Operator experience, the use of low frame rates during both fluoroscopy and DSA, and the application of modern medical equipment are crucial for ensuring optimal image quality while maintaining minimal exposure to ionising radiation during cerebral angiography. Our centre achieves this by using the lowest possible fluoroscopy frame rate (3.125 frames per second), a the operator set the nominal acquisition parameters at 2 fps for digital subtraction angiography (DSA), three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, two-dimensional /3D mapping, and roadmapping, without compromising the quality of the images obtained. A total of 213 diagnostic procedures for intracranial aneurysms, performed at a single medical centre between 2018 and 2024, were analyzed. Key exposure parameters were collected and analyzed for each procedure, including dose area product (DAP), air kerma (Ka,r), fluoroscopy time (FT), and the total number of DSA frames. The local diagnostic reference level (DRL) and typical values for cerebral angiography were determined and compared with data available in the relevant literature. The 75th percentile (P75) values, assumed to be the DRL, were 23.57 Gy · cm ² for DAP (literature range: 90–209), 153 mGy for Ka,r (literature range: 711.3–1401 mGy), 10 min and 46 s for FT, and 257 for the number of DSA frames during diagnostic procedures. Typical values (50th percentile [P50]) were 13.4 Gy · cm ² for DAP (literature range: 43.1–157), 92 mGy for Ka,r (literature range: 312–598 mGy), six minutes and 20 s for FT, and 182 for the number of DSA frames during diagnostic procedures. The P50 dose DRLs, measured via DAP, Ka,r, FT, and the number of DSA frames, were at least three times lower at our facility than those reported in studies on cerebral angiography published between 2013 and 2023. The use of low frame rates during both fluoroscopy and DSA has a significant impact on the radiation dose measured by DAP, Ka,r, FT, and the number of DSA frames. The proposed DRLs could be used to ensure quality and patient safety in diagnostic procedures.

Background/Objectives: Operator experience, the implementation of low frame rates during both fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and the use of modern angiographic systems are essential for maintaining diagnostic image quality while minimizing ionizing radiation exposure during stent-assisted endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. At the study center, a low-dose protocol is employed, using the lowest available fluoroscopy frame rate (3.125 frames per second) and a nominal acquisition rate of 2 frames per second for DSA, three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, 2D/3D mapping, and roadmapping. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 132 stent-assisted procedures conducted at a single tertiary center between 2018 and 2024. For each procedure, data were collected for dose-area product (DAP), reference air kerma (Ka,r), fluoroscopy time (FT), and the total number of DSA frames. Local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs; 75th percentile [P75]) and typical values (50th percentile [P50]) were established and compared with values reported in the literature. Results: For all patients the P75 values, representing DRLs, were 19.89 Gy·cm² for DAP, 332 mGy for Ka,r, 25 min 32 s for FT, and 354 DSA frames. The P50 values were 13.71 Gy·cm² for DAP, 219.5 mGy for Ka,r, 20 min 36 s for FT, and 277 DSA frames. Conclusions: In this single-center cohort, dose metrics for stent-assisted coil embolization were within the lower range of published values. Cross-study comparisons remain descriptive and require cautious interpretation. The proposed local DRLs may support quality assurance, dose optimization, and patient safety in similar clinical settings. Further multicenter and multi-operator studies are necessary to assess transferability and applicability beyond coil-only procedures. Limitations include the retrospective single-center design (single operator) and the lack of a contemporaneous control group and formal image-quality/outcome assessment.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition, particularly in the elderly, characterized by a complex pathophysiology involving inflammation, angiogenesis, and recurrent microhemorrhages rather than a purely mechanical process. Although surgical evacuation remains the standard treatment, recurrence rates remain considerable, prompting the search for alternative and adjunctive therapies. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, and management of CSDH, with particular emphasis on middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE). A comprehensive literature search of major medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and meta-analyses. Available evidence suggests that MMAE may reduce recurrence rates and the need for reoperation, particularly when used as an adjunct to surgery. However, results from RCTs remain mixed, and not all studies have demonstrated significant benefit on primary clinical endpoints. While MMAE has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach targeting the vascular supply of hematoma membranes, further high-quality studies are required to establish standardized indications, optimize procedural techniques, and clarify long-term outcomes and comparative effectiveness.

Background/Objectives: Optimizing routine neurointerventional workflow and minimizing exposure to ionizing radiation during coil-only endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms depend on operator experience, reduced frame rates during both fluoroscopy and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and the use of advanced angiographic systems. The low-dose protocol implemented in this study used the lowest available fluoroscopy frame rate (3.125 frames per second [fps]) and a nominal acquisition rate of 2 fps (actual = 2.45 fps) for DSA, three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography, two-dimensional (2D)/3D mapping, and roadmapping. Methods: This retrospective analysis encompassed 245 coil-only procedures performed at a single tertiary center from 2018 to 2024. Data collected for each procedure included dose-area product (DAP), reference air kerma (K_a,r), fluoroscopy time (FT), and the total number of DSA frames. Local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs; 75th percentile [P75]) and typical values (50th percentile [P50]) were determined and descriptively compared with values reported in the literature. Results: The P75 values, representing DRLs, were 22.4 Gy·cm² for DAP (literature range, 123–272.8 Gy·cm²), 268 mGy for K_a,r (1171–4240 mGy), 18 min 56 s for FT, and 285 DSA frames. The P50 values were 13.8 Gy·cm² for DAP (78.7–179.0 Gy·cm²), 196 mGy for K_a,r (801–2804 mGy), 13 min 25 s for FT, and 208 DSA frames. Conclusions: In this single-center cohort, dose metrics for coil-only intracranial aneurysm treatment were within the lower range of published values. Cross-study comparisons are descriptive and require cautious interpretation. The proposed local DRLs may support quality assurance, dose optimization, and patient safety in comparable clinical settings. Further multi-center and multi-operator studies are warranted to evaluate transferability and applicability beyond coil-only procedures.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is an increasingly common neurological disorder in older adults and may present with cognitive decline, gait instability, recurrent falls, and loss of independence rather than overt focal deficits. Because these symptoms overlap with dementia, delirium, parkinsonism, and frailty, diagnosis may be delayed despite the potential for meaningful recovery after treatment. This narrative review summarizes evidence on clinical recognition, treatment, early mobilization, rehabilitation, and patient-centered recovery in older adults with cSDH. A targeted search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science identified randomized trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines, and consensus statements available through July 2026. Surgical decompression may improve cognition and mobility, but the magnitude and durability of recovery vary. Premorbid cognitive and functional status, frailty, malnutrition, postoperative delirium, and complications are associated with outcomes, although causal effects are incompletely established. Postoperative drainage reduces recurrence; selected randomized trials suggest that middle meningeal artery embolization reduces recurrence or treatment failure, whereas evidence for independent cognitive and gait benefits remains limited. Early mobilization may reduce medical complications. Evidence specific to cSDH remains insufficient to prescribe a standardized exercise dose or progression. Multidimensional follow-up and prospective trials using cognitive, gait, quality-of-life, and participation outcomes are needed to determine whether successful hematoma treatment translates into restored independence and meaningful daily function.

Indications for Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Coil-Only Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Narrative Review - Article abstract #952805