Actualización en el tratamiento del síndrome de hipertensión intracraneana / Update on the management of intracranial hypertension syndrome

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a devastating complication, with great impact on neurological status and high morbidity and mortality. Intracranial hypertension (ICH) has multiple etiologies. The natural history of this condition can lead to brain death. The successful management of patients with elevated ICP (> 20-25 mmHg) requires fast and timely recognition, judicious use of invasive monitoring and therapies aimed to reversing its underlying cause. Therefore, it must be managed as a neurological emergency. The objective of this review is to present in a friendly way the diagnostic approach and the management of ICH, focused on general practitioners.

Comparison of half-molar sodium lactate and mannitol to treat brain edema in severe traumatic brain injury: A systematic review / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Hypertonic fluids such as mannitol and half-molar sodium lactate are given to treat intracranial hypertension in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, sodium lactate was compared to mannitol in patients with TBI to investigate the efficacy in reducing intracranial pressure (ICP).@*METHODS@#This study was a systematic review with literature research on articles published in any year in the databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The keywords were "half-molar sodium lactate", "mannitol", "cerebral edema or brain swelling", and "severe traumatic brain injury". The inclusion criteria were (1) studies published in English, (2) randomized control trials or retrospective/prospective studies on TBI patients, and (3) therapies including half-molar sodium lactate and mannitol and (4) sufficient data such as mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR). Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.@*RESULTS@#From 1499 studies, a total of 8 studies were eligible. Mannitol group reduced ICP of 0.65 times (MD 0.65; p = 0.64) and improved cerebral perfusion pressure of 0.61 times (MD 0.61; p = 0.88), better than the half-molar group of sodium lactate. But the half-molar group of sodium lactate maintained the mean arterial pressure level of 0.86 times, better than the mannitol group (MD 0.86; p = 0.09).@*CONCLUSION@#Half-molar sodium lactate is as effective as mannitol in reducing ICP in the early phase of brain injury, superior over mannitol in an extended period. It is able to prevent intracranial hypertension and give better brain tissue perfusion as well as more stable hemodynamics. Blood osmolarity is a concern as it increases serum sodium.

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.

Pseudotumor cerebral asociado a hipovitaminosis A, B6 y D: A propósito de dos casos / Pseudotumor cerebri associated with hypovitaminosis A, B6 and D: About two cases

La hipertensión endocraneana idiopàtica se asocia infrecuentemente con la hipovitaminosis A y D. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 8 años con visión borrosa de 24 horas y papiledema bilateral. Resonancia magnética nuclear normal. Presión de apertura de líquido cefalorraquídeo: 260 mm^O. Presentó déficit de vitamina A y D, e inició un tratamiento sustitutivo. El segundo caso corresponde a un paciente masculino de 12 años con fiebre y odinofagia de 3 días. Con antecedente de glomerulonefritis y sobrepeso. Presentaba edema bipalpebral y papiledema. Tomografia axial computada de la órbita: aumento de líquido en la vaina de ambos nervios ópticos. Resonancia magnética nuclear: aracnoidocele intraselar. Presión de apertura de líquido cefalorraquídeo: 400 mm^O. Presentó déficit de vitamina D y B6, e inició el tratamiento sustitutivo. La elevación de la presión intracraneal desencadena mecanismos de compensación que, al fallar, pueden comprometer la vida o provocar graves discapacidades neurológicas. Reconocer la causa para un enfoque terapéutico preciso es clave para disminuir la morbimortalidad asociada a esta patología.

Idiopathic endocranial hypertension is infrequently associated with hypovitaminosis A and D. The case of an 8-year-old female with 24-hour blurred vision and bilateral papilledema is presented. Nuclear magnetic resonance was normal. Opening pressure of cerebrospinal fluid: 260 mm^O. She presented vitamin A and D deficiency and started replacement therapy. The second case corresponds to a 12-year-old male with fever and odynophagia of 3 days. History of glomerulonephritis and overweight. He had bipalpebral edema and papilledema. Computed tomography scan of the orbit: increase of fluid in the sheath of both optic nerves. Nuclear magnetic resonance: intrasellar arachnoidocele. Opening pressure of cerebrospinal fluid: 400 mmH2O. He presented vitamin D and B6 deficiency and started replacement treatment. The elevation of intracranial pressure triggers compensation mechanisms that, when they fail, can compromise life or cause serious neurological disabilities. Recognizing the cause for an accurate therapeutic approach is key to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology.

Nervo óptico: medida do diâmetro de sua bainha para detectar hipertensão intracraniana / Optic nerve: measure the diameter of its sheath to detect intracranial hypertension

Resumo Objetivo: este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a avaliação e detecção da hipertensão intracraniana através da ultrassonografia do nervo óptico. Métodos: revisão narrativa da literatura baseado em um levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO e CINAHL, através do uso dos descritores: Intracranial Hypertension. Optic Nerve. Ultrasonography, seus correspondentes em português e suas intersecções. Foram selecionados 27 artigos publicados no período de 1998-2017. Resultados: os artigos indicaram que a ultrassonografia do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) é util na detecção da hipertensão intracraniana. Conclusão: O aumento do DBNO é uma alteração com elevada acurácia para diagnosticar o aumento da pressão intracraniana em pacientes críticos.

Abstract Objective: This work had the objective of reviewing the literature on the evaluation and detection of intracranial hypertension through optical nerve ultrasound. Method: literature review based on a bibliographic survey in the electronic databases: PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO and CINAHL, using the following descriptors: Intracranial Hypertension.Optic Nerve. Ultrasonography, its correspondents in Portuguese and their intersections. We selected 27 articles published in the period of 1998-2017. Results: the articles indicated that ultrasonography of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath (ONSD) is useful in the detection of intracranial hypertension. Conclusion: The increase in ONSD is a highly accurate change to diagnose increased intracranial pressure in critically ill patients.

Bariatric surgery as a treatment for pseudotumor cerebri: case study and narrative review of the literature / Cirurgia bariátrica como tratamento para pseudotumor cerebri: estudo de caso e revisão narrativa de literatura

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when there is an increase in intracranial pressure without an underlying cause, usually leading to loss of vision. It is most commonly observed in obese women of child-bearing age. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman presented at our service with idiopathic intracranial hypertension that had been diagnosed two years earlier, which had led to chronic refractory headache and an estimated 30% loss of visual acuity, associated with bilateral papilledema. She presented partial improvement of the headache with acetazolamide, but the visual loss persisted. Her intracranial pressure was 34 cmH2O. She presented a body mass index of 39.5 kg/m2, also associated with high blood pressure. Computed tomography of the cranium with endovenous contrast did not show any abnormalities. She underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with uneventful postoperative evolution. One month following surgery, she presented a 24% excess weight loss. An ophthalmological examination revealed absence of visual loss and remission of the papilledema. There were no new episodes of headache following the surgery. There was also complete resolution of high blood pressure. The intracranial pressure decreased to 24 cmH2O, six months after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Although the condition is usually associated with obesity, there are few reports of bariatric surgery among individuals with pseudotumor cerebri. In cases studied previously, there was high prevalence of resolution or improvement of the disease following bariatric surgery. There is no consensus regarding which technique is preferable. Thus, further research is necessary in order to establish a specific algorithm.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O pseudotumor cerebri ocorre quando há aumento na pressão intracraniana sem causa subjacente, comumente levando a perda visual. É mais comum em mulheres obesas em idade fértil. RELATO DE CASO: Mulher de 46 anos, foi admitida com hipertensão intracraniana idiopática diagnosticada há dois anos, que levou a cefaleia refratária crônica e perda estimada de 30% da acuidade visual, associada a papiledema bilateral. Apresentou melhora parcial da cefaleia com acetazolamida, mas a perda visual persistiu. A pressão intracraniana era de 34 cmH2O. Apresentava índice de massa corpórea de 39,5 kg/m2, associado a hipertensão arterial. Tomografia computadorizada com contraste endovenoso de crânio não apresentou anormalidades. Foi submetida ao bypass gástrico em Y de Roux, com evolução pósoperatória sem intercorrências. Um mês após a cirurgia, apresentou perda de peso em excesso de 24%. Um exame oftalmológico demonstrou ausência de perda visual e remissão do papiledema; não houve novos episódios de cefaleia após a cirurgia. Houve também resolução completa da hipertensão arterial. A pressão intracraniana caiu para 24 cmH2O após seis meses da cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Embora a condição seja usualmente associada à obesidade, há escassos relatos de cirurgia bariátrica em indivíduos com pseudotumor cerebri. Nos casos previamente estudados, há alta prevalência de resolução ou de melhora da doença após a cirurgia bariátrica. Não há consenso sobre qual é a técnica cirúrgica de escolha. Portanto, mais estudos são necessários para estabelecer um algoritmo específico.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Viral Encephalitis: Two Case Reports

A decompressive craniectomy is a therapeuticmodality not commonly used in cases of refractory intracranial hypertension due to viral encephalitis. In this article the authors present two cases of patients with viral encephalitis that have undergone decompressive craniectomy to control intracranial pressure. Both evolved with Glasgow outcome score of 4. The main clinical data for the surgical decision are Glasgow coma scale and the pupils of the patient associated with the imaging tests showing a large necrotic area and perilesional edema. The evolution of the patients undergoing decompression was satisfactory in 92.3% of cases.

Cerebral hemodynamic and metabolic changes in fulminant hepatic failure / Modificações da hemodinâmica e metabolismo cerebral na insuficiência hepatica fulminante

ABSTRACT Intracranial hypertension and brain swelling are a major cause of morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The pathogenesis of these complications has been investigated in man, in experimental models and in isolated cell systems. Currently, the mechanism underlying cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension in the presence of FHF is multi-factorial in etiology and only partially understood. The aim of this paper is to review the pathophysiology of cerebral hemodynamic and metabolism changes in FHF in order to improve understanding of intracranial dynamics complication in FHF.

RESUMO O edema cerebral e a hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) são as principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes com insuficiência hepática fulminante (IHF). A patogênese dessas complicações tem sido investigada no homem, em modelos experimentais e em sistemas celulares isolados. Atualmente, o mecanismo subjacente ao edema cerebral e HIC na presença de IHF é multifatorial em etiologia e pouco compreendido na literatura. O objetivo deste trabalho é revisar a fisiopatologia das alterações hemodinâmicas e metabólicas cerebrais na IHF, visando melhorar a compreensão da complicação da hemodinâmica encefálica na IHF.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis

Mortality and adverse neurologic sequelae from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) remains high due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) high opening pressure occurs in more than 50% of HIV-CM patients. Repeated lumbar puncture with CSF drainage and external lumbar drainage might be required in the management of these patients. Usually, there is a high grade of uncertainty and the basis for clinical decisions regarding ICP hypertension tends to be from clinical findings (headache, nausea and vomiting), a low Glasgow coma scale score, and/or fundoscopic papilledema. Significant neurological decline can occur if elevated CSF pressures are inadequately managed. Various treatment strategies to address intracranial hypertension in this setting have been described, including: medical management, serial lumbar punctures, external lumbar and ventricular drain placement, and either ventricular or lumbar shunting. This study aims to evaluate the role of a non-invasive intracranial pressure (ICP-NI) monitoring in a critically ill HIV-CM patient.

Hemorragia intracraniana espontânea em pediatria: relato de paciente hemofílico que sobreviveu devido a cisto cerebral / Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in children: report of a hemophilia patient who survived due to a brain cyst

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um uma criança de 2 anos de idade que sobreviveu após um episódio agudo de hemorragia intracraniana espontânea grave com sinais clínicos e radiológicos de hipertensão intracraniana e herniação transtentorial. O paciente foi para cirurgia de urgência para drenagem do hematoma, sendo inserido um cateter para monitorar a pressão intracraniana. Na análise da tomografia de crânio inicial, antes da drenagem do hematoma, constatou-se um cisto cerebral contralateral ao hematoma que, segundo análise do neurocirurgião e do neuroradiologista, possivelmente evitou um desfecho pior, visto que o cisto serviu de acomodação para o cérebro após a hemorragia maciça. Após investigação, constatou-se tratar de um caso de hemofilia tipo A sem diagnóstico prévio. O paciente foi tratado em terapia intensiva com controle da pressão intracraniana, reposição de fator VIII e obteve alta sem sequelas neurológicas evidentes.

ABSTRACT We report the case of a 2-year-old child who survived an acute episode of severe spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage with clinical and radiological signs of intracranial hypertension and transtentorial herniation. The patient underwent emergency surgery to drain the hematoma, and a catheter was inserted to monitor intracranial pressure. In the initial computed tomography analysis performed prior to hematoma drainage, a brain cyst was evident contralateral to the hematoma, which, based on the analysis by the care team, possibly helped to avoid a worse outcome because the cyst accommodated the brain after the massive hemorrhage. After the investigation, the patient was determined to have previously undiagnosed hemophilia A. The patient underwent treatment in intensive care, which included the control of intracranial pressure, factor VIII replacement and discharge without signs of neurological impairment.

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. .

Visual evoked potentials show strong positive association with intracranial pressure in patients with cryptococcal meningitis / Potenciais evocados visuais mostram correlação positiva forte com a pressão intracraniana em pacientes com meningite criptocócica

Objective : To verify the relationship between intracranial pressure and flash visual evoked potentials (F-VEP) in patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Method The sample included adults diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis admitted at a reference hospital for infectious diseases. The patients were subjected to F-VEP tests shortly before lumbar puncture. The Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was calculated and the linear regression analysis was performed. Results : Eighteen individuals were subjected to a total of 69 lumbar punctures preceded by F-VEP tests. At the first lumbar puncture performed in each patient, N2 latency exhibited a strong positive correlation with intracranial pressure (r = 0.83; CI = 0.60 - 0.94; p < 0.0001). The direction of this relationship was maintained in subsequent punctures. Conclusion : The intracranial pressure measured by spinal tap manometry showed strong positive association with the N2 latency F-VEP in patients with cryptococcal meningitis. .

Objetivo : Verificar a relação entre pressão intracraniana e potencial evocado visual por flash (PEV-F) em pacientes com meningite criptocócica. Método A amostra incluiu pacientes admitidos em um hospital de referência para doenças infecciosas. Realizou-se PEV-F antes de cada punção lombar. Calculou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e a equação de regressão linear entre as variáveis latência N2 e pressão intracraniana inferida através de raquimanometria. Resultados Dezoito pacientes foram submetidos a um total de 69 punções lombares. A latência N2 mostrou correlação positiva forte com a pressão de abertura verificada na primeira punção lombar a que cada paciente foi submetido (r = 0,83; IC = 0,60 – 0,94; p < 0,0001). A positividade da correlação foi mantida nas aferições subsequentes. Conclusão Houve associação positiva forte entre a latência N2 do PEV-F e pressão intracraniana em pacientes com meningite criptocócica. .

Hipotermia terapêutica como ponte até transplante em pacientes com falência hepática fulminante / Therapeutic hypothermia as a bridge to transplantation in patients with fulminant hepatic failure

Os tópicos mais importantes na falência hepática fulminante são o edema cerebral e a hipertensão intracraniana. Dentre todas as opções terapêuticas, tem sido relatado que a hipotermia sistêmica induzida em níveis entre 33 - 34ºC reduz a elevação da pressão e aumenta o tempo durante o qual os pacientes podem tolerar um enxerto. Esta revisão discutiu as indicações e os efeitos adversos da hipotermia.

The most important topics in fulminant hepatic failure are cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension. Among all therapeutic options, systemic induced hypothermia to 33 - 34ºC has been reported to reduce the high pressure and increase the time during which patients can tolerate a graft. This review discusses the indications and adverse effects of hypothermia.

Malformación de Dandy-Walker de diagnóstico tardío revelada por hipertensión intracraneal / Late diagnosis of Dandy-Walker’s malformation revealed by intracranial hypertension

La malformación de Dandy-Walker se ha descrito clásicamente por la triada de dilatación quística del cuarto ventrículo, hipoplasia del vermis cerebeloso e hidrocefalia. Los síntomas suelen aparecer en la infancia precoz. La presentación en la edad adulta es extremadamente rara, aunque puede ocurrir de forma espontánea o tras un traumatismo craneal. Caso clínico. Varón de 24 años que acude a urgencias por un cuadro compatible con hipertensión intracraneal. El TAC craneal reveló una malformación de Dandy-Walker. Comentario y Conclusiones. Aproximadamente el 80% de los pacientes con esta malformación se presentan durante le primer año de vida, principalmente con marcrocrania secundaria a la hidrocefalia. Por el contrario, en la edad adulta suelen presentarse con síntomas de disfunción de estructuras posteriores dando lugar a nistagmus, alteración de la marcha y ataxia, aunque también podrían presentar síntomas de hipertensión intracraneal...

Neurological complications after H1N1 influenza vaccination: magnetic resonance imaging findings / Complicações neurológicas após vacinação para H1N1: achados de ressonância magnética.

Objective: To report 4 different neurological complications of H1N1 virus vaccination. Method: Four patients (9, 16, 37 and 69 years of age) had neurological symptoms (intracranial hypertension, ataxia, left peripheral facial palsy of abrupt onset, altered mental status, myelitis) starting 4-15 days after H1N1 vaccination. MRI was obtained during the acute period. Results: One patient with high T2 signal in the cerebellum interpreted as acute cerebellitis; another, with left facial palsy, showed contrast enhancement within both internal auditory canals was present, however it was more important in the right side; one patient showed gyriform hyperintensities on FLAIR with sulcal effacement in the right fronto-parietal region; and the last one showed findings compatible with thoracic myelitis. Conclusion: H1N1 vaccination can result in important neurological complications probably secondary to post-vaccination inflammation. MRI detected abnormalities in all patients. .

Objetivo: Relatar quatro diferentes complicações neurológicas da vacina contra o vírus H1N1. Método: Quatro pacientes (9, 16, 37 e 69 anos) tinham sintomas neurológicos (hipertensão intracraniana, ataxia, paralisia facial esquerda de inicio abrupto, estado mental alterado e mielite) iniciando-se 4 a 15 dias após vacinação contra H1N1. RM foi realizada em quatro pacientes na fase aguda e em um paciente na fase crônica. Resultados: Dos quatro pacientes, um apresentou hipersinal em T2 no cerebelo, interpretado como cerebelite aguda; um, com paralisia facial esquerda, tinha realce dos condutos auditivos internos, maior à direita; um tinha hipersinal em T2 no cortex parieto-occipital direito; um apresentou sinais compatíveis com mielite torácica. Conclusão: A vacinação contra o H1N1 pode resultar em importantes complicações neurológicas, provavelmente secundárias a inflamação pós-vacinal. A RM detectou anormalidades em todos os pacientes. .

Ranibizumab intravítreo para el tratamiento de la membrana neovascular peripapilar secundaria a papiledema por hipertensión endocraneana idiopática: informe de un caso / Intravitreal ranibizumab for peripapillary neovascular membrane associated to papiledema due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension: a case report

Las membranas neovasculares peripapilares son una complicación rara del papiledema crónico, y son aún más infrecuentes en el contexto del papiledema por hipertensión endocraneana idiopática (HEI). Dada su escasez, es difícil plantear estudios para definir la alternativa terapéutica más adecuada. Se presenta el caso de una mujer con papiledema por HEI quien desarrolló membrana neovascular peripapilar, y cuyo tratamiento con ranibizumab intravítreo fue exitoso.

Peripapillary neovascular membrane is a rare complication of chronic papiledema. When the latter is due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension, neovascularization is even rarer. Because of this low occurrence, it is difficult to design studies to define the most appropriate treatment. We report the case of a woman who developed papiledema by idiopathic intracranial hypertension with peripapillary neovascular membrane, and who was successfully treated with intravitreal ranibizumab.

Fisioterapia respiratoria na pressao intracraniana de pacientes graves internados em unidade de terapia intensiva: revisao sistematica / Chest physiotherapy on intracranial pressure of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a systematic review

Objetivo: Analisar os desfechos aumento/diminuição da pressão intracraniana e/ou queda da pressão de perfusão cerebral, proporcionados pela fisioterapia respiratória em pacientes graves assistidos em unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, foram selecionados ensaios clínicos publicados entre 2002 e 2012. A busca envolveu as bases de dados LILACS, SciELO, MedLine e PEDro, usando os descritores "physical therapy", "physiotherapy", "respiratory therapy" e "randomized controlled trials" em cruzamento com o descritor "intracranial pressure". Resultados: Foram incluídos 5 estudos, que somaram 164 pacientes, com média de idade entre 25 e 65 anos, e que indicaram que as manobras de fisioterapia respiratória aumentaram significativamente a pressão intracraniana, sem alterar a pressão de perfusão cerebral. Os artigos abordaram as técnicas de vibração, vibrocompressão, tapotagem, drenagem postural, além da manobra de aspiração intratraqueal. Todos os pacientes estavam sob ventilação mecânica invasiva. Conclusão: A fisioterapia respiratória promove aumento da pressão intracraniana. Os estudos sugerem que não há repercussões hemodinâmicas e respiratórias a curto prazo ou alteração da pressão de perfusão cerebral. Entretanto, não há estudos que avaliem desfechos clínicos e que assegurem a segurança das manobras. .

Objective: To analyze the outcomes of increased or decreased intracranial pressure and/or the decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure resulting from respiratory physiotherapy on critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: Through a systematic review of the literature, clinical trials published between 2002 and 2012 were selected. The search involved the LILACS, SciELO, MedLine and PEDro databases using the keywords "physical therapy", "physiotherapy", "respiratory therapy" and "randomized controlled trials" combined with the keyword "intracranial pressure". Results: In total, five studies, including a total of 164 patients between 25 and 65 years of age, reporting that respiratory physiotherapy maneuvers significantly increased intracranial pressure without changing the cerebral perfusion pressure were included. The articles addressed several techniques including vibration, vibrocompression, tapping, postural drainage, and the endotracheal aspiration maneuver. All patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Respiratory physiotherapy leads to increased intracranial pressure. Studies suggest that there are no short-term hemodynamic or respiratory repercussions or changes in the cerebral perfusion pressure. However, none of the studies evaluated the clinical outcomes or ensured the safety of the maneuvers. .

Craniectomía descompresiva en encefalitis herpética: caso clínico / Decompressive craniectomy in herpes simplex encephalitis. Clinical case

Introduction: The morbidity and mortality of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) have decreased with the use of acyclovir. However, some patients develop focal hemorrhagic necrosis and edema in the temporal lobe, with a subsequent elevation of intracranial pressure. Clinical cases: We report the clinical outcomes of two children with HSE who developed severe intracranial hypertension and impending uncal herniation refractory to profound sedation, osmotic agents and moderate hyperventilation. Decompressive craniectomy allowed an effective control of intracranial pressure and a favorable neurological outcome at discharge in both patients. Conclusions: Decompressive craniectomy could be considered as a rescue treatment strategy in patients with life-threatening intracranial hypertension due to severe herpetic encephalitis.

Introducción: La morbimortalidad de la encefalitis herpética ha disminuido con el uso de aciclovir. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes pueden evolucionar con necrosis focal hemorrágica y edema cerebral con posterior elevación de la presión intracraneal. Casos clínicos: Reportamos el curso clínico de dos niños con encefalitis herpética complicada con hipertensión intracraneal refractaria al tratamiento con sedación profunda, agentes osmóticos e hiperventilación. Ambos pacientes desarrollaron signos de enclavamiento uncal por lo que se realizó una craniectomía descompresiva precoz, que permitió un control de la presión intracraneal y una evolución neurológica favorable al alta. Conclusiones: La craniectomía descompresiva podría ser considerada como una alternativa terapéutica de rescate en pacientes con encefalitis herpética e hipertensión endocraneana refractaria a la terapia medica.

Quiste coloide del tercer ventrículo / Colloid cyst of the third ventricle

Los quistes coloides son lesiones intracraniales con una incidencia calculada en tres individuos por millón de personas en un año. Son tumores benignos de la porción anterosuperior del tercer ventrículo. El flujo normal del líquido cefalorraquídeo puede ser interrumpido por un gran quiste que obstruya el foramen de Monro. Los signos y síntomas asociados engloban un espectro amplio de características, desde una cefalea o específica hasta datos de hipertensión intracraneal; algunos quistes coloides se dan en el comienzo agudo de una hidrocefalia y pueden llevar a una muerte súbita. Caso: presentamos el caso de un adolescente masculino de 13 años de edad, de raza negra, quien dos días antes de su fallecimiento había manifestado cefalea. Al examen de autopsia se evidenció un quiste coloide del tercer ventrículo que produjo una hidrocefalia aguda obstructiva, con edema cerebral severo y herniación de amígdalas cerebelosas. En este artículo comentamos las características principales del quiste coloide y realizamos una breve revisión bibliográfica...

Hipotermia intravascular prolongada en un paciente con hipertensión endocraneana refractaria / Prolonged hypothermia in refractory intracranial hypertension. Report of one case

The use of hypothermia after cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation is a standard clinical practice, however its use for neuroprotection has been extended to other conditions. We report a 23-year-old male with intracranial hypertension secondary to a parenchymal hematoma associated to acute hydrocephalus. An arterial malformation was found and embolized. Due to persistent intracranial hypertension, moderate hypothermia with a target temperature of 33°C was started. After 12 hours of hypothermia, intracranial pressure was controlled. After 13 days of hypothermia a definitive control of intracranial pressure was achieved. The patient was discharged 40 days after admission, remains with a mild hemiparesia and is reassuming his university studies.