Hidatidosis cerebral: comunicación de seis casos pediátricos / Cerebral hydatid disease: report of six pediatric cases

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection whose etiologic agent is Echinococcus granulosus. Human is an accidental intermediate host and the most common site is the liver. The brain involvement is unusual and up to 75% of cases are described in the pediatric population. We present six children with cerebral hydatid disease admitted to the Pediatric Hospital J.P. Garrahan. All had neurological involvement on admission. The images showed single cystic lesion in the brain. They did not present involvement in other organs. Serology was negative in all cases. Medical and surgical treatment in all cases. The clinical outcome was favorable without sequelae in five of them and one had a residual paresis right faciobrachiocrural. This infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic tumor lesions of the central nervous system.

La hidatidosis es una infección parasitaria causada por Echinococcus granulosus. El ser humano es un hospedero intermediario accidental. La localización más frecuente es la hepática. El compromiso cerebral es inusual, se describe que hasta 75% ocurre en población pediátrica. Se presenta una serie de seis niños con hidatidosis cerebral internados en el Hospital de Pediatría J. P. Garrahan. Todos presentaron compromiso neurológico al ingreso. Las imágenes mostraron lesiones quísticas únicas en el cerebro. No tuvieron compromiso de otros órganos. La serología fue negativa en todos los casos. El tratamiento fue médico-quirúrgico. La evolución clínica fue favorable sin secuelas en cinco de ellos y uno presentó una hemiparesia faciobraquiocrural derecha como secuela. Esta infección debe considerarse entre los diagnósticos diferenciales de lesiones tumorales quísticas del sistema nervioso central.

A Case of Flavobacterium ceti Meningitis

No abstract available.

Factors associated with the occurrence of Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in rural localities of Central-West Brazil

This study estimates the factors of artificial environments (houses and peridomestic areas) associated with Triatoma sordida occurrence. Manual searches for triatomines were performed in 136 domiciliary units (DUs) in two rural localities of Central-West Brazil. For each DU, 32 structural, 23 biotic and 28 management variables were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify statistically significant variables associated with occurrence of T. sordida in the study areas. A total of 1,057 specimens (99% in peridomiciles, mainly chicken coops) of T. sordida were collected from 63 DUs (infestation: 47%; density: ~8 specimens/DU; crowding: ~17 specimens/infested DU; colonisation: 81%). Only six (0.6%) out of 945 specimens examined were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The final adjusted logistic regression model indicated that the probability of T. sordida occurrence was higher in DU with wooden chicken coops, presence of > 30 animals in wooden corrals, presence of wood piles and presence of food storeroom. The results show the persistence of T. sordida in peridomestic habitats in rural localities of Central-West Brazil. However, the observed low intradomestic colonisation and minimal triatomine infection rates indicate that T. sordida has low potential to sustain high rates of T. cruzi transmission to residents of these localities.

Cephaloceles a Dakar : etude de 30 cas au CHUN Fann

Les cephaloceles se definissent comme des hernies du contenu de la boite cranienne a travers un defect du crane. Le but de l'etude est de rapporter notre experience sur la prise en charge des cephaloceles et d'evaluer l'evolution du traitement chirurgical. Methode : trente enfants ont ete admis au service de neurochirurgie de fann sur une periode de 5 ans et demi pour prise en charge d'une cephalocele. Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective. Resultats : L'age moyen des patients a l'admission etait de 4 mois avec un sex-ratio de 0;9. Plus de 57 de meres avaient un age superieur a 30 ans. Le mariage consanguin a ete retrouve dans une proportion de 36;7. La supplementation durant la grossesse en fer acide folique a ete effective chez 81;48 des femmes. La localisation du defect osseux au niveau occipital etait retrouvee dans 70 contre 16;7 en fronto-ethmoidale; 10 en sincipitale et 3;3 en frontale unilaterale. Tous les patients ont beneficie d'une tomodensitometrie cerebrale et ont ete operes. Le recours a la derivation ventriculo-peritoneale a ete necessaire dans six cas (20) pour une hydrocephalie. L'evolution a ete favorable chez 29 patients (96;7). Un deces a ete constate apres la cure de la cephalocele. Le suivi post-operatoire a varie de 3 mois a 2 ans. Conclusion : Ce travail souligne la survenue de cephaloceles chez le 2eme enfant de la fratrie; une predominance de la localisation occipitale; ainsi que la rarete du diagnostic echographique antenatal. La prevention semble etre le meilleur traitement

Quiste epidermoide supraselar con rotura intraventricular: caso clínico / Suprasellar epidermoid cyst with intraventricular rupture: case report

Epidermoid cyst are benign lesions representing 0,3-1,5 percent of intracranial tumors. They originate from inclusions of epithelials cells during closure of neural tube. Symptoms result from compression of adjacent structures or rarely due to rupture causing Chemical meningitis. In this report, we present the case of a 34 years old male with history of ictal headache and meningeal signs. Brain CT showed hypodense suprasellar lesion with signs of rupture into the ventricular system. MRI showed a hypointense lesion on T1 and hyperintense on T2, suspecting epidermoid tumor. The Patient was operated and the sample demonstrated an epidermoid cyst. Spontaneous cyst rupture and spillage of the content into subarachnoid space or ventricles manifest as meningeal syndrome and cause high morbidity. Cyst rupture into de ventricle is infrequently described in literature.

Los quistes epidermoides son lesiones benignas en su mayoría, representando un 0,3 al 1,5 por ciento de los tumores intracraneanos y se originan por la inclusión de elementos epiteliales en el momento del cierre del tubo neural. Su presentación clínica está dada por compresión de estructuras adyacentes y con menor frecuencia secundaria a la rotura espontánea causando meningitis química. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 34 años de sexo masculino que debuta con un cuadro de cefalea ictal y signos de irritación meníngea. La Tomografía computada de cerebro muestra una lesión hipodensa supraselar con signos de rotura hacia el sistema ventricular. La Resonancia Nuclear Magnética muestra una lesión predominantemente hipointensa en T1 e hiperintensa en T2 planteándose entre los diagnósticos posibles un quiste epidermoide. El paciente es operado y la biopsia informa un quiste epidermoide. La rotura de los quistes epidermoide hacia el espacio subaracnoideo o al ventrículo ocurre de forma espontánea, presentándose clínicamente con un síndrome meníngeo y puede ser causa de gran morbilidad. La rotura hacia el ventrículo es una presentación clínica descrita con poca frecuencia en la literatura.

Implications of extubation failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation in the postoperative period following elective intracranial surgery

Patients undergoing neurosurgery are predisposed to a variety of complications related to mechanical ventilation (MV). There is an increased incidence of extubation failure, pneumonia, and prolonged MV among such patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of extubation failure and prolonged MV on the following variables: postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), mortality, reoperation, tracheostomy, and duration of postoperative hospitalization following elective intra-cranial surgery. The study involved a prospective observational cohort of 317 patients submitted to elective intracranial surgery for tumors, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformation. Preoperative assessment was performed and patients were followed up for the determination of extubation failure and prolonged MV (>48 h) until discharge from the hospital or death. The occurrence of PPC, incidence of death, the need for reoperation and tracheostomy, and the length of hospitalization were assessed during the postoperative period. Twenty-six patients (8.2 percent) experienced extubation failure and 30 (9.5 percent) needed prolonged MV after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that extubation failure was significant for the occurrence of death (OR = 8.05 [1.88; 34.36]), PPC (OR = 11.18 [2.27; 55.02]) and tracheostomy (OR = 7.8 [1.12; 55.07]). Prolonged MV was significant only for the occurrence of PPC (OR = 4.87 [1.3; 18.18]). Elective intracranial surgery patients who experienced extubation failure or required prolonged MV had a higher incidence of PPC, reoperation and tracheostomy and required a longer period of time in the ICU. Level of consciousness and extubation failure were associated with death and PPC. Patients who required prolonged MV had a higher incidence of extubation failure.

Application of Intraoperative Ultrasonography for Guiding Microneurosurgical Resection of Small Subcortical Lesions

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative ultrasonography for real-time guidance when performing microneurosurgical resection of small subcortical lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with small subcortical lesions were involved in this study. The pathological diagnoses were cavernous hemangioma in 25 cases, cerebral glioma in eight cases, abscess in eight cases, small inflammatory lesion in five cases, brain parasite infection in four cases and the presence of an intracranial foreign body in two cases. An ultrasonic probe was sterilized and lightly placed on the surface of the brain during the operation. The location, extent, characteristics and adjacent tissue of the lesion were observed by high frequency ultrasonography during the operation. RESULTS: All the lesions were located in the cortex and their mean size was 1.3 +/- 0.2 cm. Intraoperative ultrasonography accurately located all the small subcortical lesions, and so the neurosurgeon could provide appropriate treatment. Different lesion pathologies presented with different ultrasonic appearances. Cavernous hemangioma exhibited irregular shapes with distinct margins and it was mildly hyperechoic or hyperechoic. The majority of the cerebral gliomas displayed irregular shapes with indistinct margins, and they often showed cystic and solid mixed echoes. Postoperative imaging identified that the lesions had completely disappeared, and the original symptoms of all the patients were significantly alleviated. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative ultrasonography can help accurately locate small subcortical lesions and it is helpful for selecting the proper approach and guiding thorough resection of these lesions.

Treatment of colloid cysts of the third ventricle through neuroendoscopic Nd: YAG laser stereotaxis / Tratamento do cisto colóide do terceiro ventrículo por neuroendoscopia estereotática com laser Nd: YAG

OBJECTIVE: Colloid cysts (IIIVT CC) are benign neuroepithelial cysts located in the anterior third ventricle. The authors propose the use of Nd:YAG laser stereotactic neuroendoscopic for guided resection of the third ventricle colloid cysts. METHOD: Eleven patients presented third ventricle colloid cysts and were treated by Nd:YAG laser guided with stereotactic endoscopy (n=7) , stereotactic endoscopy (n=3) or stereotactly guided puncture (n=1). The patients were followed prospectively (average 33 months, range 19-64 months). The clinical data, neuroimaging findings, hospitalization stay, outcomes and complications of the method were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients presented headache; six had papilledema, one had gait disturbance and one had third-nerve palsy. Neuroimaging showed hydrocephalus and a IIIVT CC with 14.4-mm mean diameter. After surgery all patients presented clinical and image improvement. Only two patients presented transient morbidities that were easily treated: One had diabetes insipidus that lasted for two days and was treated with a single dose of DDAVP, and another had chemical aseptic meningitis, probably due to the contact of the cyst content with the CSF. This patient was treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids with complete resolution of the problem without sequels. The other patients were discharged from the hospital 48 h after surgery. CONCLUSION: The stereotactic neuroendoscopy-guided procedure with Nd:YAG laser allowed the complete removal of the third ventricle colloid cysts, without definitive morbidities, sequels or recurrence of the lesion.

OBJETIVO: Os cistos colóides (CC IIIVT) são lesões neuroepiteliais benignas localizadas anteriormente no terceiro ventrículo. Nós propomos a ressecção neuroendoscópica com o uso do Nd:YAG laser guiada por estereotaxia. MÉTODO: Onze pacientes portadores de cisto colóide do terceiro ventrículo foram tratados por neuroendoscopia estereotática com laser Nd:YAG (n=7), neuroendoscopia estereotática (n=3) ou punção estereotática (n=1) e foram seguidos prospectivamente (média 33 meses, variação 19-64 meses). Os dados clínicos, achados de neuroimagem, tempo de hospitalização, evolução e complicações referentes à técnica foram avaliadas. RESULTADOS: Todos pacientes apresentaram cefaléia; seis tiveram papiledema, um apresentou distúrbio de marcha e um apresentou paresia do terceiro nervo. Os exames de neuroimagem evidenciaram hidrocefalia e CC IIIVT com diâmetro médio de 14,4 mm. Depois da cirurgia todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica e de imagem. Apenas dois pacientes apresentaram morbidades transitórias que foram facilmente tratadas: um apresentou diabetes insipidus que durou dois dias e foi tratada com uma única dose de DDAVP, o outro apresentou meningite química asséptica, provavelmente pelo contato do conteúdo do cisto com o líquor. Este paciente recebeu antibióticos e corticóide com resolução completa do problema. Os outros pacientes receberam alta hospitalar após 48 h. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção neuroendoscópica com o uso do Nd:YAG laser guiada por estereotaxia possibilitou a remoção completa do cisto colóide sem morbidades definitivas, seqüelas ou recorrência da lesão.

Abordajes craneanos mínimamente invasivos tipo keyhol para patología neuroquirúrgica / Keyhole approach in neurosurgical pathology

Introducción: Describir experiencia actual en cirugías craneanas mínimamente invasivas tipo cerradura o keyhole. Material y Métodos: Entre julio del 2003 y julio del 2008, 26 pacientes fueron operados usando abordajes tipo keyhole, el transciliar supraorbitario y el micropterional: 15 aneurismas, 9 tumores, 1 cavernoma y 1 hidrocefalia triventricular. Se presentan aspectos técnicos correspondientes. Resultados: Se cumplieron objetivos terapéuticos similares a técnicas quirúrgicas tradicionales sin que el mínimo tamaño de la craneotomía haya entorpecido la cirugía. Conclusiones: Los abordajes tipo Keyhole ofrecen una alternativa quirúrgica eficiente en pacientes debidamente seleccionados.

Objective: to describe actual experience with keyhole approach in cranial surgery Methods: Between July 2003 and 2008 26 patients were operated trought transciliar supraorbitary and micropterional approach: 15 aneurysm, 9 brain tumors, 1 cavernoma and 1 hydrocephalus. Technical aspects are presented. Results: Therapeutical objectives were accomplished without difficulties related to craniotomy size. Conclusion: Keyhole approaches are an efficient surgical alternative in selected patients.

Planificación quirúrgica avanzada en neurocirugía: metodología de procesamiento de imágenes integradas / Advanced surgical planning in neurosurgery: methodology of integrated image processing

El riesgo de provocar morbilidad incapacitante y permanente en el paciente neuroquirúrgico ha sido el motor del desarrollo de la imagenología actual. Además de la adquisición de imágenes anatómicas muy detalladas, hoy se puede tener información funcional para cada paciente individual y utilizarla para la planificación del abordaje quirúrgico. La integración de esta información y su utilización racional en un sistema de despliegue tridimensional es el objetivo final de todo el estudio preoperatorio del paciente. La capacidad que tenga el neurocirujano de evaluar esta información antes y durante el acto quirúrgico son determinantes en el resultado. Se analizan la integración de imágenes derivadas de la TAC RM funcional, anatómica y tractografía en la evaluación preoperatoria. A pesar de que la tecnología está ampliamente disponible y al alcance, el conocimiento sobre su empleo correcto para el manejo rutinario no siempre está presente. Actualmente la mayoría de los clínicos deben revisar interminables secuencias de cortes para efectuar una reconstrucción mental del problema del paciente, y con esta información enfrentar el caso. El desafío educacional actual es incorporar el manejo de esta tecnología en la práctica clínica rutinaria, para construir una memoria organizacional que sea capaz de mantener el ritmo de avance que cada vez parece más acelerado.

The risk of incapacitating and permanent morbidity in the neurosurgical patient has driven modern times medical imaging. Besides rich anatomical images, today we can have functional information about the individual patient, to be used in pre-operative planning. The integration of this information for its rational use in a three dimensional planning system is the final goal of all the preoperative study of the patient. The capacity of the neurosurgeon to evaluate and use this information during the actual surgical procedure is determinant in the results. The integration of images from computed tomography, magnetic resonance, anatomic and functional, and lately tractography are analyzed. Although the technology is widely available, knowledge about its use is lacking in the clinical field. Many neurosurgeons still must review hundreds of slices to make a mental composition of the pathology and the anatomy and with this, plan the operation. The challenge is to incorporate this technology in routine clinical practice, to build enough organizational memory to keep pace with the fast rhythm imposed by progress in neuroimaging.

Cerebral cholesterol granuloma: case report

Intracranial cholesterol granulomas are rare lesions, and have been registered in petrous apex region. The presence of an intracerebral cholesterol granuloma is an uncommun event. We report the case of a 20-years-old woman who undergone craniotomy for resection of a temporal mass. Pathologic examination show a cholesterol granuloma.

Granulomas de colesterol intracranianos são lesões raras, sendo observados na região do ápice petroso. A ocorrência de granuloma de colesterol intracerebral é um evento incomum. Relata-se o caso de mulher de 20 anos submetida a craniotomia para ressecção de processo expansivo temporal, com exame anátomo-patológico evidenciando um granuloma de colesterol.

Strategies for resection of lesions in the motor area: preliminary results in 42 surgical patients / Estratégias para ressecção de lesões em área motora: resultados preliminares em 42 pacientes operados

In recent years considerable technological advances have been made with the purpose of improving the surgical results in the treatment of eloquent lesions. The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative surgical outcome in 42 patients who underwent surgery to remove lesions around the motor cortex, in which preoperative planning by using neuroimaging exams, anatomical study, appropriate microsurgery technique and auxiliary methods such as cortical stimulation were performed. Twenty-two patients (52.3 percent) presented a normal motor function in the preoperative period. Of these, six developed transitory deficit. Twenty patients (47.6 percent) had a motor deficit preoperatively, nevertheless 90 percent of these improved postoperatively. Surgery in the motor area becomes safer and more effective with preoperative localization exams, anatomical knowledge and appropriate microsurgery technique. Cortical stimulation is important because it made possible to maximize the resection reducing the risk of a motor deficit. Stereotaxy method was useful in the location of subcortical lesions.

Nos últimos anos, consideráveis avanços tecnológicos, principalmente métodos de localização funcional do córtex cerebral, têm surgido no sentido de melhorar os resultados cirúrgicos no tratamento de lesões em áreas eloqüentes. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os resultados pós-operatórios em 42 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de lesões em área motora, utilizando-se de planejamento com exames de neuroimagem, conhecimento anatômico, técnica microcirúrgica adequada e métodos auxiliares a exemplo do estimulador cortical. Vinte e dois pacientes (52,3 por cento) apresentavam força muscular normal no pré-operatório. Destes, seis apresentaram déficit motor transitório. Vinte pacientes (47,6 por cento) tinham déficit motor no pré-operatório, mas 90 por cento destes apresentaram melhora no pós-operatório. A cirurgia em área motora se torna mais segura e eficaz com a utilização de planejamento pré-operatório baseado nos exames de imagem, conhecimento anatômico e técnica microcirúrgica adequada. A utilização de estimulador cortical é importante para maximizar a ressecção minimizando o risco de déficit motor. A estereotaxia foi útil na localização de lesões subcorticais.

Bone flap preservation after decompressive craniectomy--experience with 55 cases.

We describe our experience with the previously described technique of preservation of the bone flap in a subgaleal pocket created over the intact side of the calvaria, discuss our experience of this method and review the literature to compare this method with other alternative techniques.

Paracoccidioidomicose em hemisfério cerebral e tronco encefálico: relato de caso / Paracoccidioidomycosis in cerebral hemisphere and brainstem: case report / Paracoccidioidomycosis in cerebral hemisphere and brainstem: case report

Relata-se sobre um homem de 36 anos com passagem quatro anos antes pela selva amazônica. Admitido após seis meses do aparecimento progressivo de tetraparesia, ataxia de marcha, disfagia, disartria, dispnéia e soluço. A ressonância magnética revelou lesão parietoccipital à direita e no bulbo, sendo esta última maior. Investigações para tuberculose e síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida tiveram resultados negativos. Foi submetido a microcirurgia da lesão do bulbo. O estudo anatomopatológico revelou paracoccidioidomicose. Recebeu tratamento com anfotericina B até 2100 mg, e sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim por três meses, e fisioterapia. Voltou às atividades após seis meses do término do tratamento. Comenta-se sobre a participação do sistema imunológico e das citocinas (interleucinas.

We report on a 36 years-old man that had been at the Amazon forest four years before. Six months before the admission he had developed a progressive quadriparesis, gait ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria, difficulty in breathing and hiccup. The gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI showed a lesion into the right parietoccipital area and another into the medulla, that was the largest. There was any evidence of tuberculosis or AIDS. The patient was submitted to microsurgical approach to the medulla. Pathological examination revealed paracoccidioidomycosis. Treatment with anphotericin B till 2100mg was administered followed by sulfamethoxazole-trimetoprim for three months plus physical therapy. The patient went back to his activities six months after the end of the treatment. Comments are presented about the participation of the immunological system and of the cytokines (interleukines.

Radiocirugía estereotáxica con acelerador lineal (LINAC): Informe de la experiencia técnica en el manejo de 100 casos en el Hospital General de México / Stereotactic radiosurgery with linear accelerator (LINAC): Report of the technical experience in 100 cases treated at the Mexico General Hospital

La radiocirugía estereotáxica consiste en la liberación de una dosis única y grande de radiación a una lesión intracraneal, pequeña, bien definida y localizada estereotáxicamente. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es detallar las consideraciones técnicas y correlacionarlas con los resultados clínicos, así como reportar los márgenes de dosis utilizados. Métodos: Fueron tratados 100 pacientes mediante radiocirugía estereotáxica con LINAC. Treinta y cuatro casos de malformaciones arteriovenosas, 22 meningiomas, 18 astrocitomas, 11 adenomas hipofisiarios, 5 angiomas cavernosos, 3 neurinomas del acústico, 3 craneofaringiomas, 2 casos de epilepsia, una metástasis cerebral y un ependimoma. Las dosis de radiación utilizadas variaron en cada caso. Variables estudiadas: respuesta de la lesión, toxicidad, dosis al volumen blanco, número de isocentros, número de arcos de tratamiento, número de colimadores, dosis a órganos riesgo, homogeneidad volumen blanco, margen de error, volumen blanco, diámetro de colimadores y localización del volumen blanco. Se realizó la prueba x² con significancia estadística p <0.05. La media seguimiento fue de 17.7 meses. Resultados: Se presentaron tres casos de toxicidad menor. Se confirmó que a mayor volumen blanco tratado será necesario mayor número de arcos de tratamiento, con amplio margen de error y mayor número de isocentros. Conclusión: La radiocirugía es un método seguro y confiable para el manejo de entidades patológicas benignas y malignas intracraneales.

Stereotactic radiosurgery consists of the release and high dose radiation inside the intracraneal, small, well defined and stereotactic localized injury. Objective: In this study we describe the technical aspects, clinical results and dose radiation levels used in 100 patients treated with LINAC. Methods: One hundred patients received treatment withe LINAC stereotactic radiosurgery, 34 AVM, 22 meningiomas, 18 astrocytomas, 11 pituitary adenomas, 5 cavernous malformations, 3 acoustic neuromas, 3 craniopharyngiomas, 2 cases of epilepsy, one brain metastases and one ependymoma. The radiation dose changed in each case. Studied variables: response of the injury, toxicity, in target dose, number of isocenters, number of treatment arcs, number of collimators, dose of risk organ, homogeneity of target, margin of error, target, diameter of collimator and location of target. We applied the %2 test with statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: The median follow up was 17.7 months. We had 3 cases of minor toxicity. We confirmed that for a greater target volume, greater number oftreatment arcs were necessary, with greater margins of errors and greater number of isocenters. Conclusions: Radiosurgery is a safe and reliable technique to treat benign and malignant intracranial lesions.

Tumoral form of aspergillosis in central nervous system (cerebral aspergilloma): case report

Aspergilose do sistema nervoso central é uma infecção rara, acometendo principalmente pacientes imunossuprimidos. Clinicamente pode se apresentar sob várias formas: meningite, aneurisma micótico, infartos cerebrais e como lesão tumoral (aspergiloma). Os autores apresentam o caso de um paciente diabético com aspergiloma cerebral.