2018 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting-632. Lumbar Puncture Feasibility in the Presence of Cerebral Mass Effect

632. Lumbar Puncture Feasibility in the Presence of Cerebral Mass Effect

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Video Summary

Dr. Jonathan Pace presents his paper on the feasibility of performing lumbar puncture in the presence of cerebral mass effect. Lumbar puncture has been a crucial diagnostic procedure for central nervous system infections and other pathologies, but its safety has been questioned due to reports of fatalities. The study examines the elastance and compliance of the system, finding that CSF pressure is independent of brain shift and lumbar puncture may not predispose to brain shift. A retrospective study of 1,000 patients with intracranial mass effect found that lumbar puncture was well-tolerated in select patients. While limitations exist, the study suggests the need for a prospective consortium to establish the safety of lumbar puncture.

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Jonathan Pace, MD

Keywords

lumbar puncture

cerebral mass effect

central nervous system infections

CSF pressure

intracranial mass effect