Epidemiological Pattern of Traumatic Brain Injury in Brazil between 2008 and 2019

Introduction Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a public health problem with high economic impact, as well as an important cause of death and sequela in polytrauma patients, affecting mainly young adults. Objective To analyze the temporal trend of TBI incidence in Brazil between 2008 and 2019, according to age group and gender. Methods An ecological study, based on secondary data from hospital admissions for TBI in all Brazilian states between 2008 and 2019. The numbers were collected using the hospital information systemof the Unified Health System in Brazil.We performed a descriptive analysis using the data obtained. Linear regression models were used to measure the incidence trend of TBI in the period adopted. Results The state of Piauí had the highest increase in the incidence of TBI in the country in the last 10 years (coefficient ß»63.43 e p»0.002). The main concern, though, is the increase in the incidence of TBI amongst children (0­4 years old) in the states of Ceará (ß»31.22 and p<0.001 for boys; ß»42.20 and p<0.001 for girls), Paraná (ß»37.26 and p»0.011 for boys; ß»25.90 and p»0.015 for girls), Pernambuco (ß»20.08 and p»0.016 for girls), Mato Grosso (ß»18.76 and p»0.005 for boys; ß»16.11 and p»0.035 for girls), and Distrito Federal (ß»48.87 and p»0.004 for girls; ß»48.28 and p»0.006 for boys). Conclusion The analysis of the results is able to point out improvements that can be made. Besides that, it is remarkably important to redirect public polices to preventive medicine sincemany of the TBI causes are avoidable through awareness and education of the population.

Clinical Applications of Additive Manufacturing Models in Neurosurgery: a Systematic Review

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies provide a practical and anatomical way to reproduce precise tailored-made models of the patients and of the diseases. Those models can allow surgical planning, besides training and surgical simulation in the treatment of neurosurgical diseases. Objective The aim of the present article is to review the scenario of the development of different types of available 3D printing technologies, the processes involved in the creation of biomodels, and the application of those advances in the neurosurgical field. Methods We searched for papers that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in neurosurgery on the PubMed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. All papers related to the use of any additivemanufacturing technique were included in the present study. Results Studies involving 3D printing in neurosurgery are concentrated on threemain areas: (1) creation of anatomical tailored-made models for planning and training; (2) development of devices and materials for the treatment of neurosurgical diseases, and (3) biological implants for tissues engineering. Biomodels are extremely useful in several branches of neurosurgery, and their use in spinal, cerebrovascular, endovascular, neuro-oncological, neuropediatric, and functional surgeries can be highlighted. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing technologies are an exclusive way for direct replication of specific pathologies of the patient. It can identify the anatomical variation and provide a way for rapid construction of training models, allowing the medical resident and the experienced neurosurgeon to practice the surgical steps before the operation.

Masseteric-Facial Anastomosis: A Report of Three Cases

Intoduction The pathways of the facial nerve are variable, and knowledge of that is essential. The worst impact caused by facial paralysis is related to quality of life, especially regarding the self-esteem and social acceptance on the part of the patients, leading to social isolation and disruption on their mental health. Case Report A 33-year-old female patient, with a stage-T3 acoustic neurinoma, presented with a moderate dysfunction (grades II to III) according to the House- Brackmann (HB) Facial Nerve Grading System. A 43-year-old male patient, with a stage- T4B trigeminal schwannoma, underwent a resective surgery and presented grade-VI dysfunction according to the HB scale. And a female patient with a stage-T4A acoustic neurinoma presented grade-IV dysfunction according to the HB scale. Discussion We performed a literature review of papers related to surgeries for masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis and compiled the results in table; then, we compared these data with those obtained from our cases. Conclusion The masseteric nerve is the one that shows the best prognosis among all the cranial nerves that could be used, but it is also necessary to perform well the surgical technique to access the facial branch and consequently achieve a better masseteric-facial nerve anastomosis.

Intraventricular meningiomas in adults: clinical series and review of the literature

Background: Intraventricular meningiomas are rare tumors and pose clinical, radiological, and surgical challenges. Individualized approach helps to establish successful results. Methods: Thirteen patients underwent craniotomy for intraventricular meningioma resection from 1999 to 2007. The mean age was 45 years (23-64), time of presentation between 25 days to three years. There were ten females and three males. Headaches and seizures were the most frequent initial presentations. Tumors were located in the ventricular trigone in 11 patients and in the temporal horn in two. Results: There were seven posterior temporal and seven parieto-occipital transcortical craniotomies, one patient was operated two times. Resection grade was Simpson I in nine patients, Simpson II in four, and Simpson III in one case. Surgical mortality was zero. There were six complications. Two patients had ventriculitis, one patient had hematoma of the surgical bed, one patient had severe post-operative cognitive impairment and one presented with progression of motor deficits. In two patients, there was transient memory disturbance after the parieto-occipital approach. Conclusion: Correct understanding of microsurgical anatomy cooperates for further success in operation of intraventricular meningiomas. Pre-operative embolization is helpful to reduce bleeding when a suitable tumor feeder can be accessed with no reflux. Dynamic changes in the shape of the ventricular cavity have to be considered when planning the most suitable route. Rigorous hemostasis and ventricular drainage are important points to avoid main complication.

Middle cerebral artery aneurysms: challenges for microsurgical approach

The authors present their series about middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. They discuss anatomical aspects as well as the results and complications of surgical treatment. Besides, they defend the idea that for having good results, it is necessary an extent Sylvian´s cistern dissection, permitting an adequate exposure of the aneurysms and their relationships not only with the MCA but with its branches, emphasizing too the not usefulness of temporary clipping in the approach of this pathology.