All Publications


  • Sacrectomy for sacral tumors: perioperative outcomes in a large-volume comprehensive cancer center SPINE JOURNAL Feghali, J., Pennington, Z., Hung, B., Hersh, A., Schilling, A., Ehresman, J., Srivastava, S., Cottrill, E., Lubelski, D., Lo, S., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 21 (11): 1908-1919

    Abstract

    Sacral tumors are incredibly rare lesions affecting fewer than one in every 10,000 persons. Reported perioperative morbidity rates range widely, varying from 30% to 70%, due to the relatively low volumes seen by most centers. Factors affecting perioperative outcome following sacrectomy remain ill-defined.To characterize perioperative outcomes of sacral tumor patients undergoing sacrectomy and identify independent risk factors of perioperative morbidity STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective cohort study at a single comprehensive cancer center PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutively treated sacral tumor patients (primary or metastatic) undergoing sacrectomy for oncologic resection between April 2013 and April 2020 OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative complications, hospital length of stay, non-home discharge, 30-day readmission, and 30-day reoperation METHODS: Details were gathered about tumor pathology and morphology, surgery performed, baseline medical comorbidities, preoperative lab data, and patient demographics. Stepwise multivariable regressions were conducted to identify independent risk factors of perioperative outcomes while evaluating predictive accuracy.57 sacral tumor patients were included (mean age 55.5±13.0 years; 60% female). The complication, non-home discharge, 30-day readmission, and 30-day reoperation rates were 39%, 56%, 16%, and 14%, respectively. Independent predictors of perioperative complications included ASA>2 (OR=10.7; 95%CI [1.3, 86.0]; p=0.026), radicular pain (OR=10.9; p=0.014), platelet count (OR=0.989 per 10³/μL; p=0.049), and instrumentation (OR=10.7; p=0.009). Independent predictors of length of stay included iliac vessel involvement (β=15.8; p=0.005), larger tumor volume (β=0.027 per cm³; p<0.001), a staged procedure (β=10.0; p=0.018), and S1 nerve root sacrifice (OR=15.8; p=.011). The optimal model predictive of non-home discharge included bilateral S3-S5 or higher nerve root sacrifice (OR=3.9; p=0.054), instrumentation (OR=8.6; p=0.005), and vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap closure (OR=5.3; p=0.067). 30-day readmission was independently predicted by history of chronic kidney disease (OR=26.7; p=0.021), radicular pain (OR=8.1; p=0.039), and preoperative saddle anesthesia (OR=12.6; p=0.026). All multivariable models achieved good discrimination (AUC>0.8 and R2>0.7).Clinical and operative factors were important predictors of complications and 30-day readmission, while tumor-related and operative factors accounted for most of the variability in length of stay and non-home discharge.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.05.004

    View details for Web of Science ID 000717957000017

    View details for PubMedID 34000375

  • A Web-Based Calculator for Predicting the Occurrence of Wound Complications, Wound Infection, and Unplanned Reoperation for Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Spinal Metastases WORLD NEUROSURGERY Hersh, A. M., Feghali, J., Hung, B., Pennington, Z., Schilling, A., Antar, A., Patel, J., Ehresman, J., Cottrill, E., Lubelski, D., Elsamadicy, A. A., Goodwin, C., Lo, S., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 155: E218-E228

    Abstract

    In the present study, we identified the risk factors for wound complications, wound infection, and reoperation for wound complications after spine metastasis surgery and deployed the resultant model as a web-based calculator.Patients treated at a single comprehensive cancer center during a 7-year period were included. The demographics, pathology, comorbidities, laboratory values, and operative details were collected. Factors with P < 0.15 on univariable regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression to generate predictive models internally validated using 1000 bootstrapped samples.Of the 330 patients included, 29 (7.6%) had experienced a surgical site infection. The independent predictive factors for wound-related complications were a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; odds ratio [OR], 1.41 per point; P < 0.01), Karnofsky performance scale score ≤70 (OR, 2.14; P = 0.04), lower platelet count (OR, 0.49 per 105/μL; P < 0.01), revision versus index surgery (OR, 3.10; P = 0.02), and increased incision length (OR, 1.21 per level; P = 0.02). Wound infection was associated with a higher CCI (OR, 1.60 per point; P < 0.01), a lower platelet count (OR, 0.35 per 105/μL; P < 0.01), revision surgery (OR, 4.63; P = 0.01), and a longer incision length (OR, 1.25 per level; P = 0.03). Unplanned reoperation for wound complications was predicted by a higher CCI (OR, 1.39 per point; P = 0.003), prior irradiation (OR, 2.52; P = 0.04), a lower platelet count (OR, 0.57 per 105/μL; P = 0.02), and revision surgery (OR, 3.34; P = 0.03), The optimism-corrected areas under the curve were 0.75, 0.81, and 0.72 for the wound complication, infection, and reoperation models, respectively.Low platelet counts, poorer health status, more invasive surgery, and revision surgery all independently predicted the risk of wound complications, including infection and unplanned reoperation for infection. Validation of the calculators in a prospective study is merited.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.041

    View details for Web of Science ID 000712803100045

    View details for PubMedID 34403800

  • Drivers of Readmission and Reoperation After Surgery for Vertebral Column Metastases WORLD NEUROSURGERY Patel, J., Pennington, Z., Hersh, A. M., Hung, B., Schilling, A., Antar, A., Elsamadicy, A. A., Ramos, R., Lubelski, D., Lo, S., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 154: E806-E814

    Abstract

    To determine those clinical, demographic, and operative factors that predict 30-day unplanned reoperation and readmission within a population of adults who underwent spinal metastasis surgery at a comprehensive cancer center.Adults who underwent spinal metastasis surgery at a comprehensive cancer center were analyzed. Data included baseline laboratory values, cancer history, demographics, operative characteristics and medical comorbidities. Medical comorbidities were quantified using the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Values associated with the outcomes of interest were then subjected to multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictors of readmission and reoperation.A total of 345 cases were identified. Mean age was 59.4 ± 11.7 years, 56% were male, and the racial makeup was 64% white, 29% black, and 7.3% other. Forty-two patients (12.2%) had unplanned readmissions, most commonly for wound infection with dehiscence (14.2%), venous thromboembolism (14.2%), and bowel obstruction/complication (11.9%). Thirteen patients required reoperation (4%), most commonly for wound infection with dehiscence (39%) or local recurrence (23%). Multivariable analysis showed that the modified CCI (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.52; P = 0.03) was an independent predictor of 30-day readmission. Independent predictors of 30-day unplanned reoperation were: black (vs. white) race (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.41; P < 0.01), length of stay (OR, 1.05 per day; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09; P = 0.04), and CCI (OR, 1.72 per point; 95% CI, 1.29-2.28; P < 0.01).Increasing medical comorbidities is independently predictive of both 30-day unplanned readmission and reoperation after spinal metastasis surgery. Unplanned reoperation is also positively predicted by a longer index admission. Neither tumor pathology nor age predicted outcome, suggesting that poor wound-healing factors and increased surgical morbidity may best predict these adverse outcomes.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.08.015

    View details for Web of Science ID 000705004300038

    View details for PubMedID 34389529

  • Impact of Multidisciplinary Intraoperative Teams on Thirty-Day Complications After Sacral Tumor Resection WORLD NEUROSURGERY Schilling, A., Pennington, Z., Ehresman, J., Hersh, A., Srivastava, S., Hung, B., Botros, D., Cottrill, E., Lubelski, D., Goodwin, C., Lo, S., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 152: E558-E566

    Abstract

    To evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary intraoperative teams on surgical complications in patients undergoing sacral tumor resection.We reviewed all patients with primary or metastatic sacral tumors managed at a single comprehensive cancer center over a 7-year period. Perioperative complication rates were compared between those treated by an unassisted spinal oncologist and those treated with the assistance of at least 1 other surgical specialty. Statistical analysis involved univariable and stepwise multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of multidisciplinary management and 30-day complications.A total of 107 patients underwent 132 operations for sacral tumors; 92 operations involved multidisciplinary teams, including 54% of metastatic tumor operations and 74% of primary tumor operations. Patients receiving multidisciplinary management had higher body mass indexes (29.8 vs. 26.3 kg/m2; P = 0.008), larger tumors (258 vs. 55 cm³; P < 0.001), and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (3 vs. 2; P = 0.049). Only larger tumor volume (odds ratio [OR], 1.007 per cm³; P < 0.001) and undergoing treatment for a malignant primary versus a metastatic tumor (OR, 23.4; P < 0.001) or benign primary tumor (OR, 29.3; P < 0.001) were predictive of multidisciplinary management. Although operations involving multidisciplinary teams were longer (467 vs. 231 minutes; P < 0.001) and had higher blood loss (1698 vs. 774 mL; P = 0.004), 30-day complication rates were similar (37 vs. 27%; P = 0.39). On multivariable analysis, only larger tumor volume (OR, 1.004 per cm³; P = 0.005) and longer surgical duration (OR, 1.002 per minute; P = 0.03) independently predicted higher 30-day complications.Although patients managed with multidisciplinary teams had larger tumors and worse baseline health, 30-day complications were similar. This finding suggests that the use of multidisciplinary teams may help to mitigate surgical morbidity in those with high baseline risk.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.06.040

    View details for Web of Science ID 000679917700001

    View details for PubMedID 34144170

  • Plastic surgery wound closure following resection of spinal metastases CLINICAL NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY Hersh, A. M., Pennington, Z., Schilling, A. T., Porras, J., Hung, B., Antar, A., Patel, J., Lubelski, D., Feghali, J., Goodwin, C., Lo, S., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 207: 106800

    Abstract

    Surgical site infection and dehiscence are devastating complications of surgery for spinal metastases. Wound closure involving plastic surgeons has been proposed as a strategy to lower post-operative complications. Here we investigated whether plastic surgery closure is associated with lower rates of wound complications, wound infection, and wound reoperation compared to simple closure by spine surgeons.Patients surgically treated for metastatic tumors at a single comprehensive cancer center between April 2013-2020 were retrospectively identified. Primary pathology, demographic information, clinical characteristics, pre-operative laboratory values, tumor location, operative characteristics, and post-operative outcomes were collected. Univariable analyses used student t-tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Multivariable regressions were performed to control for confounders.We included 317 patients, of which 56 underwent closure by plastic surgeons and 291 by neurosurgeons. Patients in the plastic surgery cohort were more likely to have received prior radiation to the surgical site, more often on long-term corticosteroid therapy, and more likely to have sacrococcygeal tumors. Operations involving plastic surgeons were more likely to be revision surgeries, corpectomies, and to involve a staged approach. Additionally, patients in the plastic surgery cohort had longer incision lengths, longer surgeries, greater intraoperative blood loss (IOBL), were more likely to receive transfusions, and had longer hospitalizations. Local paraspinous advancement flaps were the most common complex wound closure technique. Plastic surgery closure was not significantly associated with a difference in rates of post-operative wound complications, wound infection, or wound-related reoperations compared to simple wound closure.We identified that patients undergoing plastic surgery wound closure had worse baseline risk, longer surgeries, greater IOBL, and longer hospitalizations compared to patients receiving simple closure. Despite their increased risk, complex wound closure did not significantly alter the rates of post-operative wound complications, wound infection, or wound-related reoperations. Consideration may be given to plastic surgery closure in patients at high risk of wound complications or with extensive wound defects.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clineuro.2021.106800

    View details for Web of Science ID 000684126700017

    View details for PubMedID 34280676

  • Radiotherapy and Surgical Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Spine Tumors: A Narrative Review WORLD NEUROSURGERY Porras, J. L., Pennington, Z., Hung, B., Hersh, A., Schilling, A., Goodwin, C., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 151: 147-154

    Abstract

    Spine tumors encompass a wide range of diseases with a commensurately broad spectrum of available treatments, ranging from radiation for spinal metastases to highly invasive en bloc resection for primary vertebral column malignancies. This high variability in treatment approaches stems both from variability in the goals of surgery (e.g., oncologic cure vs. symptom palliation) and from the significant advancements in surgical technologies that have been made over the past 2 decades. Among these advancements are improvements in surgical technique, namely minimally invasive approaches, increased availability of focused radiation modalities (e.g., proton therapy and linear accelerator devices), and new surgical technologies, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone rods. In addition, several groups have described nonsurgical interventions, such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for spinal instability secondary to pathologic fracture, and lesion ablation with spinal laser interstitial thermoablation, radiofrequency ablation, or cryoablation. We provide an overview of the latest technological advancements in spinal oncology and their potential usefulness for modern spinal oncologists.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.05.032

    View details for Web of Science ID 000669899000038

    View details for PubMedID 34023467

  • Utility of prediction model score: a proposed tool to standardize the performance and generalizability of clinical predictive models based on systematic review JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE Ehresman, J., Lubelski, D., Pennington, Z., Hung, B., Ahmed, A., Azad, T. D., Lehner, K., Feghali, J., Buser, Z., Harrop, J., Wilson, J., Kurpad, S., Ghogawala, Z., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 34 (5): 779-787

    Abstract

    The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and performance of current prediction models in the fields of spine metastasis and degenerative spine disease to create a scoring system that allows direct comparison of the prediction models.A systematic search of PubMed and Embase was performed to identify relevant studies that included either the proposal of a prediction model or an external validation of a previously proposed prediction model with 1-year outcomes. Characteristics of the original study and discriminative performance of external validations were then assigned points based on thresholds from the overall cohort.Nine prediction models were included in the spine metastasis category, while 6 prediction models were included in the degenerative spine category. After assigning the proposed utility of prediction model score to the spine metastasis prediction models, only 1 reached the grade of excellent, while 2 were graded as good, 3 as fair, and 3 as poor. Of the 6 included degenerative spine models, 1 reached the excellent grade, while 3 studies were graded as good, 1 as fair, and 1 as poor.As interest in utilizing predictive analytics in spine surgery increases, there is a concomitant increase in the number of published prediction models that differ in methodology and performance. Prior to applying these models to patient care, these models must be evaluated. To begin addressing this issue, the authors proposed a grading system that compares these models based on various metrics related to their original design as well as internal and external validation. Ultimately, this may hopefully aid clinicians in determining the relative validity and usability of a given model.

    View details for DOI 10.3171/2020.8.SPINE20963

    View details for Web of Science ID 000646724600011

    View details for PubMedID 33636704

  • Neuroblastoma of the Lumbar Spine WORLD NEUROSURGERY Hung, B., Pennington, Z., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 151: 2-4

    Abstract

    Neuroblastoma is a primitive small-round-blue-cell tumor predominately found in pediatric patients. Few cases of neuroblastoma involving the adult spine have been reported. Herein we present the case of a healthy 34-year-old man treated for a large neuroblastoma involving the L3-5 vertebral bodies and prevertebral great vessels. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy led to significant cytoreduction, enabling en bloc resection of the initially unresectable tumor. Adjuvant differentiating therapy was employed, and curative radiation therapy was used to address the first instance of locoregional recurrence. The patient remains alive with stable disease more than 2 years after his initial diagnosis.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.03.137

    View details for Web of Science ID 000669899000003

    View details for PubMedID 33819706

  • Predicting nonroutine discharge in patients undergoing surgery for vertebral column tumors JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE Ehresman, J., Pennington, Z., Feghali, J., Schilling, A., Hersh, A., Hung, B., Lubelski, D., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 34 (3): 364-373

    Abstract

    More than 8000 patients are treated annually for vertebral column tumors, of whom roughly two-thirds will be discharged to an inpatient facility (nonroutine discharge). Nonroutine discharge is associated with increased care costs as well as delays in discharge and poorer patient outcomes. In this study, the authors sought to develop a prediction model of nonroutine discharge in the population of vertebral column tumor patients.Patients treated for primary or metastatic vertebral column tumors at a single comprehensive cancer center were identified for inclusion. Data were gathered regarding surgical procedure, patient demographics, insurance status, and medical comorbidities. Frailty was assessed using the modified 5-item Frailty Index (mFI-5) and medical complexity was assessed using the modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of nonroutine discharge, and multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS). The discharge model was internally validated using 1000 bootstrapped samples.The authors identified 350 patients (mean age 57.0 ± 13.6 years, 53.1% male, and 67.1% treated for metastatic vs primary disease). Significant predictors of prolonged LOS included higher mCCI score (β = 0.74; p = 0.026), higher serum absolute neutrophil count (β = 0.35; p = 0.001), lower hematocrit (β = -0.34; p = 0.001), use of a staged operation (β = 4.99; p < 0.001), occurrence of postoperative pulmonary embolism (β = 3.93; p = 0.004), and surgical site infection (β = 9.93; p < 0.001). Significant predictors of nonroutine discharge included emergency admission (OR 3.09; p = 0.001), higher mFI-5 score (OR 1.90; p = 0.001), lower serum albumin level (OR 0.43 per g/dL; p < 0.001), and operations with multiple stages (OR 4.10; p < 0.001). The resulting statistical model was deployed as a web-based calculator (https://jhuspine4.shinyapps.io/Nonroutine_Discharge_Tumor/).The authors found that nonroutine discharge of patients with surgically treated vertebral column tumors was predicted by emergency admission, increased frailty, lower serum albumin level, and staged surgical procedures. The resulting web-based calculator tool may be useful clinically to aid in discharge planning for spinal oncology patients by preoperatively identifying patients likely to require placement in an inpatient facility postoperatively.

    View details for DOI 10.3171/2020.6.SPINE201024

    View details for Web of Science ID 000624562000002

    View details for PubMedID 33254138

  • A clinical calculator for predicting intraoperative blood loss and transfusion risk in spine tumor patients SPINE JOURNAL Pennington, Z., Ehresman, J., Feghali, J., Schilling, A., Hersh, A., Hung, B., Lubelski, D., Sciubba, D. M. 2021; 21 (2): 302-311

    Abstract

    Surgery for vertebral column tumors is commonly associated with intraoperative blood loss (IOBL) exceeding 2 liters and the need for transfusion of allogeneic blood products. Transfusion of allogeneic blood, while necessary, is not benign, and has been associated with increased rates of wound complication, venous thromboembolism, delirium, and death.To develop a prediction tool capable of predicting IOBL and risk of requiring allogeneic transfusion in patients undergoing surgery for vertebral column tumors.Retrospective, single-center study.Consecutive series of 274 patients undergoing 350 unique operations for primary or metastatic spinal column tumors over a 46-month period at a comprehensive cancer center OUTCOME MEASURES: IOBL (in mL), use of intraoperative blood products, and intraoperative blood products transfused.We identified IOBL and transfusions, along with demographic data, preoperative laboratory data, and surgical procedures performed. Independent predictors of IOBL and transfusion risk were identified using multivariable regression.Mean age at surgery was 57.0±13.6 years, 53.1% were male, and 67.1% were treated for metastatic lesions. Independent predictors of IOBL included en bloc resection (p<.001), surgical invasiveness (β=25.43 per point; p<0.001), and preoperative albumin (β=-244.86 per g/dL; p=0.011). Predictors of transfusion risk included preoperative hematocrit (odds ratio [OR]=0.88 per %; 95% confidence interval [CI, 0.84, 0.93]; p<0.001), preoperative MCHgb (OR=0.88 per pg; 95% CI [0.78, 1.00]; p=0.048), preoperative red cell distribution width (OR=1.32 per %; 95% CI [1.13, 1.55]; p<0.001), en bloc resection (OR=3.17; 95%CI [1.33, 7.54]; p=0.009), and surgical invasiveness (OR=1.08 per point; [1.06; 1.11]; p<0.001). The transfusion model showed a good fit of the data with an optimism-corrected area under the curve of 0.819. A freely available, web-based calculator was developed for the transfusion risk model (https://jhuspine3.shinyapps.io/TRUST/).Here we present the first clinical calculator for intraoperative blood loss and transfusion risk in patients being treated for primary or metastatic vertebral column tumors. Surgical invasiveness and preoperative microcytic anemia most strongly predict transfusion risk. The resultant calculators may prove clinically useful for surgeons counseling patients about their individual risk of requiring allogeneic transfusion.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.09.011

    View details for Web of Science ID 000618686300013

    View details for PubMedID 33007469

  • Complications and Patient-reported Outcomes after TRAM and DIEP Flaps: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN He, W. Y., El Eter, L., Yesantharao, P., Hung, B., Owens, H., Persing, S., Sacks, J. M. 2020; 8 (10): e3120

    Abstract

    Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps are the most common abdominally based breast reconstruction procedures. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages; however, how morbidity relates to satisfaction is not well-understood. Our aim was to compare complications and patient-reported outcomes following pedicled TRAM (pTRAM), free TRAM (fTRAM), and DIEP flaps to guide flap selection.A systematic literature search was conducted, and 2 independent reviewers identified comparative studies of abdominally based flaps. Data were extracted on patient characteristics, complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects modeling with the DerSimonian and Laird method.The search retrieved 5090 articles, of which 18 were included in this review. pTRAM flaps trended toward a higher risk of abdominal bulge/hernia compared with DIEP flaps, particularly in low-volume hospitals. While fTRAM flaps had a higher risk of abdominal morbidity compared with DIEP flaps, relative risk decreased when obese patients were excluded and when only muscle-sparing fTRAM flaps were compared. Muscle-sparing flaps had a higher risk of flap loss than fTRAM flaps. Compared with DIEP flaps, pTRAM flaps were associated with lower general satisfaction but comparable emotional well-being.Our findings indicate that safety and satisfaction following abdominally based breast reconstruction depend on flap type and patient characteristics. When possible, DIEP or muscle-sparing fTRAM flaps should be performed for obese patients to decrease the risk of abdominal bulge/hernia. Although pTRAM flaps are associated with a greater risk of flap loss, they are still an appropriate option when microsurgery is not available.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003120

    View details for Web of Science ID 000587557300013

    View details for PubMedID 33173667

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7647662

  • Dynamics of Contrast Decrement and Increment Responses in Human Visual Cortex. Translational vision science & technology Norcia, A. M., Yakovleva, A., Hung, B., Goldberg, J. L. 2020; 9 (10): 6

    Abstract

    Purpose: The goal of the present experiments was to determine whether electrophysiologic response properties of the ON and OFF visual pathways observed in animal experimental models can be observed in humans.Methods: Steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) were recorded in response to equivalent magnitude contrast increments and decrements presented within a probe-on-pedestal Westheimer sensitization paradigm. The probes were modulated with sawtooth temporal waveforms at a temporal frequency of 3 or 2.73 Hz. SSVEP response waveforms and response spectra for incremental and decremental stimuli were analyzed as a function of stimulus size and visual field location in 67 healthy adult participants.Results: SSVEPs recorded at the scalp differ between contrast decrements and increments of equal Weber contrast: SSVEP responses were larger in amplitude and shorter in latency for contrast decrements than for contrast increments. Both increment and decrement responses were larger for displays that were scaled for cortical magnification.Conclusions: In a fashion that parallels results from the early visual system of cats and monkeys, two key properties of ON versus OFF pathways found in single-unit recordings are recapitulated at the population level of activity that can be observed with scalp electrodes, allowing differential assessment of ON and OFF pathway activity in human.Translational Relevance: As data from preclinical models of visual pathway dysfunction point to differential damage to subtypes of retinal ganglion cells, this approach may be useful in future work on disease detection and treatment monitoring.

    View details for DOI 10.1167/tvst.9.10.6

    View details for PubMedID 32953246

  • Dynamics of human ON and OFF Visual Pathways Goldberg, J. L., Yakovleva, A., Hung, B., Norcia, A. ASSOC RESEARCH VISION OPHTHALMOLOGY INC. 2018