Intraventricular hemorrhage after dural fistula embolization / Hemorragia intraventricular após embolização de fístula dural

Abstract Background and objectives: Dural arteriovenous fistulas are anomalous shunts between dural arterial and venous channels whose nidus is located between the dural leaflets. For those circumstances when invasive treatment is mandatory, endovascular techniques have grown to become the mainstay of practice, choice attributable to their reported safety and effectiveness. We describe the unique and rare case of a dural arteriovenous fistula treated by transarterial embolization and complicated by an intraventricular hemorrhage. We aim to emphasize some central aspects of the perioperative management of these patients in order to help improving the future approach of similar cases. Case report: A 59-year-old woman with a previously diagnosed Cognard Type IV dural arteriovenous fistula presented for transarterial embolization, performed outside the operating room, under total intravenous anesthesia. The procedure underwent without complications and the intraoperative angiography revealed complete obliteration of the fistula. In the early postoperative period, the patient presented with clinical signs of raised intracranial pressure attributable to a later diagnosed intraventricular hemorrhage, which conditioned placement of a ventricular drain, admission to an intensive care unit, cerebral vasospasm and a prolonged hospital stay. Throughout the perioperative period, there were no changes in the cerebral brain oximetry. The patient was discharged without neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Intraventricular hemorrhage may be a serious complication after the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula. A close postoperative surveillance and monitoring allow an early diagnosis and treatment which increases the odds for an improved outcome.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Fístulas arteriovenosas durais (FAVD) são comunicações anômalas entre os canais venosos e arteriais da dura-máter cujo centro está localizado entre os folhetos da dura-máter. Para as circunstâncias nas quais o tratamento invasivo é obrigatório, as técnicas endovasculares se tornaram os pilares da prática, escolha atribuível a relatos de sua segurança e eficácia. Descrevemos o caso único e raro de uma FAVD tratada por embolização transarterial (ETA) e complicada por uma hemorragia intraventricular (HIV). Nosso objetivo foi destacar alguns aspectos centrais do manejo perioperatório desses pacientes para ajudar a melhorar uma futura abordagem de casos semelhantes. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 59 anos, com diagnóstico prévio de FAVD tipo IV (Cognard), apresentou-se para ETA, realizada fora da sala de cirurgia soBanestesia venosa total. O procedimento transcorreu sem complicações, e a angiografia intraoperatória revelou obliteração completa da fístula. No período pós-operatório imediato, a paciente apresentou sinais clínicos de aumento da pressão intracraniana (PIC) atribuíveis a uma HIV posteriormente diagnosticada, o que condicionou a colocação de um dreno ventricular, internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), vasoespasmo cerebral e internação hospitalar prolongada. Durante todo o período perioperatório, não houve alterações na oximetria cerebral. A paciente recebeu alta sem sequelas neurológicas. Conclusão: HIV pode ser uma complicação grave após o tratamento endovascular de FAVD. A observação e o monitoramento cuidadosos no pós-operatório permitem o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento que aumenta as chances de um resultado melhor.

Predictores clínicos de transformación hemorrágica en accidente cerebrovascular isquémico no lacunar / Clinical predictors of hemorrhagic transformation in non lacunar ischemic stroke

La transformación hemorrágica es un fenómeno complejo en el que el tejido cerebral isquémico sangra; este proceso puede asociarse o no a un deterioro del estado neurológico inicial. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar los predictores clínicos de trasformación hemorrágica en los pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico no lacunar. Se analizaron las historias clínicas y las imágenes de pacientes con infarto cerebral no lacunar incluidos prospectivamente en un programa de prevención secundaria. Se compararon datos demográficos, factores de riesgo vascular, medicación previa y datos del evento de los pacientes con transformación hemorrágica y sin ella. Se incluyeron 747 pacientes, la edad promedio fue de 77 ± 11 años, 61% mujeres. En el análisis univariado, la edad, el antecedente de hipertensión arterial, la fibrilación auricular, la insuficiencia renal crónica y la anticoagulación oral previa se relacionaron significativamente con la presencia de transformación hemorrágica. En el análisis multivariado de regresión logística ajustado por edad y factores de riesgo vascular, resultaron predictores de transformación hemorrágica: la edad > 80 años (OR 3.6; IC 95% 1.8-7.6), la presión de pulso > 60 mmHg al ingreso (OR 5.3; IC 95% 3.2-9.1), la insuficiencia renal crónica (OR 3; IC 95% 2.5-3.8) y el antecedente de fibrilación auricular (OR 3.5; IC 95% 2.1-6.1). En nuestra cohorte los predictores clínicos de conversión hemorrágica del infarto cerebral muestran una relación con la gravedad de la enfermedad vascular. La identificación de estos pacientes influenciaría en la toma de decisiones terapéuticas que pudieran incrementar el riesgo de transformación hemorrágica.

Hemorrhagic transformation is a complex phenomenon where brain tissue bleeds, which could be associated or not to an increase in the neurological deficit after the acute ischemic stroke. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical predictors of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with non-lacunar ischemic stroke. We performed a prospective analysis of the clinical records and images of patients with non-lacunar ischemic stroke. Demographics, vascular risk factors, previous medications and the information of the event in patients with and without hemorrhagic transformation were here compared. We included in this study 747 patients with non-lacunar stroke, the mean age was 77 ± 11 years and 61% were females. In the univariate analysis, the age, a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease and the previous use of oral anticoagulation resulted statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis of logistic regression adjusted by age and vascular risk factors: the age > 80 years (OR 3.6, CI 95% 1.8-7.6), the pulse pressure > 60 mmHg at admission (OR 5.3, CI 95% 3.2-9.1), the chronic kidney disease (OR 3, CI 95% 2.5-3.8) and the presence of previous atrial fibrillation (OR 3.5, CI 95% 2.1-6.1) were associated with and increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. The predictors of hemorrhagic transformation in our cohort showed a relationship with severe vascular illness. The identification of these patients could influence therapeutic decisions that could increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation.

Trombolisis intravenosa en accidente cerebro vascular isquémico agudo en un hospital público de Chile: análisis prospectivo de 54 casos / Intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke: experience in 54 patients

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) reduces disability in patients with ischemic stroke. However, its implementation in Chilean public general hospitals has been slow and faces some difficulties. Aim: To analyze the results of an intravenous thrombolysis protocol implementation in a public general hospital. Material and Methods: During a lapse of 28 months a standardized protocol for intravenous thrombolysis implemented in the emergency room of a public hospital, was prospectively evaluated. Fifty four patients with ischemic stroke were treated and assessed three months later as outpatients. Results: At three months of follow-up, 66.4% of patients subjected to thrombolysis had a favorable evolution, defined as having 0 to 1 points in the modified Rankin scale. Intracerebral hemorrhage rate was 11.1%, including 5.5% of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Four percent of patients had systemic bleeding complications after thrombolysis. The mortality rate was 14.8%. Conclusions: The success rates, mortality, and complications rate were comparable to the results obtained in international studies, despite of the absence of a stroke unit to manage stroke and its complications.

Hemorragia cerebrovascular asociada con infección por citomegalovirus en un lactante menor / Cerebrovascular hemorrhage associated with acquired cytomegalovirus infection in an infant

El citomegalovirus es el agente de infección perinatal más frecuente y una de las principales causas de infecciones virales adquiridas. En la presentación del siguiente caso se describe el amplio espectro clínico de la infección por citomegalovirus. La clasificación correcta de la infección como congénita o adquirida y el tratamiento oportuno pueden evitar complicaciones y secuelas en los casos graves. Se describe el caso de un lactante menor que presentaba una infección por citomegalovirus con la manifestación poco frecuente de hemorragia cerebral. Después del tratamiento con ganciclovir, los síntomas clínicos evolucionaron favorablemente. La infección por citomegalovirus es muy frecuente en la edad pediátrica, tanto en la forma congénita como en la adquirida. La forma adquirida, como la de este caso, se caracteriza principalmente por el compromiso hematológico, al producirse una importante trombocitopenia, lo que puede originar, aunque infrecuentemente, sangrado del sistema nervioso central; la mayoría de las infecciones adquiridas, sin embargo, son de resolución espontánea y no requieren tratamiento. En este paciente no se presentaron repercusiones clínicas de importancia.

Cytomegalovirus is the most frequent causative agent of perinatal infection and a major cause of acquired viral infections. This case report aims to show the broad clinical spectrum of the presentation of cytomegalovirus infection. The correct classification of congenital or acquired infection and its prompt treatment can prevent complications and sequelae in severe cases. We report the case of an infant with acquired cytomegalovirus infection, which presented an unusual feature of cerebral hemorrhage. The patient was treated with ganciclovir, with a favorable evolution of the clinical symptoms. Cytomegalovirus infection is common in children, both in its congenital and acquired forms. Acquired infection, as portrayed in this case, is mainly characterized by hematological compromise given by the marked thrombocytopenia, which may rarely result in cases of bleeding in the central nervous system. In this patient, no important clinical implications occurred. In addition, most of the acquired infections are self-limited and require no treatment.

Hematoma subdural agudo espontâneo e hemorragia intracerebral em paciente com microangiopatia trombótica gestacional / Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma and intracerebral hemorrhage in a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy during pregnancy

Pré-eclâmpsia, síndrome HELLP (hemólise, elevação de enzimas hepáticas e plaquetopenia) e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação são as principais causas de microangiopatia trombótica e disfunção hepática grave durante a gestação, representando um spectrum do mesmo processo patológico. Relatou-se aqui o caso de uma gestante com 35 semanas internada em unidade de terapia intensiva no pós-operatório imediato de cesariana por morte fetal, com náuseas, vômitos e icterícia. Diagnosticaram-se pré-eclâmpsia pós-parto e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação. Houve evolução tardia com hematoma subdural agudo e hemorragia intracerebral, sendo realizado tratamento neurocirúrgico. A paciente foi a óbito por anemia hemolítica refratária, com sangramento espontâneo em múltiplos órgãos. Pré-eclâmpsia, síndrome HELLP e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação são processos patológicos que podem se sobrepor e se associar a complicações potencialmente fatais, como a hemorragia intracraniana aqui descrita. Sua detecção e diagnóstico precoces são fundamentais para a instituição de manejo adequado e sucesso do tratamento.

Preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low-platelet count), and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are the main causes of thrombotic microangiopathy and evere liver dysfunction during pregnancy and represent different manifestations of the same pathological continuum. The case of a 35-week pregnant woman who was admitted to an intensive care unit immediately after a Cesarean section due to fetal death and the presence of nausea, vomiting, and jaundice is reported. Postpartum preeclampsia and acute fatty liver of pregnancy were diagnosed. The patient developed an acute subdural hematoma and an intracerebral hemorrhage, which were subjected to neurosurgical treatment. The patient died from refractory hemolytic anemia and spontaneous bleeding of multiple organs. Preeclampsia HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy might overlap and be associated with potentially fatal complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, as in the present case. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to ensure management and treatment success.

Brainstem cavernomas: a surgical challenge / Cavernomas de tronco: desafio cirúrgico

Objective: The authors show their experience with brainstem cavernomas, comparing their data with the ones of a literature review. Methods: From 1998 to 2009, 13 patients harboring brainstem cavernomas underwent surgical resection. All plain films, medical records and images were reviewed in order to sample the most important data regarding epidemiology, clinical picture, radiological findings and surgical outcomes, as well as main complications. Results: The mean age was 42.4 years (ranging from 19 to 70). No predominant gender: male-to-female ratio, 6:7. Pontine cases were more frequent. Magnetic resonance imaging was used as the imaging method to diagnose cavernomas in all cases. The mean follow-up was 71.3 months (range of 1 to 138 months). Clinical presentation was a single cranial nerve deficit, VIII paresis, tinnitus and hearing loss (69.2%). All 13 patients underwent resection of the symptomatic brainstem cavernoma. Complete removal was accomplished in 11 patients. Morbidity and mortality were 15.3 and 7.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Cavernomas can be resected safely with optimal surgical approach (feasible entry zone) and microsurgical techniques, and the goal is to remove all lesions with no cranial nerves impairment.

Objetivo: Os autores mostram sua experiência com cavernomas de tronco cerebral, comparando seus dados com os de uma revisão da literatura. Métodos: De 1998 a 2009, 13 pacientes com cavernoma de tronco cerebral foram submetidos a ressecção cirúrgica. Todos os filmes, prontuários e imagens foram revisados para exposição dos dados mais importantes, como epidemiologia, detalhes clínicos, achados radiológicos e resultados cirúrgicos, bem como as principais complicações. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 42,4 anos (variação de 19 a 70). Não houve predominância de gênero na taxa masculino versus feminino, 6:7. Os casos pontinos foram os mais frequentes. Ressonância nuclear magnética foi o método de imagem para o diagnóstico de cavernomas em todos os casos. A média do acompanhamento foi de 71,3 meses (variação de 1 a 138 meses). A apresentação clínica mais frequente foi a paresia do VIII nervo craniano, tinitus e perda auditiva (69,2%). Todos os 13 pacientes com cavernomas de tronco sintomáticos foram submetidos à ressecção cirúrgica. A remoção total foi realizada em 11 pacientes. A morbidade e a mortalidade foram de 15,3 e 7,6%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Os cavernomas podem ser seguramente ressecados por meio de acessos cirúrgicos ideais (zonas de entrada seguras) e técnicas de microcirurgia, sendo que o objetivo é remover toda a lesão sem o comprometimento dos nervos cranianos.

Intracerebral hemorrhage in children

Intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH] in children is relatively less common as compared to adults. It could be traumatic or spontaneous. There are limited studies about ICH in children. In this study, we analyze the etiology, clinical features, management options and outcome assessment in this population. All patients with intracerebral hemorrhage under 18 years of age admitted to the neurosurgery department; Alexandria University Main Hospital and Medical Research Institute over a period of one year [June 2008-May 2009] were subjected to clinical examination, laboratory and radiological investigations and the cause of hemorrhage was determined. Thirty patients with ICH were included in this study. Age of patients ranged from one month to 17.5 years with a higher predilection in males. Presenting features were symptoms of raised intracranial pressure [60%], deterioration in sensorium [46%], limb weakness [36%] and seizures [30.0%]. Trauma was the most common cause of ICH and was found in 13 patients [43%], followed by bleeding diathesis in nine patients [30%], arteriovenous malformation [AVM] in five patients [17%], intracranial tumor in two patients and an aneurysm in one patient. Treatment modalities consisted of: hematoma evacuation, excision of AVM, AVM emobilization, aneurysm clipping, tumor excision, and conservative management. Eleven patients were treated conservatively and 19 patients were treated surgically. The outcome showed: good recovery in 14[47%], fair recovery in seven [23%], poor recovery in seven [23%], and death in two patients [7%]. Trauma is the leading cause of ICH in children. Bleeding diathesis and AVM come next. The initial neurological status of patients, the size, location and underlying pathophysiology of the hematoma are the most important determinants of patient outcome. Intracerebral hemorrhage due to bleeding diathesis was generally associated with a better outcome

Post-transfusion hypertension, convulsion and intracranial haemorrhage in beta-thalassemia major

The haematologic disorder beta-thalassemia major is common in Pakistan. We describe a patient with undiagnosed thalassemia presenting with hypertension and convulsions and found to have cerebral haemorrhage on neuro-imaging. He had been transfused 2 weeks before this illness. Our experience is similar to a few case reports described in literature that were found to have cerebral haemorrhages post-mortem after a similar clinical presentation. All patients had a blood transfusion within 2 weeks prior to the presentation so association with transfusion has been proposed. We have reviewed the several mechanisms presented and discussed the findings

The Return of an Old Worm: Cerebral Paragonimiasis Presenting with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Paragonimiasis is caused by ingesting crustaceans, which are the intermediate hosts of Paragonimus. The involvement of the brain was a common presentation in Korea decades ago, but it becomes much less frequent in domestic medical practices. We observed a rare case of cerebral paragonimiasis manifesting with intracerebral hemorrhage. A 10-yr-old girl presented with sudden-onset dysarthria, right facial palsy and clumsiness of the right hand. Brain imaging showed acute intracerebral hemorrhage in the left frontal area. An occult vascular malformation or small arteriovenous malformation compressed by the hematoma was initially suspected. The lesion progressed for over 2 months until a delayed surgery was undertaken. Pathologic examination was consistent with cerebral paragonimiasis. After chemotherapy with praziquantel, the patient was monitored without neurological deficits or seizure attacks for 6 months. This case alerts practicing clinicians to the domestic transmission of a forgotten parasitic disease due to environmental changes.

The Return of an Old Worm: Cerebral Paragonimiasis Presenting with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Paragonimiasis is caused by ingesting crustaceans, which are the intermediate hosts of Paragonimus. The involvement of the brain was a common presentation in Korea decades ago, but it becomes much less frequent in domestic medical practices. We observed a rare case of cerebral paragonimiasis manifesting with intracerebral hemorrhage. A 10-yr-old girl presented with sudden-onset dysarthria, right facial palsy and clumsiness of the right hand. Brain imaging showed acute intracerebral hemorrhage in the left frontal area. An occult vascular malformation or small arteriovenous malformation compressed by the hematoma was initially suspected. The lesion progressed for over 2 months until a delayed surgery was undertaken. Pathologic examination was consistent with cerebral paragonimiasis. After chemotherapy with praziquantel, the patient was monitored without neurological deficits or seizure attacks for 6 months. This case alerts practicing clinicians to the domestic transmission of a forgotten parasitic disease due to environmental changes.

Long term effects of Gamma knife Radiosurgery for treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations

The Gamma Knife Radiosurgery [GKR] is an established management option for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations [AVMS]. Therapeutic benefits of radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations are complete obliteration of nidus with minimal neurological deficit. Radiosurgery was performed between February 2003 and April 2010 at Kamraniye day clinic, Tehran, Iran, using the Leksell gamma knife model B [Elektra Instruments AB, Stockholm, Sweden] on 82 consecutive patients with AVMs. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1 [48M, 34F]. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 70 years [mean, 28.5 +/- 12 years]. The marginal dose to the AVM nidus was 45 to 85% [median, 60%] isodose and ranged from 14 to 30 Gy [mean, 20.57 +/- 13Gy].The maximum dose ranged between 20 to 60 Gy [mean, 37.5 Gy +/- 10.17Gy]. Follow up of patients for complete AVM obliteration and in the case of complications MRI were performed. Complete obliteration of AVM was achieved in 56 cases [68.29%]. It was marked in average 3.62 [SD=3.19] years [from 1 to 5 years] after GKR. Partial obliteration [>50% reduction of the nidus volume] was marked in 24 cases [31%], and less than 50% reduction of the nidus volume was marked in 2 cases [2.4%] with a follow-up of 5 years. Complete obliteration of AVM had statistically significant associations with smaller score of Spetzler-Martin arteriovenous malformation grading system for AVMs. [p< 0.05]. The Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can offer total and partial obliteration to acceptable percent of treated AVM with a low risk of morbidity. Higher success observed in patients with Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II AVMs, which was attributed to smaller volume of AVMs in this group

Acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico associado à acidente ofídico por serpente do gênero bothrops: relato de caso / Hemorrhagic stroke related to snakebite by bothrops genus: a case report

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico, associado à acidente ofídico por serpente do gênero bothrops e hipertensão arterial sistêmica grave. Apesar do ofidismo botrópico ser frequente no Estado do Pará, tais associações são incomuns, necessitando de uma abordagem especializada e precoce, visando menores complicações.

This research reports a clinical case of hemorrhagic stroke due to envenomation by bothrops snakebite associated with severe hypertension. Although bothrops snakebites are frequent in the State of Pará, such associations are uncommon, requiring specialized and early management to avoid severe complications.

Capsulo-ganglionic bleed: Murder or pathology.

Intra parenchymal (intra cerebral) haemorrhage is the most common type of spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage. It accounts for 10% of all strokes with a 50% case fatality rate. Hypertension is the one of the most common causes of intra parenchymal haemorrhage followed by other causes like, amyloid angiopathies, cocaine abuse, haematologic disorders and head injury. The present case is a case of death due to intra parenchymal haemorrhage where the relatives of the deceased alleged the death to have been caused as a sequel to an assault by neighbours. Autopsy conducted by experts proved that death was due to pathology and not trauma, thereby assisting in establishment of justice. Usually a single deep seated intracranial haemorrhage in ganglionic region without any injury to scalp, skull and brain is due to natural disease. Hypertension is the most common cause of spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage.

Hemorragia intracerebral como presentación inicial de un coriocarcinoma metastásico: reporte de caso / Intracerebral hemorrhage as initial presentation of metastatic choriocarcinoma: a case report

Las metástasis cerebrales representan el principal tumor del sistema nervioso central. Estudios de autopsias han revelado que alrededor del 25 por ciento de los pacientes con cáncer, presentan metástasis cerebrales. La incidencia se ha incrementado en los últimos años debido al aumento de la sobrevida de los pacientes. Los tumores más frecuentemente asociados a metástasis cerebrales son el melanoma, el cáncer de mama y de pulmón. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 33 años quien presentó hemorragia intracerebral como complicación de metástasis cerebral, en el contexto de una enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional, la cual fue manejada en nuestro servicio de neurocirugía.