2024 AANS Neurosurgical Topics for APPs - On-Demand-Case Discussion

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session invited participants to ask questions related to previous talks, stimulating discussion through case studies. A detailed example involved a 40-year-old with a headache and cerebral aneurysm history, analyzed through imaging by a neuroradiologist, highlighting differential diagnoses such as pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma using the SACHMO mnemonic. The panel underscored careful diagnosis to avoid unnecessary procedures. Questions revolved around screening recommendations for patients with familial risk factors, drawing attention to insurance limitations and incidental findings. The importance of distinguishing trauma from underlying causes and the potential utility of dual-energy CT scans to differentiate between hemorrhage and contrast staining were also explored. Discussion included monitoring strategies for stable lesions, advising five-year monitoring for benign entities, and lifelong attention for low-grade gliomas. The experts emphasized patient comfort in monitoring decisions, illustrating a balanced approach to preventive diagnostics and patient management.

Keywords

cerebral aneurysm

differential diagnoses

familial risk factors

dual-energy CT scans

preventive diagnostics

patient management