Evaluation of progesterone receptor expression in low- and high-grade astrocytomas

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Gliomas are tumors originating from glial cells. Gliomas are the most common primary neoplasms of the central nervous system, with astrocytomas being the most prevalent glioma subtype. Progesterone regulates several reproductive processes, such as ovulation and sexual behavior, and influences neuronal excitability, learning, and the neoplastic proliferation of glial cells. Progesterone functions mainly by interacting with intracellular progesterone receptors to modify the expression of the genes involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and epidermal growth factor production. As not many studies on the hormone receptors in glial tumors have been reported, the objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of these proteins in astrocytomas and to determine whether their expression levels vary according to the tumor grade. METHODS: This was a retrospective study using glial tumor paraffin blocks obtained from the São Marcos Hospital Pathology Department archives. Forty cases were divided equally into two groups, based on histological types and the World Health Organization criteria (low- and high-grade tumors). Progesterone receptor expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient; results with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the mean nuclear progesterone receptor expression of low-grade (0.1495) and high-grade (0.0937) astrocytomas (p=0.2). CONCLUSION: Progesterone receptors are present in both low- and high-grade gliomas; however, there is no significant difference in the levels of progesterone receptor expression between the tumor grades.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 gene polymorphism and breast cancer risk in women from the Northeastern region of Brazil

OBJECTIVES: In the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) rs1136201 variant, the presence of the G allele may promote cellular alterations and increase breast cancer risk, in addition to enhanced cellular proliferation, tumor aggressiveness, and metastases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant, rs1136201, within the HER2 gene in women from the Northeastern region of Brazil and breast cancer risk. METHODS: The study included 140 women who were divided into two groups, case (breast cancer) and control (without breast cancer), with 70 women in each group. Peripheral blood of each woman was drawn for the study of genomic Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from leukocytes using the genotyping technique by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The GG genotype occurred in 1 woman in both groups (1.4%) (p=0.32), while the AG genotype occurred in 19 (27.2%) and 13 (18.6%) women in the case and control (p=1.00) groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference in GG and AG genotypes was observed between the case and control groups in premenopausal women (p=1.00). Furthermore, no significant difference in genotypes was observed between the groups, among postmenopausal women (p=0.14). CONCLUSION: In this study, the HER2 rs1136201 polymorphism did not show any statistically significant association with breast cancer, both in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Nevertheless, further studies with a larger sample size should be performed to assess the association of HER2 polymorphism with breast cancer risk in women from the Northeastern region of Brazil.

Basilar invagination associated with chiari malformation type I: A literature review

Basilar invagination (BI) and Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) are very important anomalies that introduce instability and compression in the occipitocervical transition region and have complex clinical characteristics. These anomalies vary according to the affected structures. The present study revises current knowledge regarding the anatomy, anatomo-physiology, clinical manifestations, and radiological findings of these entities and the associated surgical treatment approaches. A bibliographic survey was performed through a search in the Medline, PubMed, SciELO, Science and LILACS databases. When associated, these craniovertebral malformations result in neurological deficits due to neural parenchyma compression; however, the presence of microtraumas due to repetitive lesions caused by the bulb and cervical marrow instability has been highlighted as a determinant dysfunction. Surgical treatment is controversial and has many technical variations. Surgery is also challenging due to the complex anatomical characteristics and biomechanics of this region. Nevertheless, advances have been achieved in our understanding of related mechanisms, and compression and atlantoaxial instability are considered key elements when selecting the surgical approach.

Evaluation of estrogen receptor expression in low-grade and high-grade astrocytomas

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare estrogen receptor expression between low and high-grade astrocytomas. METHOD: A study using paraffin blocks of glial tumors from the Anatomy Pathology archives of São Marcos Hospital was carried out and began after approval by the Review Board of the Federal University of Piaui. Specimens were histochemically marked with an anti-ER alpha antibody. Brown-stained nuclei were considered positive, regardless of reaction intensity. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean percentage of nuclei stained with anti-ER alpha in low-and high-grade astrocytomas was 0.04 and zero, respectively, while Spearman's correlation showed a strong negative association between low and high-grade tumors (p<0.001) and (r= −0.67), respectively. CONCLUSION: In the current study, estrogen receptor expression was positive only in low-grade astrocytomas and nil in high-grade astrocytomas, showing that ER expression declines with the grade of tumor malignancy.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar a expressão do receptor de estrogênio entre astrocitomas de baixo e alto grau. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo usando blocos de parafina de tumores gliais dos arquivos de Anatomia Patológica do Hospital São Marcos e iniciado após aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Os espécimes foram marcados histoquimicamente com anticorpo anti-ER alpha. Os núcleos corados em marrom foram considerados positivos, independentemente da intensidade da reação. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando o teste de Mann-Whitney e a correlação de Spearman. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A porcentagem média de núcleos corados com anti-ER alfa em astrocitomas de baixo e alto grau foi de 0,04 e zero, respectivamente, enquanto a correlação de Spearman mostrou uma forte correlação negativa entre tumores de baixa e alta qualidade (p<0,001) e (r=-0,67), respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: No presente estudo, a expressão do receptor de estrogênio foi positiva apenas em astrocitomas de baixo grau e nula em astrocitomas de alto grau, mostrando que a expressão de ER diminui com o grau de malignidade tumoral.

Embryonic Tumor with Abundant Neuroepithelium and True Rosettes (ETANTR): Case Report and Literature Review

The embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) is an extremely rare variant of the primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). About 80 cases have been reported since its first description in the literature, in 2000. The ETANTR occurs in very young patients, especially children under 6 years of age. It is found mainly in the cerebral cortex. Headache, focal neurological signs, seizures, increased head circumference and psychomotor developmental delay are the most frequent symptoms of ETANTR. Histologically, it displays the features of an ependymoblastoma and a neuroblastoma, showing areas of neuroepithelium fibrillar rosettes with ependymoblastic zones and interposed undifferentiated neuroepithelial cells. The ETANTR is distinguishable from other embryonal tumors due to the abundance of neuroepithelium. Genetic studies have demonstrated the presence of polysomy of chromosome 2 and chromosome 19q13.42 amplification. This is an extremely aggressive tumor with a mean survival ranging from 9 to 48 months. We present the first report in Brazil, published in indexed literature, of an ETANTR case involving a young child.

O tumor embrionário com neurópilo abundante e rosetas verdadeiras (TENARV) é uma variante muito rara do tumor neuroectodérmico primitivo (TNEP), com cerca de 80 casos publicados desde a sua primeira descrição na literatura, em 2000. O TENARV ocorre em pacientes muito jovens, especialmente crianças abaixo de 6 anos de idade, atingindo principalmente o córtex cerebral. Cefaleia, sinais focais, crise convulsiva, aumento do perímetro cefálico e atraso do desenvolvimento psicomotor são os sintomas mais frequentes da TENARV. Histologicamente, este tipo de tumor apresenta as características combinadas de um ependimoblastoma e um neuroblastoma, demonstrando áreas de neuroepitélio fibrilar com rosetas ependimoblásticas de permeio e zonas de células neuroepiteliais indiferenciadas. O TENARV é distinguível de outros tumores embrionários pela abundância de neuroepitélio. Estudos genéticos demonstram a presença de polissomia do cromossomo 2 e amplificação do cromossomo 19q13.42. Trata-se de um tumor extremamente agressivo, com sobrevida média entre 9 e 48 meses. Apresentamos o primeiro relato brasileiro, publicado em literatura indexada, de um caso de TENARV acometendo uma criança jovem.

Use of anastrozole in the chemoprevention and treatment of breast cancer: A literature review / Uso do anastrozol na quimioprevenção e no tratamento do câncer de mama: uma revisão da literatura

Summary Aromatase inhibitors have emerged as an alternative endocrine therapy for the treatment of hormone sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The use of third-generation inhibitors represented by exemestane, letrozol and anastrozole is currently indicated. Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal compound and a potent selective inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme. Although a few studies have shown that its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties may be affected by interindividual variability, this drug has been recently used in all configurations of breast cancer treatment. In metastatic disease, it is currently considered the first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors. Anastrozole has shown promising results in the adjuvant treatment of early-stage breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It has also achieved interesting results in the chemoprevention of the disease. Therefore, due to the importance of anastrozole both for endocrine treatment and chemoprevention of hormone-sensitive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, we proposed the current literature review in the SciELO and PubMed database of articles published in the last 10 years.

Resumo Os inibidores de aromatase têm emergido como uma endocrinoterapia alternativa para o tratamento de câncer de mama sensível a hormônios em mulheres pós-menopáusicas. A utilização de inibidores de terceira geração, representados por exemestano, letrozol e anastrozol, é atualmente indicada. Anastrozol é um composto não esteroide e um inibidor potente e seletivo da enzima aromatase. Embora alguns estudos tenham demonstrado que as suas propriedades farmacodinâmicas e farmacocinéticas podem ser afetadas pela variabilidade interindividual, esse fármaco tem sido recentemente utilizado em todas as configurações de tratamento do câncer de mama. Na doença metastática, é atualmente considerado o tratamento de primeira linha em mulheres pós-menopáusicas com tumores de mama e receptor de estrogênio positivo. O anastrozol tem mostrado resultados promissores no tratamento adjuvante do câncer de mama em estágio inicial em mulheres na pós-menopausa. Ele também conseguiu resultados interessantes na quimioprevenção da doença. Portanto, em virtude da importância do anastrozol tanto no tratamento endócrino quanto na quimioprevenção do câncer de mama hormoniossensível em mulheres na pós-menopausa, propusemos a atual revisão da literatura na base de dados SciELO e PubMed de artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos.

Expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas: a literature review

Gliomas are the most common type of primary central nervous system neoplasm. Astrocytomas are the most prevalent type of glioma and these tumors may be influenced by sex steroid hormones. A literature review for the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas was conducted in the PubMed database using the following MeSH terms: “estrogen receptor beta” OR “estrogen receptor alpha” OR “estrogen receptor antagonists” OR “progesterone receptors” OR “astrocytoma” OR “glioma” OR “glioblastoma”. Among the 111 articles identified, 13 studies met our inclusion criteria. The majority of reports showed the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in astrocytomas. Overall, higher tumor grades were associated with decreased estrogen receptor expression and increased progesterone receptor expression.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com fratura da coluna cervical tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brasil) / Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Cervical Spine Fractures Treated Surgically in the Neurosurgery Service at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brazil)

Introdução As fraturas cervicais correspondem a um grande espectro de lesões. Em alguns trabalhos a coluna cervical é o segmento mais acometido nas fraturas vertebrais, representando cerca de 45-60% de todos os casos. Apresentamos o perfil epidemiológico de 48 pacientes com fratura traumática da coluna cervical tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Métodos Trata-se de um trabalho retrospectivo, baseado na revisão de prontuários médicos, de pacientes com fratura da coluna cervical operados no período de julho de 2007 a julho de 2012. Resultados Predomínio do sexo masculino (89,5%); a faixa etária mais comum é de 20-40 anos (50%); idade média do sexo masculino é de 36,6 anos e do feminino, 19,8 anos (teste t: p » 0,04); vértebra mais fraturada: C5 (53,3%); 54,1% dos indivíduos apresentam algum déficit neurológico; fratura do tipo B é mais comum na coluna cervical (62,2%); mecanismos do trauma: acidente automobilístico (41,6%), queda de altura (20,8%), acidente motociclístico (12,5%), outros (25,1%); déficit neurológico da cervical alta (zero) e subaxial de 57,7% (p » 0,052); déficit neurológico masculino de 53,4% e feminino de 60% (p > 0,05); déficit neurológico do tipo A de 71,4%, do tipo B de 55,5%, e do tipo C de 54,5% (p > 0,05). Conclusão A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e da faixa etária entre 20 e 40 anos de idade, sendo as mulheres mais jovens que os homens. Cerca de 54,1% dos pacientes apresentavam déficit neurológico à admissão hospitalar e tinham C5 como principal vértebra fraturada. A fratura tipo distração (tipo B da AO) foi a mais encontrada. O principal mecanismo do trauma foram os acidentes de trânsito seguido pelas quedas de altura.

Introduction The cervical fractures represent a wide spectrum of injuries. In some works, the cervical spine is the segment most affected vertebral fractures, representing 45­60% of all cases.We present the epidemiological profile of forty-eight patients with traumatic cervical spine fracture surgically treated in the neurosurgery service at the Hospital of the Federal District. Methods This was a retrospective study, based on a review of medical records of patients with cervical spine fracture surgery from July 2007 to July 2012. Results Predominance of males (89.5%), the most common age group is 20­40 years (50%), mean age: males (36.6 years) and females (19.8 years) (t-test p » 0.04); fractured vertebra: C5 (53.3%), 54.1% of subjects have a neurological deficit, fracture type B is more common in the cervical spine (62.2%), mechanism of injury: motor vehicle accidents (41.6%), fall (20.8%), motorcycle (12.5%), other (25.1%), neurological deficit: high cervical 0 cases, subaxial 57.7% (p » 0.052); neurological deficit: male 53.4%, female 60% (p> 0.05); neurological deficit: 71.4% Type A, Type B 55.5% 54.5% Type C (p> 0.05). Conclusion Most patients were male and the age group between 20­40 years of age, with younger women than men. Approximately 54.1% of the patients had neurologic deficit on admission and had as main fractured vertebra C5. The distraction fractures (AO Type B) was found most frequently. The main mechanism of injury were traffic accidents followed by falls from height.

Analysis of the Ki-67 index in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats treated with tamoxifen

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal atrophy and breast cancer are common conditions in postmenopausal women and tamoxifen is the standard endocrine treatment for hormone-sensitive tumors. The present study aimed to assess the effect of tamoxifen on Ki-67 protein expression in the vaginal epithelium of castrated rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Wistar-Hannover adult, virgin, castrated rats were randomly divided into two groups, group I (control, n=20) and group II (tamoxifen, n=20), receiving 0.5 ml of propylene glycol and 250 µg of tamoxifen diluted in 0.5 ml of propylene glycol, respectively, daily by gavage for 30 days. On the 31st day, the rats were euthanized and their vaginas were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 protein expression. Data were analyzed by the Levene and Student’s t tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean index of Ki-67 expression in the rat vagina of groups I and II was 4.04±0.96 and 26.86±2.19, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, tamoxifen, at the dose and treatment length used, induced a significant increase in the cell proliferation of the vaginal mucosa in castrated rats, as evaluated by Ki-67 protein expression.

Lipomatose epidural idiopática familiar: relato de três casos e revisão da literatura / Familiar Idiopathic Spinal Epidural Lipomatosis: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Lipomatose epidural é a doença causada pelo aumento da quantidade de gordura no espaço epidural da coluna vertebral, levando à compressão medular ou radicular. A medula toracolombar é a mais comumente envolvida. É geralmente encontrada em homens. As principais causas são a obesidade, altos níveis de corticoides exógenos ou endógenos e hipotireoidismo. A forma idiopática é rara, correspondendo a 17% dos casos. Manifesta-se como mielopatia compressiva ou das raízes da cauda equina. A ressonância magnética é o exame de escolha; sugere-se o diagnóstico quando a espessura da camada de gordura epidural ultrapassa 6 mm. Nós adotamos neste caso a laminectomia com ressecção da gordura epidural, citada como uma das possíveis formas de tratamento. A maioria dos trabalhos demonstramelhora gradual, acentuada ou completa, do déficit neurológico nos primeiros 2 anos após a cirurgia.

Epidural lipomatosis is a disease caused by increased fat content in the epidural space of the spine, leading to root or spinal cord compression. The thoracolumbar spinal cord is themost commonly involved. It is usually found in men. Themain causes are obesity, high levels of exogenous or endogenous steroids and hypothyroidism. The idiopathic form is rare, accounting for 17% of cases. It manifests as compressive myelopathy or radiculopathy. MRI is the test of choice, suggests the diagnosis when the thickness of the epidural fat exceeds 6mm. We adopt in this case laminectomy with fat resection, cited as one of the possible forms of treatment. Most studies show a gradual improvement, marked or complete neurological recovery in the first two years after surgery.

Cisto neuroentérico espinhal: relato de um caso e revisão da literatura / Spinal Neuroenteric Cyst: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Cistos neuroentéricos espinhais são anomalias do desenvolvimento, mais comumente encontrados no mediastino posterior e raramente presentes no sistema nervoso central. Geralmente localizados na coluna cervicotorácica. Principalmente encontrados em pacientes jovens e com predomínio no sexo masculino (2:1). Várias hipóteses têmsido sugeridas para explicar a embriogênese dos cistos neuroentéricos, entre elas a mais aceita seria uma incompleta separação entre o ectoderma e o endoderma. Manifesta-se principalmente como dorsalgia e déficit neurológico progressivo. Alguns pacientes apresentam surtos de dor e déficits transitórios. A ressecção completa da lesão, com esvaziamento do cisto e remoção do envoltório, é o tratamento de eleição. As principais complicações pósoperatórias são a recidiva da lesão, aracnoidite e piora do déficit neurológico.

Developmental abnormalities aremore commonly found in the posterior mediastinum and rarely present in the central nervous system. Usually located in the cervical and thoracic spine. Mainly found in young patients with predominance in males (2:1). Several hypotheses have been suggested to explain the embryogenesis of neuroentéricos cysts, including the most accepted would be an incomplete separation between the ectoderm and endoderm. It manifests primarily as back pain and progressive neurological deficits. Some patients experience bouts of pain and transient deficits. Complete resection of the lesion with dissection of the cyst and removing the wrap, is the treatment of choice. The main postoperative complications are recurrence of injury, arachnoiditis and worsening of neurological deficit.

Hérnia discal cervical não traumática e Síndrome de Brown-Séquard: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Nontraumatic cervical discal herniation and Brown-Séquard's Syndrome: case report and literature review

A Síndrome de Brown-Séquard (SBS) é caracterizada pela perda da função motora, propriocepção e sensibilidade vibratória ipsilateral e perda da sensibilidade tátil e dolorosa contralateral à hemissecção medular. É principalmente causada por fraturas da coluna vertebral ou tumores extramedulares. Hérnia discal cervical não traumática é uma etiologia rara, havendo 31 relatos em literatura indexada até o momento. Paciente do sexo masculino, 23 anos, admitido com parestesia em dimídio esquerdo e fraqueza no hemicorpo direito há cerca de 35 dias da internação. Sem relatos de trauma. Ao exame: consciente e orientado, hemiparesia à direita e hemi-hipoestesia tátil dolorosa à esquerda com nível motor e sensitivo em C7. Os exames de imagem evidenciaram um canal estreito cervical de C4-T1, presença de hérnia discal extrusa C5-C6 e hipersinal medular a esse nível. Foi submetido à discectomia e artrodese cervical anterior de C5-C6. No pós-operatório, evoluiu com tetraplegia flácida (nível motor/sensitivo em C8). Os exames de controle mostraram correto posicionamento do instrumental cirúrgico, ausência de hérnias discais e manutenção do hipersinal medular. Após oito meses de reabilitação e seguimento ambulatorial, permanece tetraparético. Descrevemos o primeiro caso brasileiro, em literatura indexada, de SBS causada por hérnia discal cervical não traumática. Há um predomínio pelo sexo masculino, a média de idade é de 45 anos e o disco intervertebral C5-C6 é o mais acometido. Microdiscectomia e fusão intersomática são as formas mais comuns de tratamento. Após a descompressão precoce, há um bom prognóstico, com recuperação da motricidade na maioria dos casos.

The Brown-Séquard's Syndrome is characterized by loss of motor function, proprioception and vibration sensitivity ipsilateral and loss of tactile and painful contralateral to hemisection spinal cord. It is mainly caused by fractures of the spine or extramedullary tumors. Nontraumatic cervical herniated disc etiology is rare, with only 31 cases indexed in the literature. Male patient, 23 years old, admitted with numbness in left side and weakness in the right hemisphere, hospitalized for about 35 days. No reports of trauma. On examination: conscious and oriented, right hemiparesis and hemihipoestesia tactile-painful in left side, with sensory and motor level C7. Imaging tests showed a narrow channel of cervical C4-T1, presence of disc herniation extrusa C5-C6 and hyperintense marrow at this level. Underwent cervical discectomy and arthrodesis of C5-C6. Postoperatively evolved with flaccid tetraplegia (level motor/sensory C8). The control examinations showed correct position surgical instruments, lack of disc herniations and maintenance of spinal cord hyperintense. After eight months of rehabilitation and outpatient services remains tetraparesis. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first description of BSS caused by nontraumatic cervical disc herniation in Brazil, in the indexed literature. In the affected patients, there is a predominance of males, with mean age 45 years, and the C5-C6 intervertebral disc is the most affected. Microdiscectomy and interbody fusion are the most common forms of treatment. After early decompression, there is a good prognosis, with recovery of motor function in most cases.

Pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico tratados cirurgicamente no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília-Brasil) / Patients with brain injury surgically treated in neurosurgery service at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasilia, Brazil)

Objetivo: O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma agressão ao encéfalo causada por uma força física externa. No Brasil, é a principal causa de morte de crianças acima de 5 anos de idade e adolescentes. Apresentamos as características epidemiológicas de 194 pacientes com TCE operados no serviço de neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, tipo corte transversal, baseado na revisão de prontuários médicos de pacientes com TCE tratadoscirurgicamente no período de julho de 2007 a julho de 2012. Resultados: Predomínio do sexo masculino (82,99%); a faixa etária mais comum é de 21-40 anos (67); a maioria apresentava TCE grave (108) e o principal mecanismo do trauma foi agressão física (57) seguida por queda da própria altura (49). Hematoma subdural crônico (63), hematoma extradural agudo (49) e fratura com afundamento (38) foram os principais achados tomográficos. Há uma relação entre hematoma subdural crônico (p < 0,05/OR = 1,272/IC 95%: 1,163-1,391), hematoma subdural agudo (p = 0,008/OR = 3,271/IC 95%: 1,309-8,172) e atropelamento (p < 0,05/OR = 8,804/IC 95%: 2,203-35,185) com TCE grave. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino, na faixa etária entre 21-40 anos, vítima de agressão física e admitida com TCE grave. Há relação entre atropelamento, hematoma subdural agudo e crônico com a gravidade do TCE.

Objective: Traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain caused by an external physical force. In Brazil, it is the leading cause of death in children over 5 years old and teenagers. We present the epidemiologicalcharacteristics of 194 patients with traumatic brain injury treated at the Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional type, based on review of medical records of patients with traumatic brain injury treated surgically in the period July 2007 to July 2012. Results: There was a predominance of males (82.99%), the most common age group is 21-40 years (67), the majority had severe traumatic brain injury (108), the main mechanism of traumawas physical assault (57) and followed by fall from height (49). Chronic subdural hematoma (63), acute epidural hematoma (49) and fracture dip (38) were the main CT findings. There is a relationship betweenchronic subdural hematoma (p < 0.05/OR = 1,272/95% CI: 1.163 to 1.391), acute subdural (p = 0.008/ OR = 3,271/95% CI: 1.309 to 8.172) and trampling (p < 0.05/OR = 8,804/95% CI: 2.203 to 35.185) with severe traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: Most patients were male, age range between 21-40 years, victims of physical assault and admitted with severe traumatic brain injury. There is a relationship between trampling, acute and chronic subdural hematoma with the severity of traumatic brain injury.

Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com fraturas torácicas e lombares tratadas cirurgicamente no Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília-Brasil) / Epidemiological profile of patients with thoracic and lumbar fractures surgically treated in Neurosurgery Service at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal (Brasília, Brazil)

Objetivos: Apresentar o perfil epidemiológico e os fatores de risco para déficit neurológico de 52 pacientes com fratura traumática da coluna torácica e lombar tratados cirurgicamente no Serviço de Neurocirurgia do Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. Métodos: Trata-se de trabalho retrospectivo de pacientes com fratura da coluna torácica e lombar tratados cirurgicamente no período de julho de 2007 a julho de 2012. Resultados: Predomínio do sexo masculino (78,8%); faixa etária mais comum é 20-40 anos (57,6%); segmento fraturado: T1-T10 (19,2%), T11-L2 (61,5%), L3-L5 (19,3%); 48% dos indivíduos tinham déficit neurológico; fratura tipo A é mais comum (42,3%); mecanismo do trauma: acidente automobilístico (23%), queda de altura (42,3%), motociclístico (26,9%); predomínio da fratura tipo C no segmento torácico 45,4% e tipo A no lombar 63,3% (p < 0,01); déficit neurológico: torácico 81,8%, lombar 23,3% (p < 0,05); déficit neurológico toracolombar: tipo A 31,8%, tipo B 47,3%, tipo C 81,8% (p = 0,02). Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino e adulto jovem. Cerca de 48% apresentavam déficit à admissão hospitalar e tinham a junção T11-L2 como principal local de ocorrência. A fratura tipo A da AO foi mais encontrada entre as lesões lombares e a tipo C entre as torácicas. O principal mecanismo do trauma foram os acidente...

Objective: We present the epidemiological and risk factors for neurological deficit of 52 patients with traumatic fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine were surgically treated in the neurosurgery service at the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Brasília-Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine treated surgically in the period July 2007 to July 2012. Results: Predominantly male (78.8%) is the most common age group 20-40 years (57.6%); fractured segment: T1-T10 (19.2%), T11-L2 (61.5% ) L3-L5 (19.3%), 48% of subjects had neurologic deficit; fracture type A is the most common (42.3%), mechanism of injury: motor vehicle accidents (23%), falls (42.3%), motorcycle (26.9%); predominance of type C fractures in the thoracic segment (45.4%) inin lumbar type A (63.3%) (p < 0.01); neurological deficit: 81.8% thoracic, lumbar 23.3% (p < 0.05); neurologic deficit thoracolumbar: 31.8% type A, type B 47.3% and 81.8% type C (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Most patients were male and young adult. About 48% had deficits on admission and had the junction T11-L2 as the main place of occurrence. The fracture of AO type A was more frequently found among back injury and type C between chest. The main mechanism of injury were traffic accidents. Chest injuries and type C fractures are risk factors for neurological injury...

Síndrome de Turcot: relato de caso e achados da imunoistoquímica / Turcot's syndrome: case report and immunohistochemical findings

A síndrome da polipose intestinal associada a tumor cerebral também é conhecida como síndrome de Turcot. Relata-se o caso de um paciente de 65 anos portador de polipose colônica hereditária e que desenvolveu sinais e sintomas neurológicos devido a glioblastoma multiforme cerebral. Destacam-se os achados imunoistoquímicos da lesão cerebral.

Intestinal polyposis syndrome associated with brain tumor, also known as Turcot's syndrome. We report a patient of 65 years old with hereditary colonic polyposis and developed neurological signs and symptoms due glioblastoma multiforme. We highlight the immunohistochemical findings of brain injury.

Perfuração de intestino delgado por doença diverticular jejunal / Intestinal perforation in consequence of small intestine's diverticulitis

Small Intestine's diverticulosis is an uncommon pathology of intestine. It's more evident at jejune and can be complicated by intestinal perforation, obstruction or diverticulitis, increasing the mortality. We describe a forty years old female patient that arrived at emergency service complained of diffuse abdominal pain. There aren't signals of peritonitis and the radiological evaluation showed small intestine's distension. Surgical intervention was performed revealing multiples diverticulums at jejune and intestinal perforation. The aim of this article is present a case of Small Intestine's diverticulosis and its complications that had precise intervention resulting in a favorable resolution.

Perfuração intestinal por enema aquoso: uma complicação pouco conhecida / Intestinal perforation with cleansing enema: a rare condition

A perfuração intestinal é uma ocorrência freqüente nos serviços de emergência, sendo iatrogênica em 6 por cento dos casos. Pode tratar-se de uma complicação do uso de enemas aquosos retrógrados; a qual é rara, não tendo, pois, incidência conhecida. Apresentamos o relato de um paciente de 69 anos que após submeter-se a enema aquoso para preparo intestinal, evoluiu com quadro de dor abdominal súbita, vômitos, sinais de irritação peritoneal e comprometimento do estado geral. Após laparotomia exploradora, constatou-se perfuração no reto. A importância do relato é atentar para uma grave e pouco conhecida complicação de um procedimento rotineiro, que muitas vezes não é diagnosticada pela falta de uma história clínica relevante ou omissão pelas instituições que temem implicações judiciais.

Intestinal perforation is a rare complication of retrograde cleansing enemas and its incidence is unknown. We relate the case of a 69 years old patient that underwent a surgery for intestinal obstruction. Afterwards, during preparation for colostomy withdrawal with use of cleansing enema, he showed signals of peritonitis. Therefore, we should remember this possible and grave complication, sometimes not diagnosed for an absent clinical history, and at the same time to propose an aggressive conduct in order to improve the prognosis.