Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of strabismus in children with neurological impairment / Toxına botulínica tipo A para o tratamento de estrabısmo em crianças neurologicamente comprometidas

ABSTRACT Purposes: To assess the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of strabismus in patients with neurological impairment and evaluate the factors associated with treatment success. Methods: The study included 50 patients with strabismus and neurological impairment. In all children, botulinum toxin injection was performed into the appropriate extraocular muscle. The relationship between demographic features, clinical characteristics, and treatment success were analyzed. Results: In the study group, 34 patients had esotropia, and 16 patients had exotropia. As neurological problems, 36 patients had cerebral palsy, and 14 had hydrocephalus. The average follow-up period was 15.3 ± 7.3 months. The mean number of injections was 1.4 ± 0.6. The mean angle of deviation was 42.5 ± 13.2 PD before the treatment, which decreased to 12.8 ± 11.9 PD after the treatment. Successful motor alignment (orthotropia within 10 PD) was achieved in 60% of the patients. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that esotropic misalignment and shorter duration of strabismus was significantly associated with treatment success in the study group. Patients with esotropia and lower angles of misalignment were more likely to be treated with a single injection. Conclusion: The use of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of strabismus in children with neurological impairment is a good alternative to conventional surgical therapy with a lower risk of overcorrection. The treatment outcome is better in esodeviations and shorter duration of strabismus, implying an advantage of early treatment.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia do uso de toxina bo-tulínica tipo A no tratamento do estrabismo em pacientes com comprometimento neurológico e avaliar os fatores associados ao sucesso do tratamento. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes com estrabismo e comprometimento neurológico foram incluídos no estudo. Em todas as crianças, a toxina botulínica tipo A foi injetada no músculo extraocular apropriado. A relação entre características demográficas, características clínicas e o sucesso do tratamento foram analisadas. Resultados: No grupo de estudo, 34 pacientes tiveram esotropia e 16 pacientes tiveram exotropia, sendo trinta e seis pacientes com paralisia cerebral e 14 pacientes com hidrocefalia. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 15,3 ± 7,3 meses. O número médio de aplicações foi de 1,4 ± 0,6. O ângulo de desvio médio foi de 42,5 ± 13,2 DP antes do tratamento e diminuiu para 12,8 ± 11,9 DP após o tratamento. Alinhamento motor bem sucedido (ortotropia dentro de 10 DP) foi alcançado em 60% dos pacientes. A análise de regressão logística binária revelou que o desalinhamento esotrópico e uma menor duração do estrabismo foram significativamente associados ao sucesso do tratamento no grupo de estudo. Pacientes esotrópicos com ângulos de desalinhamento menores são mais propensos a serem tratados com uma única aplicação. Conclusão: O uso da toxina botulínica tipo A para o tratamento de estrabismo em crianças com comprometimento neurológico é uma boa alternativa para a terapia cirúrgica convencional com menor risco de hipercorreção. O resultado do tratamento é melhor em exodesvios e em pacientes com estrabismo de menor duração, implicando em vantagem para o tratamento precoce.

Cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular en pacientes adultos con hidrocefalia obstructiva. Serie corta de casos

Introducción: la hidrocefalia es una patología neuroquirúrgica que presenta varias alternativas de tratamiento. A pesar de esto, el índice de disfunción y reintervención de los pacientes es considerablemente elevado. Objetivo: describir los resultados de la cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular en pacientes operados de hidrocefalia obstructiva. Materiales y métodos: se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, de serie de casos, en el que se describen variables clínicas, de imagen y quirúrgicas de pacientes operados mediante neuroendoscopia intraventricular. Después de aplicar criterios de inclusión y exclusión, la muestra quedó conformada por cinco pacientes. Resultados: la escala de coma de Glasgow de los pacientes al momento de la cirugía, fue mayor de 12 puntos en todos los casos. El 60 % de los casos presentó un grado 4 en la escala de Frisen para evaluar la gravedad del papiledema. El promedio del índice de Evans medido por tomografía fue de 0,39; el del tercer ventrículo fue de 14,75 mm, mientras que el promedio de los cuernos temporales fue de 4,1 mm. En tres casos se presentaron variedades anatómicas dilatadas de los forámenes de Monro, mientras que en dos presentaban diámetros medianos. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 45 minutos. Entre las complicaciones posoperatorias estuvo la disfunción del estoma quirúrgico en un paciente con tercer ventriculostomía. Conclusiones: la cirugía neuroendoscópica intraventricular es un método efectivo para tratar pacientes con hidrocefalia obstructiva en pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: hydrocephalus is a neurosurgical pathology that presents several treatment alternatives. Despite this, the rate of dysfunctions and re-interventions of the patients is considered high. Objective: to describe the results of intraventricular neuro-endoscopic surgery in patients operated on for obstructive hydrocephalus. Materials and methods: this is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, of case series, where clinical, imaging and surgical variables of patients operated by intraventricular neurosurgery are described. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample was made up of five patients. Results: the Glasgow coma scale of the patients at the moment of surgery was greater than 12 points in all cases. 60% of the cases presented a grade 4 on Frisen scale to assess the severity of papilledema. The average Evans index, measured by tomography was 0.39; that of the third ventricle was 14.75 mm, while the average of the temporal horns was 4.1 mm. In three cases there were dilated anatomical variants of the foramens of Monro f, while in two they presented medium diameters. The average surgical time was 45 minutes. Surgical stoma dysfunction in one patient with a third ventriculostomy was among the postoperative complications. Conclusions: intraventricular neuro-endoscopic surgery is an effective method for treating patients with obstructive hydrocephalus in selected patients.

Epidemiology of hydrocephalus in Brazil

Abstract Objective Describe the epidemiological profile and social-economic burden that hydrocephalus patients represent to the national public health system, using data available at the online database of the Brazilian Health Ministry (DataSUS). Methods This is a populational study based on descriptive statistics of all clinical and surgical appointments included in the DataSUS database. Data included herein were collected between 2015 and 2021 and subdivided into three main groups, related to hydrocephalus incidence and mortality, hospitalizations, and financial costs. Results In the study period, 3993 new cases of congenital hydrocephalus were diagnosed, with 6051 deaths overall. The mortality rate in the country was 1.5/100000 live births and the prevalence was 0.374/100000 inhabitants. The number of hospitalizations resulting from treatment procedures and complications of hydrocephalus was 137,880 and there was a reduction of up to 27.2% during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics concerning previous years. Total costs for hydrocephalus management in the country amounted to 140,610,585.51 dollars. Conclusions Hydrocephalus has a significant impact on public health budgets and pediatric mortality rates; however, it is probably underestimated, due to the paucity of demographic data and epidemiological studies in Latin America and, specifically, in Brazil. The dataSUS also has several limitations in accessing certain data related to hydrocephalus, making it difficult to have a more assertive understanding of the disease in Brazil. The results of this study provide important guidance for future research projects in clinical and experimental hydrocephalus and also the creation of public policies for better governance and care of hydrocephalus patients.

Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Objective: This observational cohort study aims to provide data on pediatric patients with neurological manifestations associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methods: Patients aged <18 with neurologic symptoms and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection from January, 2021 to January, 2022 at the Dr. Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia were evaluated. We used WHO diagnostic criteria to classify patients as MIS-C or non-MIS-C. Demographic information, symptoms, and outcomes were compared between MIS-C and non-MIS-C groups. Results: Between January, 2021 and January, 2022, 74 pediatric patients were considered eligible. More than half of the patients were female (54.1%), and 24.3% presented with MIS-C. Length of hospitalization was significantly longer in MIS-C individuals (P=0.006). The commonest neurological findings were involuntary movements (43.2%) and paresis (27%). The commonest neuroimaging findings were meningoencephalitis (18.9%) and hydrocephalus (22.9%). Among all the variety of neurologic manifestations in non-MIS-C and MIS-C patients, a statistically significant result was found for fever (71.4% vs 100%; P=0.015), altered mental state (14.2% vs 50%, P=0.004), and paresis (33.9% vs 5.5%, P=0.030). Conclusion: MIS-C was found in 24% of our patients with acute neurologic symptoms, and most cases (51.8%) had positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody results.

Corneal Perforation associated with "Silent Brain Syndrome" / Perfuração corneana associada à "síndrome do cérebro silencioso"

ABSTRACT This case report describes the clinical characteristics and ophthalmic management of a patient who developed corneal perforation due to severe enophthalmos consistent with "silent brain syndrome." A 27-year-old man with a history of congenital hydrocephalus and ventriculoperitoneal shunt was referred with complaints of "sinking of the eyeballs" and progressively decreasing vision in the left eye. Examination revealed severe bilateral enophthalmos in addition to superonasal corneal perforation with iris prolapse in the left eye. The patient underwent therapeutic keratoplasty the next day. Orbital reconstruction with costochondral graft and shunt revision of the intracranial hypotension were performed the next month to prevent further progression.

RESUMO Este relato de caso descreve as características clínicas e o manejo cirúrgico de um paciente que teve perfuração da córnea devido à enoftalmia grave consistente com a "síndrome do cérebro silencioso". Um homem de 27 anos com história de hidrocefalia congênita e derivação ventrículo-peritoneal foi encaminhado com queixas de "afundamento dos globos oculares" e diminuição progressiva da visão no olho esquerdo. O exame revelou enoftalmo bilateral importante, além de perfuração superonasal da córnea com prolapso iriano no olho esquerdo. A paciente foi submetida à ceratoplastia terapêutica no dia seguinte. Foi realizado no mês seguinte a reconstrução da órbita com enxerto costocondral e revisão do shunt para evitar progressão e piora do caso.

¿Podría contribuir la resonancia magnética a detectar la ventriculomegalia fetal aislada aparte de otras anormalidades?

Objetivo. Determinar el papel de la resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral en fetos que presentan ventriculomegalia aislada (VMA) en la evaluación ecográfica del cerebro fetal. Métodos. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente los hallazgos por ecografía y RM de 197 fetos diagnosticados con VMA entre noviembre de 2018 y noviembre de 2020. Se excluyeron los fetos con cariotipos anormales, anomalías adicionales o etiologías relacionadas a ventriculomegalia. Se comparó los resultados de ecografía y RM tanto en términos de medidas ventriculares medias como de grado de VMA. Resultados. Las mediciones de la RM fueron significativamente mayores en la VMA leve (10,33±0,38 mm frente a 11,11±0,51 mm, p<0,001) en comparación con la ecografía. En la VMA leve, la RM midió los ventrículos más anchos que la ecografía, con una diferencia media de 0,78 mm. No hubo diferencias significativas en las mediciones por ecografía y RM en cuanto a los valores medios de la VMA moderada y grave. Hubo buena concordancia entre la ecografía y la RM en la detección de la gravedad de la VMA derecha, izquierda y la media (Κ=0,265, Κ=0,324 y Κ=0,261, respectivamente). Los análisis de regresión lineal revelaron una relación estadísticamente significativa entre las mediciones de ecografía y RM de la VMA derecha, izquierda y la media (p<0,001, p<0,001 y p<0,001, respectivamente). La RM mostró una concordancia perfecta con la ecografía en detectar la lateralidad de la VMA (Κ=1,0, p<0,001). Conclusiones. En fetos con VMA leve detectada por ecografía se debe considerar la evaluación por RM del cerebro fetal para un diagnóstico preciso. Este enfoque puede proporcionar una estrategia eficaz en el manejo prenatal y el asesoramiento de estos embarazos.

Objective: To assess the role of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses presenting with isolated ventriculomegaly (IVM) in the ultrasound (US) evaluation of the fetal brain. Methods: US and MRI findings of 197 fetuses diagnosed with IVM between November 2018 and November 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Fetuses with abnormal karyotypes, additional anomalies, or known etiologies for ventriculomegaly were excluded. US and MRI findings were compared both in terms of mean ventricular measurements and IVM grade. Results: MRI measurements were significantly higher in mild IMV (10.33 ± 0.38 mm vs. 11.11 ± 0.51 mm, p< 0.001) compared to US. In mild IVM, MRI measured ventricles larger than US with a mean difference of 0.78 mm. There was no significant difference in US and MRI measurements in terms of mean values in moderate and severe IVM. There was good agreement between US and MRI in detecting right, left and mean IVM severity (Κ=0.265, Κ=0.324, and Κ=0.261, respectively). Linear regression analyses revealed a statistically significant relationship between US and MRI measurements of the right, left, and mean IVM (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). MRI showed perfect agreement with US in detecting IVM laterality (Κ=1.0, p<0.001). Conclusions: In fetuses with mild IVM detected by US, fetal brain MRI evaluation should be considered for accurate diagnosis. This approach may provide effective strategies in the antenatal management and counseling of these pregnancies.

Risk factors of hydrocephalus secondary to severe intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of secondary hydrocephalus after severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants for prevention and early identification of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH).Methods:From June 2013 to June 2021, preterm infants with severe IVH admitted to our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. They were assigned into PHH group and non-PHH group. Rank sum test or chi-square test was used for comparison between the two groups and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of PHH in preterm infants.Results:A total of 246 preterm infants with severe IVH were enrolled, including 68 cases (27.6%) in the PHH group and 178 cases (72.4%) in the non-PHH group. Multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that male gender ( OR=2.014, 95% CI 1.063-3.817), gestational age ≤30 week ( OR=2.240, 95% CI 1.210-4.146), 5-min Apgar score ≤5 ( OR=3.980, 95% CI 1.483-10.685), placental abruption ( OR=2.940, 95% CI 1.324-6.531) were independent risk factors for PHH in preterm infants and thrombocytopenia was the protective factor for PHH in preterm infants ( OR=0.305, 95% CI 0.147-0.632). The incidence of moderate thrombocytopenia in non-PHH group was significantly higher than PHH group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the incidences of mild and severe thrombocytopenia between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Male gender, gestational age ≤30 week, 5-min Apgar score ≤5, placental abruption are risk factors for PHH in premature infants with severe IVH and moderate thrombocytopenia has protective effects.

Neonatal hydrocephalus: single-center 10-year experiences / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the past 10 years' experiences of neonatal hydrocephalus in a single-center.Methods:From January 2010 to December 2019, clinical data of infants with hydrocephalus admitted to Neonatology Department of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The infants were assigned into different groups according to gestational age, different etiologies and treatments. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared.Results:A total of 223 infants with hydrocephalus were included. 136 (61.0%) infants were in the preterm group and 87 (39.0%) in the full-term group. The incidence of post-intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) hydrocephalus in preterm infants was significantly higher than full-term infants ( P<0.001). According to the etiologies, 58 infants (26.0%) had congenital hydrocephalus (congenital group), 82 cases (36.8%) developed post-ICH hydrocephalus (ICH group), 48 cases (21.5%) had post-CNS-infection hydrocephalus (infection group) and 35 cases (15.7%) had post-ICH+CNS-infection hydrocephalus (ICH+infection group). The incidences of perinatal asphyxia, neonatal resuscitation and endotracheal intubation within 3 d after birth in the ICH group were significantly higher than the other groups ( P<0.05). Among the four groups, the infection group had the highest incidence of neonatal sepsis, the congenital group had the highest incidence of patent ductus arteriosus and the ICH group had the highest incidence of respiratory diseases (all P<0.05).137 cases (61.4%) received non-surgical therapy, 48 cases (21.5%) had temporary drainage, 37 cases (16.6%) with permanent shunt and 1 case (0.4%) intracranial hematoma removal. The congenital group and ICH group with permanent shunt showed significantly higher rate of improvement than temporary drainage group and non-surgical group ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The main etiologies of neonatal hydrocephalus are ICH and CNS infection. The incidence of post-ICH hydrocephalus in premature infants was quite high. Hydrocephalus of different etiologies have different comorbidities. Maternal and infant care during pregnancy and delivery, prevention of neonatal sepsis and ICH are crucial in the prevention of hydrocephalus. More studies are needed for better treatment.

Predictors and prediction scores of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage / 国际脑血管病杂志

Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) is a common and serious complication of aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The incidence of SDHC after aSAH was 9%-36%, and it is associated with the poor outcome of patients. This article reviews the predictors and prediction scores of SDHC after aSAH.

Aspects épidémiologiques et thérapeutiques des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins de 5 ans à Libreville (Gabon) de 2019 à 2021 / Epidemiology and management of neurosurgical diseases of children aged 5 years or less in Libreville (Gabon) from 2019 to 2021

Introduction. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont un ensemble d'affections qui touche le cerveau, la moelle épinière, et les paires crâniennes nécessitant une prise en charge médico-chirurgicale. Leur incidence en Afrique sub-saharienne et plus particulièrement au Gabon est mal connue. Objectif. Décrire les aspects épidémiologiques et évolutifs des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins 5 ans à Libreville. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique, multicentrique portant sur des patients de moins de 5ans pris en charge pour une affection neurochirurgicale de Janvier 2019 à Décembre 2021 à Libreville. Résultats. Sur 4811 enfants hospitalisés, 130 répondaient aux critères d'inclusion (prévalence : 2,7%). L'âge moyen était de 13,1 mois. Le sex-ratio était de 1,3. Les grossesses étaient mal suivies dans 72,2% des cas. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales malformatives représentaient 63,5%. L'hydrocéphalie était la plus observée dans 71,2%. Sur les 115 enfants, 71 ont bénéficié d'un traitement chirurgical, soit un taux de 61,7% et le taux de mortalité globale était de 6,1%. Dans le groupe des enfants présentant une malformation congénitale, 8,2% n'avaient pas été traités, le taux de mortalité était de 8,2%. Les complications à court termes étaient dominées par les infections. Conclusion. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont en fréquentes dans notre contexte. Une prise en charge immédiate reste de mise, nécessitant donc un plateau technique de pointe pour améliorer l'évolution à court terme voire à moyen et long terme de ces affections.

Introduction. Neurosurgical pathologies are a set of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and cranial pairs requiring medical and surgical management. Their incidence in subSaharan Africa and more particularly in Gabon is poorly known. Objective. To describe the epidemiological and evolutionary aspects of neurosurgical pathologies in children under 5 years old in Libreville. Patients and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical, multicenter study of patients under 5 years of age treated for a neurosurgical condition from January 2019 to December 2021 in Libreville. Results. Of the 4811 hospitalized children, 130 met the inclusion criteria (prevalence of 2.7%) and 15 were excluded for incomplete records. The average age was 13.1 months. The age group of 28 days-1 year was the most observed. The sex ratio was 1.3. Pregnancies were poorly followed in 72.2% of cases. Malformative neurosurgical pathologies accounted for 63.5% of cases. Hydrocephalus was the most observed in 71.2%. Of the 115 children, 71 received surgical treatment, a rate of 61.7% and the overall mortality rate was 6.1%. In the group of children with congenital malformation, 8.2% had not been treated, the mortality rate was 8.2%. Short-term complications were dominated by infections. Conclusion. Neurosurgical pathologies are frequent in our context. Immediate care remains essential, therefore requiring a cutting-edge technical platform to improve the short-term or even medium- and long-term evolution of these conditions.

Diagnosis and treatment of negative pressure hydrocephalus: analysis of 5 cases and literature review / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis,diagnosis and treatment of negative pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the 5 patients with NPH admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. All of the patients underwent lumbar puncture and ventricular puncture to test the pressure. Three patients underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), the outcome of the patients was observed.Results:The pressure of subarachnoid was not equal to intraventricular, and the pressure of intraventricular was negative. Cisternography showed cerebrospinal fluid circulation obstruction in all 5 cases. The symptoms of 1 patient were improved after external negative pressure drainage, 3 patients were improved after further ETV and 1 patient had pulmonary infection without further surgical treatment.Conclusion:With the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid circulation, the pressure of lateral ventricle and subarachnoid is different, when the pressure of brain or subarachnoid drop, the ventricular expansion under the effect of pressure gradient, intraventricular pressure drop even for the negative pressure. CT cisternography provides strong evidence for the diagnosis of this disease. External ventricular drainage with negative pressure and ETV are effective treatment methods.

Surgical management of Dandy-Walker syndrome in infants and the literature review / 中国综合临床

Dandy-Walker syndrome is one of the posterior fossa malformations, which is easily confused with arachnoid cyst or cerebellar dysplasia in clinical practice, leading to misdiagnosis. Dandy-Walker syndrome is easy to be combined with hydrocephalus, resulting in increased intracranial pressure, increased head circumference, growth retardation, spastic hemiplegia and other manifestations, and can also be accompanied by other nervous system malformations. On February 27, 2021, a child with Dandy-Walker syndrome with growth retardation as the primary manifestation was admitted to Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. After multiple surgical treatment, the child's hydrocephalus was significantly improved. Through the analysis of the clinical data of the child's operation and the treatment of complications, it is helpful to improve the clinicians' understanding of the surgical treatment of the disease.

Enfermedad de párkinson como inicio de hidrocefalia de presión normal. Presentación de un caso

La hidrocefalia de presión normal es un síndrome caracterizado por alteraciones de la marcha, deterioro cognitivo e incontinencia urinaria que está asociado a crecimiento del sistema ventricular en ausencia de elevación de la presión del líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 43 años de edad que presentó evento convulsivo único, acompañado de alteraciones de la marcha, bradipsiquia, bradicinesia, temblor en reposo y trastorno esfinteriano urinario. Se le realizó tomografía axial computarizada multicorte donde se observó sistema ventricular con índice de Evans de 0.42, se le realizó el tap test y derivación ventrículo peritoneal con utilización de neuromonitoreo de la presión intracraneal transoperatorio. La hidrocefalia de presión normal es una patología poco frecuente en neurocirugía, a menudo es mal diagnosticada y se confunde con enfermedades frecuentes en el anciano. Se presenta el caso para describir las características clínicas, de neuromonitoreo y tratamiento quirúrgico de un paciente que presentó una hidrocefalia de presión normal secundaria a un síndrome parkinsoniano.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a syndrome characterized by gait abnormalities, cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence that is associated with enlargement of the ventricular system in the absence of elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure. A 43-years-old patient who presented a single seizure event, accompanied by gait disturbances, bradypsychia, bradykinesia, tremor at rest, and urinary sphincter disorder is presented. A multi-slice computerized axial tomography was performed where the ventricular system was observed with an Evans index of 0.42, the tap test and peritoneal ventricular shunt were performed with the use of intraoperative intracranial pressure neuromonitoring. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a rare pathology in neurosurgery; it is often misdiagnosed and confused with common diseases in the elderly. The case is presented to describe the clinical, neuromonitoring and surgical treatment characteristics of a patient presenting normal pressure hydrocephalus secondary to parkinsonian syndrome.

COVID-19 provoked internuclear ophthalmoplegia in a child with arrested hydrocephalus

Internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is a neuro-ophthalmic disorder caused by damage in the medial longitudinal fasciculus between the third and sixth cranial nerve nuclei. We present a 4-year-old female diagnosed with INO triggered by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient had history of neonatal meningitis with hydrocephalus without history of surgical intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with combined COVID-19 and chronic hydrocephalus as an etiology for INO in a child. COVID-19 may trigger neurological manifestations as INO in susceptible cases.

Frecuencia de complicaciones neurológicas de hemorragia subaracnoidea

RESUMEN Introducción: las complicaciones neurológicas más frecuentes de la hemorragia subaracnoidea son el vasoespasmo cerebral, el resangrado y la hidrocefalia. Las convulsiones que pueden asociarse son generalmente secundarias a las anteriores. La aparición de éstas influye en la morbimortalidad de los pacientes afectados. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de complicaciones clínicas de la hemorragia subaracnoidea Material y métodos: se aplicó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 105 pacientes adultos con hemorragia subaracnoidea que acudieron al Hospital Nacional, Itauguá, Paraguay, en el periodo 2020-2021. Resultados: la edad media fue 52 ±15 años. La mayoría de los pacientes fue del sexo femenino (59,05%) y provenía del Departamento Central. La hipertensión arterial fue la principal comorbilidad. La mayoría de los pacientes presentó Fisher 4 en la tomografía simple de cráneo y la presentación clínica fue el Hunt y Hess 2. El vasoespasmo fue la complicación neurológica más frecuente. La mortalidad fue 54,29%. Conclusión: la escala de Fisher 4 y la de Hunt y Hess 2 fueron los grados de presentación imagenológica y afectación clínica más frecuentes. La complicación neurológica predominante fue el vasoespasmo, aislado o asociado a otras complicaciones como hidrocefalia o resangrado. La mortalidad fue 54,29%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The most frequent neurological complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage are cerebral vasospasm, rebleeding and hydrocephalus. The seizures that may be associated are generally secondary to these complications. Their appearance influences the morbidity and mortality of affected patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of clinical complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was used. One hundred five adult patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who attended the Hospital Nacional of Itauguá, Paraguay, in the period 2020-2021 were included. Results: The mean age was 52±15 years. Most of the patients were female (59.05%) and came from the Central Department. Arterial hypertension was the main comorbidity. Most of the patients presented Fisher grade 4 in the simple skull tomography and the clinical presentation was Hunt and Hess grade 2. Vasospasm was the most frequent neurological complication while mortality was 54.29%. Conclusion: The Fisher grade 4 and the Hunt and Hess grade were the most frequent grades of imaging presentation and clinical involvement. The predominant neurological complication was vasospasm, isolated or associated with other complications such as hydrocephalus or rebleeding. Mortality was 54.29%.

PRE- AND POST- SHUNT CEREBRAL PERFUSION MEASURED BY DYNAMIC SUSCEPTIBILITY CONTRAST MRI IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL PRESSURE HYDROCEPHALUS.

Background: NPH-related dementia is the only surgically manageable dementia. Response to ventricular shunting in NPH is variable. This study aims to establish a possible correlation between the changes in cerebral perfusion with clinical response to shunting. The study group consisted of 20 patients with NPH Methods: diagnoses who underwent ventricular shunting. Pre- and 3-month post- shunt DSC-MRI was done to assess the change in relative cerebral blood ?ow (rCBF). Mean ± SD values of rCBF in frontal grey matter, frontal periventricular white Results: matter, parietal periventricular white matter and hippocampus were 0.91 ± 0.11, 0.61 ± 0.09, 0.47 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.06 before shunt surgery and 0.98 ± 0.06, 0.70 ± 0.07, 0.54 ± 0.07 and 0.98 ± 0.06 after shunt surgery in NPH patients who responded to shunt surgery; and 0.78 ± 0.17, 0.37 ± 0.14, 0.41 ± 0.11 and 0.89 ± 0.10 before shunt surgery and 0.79 ± 0.14, 0.37 ± 0.19, 0.38 ± 0.09 and 0.84 ± 0.07 after shunt surgery in NPH patients who did not respond to shunt surgery. Therefore, regional rCBF in these regions increased in responders after shunt surgery, with a signi?cant statistical difference (p-value < 0.05) while no signi?cant change was seen in shunt non-responders (p-value > 0.05). There is a correlation between a signi?cant increase in Conclusion: regional rCBF and clinical improvement after shunt surgery

Role of External Ventricular Drainage (EVD) in Treating Spontaneous Intraventricular Haemorrhage

Background: There is no consensus in the literature on the effects of the development of hydrocephalus on survival and disability after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and the benefits of external ventricular drainage (EVD). This study is planned to describe the role of external ventricular drainage in treating patients of spontaneous, either primary or secondary, intraventricular haemorrhage with hydrocephalus.Material & Methods:A hospital based prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, which is a tertiary level hospital, from April 2016 to September 2017.Total 42 patients of spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage, either primary or secondary, with hydrocephalus were selected for this study. All the collected data were entered into IBM SPSS software, Version 24. For statistical analysis, paired t-test to compare the preoperative GCS with postoperative GCS at 24 hours was done.Results:Among 42 patients, age range was 26-75 years with the mean age 65.2 � 10.87 years. Male were 26 (61.9%) and female were 16 (38.1%). Male-Female ratio was 1.625:1. No patient needed conversion of EVD into VP shunt. EVD drain became blocked in 5 cases which were managed accordingly. 5 patients developed ventriculitis among which 2 patients died and rest 3 improved with antibiotics.Conclusions:The results of present study shows that EVD has a good role in the treatment of spontaneous IVH with hydrocephalus when ICH volume is low (<30ml) and modified Graeb Score is low (?10 found in this in this study. Preoperative higher GCS or initial improvement in GCS or initial improvement in GCS at 24 hours positively correlates with Glasgow outcome scale which is an indication of good function outcome.

CNS Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can involve almost any organ of the body. In the Central Nervous System (CNS) it can cause meningitis, tuberculoma, abscess,spondylitis, arachnoiditis, myeloradiculitis or other manifestations. Around 10% of all patients with tuberculosis have CNS involvement. Tuberculosis is rampant in the developing world and has reemerged as a major public health menace with the HIV pandemic. Compared with HIV-negative individuals, HIVpositive individuals with TB are 5 times more likely to have CNS involvement. Laboratory confirmation of CNS TB is difficult and hence empirical treatment has to be initiated as early as possible based on clinical and radiological features. In this article,we review the CNS manifestations of tuberculosis and their diagnosis and treatment

Toxoplasmosis congénita con enfermedad neurológica severa en un hospital de referencia del Perú / Congenital toxoplasmosis with severe neurological disease in a referral hospital in Peru

RESUMEN El propósito del presente estudio fue describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, y terapéuticas de pacientes con diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis congénita (TC) con enfermedad neurológica severa. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes menores de 1 año con serología IgM positiva para Toxoplasma gondii y compromiso encefálico, ocular y/o auditivo. El estudio se realizó en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja (INSN-SB) en Lima, Perú. Se evaluaron a 21 pacientes con diagnóstico de TC, el 57,1% fueron del sexo femenino y la mediana de edad al momento del diagnóstico fue 3,1 meses (RIC: 1,7-7,3). Las principales manifestaciones del sistema nervioso central fueron hidrocefalia (76,2%), calcificaciones intracraneales (52,4%), microcefalia (42,9%), y convulsiones (25,6%); la manifestación ocular más frecuente fue la coriorretinitis (38,1%). En conclusión, 64% de los casos de TC tuvieron una o más manifestaciones de enfermedad neurológica severa.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of patients diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) with severe neurological disease. We reviewed the medical records of patients under 1 year of age with positive IgM test for Toxoplasma gondii and brain, eye, and/or hearing involvement. This study was carried out at the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño San Borja (INSNSB), Lima, Peru. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with CT were evaluated; 57.1% were female, and the median age at diagnosis was 3.1 months (IQR: 1.7-7.3). The main central nervous system manifestations were hydrocephalus (76.2%), intracranial calcifications (52.4%), microcephaly (42.9%), and convulsions (25.6%); the most frequent ocular manifestation was chorioretinitis (38.1%). In conclusion, 64% of CT cases had one or more manifestations of severe neurological disease.

Meningioma de la fosa posterior con hidrocefalia secundaria a resección quirúrgica / Posterior fossa meningioma with hydrocephalus after surgical resection

RESUMEN Los meningiomas de la fosa posterior representan el 10 % en relación con los otros sitios en los que pueden estar localizados. Estas lesiones pueden provocar compromiso de la circulación de líquido cerebroespinal. Se presentó el caso de una paciente de 67 años de edad con antecedentes previos de trastornos en la deambulación, se observó dificultad para caminar, en 15 días de evolución. Se realizó diagnóstico por tomografía de lesión ocupante de espacio localizada en fosa posterior. La paciente fue operada y secundariamente presentó hidrocefalia aguda, no comunicante, se le realizó derivación ventrículo-peritoneal. No existieron otras complicaciones asociadas a la intervención quirúrgica.

ABSTRACT Posterior fossa meningiomas represent 10% in relation to the other sites where they may be located. These lesions can compromise cerebrospinal fluid circulation. We present a 67-year-old female patient with a previous history of walking disorders, observing walking difficulty with 15 days of evolution. Diagnosis was made by a tomography of the space-occupying lesion located in the posterior fossa. The patient underwent surgery and subsequently developed acute non-communicating hydrocephalus, for which a ventricle-peritoneal shunt was performed. No other complications were associated with surgical intervention.