Fatal otitic hydrocephalus due to sinus thrombosis: A case report

Objective@#To report a case of chronic suppurative otitis media with complications of lateral sinus thrombosis and otitic hydrocephalus and to discuss its clinical manifestations, clinical course, ancillary procedures and management.@*Methods@#Study Design: Case Report. Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital. Patient: One. @*Results@#A 35-year-old man was admitted due to intermittent right otorrhea for 20 years and headache for a month. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 12, and mastoidectomy performed on the second hospital day showed cholesteatoma with erosion of the bony covering of the sigmoid sinus with scanty purulent discharge. The GCS improved to 15 few hours post- operatively, however, 24 hours post-operatively, GCS decreased from 15 to 10 and a CT scan showed dilatation of cerebral ventricles and lateral sinus thrombosis which persisted on subsequent imaging studies. His condition deteriorated irreversibly despite a ventriculostomy, and he eventually expired after 3 weeks in the ward. @*Conclusion@#Otitic hydrocephalus due to lateral sinus thrombosis is a serious complication of chronic suppurative otitis media seldom encountered nowadays. In this case, otitic hydrocephalus developed and progressed despite broad spectrum antibiotics, mastoidectomy and a ventricular shunt. This case report underscores the importance of early recognition of warning signs of intracranial complications to institute prompt management.

Resección Tubular Microquirúrgica de un Subependimoma Extenso del Ventrículo Lateral Izquierdo: Video Operatorio en 2D / Microsurgical Tubular Resection of an Extensive Subependymoma of the Left Lateral Ventricle: Operative Video in 2D

Introducción: Los subependimomas intracraneales son raros, representan el 0.2-0.7% de todos los tumores del sistema nervioso central1,2 y se originan en los ventrículos laterales en el 30-40% de los casos.3 Los síntomas usualmente se asocian a hipertensión endocraneana secundaria a hidrocefalia obstructiva.4 La resección completa del tumor es curativa en esta patología.5 El abordaje trans-surcal es seguro para lesiones ventriculares profundas y el uso de los retractores tubulares minimizan la retracción del parénquima cerebral evitando la compresión directa con valvas. Esto permite disminuir la presión del tejido cerebral que puede ocluir los vasos y producir isquemia local generando una lesión neurológica permanente. Descripción del caso: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 66 años, diestra, con cefalea crónica que aumenta en frecuencia en el último mes. La resonancia cerebral contrastada muestra un tumor extenso en el ventrículo lateral izquierdo con signos de hidrocefalia obstructiva. Intervención: Se coloca la paciente en posición supina. Se hace una incisión bicoronal y se hace un abordaje trans-surcal F1/F2 izquierdo. Se coloca un retractor tubular guiado con el puntero de neuronavegación, introduciéndolo directamente en el parénquima cerebral y fijándolo al soporte de Leyla. Se colocó un catéter de ventriculostomía contralateral y se retira a las 48 horas sin complicaciones asociadas. La resonancia contrastada postoperatoria demuestra una resección completa del tumor. El análisis de patología reveló un subependimoma grado I de la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La paciente presentó transitoriamente apatía y pérdida del control del esfínter urinario que resolvieron completamente a las 3 semanas después de la cirugía. Se firmó un consentimiento firmado para la publicación de la información utilizada en este trabajo. Conclusión: La resección completa microscópica de un subependimoma extenso del ventrículo lateral izquierdo es factible a través de un abordaje tubular transulcal.

Introduction: Intracranial subependymomas are rare, representing only 0.2-0.7% of all central nervous system tumors1,2 and arise in the lateral ventricles in 30-40% of the cases.3 Symptoms depend on tumor location and usually arise when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked, generating a consequent intracranial hypertension.4 Microsurgical gross-total resection is possible and curative for these tumors.5 The transcortical/trans-sulcal approach is a safe approach for the access of deep-seated intraventricular lesions. The use of tubular retractor systems minimizes retraction injury when passing through the cortex and deep white matter tracts. This allows a decrease in the pressure on brain tissue that can occlude the brain vessels and produce local ischemia and a consequent permanent neurological injury. Case description: This is a case of a 66-year-old woman who presented chronic headaches that increased in frequency in the last month. Enhanced-brain MRI demonstrated a large left ventricular lesion with signs of obstructive hydrocephalus. Procedure: Patient was positioned supine. A bicoronal incision was used to perform a left frontal craniotomy. An F1/F2 transcortical/trans-sulcal approach was used. A guided tubular retractor is placed with the neuronavigation pointer, inserting it directly into the brain parenchyma and fixing it to the Leyla support. Postoperative postcontrast MRI demonstrated a complete resection of the tumor. Histopathological analysis revealed a subependymoma (World Health Organization Grade I). The patient presented transient apathy and loss of urinary sphincter control that completely resolved 3 weeks after surgery. Written informed consent was obtained for publication of information used for this work. Conclusions: A complete microsurgical resection of a large left ventricular subependymoma is feasible through a trans-sulcal tubular approach.

Tortícolis como forma de presentación de quiste de la bolsa de Blake. Diagnóstico ecográfico en atención primaria / Torticolis as a form of presentation of Blake's pouch cyst. Ultrasound diagnosis in primary care

La tortícolis es un signo clínico definido por la inclinación lateral del cuello y rotación de la cabeza, que puede ser fija o flexible y acompañarse o no de dolor cervical. Aparece en trastornos de diferente complejidad. Ante un caso de tortícolis, es preciso realizar una historia clínica cuidadosa y un examen físico completo, y, en caso de ser persistente, solicitar pruebas de imagen.Se hace referencia a una causa de tortícolis no descrita en la literatura. Se trata de una tumoración quística compresiva en la fosa craneal posterior, quiste de la bolsa de Blake, en una lactante pequeña diagnosticada mediante ecografía en la consulta de Pediatría de Atención Primaria. Tras el diagnóstico, se remitió al centro hospitalario de referencia, donde se intervino de urgencia por Neurocirugía Pediátrica, mediante fenestración de la tumoración por ventriculostomía endoscópica y derivación ventrículo-peritoneal. Actualmente, se encuentra asintomática y sin secuelas.

Torticollis is a clinical sign defined by the lateral inclination of the neck and rotation of the head, which can be fixed or flexible and accompanied or not by cervical pain. It appears in disorders of different complexity. In a case of torticollis it is necessary to carry out a careful medical history and a complete physical examination and, if persistent, request imaging tests.Reference is made to a cause of torticollis not described in the literature. This is a compressive cystic tumor in the posterior cranial fossa, Blake's pouch cyst, in a small infant diagnosed by ultrasound in the Primary Care Pediatrics office. After diagnosis, she was referred to the referral hospital, where emergency intervention was performed by pediatric neurosurgery, by fenestration of the tumor by endoscopic ventriculostomy and ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. She is currently asymptomatic and without sequelae.

Weaning rápido vs. weaning gradual de ventriculostomía externa en hidrocefalia secundaria a hemorragia subaracnoidea: Revisión sistemática de la literatura y metaanálisis / Weaning fast vs. Gradual Weaning of External Ventriculostomy in Hydrocephalus Secondary to Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-analysis

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática comparando dos estrategias de weaning de Derivación Ventricular externa (DVE) en pacientes con hidrocefalia aguda y su asociación con la proporción de derivación definitiva, infección del sistema nervioso central y duración de la estancia hospitalaria en cada una de las estrategias. Diseño: Revisión sistemática de la literatura. Fuentes de datos: Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed, Embase, Lilacs. Se incluyò literatura gris, realizando búsquedas en Google académico, Dialnet, Open gray, Teseo y Worldcat hasta el 10 de septiembre de 2019. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva de estudios de los últimos 20 años en inglés, español y portugués, que compararan dos estrategias de weaning de DVE: rápida (WR) vs gradual (WG) en pacientes con hidrocefalia aguda. El resultado primario para esta Revisión Sistemática fue la proporción de derivación definitiva en cada uno de los regímenes. Se evaluó además, la proporción de infección del sistema nervioso central y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. Dos investigadores extrajeron de forma independiente la información de los estudios y los resultados en concordancia con la Guía PRISMA. Resultados: La revisión arrojó en total 3 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión y que se consideraron de calidad metodológica aceptable, con un número de 1198 participantes no superpuestos, 569 que fueron sometidos a weaning rápido (WR), 629 en el grupo de weaning gradual (WG). No se encontró asociación estadisticamente significativa entre las estrategias de weaning y DVP OR 0.78 (Intervalo de confianza del 95% 0.3 a 2.06; P= 0.001; I2=85%), ni para infección del sistema nervioso central OR 0.54 (IC 95% 0,07 a 4.24); P= 0,05; I2= 74%) pero si se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la duración de la estancia hospitalaria a favor de la estrategia de weaning ràpido, OR -4.34 (IC 95% -5.92 a -2.75, P= <0,00001; I2= 57%). Conclusión: Con la evidencia disponible actualmente no es posible concluir cuál es la mejor estrategia de weaning para DVE con respecto a la proporción de derivación definitiva o infecciones del sistema nervioso central; sin embargo, si se observa una tendencia clara frente a la duración de la estancia hospitalaria en la estrategia de WR. Se requiere establecer criterios claros en cuanto a la definición de WR o WG y a crear estándares en cuanto los tiempos y la definiciòn precisa de falla terapeutica respecto a estas pruebas, para posteriormente integrar y probar estos métodos en estudios idealmente prospectivos y aleatorizados.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review by comparing two strategies of external ventricular drain (EVD) in patients with acute hydrocephalus and its association with the proportion of definite drain, infection of the central nervous system, and duration of hospital stay in each strategy. Design: Systematic review of literature.Data sources: PubMed, Embase, Lilacs. Grey literature was included by conducting searches through Scholar Google, Dialnet, Open Gray, Teseo and Worldcat until the 10th September, 2019. Methods: An exhaustive search of studies was done of the last 20 years in English, Spanish and Portuguese, which compares two strategies of external ventricular drain weaning (EVD): Rapid (WR) Vs Gradual (WG)in patients with acute hydrocephalus. The primary result for this systematic review was the proportion of Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement in each of the regimes. Besides, the proportion of the infection of the central nervous system and the duration of the hospital stay was evaluated. Two researchers extracted in an independent way the information of the studies and results according to the guide PRISMA. Results: The review produced 3 articles in total which followed with the criteria of inclusion and which were considered of acceptable methodological quality, with 1198 non-superimposed participants, 569 who were subjected to rapid weaning (RW), 629 in the group of Gradual Weaning (GW). There were no significant differences between the 2 weaning ́s groups and DVP OR 0.78 (IC 95% 0.3 a 2.06; P= 0.001; I2=85%), for the infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS) OR 0.54 (IC 95% 0,07 a 4.24); P= 0,05; I2= 74%) but a significant differences was found in the duration of the hospital stay in favour of the strategy of RW, OR -4.34 (IC 95% -5.92 a -2.75, P= <0,00001; I2= 57%). Conclusion: With the current available evidence is not possible to conclude which is the best strategy of weaning for EVD regarding to the proportion of definite shunt or infections of the CNS; but if there is a clear trend regarding the length of hospital stay in the WR strategy. It is necessary to establish clear criteria as to the definition of WR or WG and to create standards as to the times and the precise definition of therapeutic failure with respect to these tests, to later integrate and test these methods in ideally prospective and randomized studies.

renaje ventricular al exterior de tunelización larga: un método costo-efectivo para reducir las complicaciones / Long Tunnel Outward Ventricular Drainage: A Cost-Effective Method to Reduce Complications

Introducción: La colocación de drenajes ventriculares al exterior (DVE) es uno de los procedimientos más frecuentes de la neurocirugía, tanto en pediatría como en adultos, sin embargo, no se encuentra exento de complicaciones. La tasa de infección asociada al drenaje puede serdel 25%. En nuestro Hospital encontramos una incidencia del 22% anual. Al ser sistemas que no cuentan con una regulación de la salida del líquido, el paciente debe permanecer en decúbito dorsal estricto todo el tratamiento.Nuestro objetivo es diseñar un nuevo sistema de drenaje ventricular al exterior de tunelización larga (DVET) que lidie con estos problemas al mismo tiempo que reduzca los costos hospitalarios. Material y métodos: Se realizó un ensayo clínico prospectivo en el que se colocaron 25 DVETL entre el 1/9/2018 al 1/5/2019 que se compararon con el sistema tradicional de DVE. Resultados: La presencia de fístula se asoció más frecuentemente a los DVE en comparación con los DVETL, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (30% vs 8% p=0,029). La presencia de infección asociada al drenaje fue significativamente mayor en los DVE en comparación con los DVETL, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (22% vs 0% p=0,009). Los pacientes con DVE tradicional utilizaron el doble de recursos y generaron el doble de costos que los pacientes con DVETL. Conclusión: Se realizó una presentación detallada del nuevo sistema de DVETL que presenta una disminución en la incidencia de fístula de LCR e infección asociada al drenaje. A su vez aparenta ser costo-efectiva en comparación con el sistema tradicional de DVE.

Introduction: External ventricular drain (EVD) placement is one of the most frequent procedures in neurosurgery, both in pediatrics and in adults. The global rate of ventriculostomy-associated infections could rich 25%. In our Hospital, we found an annual incidence of 22%.In addition, since it does not have a regulation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow, the patient must remain in strict dorsal decubitus throughout the entire treatment.Our goal is to design a new long-tunneled external ventricular drain (LTEVD) that deals with these problems while reducing hospital costs. Material and method: A prospective clinical trial was conducted in which 25 LTEVD were placed between 1/9/2018 and 1/5/2019 that were compared with the traditional EVD system. Results: The presence of CSF fistula was associated more frequently with EVD compared to LTEVD; this difference was statistically significant (30% vs. 8% p = 0.029). The presence of associated infection was significantly higher in EVD compared to LTEVD, and this difference was statistically significant (22% vs. 0% p = 0.009). Patients with traditional EVD used twice as many resources and generated twice the cost as patients with DVETL. Conclusion: A detailed presentation was made of the new LTEVD system that presents a decrease in the incidence of CSF fistula and associated infection. At the same time, it appears to be cost-effective in comparison with the traditional DVE system

Repercussão de intervenção educativa no conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre os cuidados no uso da derivação ventricular externa em pediatria / Repercussion of an educational intervention on the knowledge of the nursing team regarding the use of external ventricular drains in pediatrics / Repercusión de la intervención educativa en el conocimiento del personal de enfermería sobre cuidados en el manejo del drenaje ventricular externo en pediatría

Objetivo: este estudo objetivou analisar a repercussão de intervenção educativa no conhecimento teórico da equipe de Enfermagem sobre os cuidados no uso da derivação ventricular externa em Pediatria. Trata-se de estudo de intervenção não controlado, com delineamento do tipo antes e depois. Método: procedeu-se à aplicação de pré e pós-teste para a coleta de informações sobre os conhecimentos dos profissionais sobre os cuidados aos pacientes pediátricos com derivação ventricular externa. Entre o pré e o pós-teste realizou-se intervenção educativa usando-se a simulação clínica como estratégia de ensino. Participaram do estudo 41 profissionais de Enfermagem. Constatou-se mais assertividade após a intervenção educativa, principalmente na questão que versa sobre o uso da técnica asséptica para esvaziamento da bolsa coletora (p=0,021). As análises de correlação no préteste revelaram que o maior número de erros não esteve correlacionado a qualquer das variáveis sociodemográficas. Contudo, no pós-teste, identificou-se correlação significativa entre o número de erros com a idade dos profissionais (rho=0,340; p=0,015); tempo de formação dos profissionais (rho= 0,414; p=0,004); e tempo de atuação na unidade (rho=0,428; p=0,004). O resultado sinaliza, portanto, que profissionais com idades mais elevadas, mais tempo de profissão e de atuação na unidade tiveram menos aproveitamento da intervenção educativa, apresentando maior número de erros. A intervenção educativa usando a estratégia da simulação clínica possibilitou incremento no conhecimento dos participantes, podendo ser utilizado para a educação permanente, melhorando a qualidade da assistência.(AU)

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the repercussion of an educational intervention on the theoretical knowledge of the Nursing team regarding the use of external ventricular drains in Pediatrics. This is an uncontrolled intervention study, with a before and after study design. Method: A pre- and post-test was applied to collect information on the nurses' knowledge regarding the care of pediatric patients with external ventricular drains. Between the pre- and post-test, an educational intervention was performed using clinical simulation as a teaching strategy. 41 nursing professionals participated in the study. The professionals were more assertive after the educational intervention, especially regarding the use of an aseptic technique for emptying the collection bag (p=0.021). Correlation analyses in the pre-test revealed that the greatest number of errors was not correlated to any of the socio-demographic variables. However, in the post-test, a significant correlation was identified between the number of errors and the participants' age (rho=0.340; p=0.015); years since graduation (rho=0.414; p=0.004); and years of professional experience in the unit (rho=0.428; p=0.004). Therefore, the result shows that older professionals, with more...(AU)

Objetivo: analizar la repercusión de la intervención educativa en el conocimiento teórico del personal de enfermería sobre cuidados en el manejo del drenaje ventricular externo en pediatría. Estudio de intervención no controlado, con diseño antes ­ después. Método: se aplicó la prueba antes y después para la recogida de datos sobre el conocimiento de los profesionales acerca de los cuidados de pacientes pediátricos con drenaje ventricular externo. Entre las pruebas antes y después se realizó la intervención educativa con simulación clínica como estratégia de enseñanza. En el estudio participaron 41 profesionales de enfermería. Se constató más asertividad después de la intervención educativa, principalmente en lo referente al uso de la técnica aséptica para realizar el vaciado de la bolsa recolectora (p=0,021). Los análisis de correlación de la prueba anterior revelaron no haber ninguna correlación entre la cantidad de errores y alguna de las variables sociodemográficas. Sin embargo, en la prueba posterior se identificó la correlación significativa entre la cantidad de errores y la edad de los profesionales (rho=0,340; p=0,015); el tiempo de graduación (rho= 0,414; p=0,004); y el tiempo de trabajo en la unidad (rho=0,428; p=0,004). El resultado indica que los profesionales con más edad, más tiempo de profesión y de trabajo en la unidad aprovecharon menos la intervención educativa y que cometieron más errores. La intervención educativa usando la estrategia de la simulación clínica ha permitido aumentar el conocimiento de los participantes y podría adoptarse en la educación permanente con miras a mejorar la calidad asistencial.(AU)

Migration of Oxidized Cellulose to the Ventricle as a Complication of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Case Report

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an increasingly common neurosurgical procedure. Hemostatic agentes (porcine gelatin and oxidized cellulose) are normally placed to plug the cortical hole after ETV to avoid cerebral spinal fluid leakage, subdural hygroma, and hemorrhage. Here we report the case of a 6-year-old boy with hydrocephalus who underwent ETV and which oxidized cellulose was placed to plug the cortical hole.Magnetic resonance imaging of the head performed 3 months after the procedure showed the presence of oxidized cellulose in the ventricle. After an unsuccessful attempt to remove the cellulose, it was decided that the patient should be kept under observation. Twoyears later, the child is in good health and without any complaints. Hemostatic agents (especially oxidized cellulose) used on the cortical hole after ETV can migrate to the ventricle and compromise the procedure. Follow-up should be performedfor such patients, and the main focus should be on not causing further injury.

O papel da membrana de Liliequist na terceiro ventriculostomia endoscópica / The role of the Liliequist membrane in endoscopic third ventriculostomy

A Terceiro Ventriculostomia Endoscópica (TVE) é operação intracerebral que trata a hidrocefalia. Para sua realização é necessário conhecimento da anatomia cirúrgica da membrana aracnoidea de Liliequist, que deve ser aberta durante o procedimento. Porém, a anatomia do ponto de vista neuroendoscópico é pouco conhecida, já que os ângulos de abordagem são diferentes da anatomia descritiva clássica e mesmo da anatomia cirúrgica microscópica. Há discrepância na literatura quanto a eficácia da TVE, sobretudo em crianças, em que pode ocorrer a não abertura completa da membrana de Liliequist (ML). Para compreensão do comportamento da ML, a sua associação com o Tuber Cinereo (TC) e o assoalho do III Ventrículo (IIIVT) e outras peculiaridades, foi realizada, prospectivamente, a observação sistemática destas características durante 57 operações. Os dados foram registrados após o procedimento e posteriormente estudados. Os objetivos eram sistematizar as características anatômicas destas estruturas do ponto de vista neuroendoscópico, avaliar se as alterações seguiam algum padrão e se interferiam no procedimento técnico, correlacionando com a evolução. Pela análise dos dados percebeu-se que as características da ML são variáveis e dificultam, em uma percentagem considerável de vezes, a sua interpretação e seu manejo pelo neurocirurgião. Também, que o TC alterado e separado da ML são fatores associados à maior dificuldade de realização da TVE. Que as TVE realizadas nas hidrocefalias por malformações congênitas, processos inflamatórios e pós sangramento (prevalentes na infância) estão associadas a maior dificuldade de manejar a ML e podem explicar o índice de insucesso maior observado na literatura em crianças abaixo de 2 anos.

Endoscopic Third Endoscopic (ETV) is a neurosurgical procedure to treat hydrocephalus. To be fully performed it is necessary opening an arachnoid structure, the Liliequist Membrane (LM). However the LM surgical anatomy from the neuroendoscopic point of view is not yet completely studied, since approach angles are different from classics descriptive and microsurgical anatomies. There is a literature discrepancy regarding the ETV efficacy, especially in children over 2 years old, which may be due to LM incomplete opening. In order to understand the LM anatomical behavior, the relationship with tuber cinereo (TC), the floor of the III Ventricle and other peculiarities, a systematic prospective observation of these characteristics was performed during the 57 surgeries. Data were recorded after the procedure and studied. Objectives were to systematize LM anatomical characteristics from neuroendoscopic perspective, understand if anatomical changes follows a pattern interfering on the procedure, and if there is correlation with patients evolution. The data analysis shows that LM characteristics are variable, making difficult the neurosurgeon management. Whenever TC anatomy modifies, or when TC and ML are separated, difficulty to perform ETV increases. When hydrocephalies are due to congenital malformations, inflammatory processes and post bleeding (prevalent in childhood), LM management is much harder, witch may explain the higher failure rate in children under 2 years of age observed in literature.

Sonda uretral flexível como método alternativo para aferição invasiva da pressão intracraniana em trauma cranioencefálico induzido em coelhos / Flexible urethral catheter as alternative method to invasive measurement of intracranial pressure in induced head trauma in rabbits

O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar a sonda uretral flexível como método alternativo para aferição da pressão intracraniana em coelhos com trauma cranioencefálico induzido pelo cateter de Fogarty 4 Fr (balão epidural) e comparar os dados obtidos com o método convencional de cateter de ventriculostomia. Foram utilizados 12 coelhos, machos, adultos, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, denominados de G1: mensuração da PIC com cateter de ventriculostomia (n=6) e G2: mensuração com sonda uretral (n=6). Foram realizadas duas craniotomias na região parietal direita e esquerda para a implantação do cateter de ventriculostomia ou sonda uretral flexível e o balão epidural, respectivamente. A PAM, a PPC, a FC, a FR e a TR foram mensurados antes e após a craniotomia. A PIC foi avaliada após a craniotomia e a cada 10 minutos depois do preenchimento do balonete com 0,3mL de NaCl 0,9%, durante 40 minutos, e com 0,6mL, pelo mesmo período de tempo, totalizando 80 minutos. A PIC aumentou em ambos os grupos, sendo menores os valores registrados com a sonda uretral flexível. Foi possível reproduzir o aumento da PIC com o modelo experimental de TCE utilizando o cateter de Fogarty 4 Fr na região epidural e, embora haja a necessidade de outros estudos, a sonda uretral flexível demonstra ser um método alternativo de mensuração da PIC em coelhos com trauma cranioencefálico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of flexible urethral catheter as an alternative method for measuring intracranial pressure in rabbits with head trauma induced by 4 F Fogarty catheter (epidural balloon) and compare the data obtained with the conventional method of ventriculostomy catheter. In this study, New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into two groups, G1: measuring the ICP with ventriculostomy catheter (n=6) and G2: measuring the ICP with urethral catheter (n=6). Two craniotomies were performed in the right and left parietal region for the implantation of a ventriculostomy catheter and/or flexible urethral catheter and epidural 4 Fr Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter, respectively. MAP, CPP, HR, RF and RT values were measured before and after of the craniotomy. The ICP value was measured after craniotomy, every five minutes during 40 minutes after the balloon was inflated with 0.3 ml with NaCl and further 40 minutes after the balloon was inflated with 0.6 ml. The ICP value increased in both groups; however, the ICP values were lower in the flexible urethral catheter. The flexible urethral catheter can be used as an alternative method to measure ICP values in rabbits with head injury.(AU)

Tratamiento endoscópico de quistes coloideos del tercer ventrículo / Third ventricle colloid cysts endoscopic approach

Introducción: los quistes coloideos (QC) son tumores benignos de crecimiento lento, que comprenden menos del 1% de los tumores intracraneales. Se presentan en adultos jóvenes y se ubican más frecuentemente en el techo del tercer ventrículo. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una serie de pacientes con QC del tercer ventrículo operados por vía endoscópica, analizar la técnica quirúrgica, ventajas y desventajas. Desarrollo: se realizó una búsqueda retrospectiva de pacientes operados por vía endoscópica, en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, de tumores del tercer ventrículo en un período de 2 años (2013-2015), con diagnóstico de QC confirmado por anatomía patológica . Se identificaron cinco pacientes, tres mujeres y dos hombres, cuyo promedio de edad fue de 50 años. No hubo complicaciones perioperatorias y ninguno mostró recidiva en el lapso de observación. Conclusión: la vía endoscópica es una vía técnicamente simple y con muy baja morbilidad. Si bien no siempre puede realizarse una exéresis completa, los trabajos prospectivos permitirán definir si esto resulta suficiente para el control de la enfermedad. (AU)

Colloid cysts are benign, slow-growing tumors, comprising less than 1% of intracranial tumors. They occur in young adults and are more frequently located on the roof of the third ventricle. The objective of this study is to present a series of patients with Colloid cysts operated endoscopically and analyze advantages and disadvantages of this surgical technique. We performed a retrospective review of Colloid Cysts operated on endoscopically, at the Neurosurgical Department of Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires in a period of 2 years (2013-2015). Five patients were identified, three women and two men whose average age was 50 years. No perioperative complications were observed, with no recurrences during the follow up period. Conclusion: the endoscopic approach is technically simple and has very low morbidity. Although a complete excision can not always be performed, prospective studies will allow us to define whether if is sufficient to control the disease. (AU)

"Somewhere up there": A case of pineal gland tumor in a 20-year-old male

BACKGROUND: Pineal region tumor is a rare and reportable case. Incidence rate adults is 0.025 in 10,000 hence there is no established guidelines among adults  for diagnosis and management of this case.CASE: A case of a 20-year-old male with a two-month history of  intermittent  headache,  occipital  area  with  VAS  5/10,increasing in severity. Until two days prior to admission with severe headache VAS 9-10/10, occipital, and nonradiating.Patient  noted  episodes  of  projectile  vomiting  hence,admitted. Patient presented with non-lateralizing symptoms but  noted  papilledema  and  parinaud  syndrome.Cranial  MRI with contrast revealed a 2.5cm pineal gland tumor with obstructive  hydrocephalus.  Serum  AFP  (alpha-fetoprotein  )  and  beta-HCG  (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) were requested and revealed elevated levels.The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy but no biopsy was done due to high risk of bleeding. Patient underwent series of radiotherapy and was advised to undergo chemotherapy but patient refused. Patient had improved upward gaze but with residuals, no recurrence of headache or vomiting, had normalization of the serum tumor markers but noted increase in size of the tumor despite radiotherapy.CONCLUSION: Case  reports  of  pineal  region  tumors  will  help doctors  in  the  primary  hospitals  diagnose  such  cases  and differentiate it from benign causes of headache. This will aid in early referral to specialists and early intervention.

“Somewhere up there”: A case Of pineal gland tumor in a 20-year-old male

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Pineal region tumor is a rare and reportable case. Incidence rate adults is 0.025 in 10,000 hence there is no established guidelines among adults  for diagnosis and management of this case.<br /><strong>CASE:</strong> A case of a 20-year-old male with a two-month history of  intermittent  headache,  occipital  area  with  VAS  5/10,increasing in severity. Until two days prior to admission with severe headache VAS 9-10/10, occipital, and nonradiating.Patient  noted  episodes  of  projectile  vomiting  hence,admitted. Patient presented with non-lateralizing symptoms but  noted  papilledema  and  parinaud  syndrome.Cranial  MRI with contrast revealed a 2.5cm pineal gland tumor with obstructive  hydrocephalus.  Serum  AFP  (alpha-fetoprotein  )  and  beta-HCG  (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) were requested and revealed elevated levels.The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy but no biopsy was done due to high risk of bleeding. Patient underwent series of radiotherapy and was advised to undergo chemotherapy but patient refused. Patient had improved upward gaze but with residuals, no recurrence of headache or vomiting, had normalization of the serum tumor markers but noted increase in size of the tumor despite radiotherapy.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Case  reports  of  pineal  region  tumors  will  help doctors  in  the  primary  hospitals  diagnose  such  cases  and differentiate it from benign causes of headache. This will aid in early referral to specialists and early intervention.</p>

"Somewhere up there": A case of pineal gland tumor in a 20-year-old male

BACKGROUND: Pineal region tumor is a rare and reportable case. Incidence rate adults is 0.025 in 10,000 hence there is no established guidelines among adults  for diagnosis and management of this case.CASE: A case of a 20-year-old male with a two-month history of  intermittent  headache,  occipital  area  with  VAS  5/10,increasing in severity. Until two days prior to admission with severe headache VAS 9-10/10, occipital, and nonradiating.Patient  noted  episodes  of  projectile  vomiting  hence,admitted. Patient presented with non-lateralizing symptoms but  noted  papilledema  and  parinaud  syndrome.Cranial  MRI with contrast revealed a 2.5cm pineal gland tumor with obstructive  hydrocephalus.  Serum  AFP  (alpha-fetoprotein  )  and  beta-HCG  (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) were requested and revealed elevated levels.The patient underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy but no biopsy was done due to high risk of bleeding. Patient underwent series of radiotherapy and was advised to undergo chemotherapy but patient refused. Patient had improved upward gaze but with residuals, no recurrence of headache or vomiting, had normalization of the serum tumor markers but noted increase in size of the tumor despite radiotherapy.CONCLUSION: Case  reports  of  pineal  region  tumors  will  help doctors  in  the  primary  hospitals  diagnose  such  cases  and differentiate it from benign causes of headache. This will aid in early referral to specialists and early intervention.

Endoscopic Treatment of an Adult with Tegmental Astrocytoma Accompanied by Cerebrospinal Fluid Dissemination

Midbrain gliomas are relatively rare neoplasms with a generally benign prognosis, with dissemination or metastasis not previously reported. We describe here a woman, in whom magnetic resonance imaging scans showed hydrocephalus and a tegmental lesion in the upper aqueduct. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy were performed; during surgery, a second small lesion was observed in the infundibular recess. Histologically, the two lesions had the characteristics of low grade astrocytoma, suggesting that the midbrain astrocytoma may have been disseminated via the cerebral spinal fluid to the infundibular recess. Postoperatively this patient received radiotherapy for nearly one month. Although patients with these tumors are not usually administered adjunctive therapy, radiation and, combined modality therapy, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, may be beneficial in patients with midbrain gliomas with dissemination.

Prevention of Complications in Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

A variety of complications in endoscopic third ventriculostomy have been reported, including neurovascular injury, hemodynamic alterations, endocrinologic abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, fever and infection. Even though most complications are transient, the overall rate of permanent morbidity is 2.38% and the overall mortality rate is 0.28%. To avoid these serious complications, we should keep in mind potential complications and how to prevent them. Proper decisions with regard to surgical indication, choice of endoscopic entry and trajectory, careful endoscopic procedures with anatomic orientation, bleeding control and tight closure are emphasized for the prevention of complications.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: Success and Failure

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has now become an accepted mode of hydrocephalus treatment in children. Varying degrees of success for the procedure have been reported depending on the type and etiology of hydrocephalus, age of the patient and certain technical parameters. Review of these factors for predictability of success, complications and validation of success score is presented.

Neuroendoscopy: Current and Future Perspectives

Neuroendoscopic surgery is performed because it causes minimal damage to normal structures, carries a lower rate of complications, and achieves excellent outcomes. Surgeons using an endoscope and related instruments can perform complex operations through very small incisions, which is especially useful for minimally invasive procedures for the brain and spine. Neuroendoscopic surgery is now performed in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus, various intraventricular lesions, hypothalamic hamartomas, craniosynostosis, skull base tumors, and spinal lesions. This review discusses the brief history of neuroendoscopy and the current state and future perspectives of endoscopic surgery.

Transcortical Endoscopic Surgery for Intraventricular Lesions

To review recent advances in endoscopic techniques for treating intraventricular lesions via transcortical passage. Articles in PubMed published since 2000 were searched using the keywords ‘endoscopy,’‘endoscopic,’ and ‘neuroendoscopic.’ Of these articles, those describing intraventricular lesions were reviewed. Suprasellar arachnoid cysts (SACs) can be treated with ventriculo-cystostomy (VC) or ventriculo-cysto-cisternostomy (VCC). VCC showed better results compared to VC. Procedure type, fenestration size, stent placement, and aqueductal patency may affect SAC prognosis. Colloid cysts can be managed using a transforaminal approach (TA) or a transforaminal-transchoroidal approach (TTA). However, TTA may result in better exposure compared to TA. Intraventricular cysticercosis can be cured with an endoscopic procedure alone, but if pericystic inflammation and/or ependymal reaction are seen, third ventriculostomy may be recommended. Tumor biopsies have yielded successful diagnosis rates of up to 100%, but tumor location, total specimen size, endoscope type, and vigorous coagulation on the tumor surface may affect diagnostic accuracy. An ideal indication for tumor excision is a small tumor with friable consistency and little vascularity. Tumor size, composition, and vascularity may influence a complete resection. SACs and intraventricular cysticercosis can be treated successfully using endoscopic procedures. Endoscopic procedures may represent an alternative to surgical options for colloid cyst removal. Solid tumors can be safely biopsied using endoscopic techniques, but endoscopy for tumor resection still results in considerable challenges.

Embriología del sistema ventricular cerebral / Cerebral ventricular system embryology

El Sistema Ventricular Cerebral se desarrolla de forma paralela al resto del Sistema Nervioso Central, facilitando la circulación del Líquido Cefalorraquídeo, desde su separación del líquido amniótico a nivel embrionario. Este desarrollo es necesario para entender correctamente la anatomía ventricular y facilitar el abordaje para patologías intraventriculares. El objetivo de esta revisión es reconocer los puntos más importantes en la embriología ventricular para facilitar el aprendizaje de la anatomía quirúrgica ventricular.

The cerebral ventricular system is developed in parallel with the rest of the central nervous system, facilitating the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, from the amniotic fluid separation in the embryonic phases. This development is necessary to correctly understand the ventricular anatomy and facilitate approach to intraventricular pathologies. The objective of this review is to recognize the most important points in the ventricular embryology and in the intraventricular endoscopic vision to facilitate learning of the ventricular surgical anatomy.

Choroid plexus coagulation for pediatric hydrocephalus: review of historical aspects and rebirth

This study aims to review historical aspects and rebirth of the endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation (CPC) for pediatric hydrocephalus. The first CPC procedure goes back to early 1930s. After the development of other treatment methods and the understanding of CSF dynamics, the application of CPC dramatically decreased by 1970s. In 2000s, there was a rebirth of CPC in combination with endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), and remains one of the options for the treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in selected cases. CPC might provide a temporary reduction in CSF production to allow the further development of CSF absorption in infant, and adding to ETV for infants with communicating hydrocephalus may increase the shunt independent rate thus avoiding the consequence of late complication related to the shunt device. This is important for patients who are difficult to be followed up, due to geographical and/or socioeconomic difficulties. And also adding CPC to ETV for obstructive hydrocephalus in infants younger than 1 year of age may also increase the successful rate. Furthermore, CPC may be an option for cases with high chance of shunt complication such as multiloculated hydrocephalus, extreme hydrocephalus and hydranencephaly. In comparison with the traditional treatment of CSF shunting, the role of CPC needs to be further evaluated in particular concerning the neurocognitive development.