Publikation

The BSCM score: a guideline for surgical decision-making for brainstem cavernous malformations.

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 29.10.2021

Bereiche
PubMed
DOI
Kontakt

Zitation
Yang Y, Velz J, Neidert M, Lang W, Regli L, Bozinov O. The BSCM score: a guideline for surgical decision-making for brainstem cavernous malformations. Neurosurg Rev 2021; 45:1579-1587.
Art
Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)
Zeitschrift
Neurosurg Rev 2021; 45
Veröffentlichungsdatum
29.10.2021
eISSN (Online)
1437-2320
Seiten
1579-1587
Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

Microsurgical resection of brainstem cavernous malformations (BSCMs) can be performed today with acceptable morbidity and mortality. However, in this highly eloquent location, the indication for surgery remains challenging. We aimed to elaborate a score system that may help clinicians with their choice of treatment in patients with BSCMs in this study. A single-center series of 88 consecutive BSCMs patients with 272 follow-up visits were included in this study. Univariable and multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) were constructed to identify the association of variables with treatment decisions. A score scale assigned points for variables that significantly contributed to surgical decision-making. Surgical treatment was recommended in 37 instances, while conservative treatment was proposed in 235 instances. The mean follow-up duration was 50.4 months, and the mean age at decision-making was 45.9 years. The mean BSCMs size was 14.3 ml. In the multivariable GEE model, patient age, lesion size, hemorrhagic event(s), mRS, and axial location were identified as significant factors for determining treatment options. With this proposed score scale (grades 0-XII), non-surgery was the first option at grades 0-III. The crossover point between surgery and non-surgery recommendations lay between grades V and VI while surgical treatment was found in favor at grades VII-X. In conclusion, the proposed BSCM operating score is a clinician-friendly tool, which may help neurosurgeons decide on the treatment for patients with BSCMs.