Surgical Strategy for Dermoid and Epidermoid Tumors of the Posterior Fossa - Experience with 21 Patients

Objective The aim of this paper is to describe our surgical strategy and technique and to identify the best management for posterior fossa dermoid and epidermoid tumors (PFDETs). Methods We retrospectively identified 21 consecutive patients (11 males and 10 females), with a mean age of 33.2 years, a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, and pathologically confirmed PFDETs. Total 17 patients were submitted to the extended retrosigmoid approach. This approach incorporates transverse sigmoid sinus exposure and a generous mastoidectomy. Results Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 16 (76.1%) cases, with no surgical mortality and a recurrence rate of 9.5%. Conclusions The surgical strategies used in this group of patients enabled the total removal of most tumors without surgical mortality and with minimal morbidity and recurrence rates. The extended retrosigmoid approach used is an alternative path regarding cranial base approaches. This approach is quick, simple and safe, and decreases the retraction of the cerebellum.

Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a técnica operatória para a melhor abordagem dos tumores dermoides e epidermoides da fossa posterior. Métodos Foram analisados retrospectivamente 21 pacientes (11 masculinos e 10 femininos), com idade média de 33,2 anos e acompanhamento de 6,1 anos, com diagnóstico histopatológico de tumor dermoide ou epidermoide de fossa posterior. Nesse grupo, 17 pacientes foram submetidos a abordagem retrossigmoide estendida. Esta abordagem inclui exposição do seio transverso e sigmoide, além de ampla mastoidectomia. Resultados Remoção cirúrgica total foi alcançada em 16 (76,1%) casos sem mortalidade e com recidiva em 9,5% dos casos. Conclusões As abordagens cirúrgicas utilizadas nesta série permitiram a ressecção total na maioria dos pacientes, sem mortalidade cirúrgica e com morbidade e recorrência mínima. A craniotomia retrossigmoide estendida utilizada é uma boa alternativa para abordagens da base do crânio. É uma abordagem simples, rápida, segura, e que minimiza a retração do cerebelo.

Optochiasmatic tuberculoma as the sole manifestation of late recurrent tuberculosis / Tuberculoma opto-quiasmático como única manifestação de tuberculose recorrente tardia

Brain tuberculomas account for 10-20% of space occupying brain lesions in developing countries. Most lesions are observed at time of tuberculosis diagnosis or soon after starting treatment. We herein describe a 32 year-old patient with a 14-month history of headache and progressive visual loss. Her past medical history revealed pulmonary tuberculosis treated eight years before. A brain MRI showed a T1- and T2-weighted isointense contrast-enhancing lesion in the optic chiasm. A presumptive diagnosis of optochiasmatic tuberculoma was made and isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol were started. Despite treatment, the patient evolved to blindness. The prompt recognition of this condition is extremely important since the presence of optochiasmal enhancement is associated with blindness in patients with tuberculosis.

Tuberculomas cerebrais são responsáveis por 10-20% das lesões parenquimatosas em países em desenvolvimento. A maioria destas lesões é observada ao diagnóstico de tuberculose ou logo após o início do tratamento. Descrevemos um caso de uma paciente de 32 anos com história de 14 meses de evolução de perda visual progressiva e cefaleia. A história patológica revelou tuberculose pulmonar 8 anos antes. A ressonância magnética do crânio mostrou uma lesão isointensa nas sequências T1 e T2 captantes de contraste no quiasma óptico. Fizemos o diagnóstico presuntivo de tuberculoma ótico-quiasmático e inciamos isoniazida, rifampicina, pirazinamida e etambutol. Apesar do tratamento, a paciente evoluiu para amaurose bilateral. O rápido diagnóstico desta condição é extremamente importante já que a presença de captação de contraste está associada à amaurose em pacientes com tuberculose.

Metabolic Characterization and Follow up of Adult Patients Affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Long-term Treatment with Neridronic Acid.

Aims: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited disorder causing low bone density and increased fragility. Bisphosphonates (BP) are a treatment of choice for OI. Few studies have investigated the long-term effects of BP in OI patients. Thus, aim of our study was to follow up adults affected by OI to evaluate changes in metabolic, clinical situation and safety of long-term neridronic acid therapy, BP authorized for OI treatment. Study design: Longitudinal observational study. Place and duration of the Study: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Endocrinology and Nutrition. Year: 2004 - October 2010. Methodology: 68 patients underwent clinical examination, laboratory endocrine/ metabolic, pro-inflammatory cytokines screening, ECG at baseline and every 3 months and bone mineral density evaluation, by DEXA, once a year. Results: Skeletal evaluation showed a significant increase of BMD through follow up. Patients were evaluated for metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, which were unmodified by long-term therapy. Conclusion: Long-term neridronic acid treatment increases bone density, does not alter metabolic parameters indicating that this therapy can be considered safe and a valid therapeutic option for OI patients.

Reversal of severe SPECT asymmetry after venous extra-intracranial high flow bypass in a patient submitted to therapeutic internal carotid occlusion: case report

Therapeutic occlusion of the internal carotid artery is the main option for the treatment of the symptomatic intracavernous internal carotid artery aneurysms, but the issue of the best way of doing the balloon test occlusion (BTO) regarding prediction of future ischemic events remains debatable. Single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) has been offered as one of the best option of monitoring regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during the BTO, where severe asymmetry is predictive of delayed ischemia. We describe a case of important SPECT asymmetry during BTO clinically negative and its complete reversal with carotid occlusion after extra-intracranial bypass with high flow safenous vein bypass between the cervical carotid artery and the middle cerebral artery