Análisis multivariado de factores pronósticos en niños con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave que requirieron craneotomía descompresiva / Multivariate Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Children with Severe Cranioencephalic Trauma Requiring Decompressive Craniotomy

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico en edades pediátricas constituye un problema de salud relevante a nivel mundial y en Cuba. Objetivo: Determinar los factores pronósticos del trauma craneoencefálico grave en niños que requirieron craneotomía descompresiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal correlacional, de tipo serie de casos, en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Pediátrico de Camagüey durante el período comprendido desde enero de 2019 a diciembre de 2021. Fueron estudiados un total de 27 niños con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave, que cumplieron con los criterios de selección de la investigación. Las variables analizadas incluyeron: grupo etario, sexo, intensidad de la lesión, técnica quirúrgica, perfusión cerebral y resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos. Resultados: Predominó el grupo etario de 11-18 años (45,5 porciento) y el sexo masculino (72,7 porciento). El mayor puntaje en la variable intensidad de la lesión correspondió con la realización de craneotomías bilaterales (media = 78,63). Se halló disminución significativa (p = 0,024) de la perfusión cerebral en los pacientes con edad menor o igual a 8 años (media = 61,6387) y se encontró más disminuida en los pacientes que requirieron craneotomía bilateral (p = 0,001). Los peores resultados obtenidos correspondieron a los pacientes con edad biológica igual o menor a 8 años, que requirieron craneotomía bilateral. Conclusiones: La edad menor a 8 años se relacionó con mayor deterioro de la perfusión cerebral y peores resultados. La necesidad de craneotomías bilaterales se asoció con mayor intensidad de la lesión encefálica, presión intracraneal preoperatoria más elevada y deterioro de la perfusión cerebral(AU)

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma in pediatric ages is a relevant health problem worldwide and in Cuba. Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of severe cranioencephalic trauma in children who required decompressive craniotomy. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study of case series type was carried out at the neurosurgery service of Hospital Pediátrico de Camagüey during the period from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 27 children with severe cranioencephalic trauma who met the research selection criteria were studied. The analyzed variables included age group, sex, injury intensity, surgical technique, cerebral perfusion and obtained surgical outcomes. Results: The age group 11-18 years (45.5 percent) and male sex (72.7 percent) predominated. The highest score in the variable injury intensity corresponded to the realization of bilateral craniotomies (mean = 78.63). A significant decrease (p = 0.024) in cerebral perfusion was found in patients aged 8 years or under (mean = 61.6387) and it was found to be more diminished in patients who required bilateral craniotomy (p = 0.001). The worst obtained outcomes corresponded to patients with a biological age of 8 years or under, who required bilateral craniotomy. Conclusions: Age under 8 years was associated with greater cerebral perfusion impairment and worse outcomes. The need for bilateral craniotomies was associated with greater intensity of the encephalic injury, higher preoperative intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion impairment(AU)

Epidermoid Cyst of the IV Ventricle: Case Report

Epidermoid cysts constitute congenital, benign and rare lesions, corresponding to 0.2% to 1.8% of all intracranial tumors. Only 5% of the cases are located in the fourth ventricle. Despite their genesis in intrauterine life, they are usually diagnosed between the third and fifth decades of life due to their very slow growth pattern. The image weighted by the diffusion of the magnetic resonance is essential to establish the diagnosis. The ideal treatment consists of emptying the cystic content with complete capsule resection. In the present work, we report the case of a 31-year-old female with cerebellar syndrome that evolved with intracranial hypertension. The symptomatology was due to an obstructive hydrocephalus by an epidermoid cyst located inside the fourth ventricle, which was confirmed by the pathological anatomy.

Events associated with the occurrence of intracranial hypertension in pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma and monitoring of intracranial pressure / Eventos associados à ocorrência de hipertensão intracraniana em pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave e monitoração da pressão intracraniana

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the events associated with the occurrence of intracranial hypertension (ICH) in pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients 18 years old and younger with cranioencephalic trauma, scores below nine on the Glasgow Coma Scale, and intracranial pressure monitoring. They were admitted between September, 2005 and March, 2014 into a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. ICH was defined as an episode of intracranial pressure above 20 mmHg for more than five minutes that needed treatment. Results: A total of 198 children and adolescents were included in the study, of which 70.2% were males and there was a median age of nine years old. ICH occurred in 135 (68.2%) patients and maximum intracranial pressure was 36.3 mmHg, with a median of 34 mmHg. A total of 133 (97.8%) patients with ICH received sedation and analgesia for treatment of the condition, 108 (79.4%) received neuromuscular blockers, 7 (5.2%) had cerebrospinal fluid drainage, 105 (77.2%) received mannitol, 96 (70.6%) received hyperventilation, 64 (47.1%) received 3% saline solution, 20 (14.7%) received barbiturates, and 43 (31.9%) underwent a decompressive craniectomy. The events associated with the occurrence of ICH were tomographic findings at the time of admission of diffuse or hemispheric swelling (edema plus engorgement). The odds ratio for ICH in patients with Marshall III (diffuse swelling) tomography was 14 (95%CI 2.8-113; p<0.003), and for those with Marshall IV (hemispherical swelling) was 24.9 (95%CI 2.4-676, p<0.018). Mortality was 22.2%. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma and tomographic alterations of Marshall III and IV presented a high chance of developing ICH.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar eventos associados à ocorrência de hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) em pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave. Métodos: Trata-se de coorte prospectiva de pacientes de até 18 anos, com traumatismo cranioencefálico, pontuação abaixo de nove na Escala de Coma de Glasgow e monitoração da pressão intracraniana, admitidos entre setembro de 2005 e março de 2014 em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica. A HIC foi definida como episódio de pressão intracraniana acima de 20 mmHg por mais de cinco minutos e com necessidade de tratamento. Resultados: Incluídas 198 crianças e adolescentes, 70,2% masculinos, mediana de idade de nove anos. A HIC ocorreu em 135 (68,2%) pacientes; valor máximo de pressão intracraniana de 36,3; mediana 34 mmHg. Receberam sedação e analgesia para tratamento da HIC 133 (97,8%) pacientes, 108 (79,4%) receberam bloqueadores neuromusculares, 7 (5,2%) drenagem de líquor, 105 (77,2%) manitol, 96 (70,6%) hiperventilação, 64 (47,1%) solução salina a 3%, 20 (14,7%) barbitúricos e 43 (31,9%) foram submetidos à craniectomia descompressiva. Os eventos associados à ocorrência de HIC foram os achados tomográficos à admissão de swelling (edema mais ingurgitamento) difuso ou hemisférico. A razão de chance para que pacientes com classificação tomográfica Marshall III (swelling difuso) apresentassem HIC foi 14 (IC95% 2,8-113; p<0,003) e para aqueles com Marshall IV (hemisférico) foi 24,9 (IC95% 2,4-676; p<0,018). A mortalidade foi de 22,2%. Conclusões: Pacientes pediátricos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave e alterações tomográficas tipo Marshall III e IV apresentaram grande chance de desenvolver HIC.

Controversias de la craniectomía descompresiva en el tratamiento de la hipertensión endocraneana / Controversies of decompressive craniotomy in the treatment of intracranial hypertension

RESUMEN La hipertensión intracraneal influye negativamente en el pronóstico del traumatismo craneoencefálico grave y del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media. La craniectomía descompresiva constituye una opción de tratamiento. Con esta revisión se persigue valorar las controversias de la craniectomía descompresiva en el tratamiento de la hipertensión endocraneana. Para lo cual se realizó una exhaustiva revisión de la literatura donde se tuvieron en cuenta diversos estudios multicéntricos y multinacionales que plasmaron aspectos polémicos acerca de la utilización de este proceder neuroquirúrgico como terapia en el manejo de la hipertensión endocraneana refractaria a tratamiento conservador. Se concluye que la craniectomía descompresiva se considera beneficiosa en el infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media, mientras que en el trauma craneoencefálico grave su utilidad es controvertida (AU).

SUMMARY Intracranial hypertension negatively influences the prognosis of severe craniaencephalic trauma and malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery. Decompressive craniotomy is a treatment option. The aim of this review is to assess the controversies of decompressive craniotomy in the treatment of intracranial hypertension. For this purpose, an exhaustive review of the literature was carried out, taking into account several multicentric and multinational studies revealing controversial aspects on the use of this neurosurgical procedure as therapy in the management of intracranial hypertension refractory to conservative treatment. It is concluded that decompressive craniotomy is considered beneficial in the malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery, while in the case of severe craniaencephalic trauma its utility is controversial (AU).

Decompressive craniectomy for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma, does it add benefit?

Background: Many studies discussed the validity of hematoma evacuation versus conservative treatment, and little research discussed the role of decompressive craniectomy in the management of SICH. The purpose of the study is to discuss the role of decompressive craniectomy alone in selected cases of supratentorial SICH and comparing it with the reported results of best medical treatment in the literatures. Patients and methods; Fourteen patients harboring SICH with mass effect were operated in Zagazig University Hospitals by decompressive craniectomy from March 2015 to September 2017. Inclusion criteria were hypertensive supratentorial SICH with massive edema and midline shift and GCS score below 10. Wide decompressive craniotomy was performed together with duroplasty. Patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively using modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results: There was 14 patients, 9 males and 5 females with mean age 69.7 (range 56 to 81), 8 right and 6 left sided hematoma with mean GCS of 7 (range 4 to 10), preoperative midline shift ranged from 9 mm to 15 mm (mean 12.7). Early postoperative follow up showed improvement of GCS mean 11 (range 6 to 15) and midline shift mean 3 mm (range 1 to 9) in the first 24 hours. At 6 months, mortality rate was 2/14. GOS showed good outcome (mRS 0-4) in 10 patients and poor outcome (mRS 5-6) in 4 patients. Conclusion: Decompressive craniectomy with duroplasty is an effective method for management of supratentorial SICH and is better than the best medical treatment in selected cases

Intracranial pressure following decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction: clinical and treatment correlations / Monitorização da pressão intracraniana em pacientes tratados com hemicraniectomia descompressiva por acidente vascular cerebral maligno de artéria cerebral média: correlações clínicas e terapêuticas

ABSTRACT Decompressive craniectomy (DC) reduces mortality and improves outcome in patients with massive brain infarctions. The role of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring following DC for stroke has not been well established. Methods: We evaluated 14 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with malignant middle cerebral artery infarctions, from October 2010 to February 2015, who underwent DC and had ICP monitoring. Patients with and without episodes of ICP elevation were compared. Results: Fourteen patients were submitted to DC and had ICP monitoring following the procedure during the period. Ten patients (71.4%) had at least one episode of sustained elevated ICP in the first seven days after surgery. Maximal ICP levels had no correlation with age, time to hemicraniectomy or Glasgow Coma Scores at admission, but had a trend toward correlation with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission (p = 0.1). Ventriculitis occurred in 21.4% of the patients. Conclusions: High ICP episodes and ventriculitis were common in patients following hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery strokes. Therefore, the implications of ICP and benefits of the procedure should be firmly established.

RESUMO Craniectomia descompressiva (CD) reduz a mortalidade e melhora o desfecho em pacientes com infartos malignos de artéria cerebral média (ACM). O papel da monitorização da pressão intracraniana (PIC) após CD para infartos malignos de ACM não está bem estabelecido. Métodos: Avaliamos pacientes consecutivos internados em um hospital terciário com infartos malignos de ACM de outubro/2010 a fevereiro/2015 tratados com CD e submetidos à monitorização da PIC. Foram comparados pacientes com e sem episódios de elevação de PIC. Resultados: Quatorze pacientes (idade média 49,0 ± 12,4 anos, 42,9% do sexo masculino) foram avaliados. Dez pacientes (71,4%) tiveram pelo menos um episódio de elevação da PIC nos primeiros sete dias após a cirurgia. A PIC máxima média foi de 26,71 ± 11,64 mmHg. Os níveis máximos de PIC não apresentaram correlação com a idade, o tempo de hemicraniectomia ou com a pontuação na Escala de Coma de Glasgow na admissão, mas houve tendência a ser correlacionada com a pontuação da National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale na admissão (p = 0,1). Ventriculite ocorreu em 21,4% dos pacientes. Conclusões: Os episódios de aumento da PIC foram comuns em pacientes tratados com CD por infarto maligno de MCA e ventriculite foi evento adverso frequente nesses pacientes. Portanto, as implicações da monitorização da PIC sobre o resultado funcional, bem como os riscos e benefícios do procedimento, devem ser melhor estabelecidos.

Decompressive craniotomy for the treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery: mortality and outcome / Craniotomia descompressiva para tratamento do infarto maligno da artéria cerebral media: mortalidade e desfecho

ABSTRACT Objective To assess, by Rankin scale, the functional disability of patients who had a malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke, who underwent decompressive craniotomy (DC) within the first 30 days. Methods A cross-sectional study in a University hospital. Between June 2007 and December 2014, we retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients submitted to DC due to a malignant MCA infarction. The mortality rate was defined during the hospitalization period. The modified outcome Rankin score (mRS) was measured 30 days after the procedure, for stratification of the quality of life. Results The DC mortality rate was 30% (95% CI 14.5 to 51.9) for the 20 patients reported. The mRS 30 days postoperatively was ≥ 4 [3.3 to 6] for all patients thereafter. Conclusion DC is to be considered a real alternative for the treatment of patients with a malignant ischemic MCA infarction.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a capacidade funcional de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico no território da artéria cerebral média (ACM) submetidos à craniotomia descompressiva (CD) no período de 30 dias pela escala de Rankin. Métodos Estudo transversal em um hospital universitário. Entre junho de 2007 e dezembro de 2014, analisados retrospectivamente os registros de todos os pacientes submetidos a CD devido a enfarte maligno na ACM. A taxa de mortalidade foi definida durante o período de internação. O resultado da estratificação da qualidade de vida foi através da escala Rankin modificado (mRS) mensurado em 30 dias após o procedimento. Resultados A taxa de mortalidade CD foi de 30% (IC 95% 14,5-51,9) para os 20 pacientes relatados. A mRS 30 dias de pós-operatório foi => 4 [3,3-6] para todos os pacientes. Conclusão CD deve ser considerada uma alternativa real para o tratamento de pacientes com enfarte isquêmico no território da ACM.

Reconstrução de calota craniana com prótese customizada de PMMA após craniectomias descompressivas / Skull reconstruction with PMMA customized prostheses after decompressive craniectomies

Introdução: A craniectomia descompressiva é uma cirurgia indicada no tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana em situações graves de traumas cranioencefálicos. Esta cirurgia confere uma aparência bizarra ao paciente, como se "parte da cabeça" houvesse sido retirada. Após a regressão do edema cerebral e quando o paciente reunir boas condições clínicas, a reconstrução craniana está indicada. A reconstrução da calota craniana poderá ser realizada com osso autólogo ou com materiais aloplásticos. Este estudo objetiva apresentar a experiência do autor com reconstruções de calota craniana utilizando próteses customizadas de PMMA. Métodos: Foram selecionados 14 pacientes submetidos à craniectomia descompressiva que, após serem liberados clinicamente pela Neurocirurgia, realizaram a reconstrução da calota craniana com próteses de PMMA customizadas por prototipagem entre os anos de 2014 e 2015 e com, no mínimo, 6 meses de pós-operatório. Sinais e sintomas de síndrome do Trefinado, tomografia computadorizada e aparência estética dos pacientes foram analisadas no pré e no 6º mês pós-operatório. Resultados: Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora sintomatológica, melhora estética e expansão cerebral após a cirurgia. Conclusão: A reconstrução da calota craniana com prótese customizada de PMMA promoveu a melhora dos sinais e sintomas e da aparência estética de todos os 14 pacientes operados. A utilização de protótipos para customizar próteses cranianas facilitou a técnica operatória e possibilitou a recuperação de um contorno craniano muito próximo da normalidade.

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy is indicated for the treatment of intracranial hypertension in cases of serious traumatic brain injury. This surgery results in a bizarre appearance, as if "part of the head" had been. After regression of cerebral edema and when the patient is in good clinical condition, the reconstruction of the skull is indicated. Reconstruction of the skull can be performed with autologous bone or with alloplastic materials. This study sought to present the experience of the author with skull reconstructions using custom PMMA prostheses. Methods: In between 2014 and 2015, fourteen patients with previous (longer than 6 months) decompressive craniectomies were selected after Neurosurgery medical clearance and underwent skull reconstruction with customized PMMA prototyped prostheses. Signs and symptoms of syndrome of the trephined, computed tomography, and aesthetic appearance of the patients were analyzed preoperatively and at 6 months after reconstruction. Results: All patients presented with improved symptomatology, aesthetic improvement and expansion of the brain after surgery. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the skull with customized prototyped PMMA prostheses improved the signs and symptoms and the aesthetic appearance in all 14 patients of this series. The use of prototypes to customize cranial prostheses facilitates the operative technique and enables patients to develop a nearly normal cranial contour.

Lesión como malformación de Chiari secundaria a quiste aracnoidal de la cisterna cuadrigémina / Chiari malformation-like lesion secondary to arachnoid cyst of the quadrigeminal cistern

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 31 años de edad con cefalea y cervicalgia que se agravaba con la maniobra de Valsalva, presentando además mareos, encontrándose una malformación de Chiari secundario a un quiste aracnoideo cuadrigeminal. Después de efectuada la resonancia magnética diagnóstica, la paciente fue sometida a descompresión del agujero magno y extirpación del quiste cuadrigeminal, seguido por la resolución tanto de la malformación de Chiari y el quiste. Los síntomas desaparecieron después de la cirugía y han permanecido completamente resuelto hasta la actualidad. En pacientes adultos que presentan signos y síntomas de una malformación de Chiari debido a la compresión de la médula por las las amígdalas cerebelosas, la presencia de un quiste aracnoideo de cisterna cuadrigéminal es una rara patología asociada que puede ser tratada quirúrgicamente.

We report a rare case of a 31-year-old woman with headache and pain manifested by cervicalgia that worsened with the Valsalva maneuver and dizziness, who was found to have a Chiari malformation secondary to a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. After magnetic resonance imagining (MRI), the patient was submitted to foramen magnum decompression and arachnoid cyst removal that were followed by resolution of both the Chiari malformation and the cyst. The symptoms disappeared after surgery and have remained completely resolved to the present day. In adult patients who present with signs and symptoms of Chiari malformation due to direct medulla compression by the tonsils, a quadrigeminal cistern arachnoid cyst is a rare associated pathology that can be treated surgically.

Cranioplastia externa para a síndrome do trefinado ­ nota técnica / External Cranioplasty for the Syndrome of Trephined ­ Technical Note

A craniectomia descompressiva (CD) é método cirúrgico amplamente utilizado para tratar a hipertensão intracraniana. Entre as complicações decorrentes da CD, a hidrocefalia é uma das mais frequentes, ocorrendo em até 30% dos casos. A implantação de derivação liquórica, necessária emalguns casos de hidrocefalia, resulta em agravamento da depressão do couro cabeludo, que ocorre após CD ­ síndrome do trefinado (ST). A realização de cranioplastia convencional é inviável em algumas situações, como ST com derivação liquórica, que não melhora após ligadura ou aumento de pressão do sistema, ou ST com depressão acentuada do couro cabeludo. Nestes casos, propomos uma nova técnica que foi aplicada em quatro casos e que consiste na confecção de uma prótese temporária com material gessado ou polimetilmetacrilato para se eliminar o efeito da pressão atmosférica. Em todos os casos, houve melhora da ST.

The decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical method widely used to treat intracranial hypertension. Among the complications of CD, hydrocephalus is one of the most frequently occurring in up to 30% of cases. The implantation of CSF shunt, required in some cases of hydrocephalus results in worsening of the scalp depression, which occurs after CD ­ syndrome of trephined (ST). The performance of conventional cranioplasty is impossible in some situations, such as ST with CSF shunt that does not improve after ligation or increment of system pressure or ST with severe depression of the scalp. In these cases, we propose a new technique that has been applied in four cases and consists in molding a temporary prosthesis with cast material or polymethylmetacrilate to eliminate the effect of atmospheric pressure. In all cases, there was improvement in ST.

Craniectomía descompresiva en el trauma encefalocraneano grave: factores pronósticos y complicaciones / Decompressive craniectomy in severe traumatic brain injury: prognostic factors and complications

RESUMEN Objetivo: Análisis de las características clínicas, las complicaciones y los factores asociados al pronóstico de los pacientes con trauma encefalocraneano grave en los que se realizó craniectomía descompresiva. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes asistidos en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, con trauma encefalocraneano grave en los que se realizó craniectomía descompresiva, entre los años 2003 y 2012. Se siguieron los pacientes hasta el egreso de la unidad de cuidados intensivos, analizándose sus características clínico-tomográficas, las complicaciones y los factores asociados al pronóstico (análisis uni y multivariado). Resultados: Se estudiaron 64 pacientes. Se realizó craniectomía descompresiva primaria y lateral en la mayoría de los pacientes. Se halló una alta incidencia de complicaciones (78% neurológicas y 52% no neurológicas). 42 pacientes (66%) presentaron mala evolución y 22 (34%) tuvieron una buena evolución neurológica. De los pacientes que sobrevivieron, el 61% tuvo una buena evolución neurológica. En el análisis univariado, los factores asociados significativamente con mala evolución neurológica fueron: la hipertensión intracraneana post-craniectomía descompresiva, la mayor gravedad y el peor estado neurológico al ingreso. En el análisis multivariado, solo la hipertensión intracraneana post-craniectomía descompresiva se asoció significativamente con mala evolución. Conclusión: Se trata de un grupo de pacientes muy grave, de difícil manejo, con elevada morbimortalidad, donde la hipertensión intracraneana es un factor principal de mala evolución. .

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, complications and factors associated with the prognosis of severe traumatic brain injury among patients who undergo a decompressive craniectomy. Methods: Retrospective study of patients seen in an intensive care unit with severe traumatic brain injury in whom a decompressive craniectomy was performed between the years 2003 and 2012. Patients were followed until their discharge from the intensive care unit. Their clinical-tomographic characteristics, complications, and factors associated with prognosis (univariate and multivariate analysis) were analyzed. Results: A total of 64 patients were studied. Primary and lateral decompressive craniectomies were performed for the majority of patients. A high incidence of complications was found (78% neurological and 52% nonneurological). A total of 42 patients (66%) presented poor outcomes, and 22 (34%) had good neurological outcomes. Of the patients who survived, 61% had good neurological outcomes. In the univariate analysis, the factors significantly associated with poor neurological outcome were postdecompressive craniectomy intracranial hypertension, greater severity and worse neurological state at admission. In the multivariate analysis, only postcraniectomy intracranial hypertension was significantly associated with a poor outcome. Conclusion: This study involved a very severe and difficult to manage group of patients with high morbimortality. Intracranial hypertension was a main factor of poor outcome in this population. .

Craniectomía descompresiva para trauma craneoencefálico severo / Decompressive craniectomy for severe head trauma

La hipertensión intracraneal es la principal causa de mortalidad en los pacientes con lesiones craneales. En la actualidad la lesión traumática cerebral es un problema de salud pública en todo el mundo. La craniectomía descompresiva surge como una estrategia de tratamiento para los pacientes con hipertensión intracraneal refractaria a manejo médico. Este procedimiento requiere una técnica quirúrgica cuidadosa y exquisita, presentamos una revisión actualizada del procedimiento dirigida a los residentes en formación y a los neurocirujanos latinoamericanos.

Intracranial hypertension is the leading cause of mortality in patients with head injuries. Currently, traumatic brain injury is a public health problem worldwide. Decompressive craniectomy emerges as a treatment strategy for patients with intracranial hypertension refractory to medical management. This procedure requires careful surgical technique and exquisite, we present a review of the procedure intended for residents in training and Colombian neurosurgeon.

Craniectomia descompresiva para trauma craneoencefálico severo: aspectos importantes / Decompressive craniectomy for severe cranioencephalic trauma: important issues

La hipertensión intracraneal es la principal causa de mortalidad en los pacientes con lesiones craneales. En la actualidad la lesión traumática cerebral es un problema de salud pública en todo el mundo. La craniectomía descompresiva surge como una estrategia de tratamiento para los pacientes con hipertensión intracraneal refractaria a manejo médico. Este procedimiento requiere una técnica quirúrgica cuidadosa y exquisita, presentamos una revisión actualizada del procedimiento dirigida a los residentes en formación y a los neurocirujanos latinoamericanos.

Intracranial hypertension is the leading cause of mortality in patients with head injuries. Currently, traumatic brain injury is a public health problem worldwide. Decompressive craniectomy emerges as a treatment strategy for patients with intracranial hypertension refractory to medical management. This procedure requires careful surgical technique and exquisite, we present a review of the procedure intended for residents in training and Colombian neurosurgeon

Experiencia obtenida con el uso de la craniectomía descompresiva en el hospital de urgencia Asistencia Pública de Santiago / Experience with the use of decompressive craniectomy in the hospital emergency Santiago Public Assistance

Se revisaron 24 pacientes sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva en el HUAP entre los años 2009 y 2011, constituyendo el 8 por ciento de las cirugías realizadas en ese período. La distribución por edad fue mayoritariamente en el sexo masculino con un 75 por ciento de los pacientes. No se encontró clara relación en el outcome en relación a la edad y al Glasgow de ingreso. El mecanismo causal más frecuente fueron los atropellos con un 60,87 por ciento de los casos, seguido por las caídas con un 26,09 por ciento y las agresiones con un 13,04 por ciento. Se consignó la presencia de alcohol en al menos 29,16 por ciento de los enfermos. La mortalidad registrada fue de un 45,83 por ciento versus una sobrevida de un 54,17 por ciento. De los pacientes vivos, un 33,77 por ciento egresó autovalente, un 46,15 por ciento quedó dependiente y un 23,08 por ciento quedó en estado vegetativo. En las causas de mortalidad se encontró una alta tasa secundaria a infecciones respiratorias con un 45,45 por ciento del total de los decesos. La tasa de complicaciones postoperatorias fue del orden de un 45,83 por ciento, requiriendo de resolución quirúrgica el 63,3 por ciento de ellas. Hubo un mejor outcome en los pacientes en que la craniectomía se realizó dentro de las 1ras 24 horas versus las efectuadas en forma diferida. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las colecciones yuxtadurales, seguidas de las complicaciones infecciosas.

Resolution of syringomyelia in ten cases of "up-and-down Chiari malformation" after posterior fossa decompression / Resolução de siringomielia em dez casos de malformação de Chiari observada apenas com o paciente em posição sentada durante a descompressão da fossa posterior

The authors describe ten cases of syringomyelia without hindbrain herniation depicted by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in supine position. However, the herniation was observed in all cases during the operation with the patient in sitting position. The postoperative MRI revealed an intense reduction of the syrinx in all patients, as well as it was also observed a clinical amelioration in all cases. The surgical treatment was based on a large craniectomy with the patient in sitting position, tonsillectomy, large opening of the fourth ventricle and duraplasty with creation of a large cisterna magna.

Os autores descrevem 10 casos de siringomielia sem herniação do rombencéfalo, observada na ressonância magnética realizada em decúbito dorsal. Por outro lado, a herniação foi observada em todos os pacientes durante a operação com o paciente em posição sentada. A ressonância magnética pós-operatória evidenciou redução da cavidade siringomiélica nos dez pacientes, bem como foi observada melhora clínica em todos os casos. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu de craniectomia ampla da fossa posterior, tonsilectomia, abertura ampla do quarto ventrículo e duroplastia com a criação de ampla cisterna magna.