated.