Abi-Aad, Karl R.

Abstract We present the case of a 56-yr-old right-handed male, after informed consent was obtained, who presented with acute confusion and agitation, on the background of a remote history of an uncomplicated resection of a left parietal grade 2 glioma. Imaging revealed a large, acute right temporal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Standard vascular workup for the cause of the ICH included catheter angiography. No direct cause of the hemorrhage was revealed; however, a high grade parasagittal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with cortical venous reflux was noted close to the prior craniotomy site. The venous reflux was towards the left hemisphere, but it was hypothesized that similar reflux on the right side may have been present and was not presently evident due to thrombosis. The DAVF was embolized by endovascular means, followed by evacuation of the hematoma. Follow-up angiogram 7 mo later revealed a high-flow, right superior temporal cortical arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The DAVF unfortunately had also progressed. Endovascular occlusion of both lesions was attempted but was not successful. Subsequently, microsurgical resection for both the vascular malformations was performed with careful pre- and intraoperative planning to obtain a successful clinical and angiographic result. In this video, we summarize diagnostic and therapeutic nuances that have broad implications for the workup of ICH and the strategic management of a unique scenario involving a brain AVM and high-grade cranial dural fistula in the same patient. Prior to each procedure, informed consent was obtained from the patient, which includes consent for publication.

Objective To determine the accuracy of ultrasound guidance compared to palpation in performing carpometacarpal joint injections in cadavers. Design In all, 36 carpometacarpal joints were randomized to either ultrasound-guided or palpation-based injections, with 1 cc of blue latex solution injected into each joint. The specimens were then dissected and the distribution of the latex was assessed by two independent, blinded raters. Injection accuracy was evaluated on a four-point quartile rating scale of 1–4, corresponding to the amount of the latex solution within the joint (1 = 0–25%, 2 = 26–50%, 3 = 51–75%, 4 = 76–100%). Inter-rater reliability was a secondary measure. Results The mean rating of accuracy was 2.1 for both palpation-based and ultrasound-guided injections. There was no statistically significant difference in accuracy between the two injectors. Chi-square analysis testing differences in accuracy for the two conditions was not statistically significant. The Cronbach’s alpha for rater 2 was 0.74, which represents an acceptable level of reliability. A Friedman’s Chi-square for the two raters was 2.3 ( p = 0.13), indicating no significant difference between raters. Conclusion Ultrasound guidance did not improve the accuracy of carpometacarpal joint injections in cadavers. However, the high inter-rater reliability attests to the value of the novel assessment scale.