Estudio morfométrico del punto asterional y su relación con los senos venosos durales / Morphometric study of the asterional point and its relationship with the dural venous sinuses

INTRODUCCIÓN: la importancia de conocer las diferentes reparaciones anatómicas que involucran la parte ósea de la fosa posterior con estructuras neurovasculares, disminuye la incidencia de complicaciones relacionadas con su acceso dentro del procedimiento neuroquirúrgico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo basado en la evaluación de 90 hemicráneas secas, del Museo de Anatomía de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTADOS: la prevalencia de asterión tipo I fue de 28.9%, mientras que la de tipo II fue de 71.1%. La prevalencia del número de venas emisarias fue: una vena 54.4%, dos venas 42.2% y tres venas 3.3%. Los promedios para las características morfométricas son los siguientes: de Asterion a protuberancia occipital externa de 68.8 mm, de Asterion a cresta suprameatal de 50.1 mm, de Asterion a vena emisaria de 54.1 mm, de Asterion a Vértice del proceso mastoideo de 54.1 mm y de asterion a plano horizontal de Francfort 14.6 mm. La ubicación del asterión en el seno transverso fue la siguiente: al mismo nivel del seno, 47.8% de los casos, en el codo en 13.3%, superior al seno 31.1% e inferior a este en el 7.8%. CONCLUSIONES: hay una diferencia en algunos resultados morfométricos del asterión con respecto a otros autores, lo que podría determinar una configuración craneal diferente para nuestra población. Esto debe considerarse para evitar complicaciones durante el período transoperatorio en una cirugía de fosa posterior. Estos resultados reflejan la necesidad de realizar un estudio con una población más grande para obtener resultados reales, estableciendo así parámetros de corte que nos permitirán tener nuestra propia bibliografía sobre cómo proceder en nuestra actividad quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: the importance of knowing the different anatomical repairs that involve the bony part of the posterior fossa with neurovascular structures, decreases the incidence of complications related to its access within the neurosurgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: descriptive study based on the evaluation of 90 dry hemicranial, from the Anatomy Museum of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. RESULTS: the prevalence of asterion type I was 28.9%, while that of type II was 71.1%. The prevalence of the number of emissary veins was: One vein 54.4%, Two veins 42.2% and Three veins 3.3%. The averages for morphometric characteristics are as follows: from Asterion to external occipital protuberance 68.8 mm, from Asterion to suprameatal crest 50.1 mm, from Asterion to emissary vein 54.1 mm, from Asterion to Vertex from the mastoid process 54.1 mm and from asterion to horizontal plane of Frankfurt 14.6 mm. The location of asterion in the transverse sinus was the following: at the same level of the sinus 47.8% of the cases, in the elbow in 13.3%, superior to the sinus 31.1% and inferior to this in the 7.8%. CONCLUSIONS: there is a difference in some morphometric results of the asterion with respect to other authors, which could determine a different cranial configuration for our population. This should be considered to avoid complications during the transoperative period in a posterior fossa surgery. These results reflect the need to carry out a study with a larger population, in order to have real results, thus establishing cutting parameters that will allow us to have our own bibliography on how to proceed in our surgical activity.

Trombosis venosa cerebral / Cerebral venous thrombosis

En la actualidad la trombosis venosa cerebral (TVC) se considera un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico, debido a la alta variabilidad de presentación y a la falta de un consenso terapéutico claro. Representa 0,5 por ciento de los ictus y afecta con mayor frecuencia a sujetos jóvenes con factores de riesgo congénitos o adquiridos. Tiene manifestaciones clínicas variables que unidas a un estudio de neuroimagen adecuado, permiten realizar el diagnóstico. Se presenta un caso con el objetivo de describir la evolución clínico-radiológica de una paciente puérpera adolescente, con trombosis venosa cerebral que además tuvo un angioma venoso cerebral interauricular, que a los 21 días del puerperio presenta cefalea de moderada intensidad en región occipital y posteriormente hemiparesia derecha, con recuperación del defecto en 42 h. Se diagnóstica por Angio-TAC trombosis de seno recto, venas de galeno y venas cerebrales internas con evolución favorable luego de tratamiento anticoagulante(AU)

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is currently considered a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, due to the high variability of presentation and the lack of a clear therapeutic consensus. It represents 0.5 percent of strokes and most frequently affects young subjects with congenital or acquired risk factors. The variable clinical manifestations, together with an adequate neuroimaging study, allow diagnosis. We report this case aiming to describe the clinical-radiological evolution of a postpartum adolescent patient with cerebral venous thrombosis who also had an interatrial cerebral venous angioma. She had moderate headache in the occipital region and, later, in right hemiparesis, 21 days after the puerperium. the defect was solved in 42 h. Thrombosis of the right sinus, veins of galen and internal cerebral veins was diagnosed by CT angiography. Favorable evolution was achieved after anticoagulant treatment(AU)

Trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales en Pediatría / Cerebral venous sinus thromboses in Pediatrics

Introducción: la trombosis de los senos venosos cerebrales es un trastorno infrecuente en niños y adolescentes, que en muchas ocasiones es mal diagnosticado o se demora su reconocimiento, y por lo tanto, el inicio del tratamiento. Presentación de casos: se describen las principales características clínicas de 3 pacientes; uno, de 4 años y del sexo masculino, y 2 de 17 años cumplidos y del sexo femenino, con diagnóstico comprobado de trombosis de senos venosos. Se identificaron factores de riesgo en los 3 pacientes, y presentaron signos de focalización neurológica, manifestaciones de hipertensión intracraneal y papiledema (2 de ellos vómitos y cefaleas al inicio del cuadro clínico, y uno presentó inicialmente trastorno de la conciencia). Los 3 fueron tratados con anticoagulación como terapéutica específica y evolucionaron satisfactoriamente. Conclusiones: las trombosis venosas de los senos cerebrales son una forma de presentación poco frecuente, pero grave, de ictus en la infancia. La sospecha clínica debe ser considerada ante todo paciente con factores de riesgo conocidos, con instalación aguda de manifestaciones en que se sospecha un origen vascular, con hipertensión intracraneal y/o convulsiones(AU)

Introduction: cerebral venous sinus thromboses is an infrequent disorder in children and adolescents that in many cases is misdiagnosed or the diagnosis is belated, thus the beginning of the treatment. Cases presentation: clinical characteristics of 3 patients are described: one of 4 years old and male sex, and 2 of 17 years old and female sex, with a confirmed diagnosis of venous sinuses thrombosis. Risk factors were identified in the 3 patients, and they presented signs of neurological focalization, manifestations of intracraneal hypertension and papilledema (two of them vomiting and cephalalgia at the onset of the clinical manifestations, and one of them initially presented consciousness disorders). The 3 cases were treated with anticoagulation as specific therapy, and they evolved satisfactorily. Conclusions: cerebral venous sinuses thromboses are an uncommon but severe manifestation of ictus in childhood. Clinical suspicion most be considered with patients having known risk factors, acute manifestations related to vascular origin, intracranial hypertension and/or convulsions(AU)

Study of Incidence, Laterality and Patency of the Posterior Condylar Canal In 100 Dry Human Skulls.

Background: The posterior condylar foramina are the largest of the emissary foramina’s present in the human skull. The posterior condylar canal transmits the posterior condylar emissary vein and it acts as a route for venous circulation between extracranial venous system and intracranial venous sinuses. It also acts as a channel for spread of infection. Due to its varied clinical implications and to get a better knowledge about the canal this study was taken up. Objectives: To determine the variations in the occurrence of posterior condylar canalwith respect to incidence, laterality, patency and if patent whether intrasinus or retrosinus. Materials and methods: An observational study was carried out on 100 dry human skulls obtained from the department of anatomy, Kempegowda Institute Of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, India. The posterior condylar canal was observed and noted. The patency was ascertained by passing a probe and care was taken to note whether the canal opened intrasinus or retrosinus. Result: The posterior condylar canal was found to be present in 90% of the skulls. The incidence of bilateral presence was more than the unilateral presence. 82.22% of the canals were patent with the intrasinus type being themost prevalent. Conclusion: The knowledge of the posterior condylar canal and its variations is important for the radiologist, neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons operating in this area.

Degree of Sigmoid Sinus Compression and the Symptom Relief Using Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Venous Pulsating Tinnitus

OBJECTIVES: To show that mechanical compression of sigmoid sinus is effective for treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus enlargement, and to evaluate the relationship between the compression degree of sigmoid sinus and the tinnitus symptom relief using magnetic resonance angiography. METHODS: Medical records of twenty-four patients who were diagnosed with venous tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus enlargement and underwent mechanical compression of sigmoid sinus were reviewed between April 2009 and May 2013. All these patients received computed tomography and magnetic resonance venography study before undergoing surgery and were followed for at least 4 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients felt relief from tinnitus three months after the surgery, and the cross-sectional area of the sigmoid sinus on the tinnitus side was compressed approximately by half (46%-69%) after the surgery. There were 4 patients whose tinnitus suddenly disappeared while lying on the operating table before operation, which may be a result of the patient's emotional tension or postural changes from standing. One of the four patients felt no relief from tinnitus after the surgery, with the cross-sectional area of the sigmoid sinus only compressed by 30%. And two patients of them had a recurrence of tinnitus about 6 months after the surgery. Seven patients had sigmoid sinus diverticula, and tinnitus would not disappear merely by eliminating the diverticulum until by compressing the sigmoid sinus to certain degree. There were 3 minor complications, including aural fullness, head fullness and hyperacusis. The preoperative low frequency conductive and sensorineural hearing loss of 7 subjects subsided. CONCLUSION: Mechanical compression of sigmoid sinus is an effective treatment for pulsatile tinnitus caused by sigmoid sinus enlargement, even if it might be accompanied by sigmoid sinus diverticulum. A compression degree of sigmoid sinus about 54% is adequate for the relief of tinnitus symptom. Cases in which patients' tinnitus suddenly disappeared before the surgery might be excluded to improve the efficacy of surgery.

Trombosis del seno sagital en un neonato / Sagittal sinus thrombosis in a newborn

La trombosis de los senos venosos durales es una rara y devastadora enfermedad. Se presenta generalmente en mujeres y ancianos, y no es frecuente en niños, aunque se reconoce ya como una causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en la población pediátrica. Se han reportado pocos casos en el mundo de neonatos afectados por esta entidad, en su mayoría fatales e insuficientemente investigados. A continuación se presenta el caso de un recién nacido con una trombosis del seno sagital que sobrevivió. Los factores predisponentes para la aparición de la enfermedad en este caso fueron la asfixia neonatal, la deshidratación severa unida al uso de una línea venosa central, y la inmovilización prolongada. Aunque la TAC contrastada no es el estudio ideal para su diagnóstico, permitió realizarlo oportunamente en este caso. El tratamiento temprano con anticoagulantes permitió una rápida recuperación y favoreció la recanalización venosa del seno involucrado. Hasta el momento no se han detectado secuelas neurológicas y el paciente tiene buen desarrollo psicomotor.

Dural venous sinus thrombosis is a rare devastating disease. It is generally found in females and old people, but is infrequent in children; however, it is already recognized as a morbidity and mortality cause in the pediatric population. Few cases of newborns with this disease have been reported worldwide; most of them were poorly studied and had fatal outcomes. Here is the presentation of a newborn with sagittal sinus thrombosis, who managed to survive. The predisposing factors for the disease were neonatal asphyxia, severe dehydration together with the use of central venous line and extended immobilization. Although contrast CAT is not the ideal study, it helped to promptly arrive at the right diagnosis in this case. The early treatment based on anticoagulants allowed rapid recovery and facilitated venous retaking of the involved venous sinus. No neurological sequels have been so far detected and the psychomotor development of the child is good.

Trombosis venosa cerebral en adultos en el Complejo Hospitalario-Universitario De A Coruña España: revisión clínico-radiológica de 48 casos diagnosticados entre 1995 Y 2005 / Cerebral vein thrombosis in adults in the Hospital-University of A Coruña Spain: clinico-radiological review of 48 cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2005

Introducción. La trombosis venosa cerebral es una patología del sistema nervioso central cuya incidencia es aún desconocida. El diagnostico es difícil, teniendo en cuenta que las manifestaciones neurológicas así como su etiología pueden ser extremadamente variables. Objetivos: conocer la etiología, clínica y pronóstico de las trombosis de los senos venosos cerebrales en el Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Juan Canalejo de A Coruna. Pacientes y métodos: se revisaron de forma retrospectiva los casos diagnosticados de TVC desde 1995 a 2005. Se registro la etiología, las manifestaciones clínicas, los signos radiológicos en la TAC en el momento del ingreso, el tratamiento aplicado y el pronóstico a los 6 meses empleando la escala modificada de Rankin. Resultados: se registraron 48 casos de los cuales 27 eran mujeres y 21 hombres; el rango de edad fue de 21 a 88 años, con una mediana de 43 años. La etiología infecciosa estuvo presente en cinco casos equivalente al 10,4%). En pacientes jóvenes (<43 años) los trastornos de la coagulación y/o la toma de anticonceptivos hormonales se constato en el 66,7% de los casos, mientras que en los mayores de 43 años la etiología neoplásica se encontró en el 29% y no pudo identificarse en el 45,8%. El síntoma más frecuente fue la cefalea en el 72,9%. En la tomografía axial computarizada el signo radiológico mas frecuente fue la hiperdensidad de uno o varios senos venosos (62,5%), pero fue estrictamente normal en el 20% de los casos. Treinta y cuatro pacientes recibieron tratamiento anticoagulante con buena evolución, así el 75% presento puntuación en la escala modificada de Rankin ≤1 a los seis meses. Ocho pacientes (16,7%) fallecieron, pero la mortalidad estuvo fuertemente relacionada con la patología de base de los mismos (50% cáncer). Conclusiones: en pacientes jóvenes predomina la etiología por anticonceptivos y los trastornos de la coagulación, en cambio, a partir de la sexta década dominan las neoplasias subyacentes y causas indeterminadas. El tratamiento anticoagulante es eficaz y seguro. El pronóstico es excelente en la mayoría de los casos...

Introduction. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a pathology of the central nervous system which incident is still unknown. The diagnosis is difficult because the neurological manifestations and its etiology may be extremely varied. Objectives. The aim of our study was to ascertain the etiology, the clinical manifestations and the prognosis of the cases of Cerebral venous thrombosis diagnosed at our Hospital. Patients and Methods. It was reviewed retrospectively all histories of the patients who were diagnosed of cerebral venous thrombosis from 1995 to 2005. It was recorded the etiological factors, the clinical manifestations, the radiological signs in the computed tomography scan at admission, the treatment administered and the prognosis at six months was classified in accordance with the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results. We reviewed 48 cases (27 females; 21 males). The age range was 21 to 88 years old, with a median at 43 years. The infectious etiology was present in five patients (10,4%). In the young group (<43years), coagulation diseases and/or oral hormone contraceptives were involved in 66,7% of the cases, whereas in the age group (≥43 years), an underlying neoplasm was identified in 29% of the cases and no etiological factor in 45,8%. Headache was the most frequent symptom (72,9%). The most frequently observed radiological sign in the computed tomography scan was hyperdensity in one or more venous sinuses (62.5%), but it was normal in 20% of the cases. 34 patients received anticoagulant treatment with a good evolution, so 75% presented mRS ≤1 at six months. Death occurred in 8 patients (16,7%), although it was closely related to their basic condition (50% neoplasm). Conclusions. In young population, the most frequently etiologies are contraceptives and coagulation disease and in people older than 60 years, the underlying neoplasm and cases of unknown etiology prevail. The anticoagulant treatment is effective and safe. The prognosis was excellent in the most of the cases...

Spontaneous resolution of marked dilatation of cerebral duro-venous system in newborn presenting with fetal hydrops.

A newborn with antenatal diagnosis of fetal hydrops at 36 wk of gestation, presented with congestive heart failure (CHF) and generalized edema. Computed tomographic angiography showed marked dilatation of cerebral duro-venous system including vein of Galen (VOG), straight sinus, torcula and transverse sinus without evidence of arteriovenous fistulae at the vein of Galen. Dilatation of duro-venous system resolved with concomitant improvement in biventricular function and CHF with decongestive therapy. Such entity should be differentiated from more serious conditions like VOG malformation and venous sinus thrombosis.