Decompressive craniectomy for spontaneous intracerebral hematoma, does it add benefit?

Background: Many studies discussed the validity of hematoma evacuation versus conservative treatment, and little research discussed the role of decompressive craniectomy in the management of SICH. The purpose of the study is to discuss the role of decompressive craniectomy alone in selected cases of supratentorial SICH and comparing it with the reported results of best medical treatment in the literatures. Patients and methods; Fourteen patients harboring SICH with mass effect were operated in Zagazig University Hospitals by decompressive craniectomy from March 2015 to September 2017. Inclusion criteria were hypertensive supratentorial SICH with massive edema and midline shift and GCS score below 10. Wide decompressive craniotomy was performed together with duroplasty. Patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively using modified Rankin scale (mRS). Results: There was 14 patients, 9 males and 5 females with mean age 69.7 (range 56 to 81), 8 right and 6 left sided hematoma with mean GCS of 7 (range 4 to 10), preoperative midline shift ranged from 9 mm to 15 mm (mean 12.7). Early postoperative follow up showed improvement of GCS mean 11 (range 6 to 15) and midline shift mean 3 mm (range 1 to 9) in the first 24 hours. At 6 months, mortality rate was 2/14. GOS showed good outcome (mRS 0-4) in 10 patients and poor outcome (mRS 5-6) in 4 patients. Conclusion: Decompressive craniectomy with duroplasty is an effective method for management of supratentorial SICH and is better than the best medical treatment in selected cases

Cerebrospinal fluid drainage options for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature neonates / Opções de drenagem liquórica em neonatos prematuros com hidrocefalia pós hemorrágica

ABSTRACT Objective The literature describes various cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage techniques to alleviate posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm newborns; however, consensus has not been reached. The scope of this study was describing a case series of premature neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and assessing the outcomes of different approaches used for CSF diversion. Methods A consecutive review of the medical records of neonates with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus treated with CSF drainage was conducted. Results Forty premature neonates were included. Serial lumbar puncture, ventriculosubgaleal shunt, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt were the treatments of choice in 25%, 37.5% and 37.5% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion Cerebrospinal fluid diversion should be tailored to each case with preference given to temporary CSF drainage in neonates with lower age and lower birth-weight, while the permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt should be considered in healthier, higher birth-weight neonates born closer to term.

RESUMO Objetivo A literatura descreve várias opções de drenagem liquórica (DL) para alivio da hidrocefalia pós-hemorrágica (HPH) em neonatos prematuros; contudo, não existe um consenso sobre a melhor abordagem. O escopo deste estudo foi descrever uma série de casos de neonatos prematuros, portadores de HPH, verificando os resultados de diferentes técnicas utilizadas para DL. Métodos Revisão consecutiva dos prontuários de neonatos com diagnostico de HPH submetidos a DL. Resultados Quarenta recém-nascidos prematuros foram incluídos. A punção lombar seriada (PL), a derivação ventriculosubgaleal (VSG) e a derivação ventrículo peritoneal (VP) foram o tratamento escolhido em 25%, 37,5% e 37,5% dos casos, respectivamente. Conclusão As opções de DL devem ser avaliadas caso a caso, sendo dada preferência às drenagens temporária em prematuros com idade e peso mais baixos ao nascer, enquanto o shunt definitivo (derivação VP) pode ser considerado naqueles prematuros mais saudáveis, com idade e peso superiores.

Endoscopic evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) constitutes a major public health problem worldwide, despite active research it is still a leading cause of morbidity, disability, and death. In Cuba cerebrovascular disease represents the 3rd cause of death and in the last decade, the number of deaths for this cause has increased and the mortality rate is about 41/100,000/year. Method: We have carried out a descriptive study of 14 patients admitted in the intensive care unit of Moron General Hospital in Ciego de Avila, Cuba, with diagnosis of Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage (SSICH), who were treated with endoscopic surgical evacuation in the period from January of 2013 to December of 2014. Results: All patients underwent surgery within 12 hours of ictus and 10 (71.43 percent) underwent surgery within 6 hours. The mean time from SSICH onset to surgery was 7.6 hours. The mean operative time was 90 minutes. Endoscopy was successfully completed in all cases and the hematoma evacuation rate was 97 percent- 100 percent in all patients. The mortality rate was 5 patients (35.71 percent). Six months after clot endoscopic evacuation, six cases (42.86 percent) had poor results (Grade IV-VI) and 8 (57.14 percent) had goodrecovery (Grade 0-III). Conclusions: Early endoscope-assisted SSICH evacuation is safe, effective and feasible method in hematoma evacuation.

Tratamiento quirúrgico en las hemorragias intracerebrales lobares espontáneas supratentoriales sin extensión ventricular / Surgical treatment for supratentorial spontaneous lobarintracerebral hemorrhage without ventricular extension

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados en el manejo de pacientes con hemorragias intracerebrales lobares espontaneas, supratentoriales y sin extensión ventricular a través de la comparación entre el tratamiento quirúrgico y el tratamiento médico. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en el Hospital General “Roberto Rodríguez Fernández” de Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, en el período comprendido entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2013. La muestra quedó conformada por aquellos que reunieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: 1) Edad de 18-60 años; 2) 48 horas de inicio de las manifestaciones clínicas; 3) volumen de la hemorragia entre 20 y 60 cm3 ; 4) Escala de coma de Glasgow al ingreso superior a 4 puntos. Se constituyeron dos grupos, en el Grupo I fueron incluidos los enfermos que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico y médico. En el Grupo II se incluyeron los que recibieron tratamiento médico solamente. La inclusión en uno de los dos grupos quedó sujeta al criterio del médico que recibió al paciente en el departamento de emergencias, no existió aleatorización en el proceso. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 147 pacientes 54 (36,73 por ciento) en el Grupo I y 93 (63,27 por ciento) en el Grupo II. En el Grupo I la mortalidad a los seis meses del egreso fue de 16 pacientes (29,64 por ciento), mientras que en el grupo II murieron 33 (35,48 por ciento). Conclusiones: Se obtuvo un discreto pero relevante predominio de los resultados satisfactorios en el grupo de pacientes operados y la mortalidad fue también menor en este grupo.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the surgical versus medical treatment in patients with supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage without ventricular extension. Methods: A case-control study was carried out in the “Roberto Rodríguez Fernández” general hospital in Moron, Ciego de Avila, Cuba, in the period between January 2009 and December 2013. The sample was conformed by those patients that gathered the following inclusion criteria: 1) Age of 18-60 years; 2) 48 hours of beginning of clinical manifestation; 3) Volume of the hemorrhage between 20-60 cm3; 4) GCS superior to 4 points. Two groups were constituted. In the group I the patients whom received medical and surgical treatment were included. In the group II were included patients whom received medical treatment only. The inclusion in one of the two groups was subject to the doctor´s criteria in the emergency department, randomization didn’t exist in the process. Results: They were included in the study a total of 147 patients, 54 (36,73 percent) in the Group I and 93 (63,27 percent) in the Group II. The mortality at 6 month of discharge was 29,64 percent in Group I and 35,48 percent in Group II. Conclusions: A discreet but outstanding of the satisfactory results was obtained in the group of operated patients and the mortality was also smaller in this group.

Hematoma subdural agudo espontâneo e hemorragia intracerebral em paciente com microangiopatia trombótica gestacional / Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma and intracerebral hemorrhage in a patient with thrombotic microangiopathy during pregnancy

Pré-eclâmpsia, síndrome HELLP (hemólise, elevação de enzimas hepáticas e plaquetopenia) e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação são as principais causas de microangiopatia trombótica e disfunção hepática grave durante a gestação, representando um spectrum do mesmo processo patológico. Relatou-se aqui o caso de uma gestante com 35 semanas internada em unidade de terapia intensiva no pós-operatório imediato de cesariana por morte fetal, com náuseas, vômitos e icterícia. Diagnosticaram-se pré-eclâmpsia pós-parto e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação. Houve evolução tardia com hematoma subdural agudo e hemorragia intracerebral, sendo realizado tratamento neurocirúrgico. A paciente foi a óbito por anemia hemolítica refratária, com sangramento espontâneo em múltiplos órgãos. Pré-eclâmpsia, síndrome HELLP e fígado gorduroso agudo da gestação são processos patológicos que podem se sobrepor e se associar a complicações potencialmente fatais, como a hemorragia intracraniana aqui descrita. Sua detecção e diagnóstico precoces são fundamentais para a instituição de manejo adequado e sucesso do tratamento.

Preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low-platelet count), and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are the main causes of thrombotic microangiopathy and evere liver dysfunction during pregnancy and represent different manifestations of the same pathological continuum. The case of a 35-week pregnant woman who was admitted to an intensive care unit immediately after a Cesarean section due to fetal death and the presence of nausea, vomiting, and jaundice is reported. Postpartum preeclampsia and acute fatty liver of pregnancy were diagnosed. The patient developed an acute subdural hematoma and an intracerebral hemorrhage, which were subjected to neurosurgical treatment. The patient died from refractory hemolytic anemia and spontaneous bleeding of multiple organs. Preeclampsia HELLP syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy might overlap and be associated with potentially fatal complications, including intracranial hemorrhage, as in the present case. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to ensure management and treatment success.

Comparison between transsylvian-transinsular and transcortical-transtemporal approach for evacuation of intracerebral hematoma

PURPOSE: Hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the basal ganglia is a potentially life-threatening cerebrovascular disease with high mortality. Surgical evacuation is an important treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage. However, little is reported about the comparison on the efficacy of various approaches on the prognosis. METHODS: Clinical data of 80 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage which surgically treated via transsylvian-transinsular approach or transcortical-transtemporal approach were collected. The proportion of post-surgery tracheostomy, incidence of digestive tract hemorrhage, revision surgery, the average length of hospital stay, and the six-month efficacy (defined by an ADL score) rate between these two groups were compared. RESULTS: The six-month efficacy rates were 75% and 50% in patients receiving transsylvian-transinsular and transcortical-transtemporal surgery, respectively (p<0.05). Compared to the transcortical-transtemporal group, the proportion of revision surgery was statistically significantly lower in the transsylvian-transinsular group, (p<0.05). The proportion of post-surgery tracheostomy, the incidence of digestive tract hemorrhage, and the average length of hospital stay were lower in the transsylvian-transinsular group, compared to the transcortical-transtemporal group, but no statistically significant differences were noted in them between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The transsylvian-transinsular approach for evacuation of intracerebral hematoma demonstrates limited complications, shorter length of hospital stay, and improved long-term efficacy and prognosis. These findings suggest this operative approach has potential for wider application.

Tratamento cirúrgico no acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico: afinal, o que há de evidências? / Surgical treatment of spontaneous cerebral hematoma: are there any evidence?

Mais da metade dos pacientes com hematoma cerebral espontâneo evolui desfavoravelmente. O controleinadequado da pressão arterial sistêmica é uma das principais causas para esse quadro dramático.Várias pesquisas clínicas visando ao controle da expansão do hematoma têm se mostrado satisfatórias,entretanto pouco houve de avanço no tratamento cirúrgico dessas condições. Há inúmeras variáveisque devem ser avaliadas em um paciente com hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontâneo, e esta revisão visa sistematizar o tratamento cirúrgico baseado em evidências.

More than half of patients with spontaneous cerebral hematoma have a poor outcome. The inadequatecontrol of the systemic blood pressure is one of the main causes for this dramatic picture. Several clinical researches seeking the control of the hematoma expansion have shown satisfactory findings, however, little progress was demonstrated in the surgical treatment of those conditions. There are countless variables that should be appraised in a patient with spontaneous cerebral hematoma, and this review intends to systematize the surgical treatment based on evidences.

Manejo de malformaciones arterio venosas en servicio de neurocirugía Hospital Escuela Lenin Fonseca / Management of arterio venous malformations in neurosurgery service Lenin Fonseca Hospital School

El objetivo del trabajo es conocer el manejo de las malformaciones arteriovenosas en Nicaragua .queremos demostrar la vigencia del tratamiento quirúrgico de esta patología. Se analizo un periodo de cinco año del 2004 al 2008, se excluyeron todas las malformaciones epicraneales , cavernomas y telengectasia. Se recogió la información de 62 expedientes, llenando una ficha previamente elaborada, se analizaron los resultados en epiinfo versión 3.5.1. Se encontró un ligero predominio del sexo masculino, la edad predominante fue entre los 15 a 40 año . La principal forma de presentación fue la hemorragia intracraneal, la escala de espetzler predominante fue el grado III, la principal complicación postquirúrgica fue la hemorragia intracerebral, 24 de los 62 pacientes se trato de forma conservadora, la principal complicación transquirurgica fue la hemorragia masiva, las principales complicaciones se asociaron a la mala condición clínica al ingreso y escala de espetzler III, IV, V. Se recomienda protocolizar el tratamiento de este tipo de patología según la escala de espetzler...

Stroke and snakebite: case report

Snakebites are common and lead to potential complications like neuromyopathies and strokes, these last associated with disturbances of blood coagulation. We report on a 65 years old woman of cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage associated with snakebite by a Bothrops jararaca that occurred in the Reconcavo of Bahia, BA, Brazil. The patient was submitted to a surgical evacuation of the hematoma, with a good result. This report is accompanied by a revision about the association among snakebite and neurological complications, emphasizing strokes. Statistics reveal a hight incidence of snakebite in the world, mainly in tropical countries and gets attention for his socioeconomic impact. The clinical and laboratorial characteristics to identify the victims that present a high risk of presenting strokes are discussed in order to identify early those patients, so that they may be treated in a more precocious and effective way.

Acidentes ofídicos são comuns e trazem como potenciais complicações neuromiopatias e doenças cerebrovasculares, estas últimas associadas a distúrbios da coagulação sanguínea. Relatamos sobre uma mulher de 65 anos com hemorragia cerebral intraparenquimatosa associado a acidente ofídico por Bothrops jararaca, ocorrido no Recôncavo Baiano, BA, Brasil. A paciente foi submetida à craniotomia para evacuação cirúrgica do hematoma, com bom desfecho final. Este relato é acompanhado de revisão sobre a associação entre ofidismo e complicações neurológicas, com enfoque as doenças cerebrovasculares. As estatísticas impressionam pela alta incidência de acidente ofídico no mundo, principalmente em países tropicais e chama atenção o seu impacto sócio-econômico. Discutimos os achados clínicos e laboratoriais que identificam quais vítimas apresentam maior risco de apresentar complicações cerebrovasculares a fim de se identificar precocemente esses pacientes, para que possam ser tratados de forma mais precoce e eficaz.

Hematomas intracerebrales no traumáticos: factores pronósticos / No traumatic intracerebral hematomas: pronostic factors

Los eventos hemorrágicos cerebrales de origen no traumático tienen un alto impacto medico y social. Para el medico de urgencia no existen muchas herramientas pronosticas en las primeras horas para predecir la mortalidad, necesidad de cirugía y grado de discapacidad en caso de sobrevida. Nosotros presentamos una estudio de cohorte prospectivo de 44 pacientes ingresados al Hospital van Buren de Valparaíso de hematoma intracerebral. Las localizaciones de las lesiones, fueron en 21 casos ubicadas en regiones profundas, en 19 pacientes se trato de hematomas lobares, 3 fueron cerebelosos y uno en protuberancia. El volumen calculado de las lesiones fue como promedio de 43, 2 cc, los varones alcanzaron mayores volúmenes con un promedio de 57cc +/-56cc contra 32cc +/-28cc diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos p < 0.05 Se intervinieron 11 pacientes, Los volúmenes de la lesión no fueron criterios en la indicación quirúrgica. El análisis de t-student demostró que los factores determinantes para realizar la cirugía fueron; desviación de línea media y la inundación ventricular (p<0.05). Fallecieron 10 de 44 pacientes estudiados. Las variables predictivas de muerte fueron el Glasgow de ingreso <8, volumen >55 cc y efecto de masa con desplazamiento de la línea media (p<0.05). En cuanto resultados malos en la calidad de sobrevida (GOS 1, 2 y 3), se pudo predecir estadísticamente (p<0.05) con un Glasgow menor a 8 al ingreso, volumen > 55 cc, efecto de masa y desviación de línea media y lesiones de tronco cerebral. El postular una Malformación vascular resultó un factor protector.

Effects of cervical sympathectomy on vasospasm induced by meningeal haemorrhage in rabbits / Efeitos da simpatectomia cervical sobre o vasoespasmo induzido por hemorragia meníngea em coelhos

This study investigates the role of cervical sympathectomy in the prevention of acute vasospasm induced by meningeal haemorrhage in rabbits. Sixteen adult English Norfolk rabbits were divided into 2 experimental groups: bilateral cervical sympathectomy of the superior sympathetic ganglion (SSSG, n=8), and bilateral SSSG and sympathectomy of the inferior sympathetic ganglion (SISG, n=8). Other 24 animals were used as controls. Basilar artery diameter was evaluated by angiography. SSSG protected the animals against developing cerebral vasospasm; SSSG associated with SISG did not increase this effect.

Este estudo investiga o papel da simpatectomia cervical na prevenção do vasoespasmo agudo induzido por hemorragia meníngea em coelhos. Para tanto, foram utilizados 16 coelhos adultos da raça Norfolk inglesa, divididos em 2 grupos experimentais: simpatectomia cervical bilateral do gânglio simpático cervical superior (SSSG, n=8) e SSSG associada a simpatectomia cervical bilateral do gânglio simpático cervical inferior (SISG, n=8). Outros 24 animais foram usados como controles. Os diâmetros das artérias basilares foram avaliados por medições após angiografias. SSSG protegeu os animais contra o vasoespasmo; SSSG associada a SISG não aumentou este efeito.

Actualizaciones en el manejo del síndrome cerebrovascular hemorrágico / Updates in the handling of the syndrome to cerebrovascular hemorrhagic

El síndrome cerebrovascular (SCV) constituye unas de las causas más frecuentes de mortalidad y morbilidad en todo el mundo. En Chile, es la quinta causa de muerte en el hombre y la tercera en la mujer. Un tipo de SCV es el hemorrágico que representa el 20 por ciento del total de Síndromes cerebro vasculares (SCV). Este trabajo pretende actualizar y resumir las principales intervenciones a realizar en el paciente con SCV hemorrágico. Estas incluyen, la valorización con distintas técnicas de neuroimagen; el manejo de la presión arterial; el control del aumento de la presión intracraneana y otros cuidados generales, así como el tratamiento quirúrgico, cuando corresponda al igual que la prevención secundaria.

Trombose de seio dural: relato de caso / Dural sinus thrombosis: case report

Relata-se o caso de uma gestante de 24 anos, encaminhada ao serviço de neurologia por apresentar agitação, alucinações, confusão mental, cefaléia, perda de visão, afasia e convulsões. Exame neurorradiológico compatível com trombose de seios durais e veias corticais. Foi realizado tratamento com abciximab e efetuada a lise mecânica do trombo obtendo restauração do fluxo venoso cerebral. Após o procedimento, apresentou hematoma frontal o qual foi retirado cirurgicamente. A paciente evoluiu com melhora neurológica progressiva. Discute-se esta infreqüente patologia segundo quadro clínico, patogênese, exames de imagem e terapêutica.

Surgical vs medical treatment of SSICH

To study and compare the effectiveness and outcome of the surgical treatment versus medical management of patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage [SSICH]. A comprehensive review of 35 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH was carried out at Banha University Hospital and King Fahd General Hospital from March 1999 to September 2001. Twenty patients had surgery for clot evacuation through open craniotomy and 15 received medical management. Inclusion criteria was Glasgow Coma Score [GCS]> 5 at the time of enrollment, with focal neurological deficits and ICH volume > 20 cc on the initial brain computed tomography scan. The follow-up period was 3 months. Outcome was defined using the Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS]. A good outcome was defined as GOS score > 3 at 3 months. Overall, the results of management of spontaneous supratentorial ICH either surgically or medically is inconclusive. Forty-six percent of the patients died [GOS 1], 34% remained severely disabled [GOS 3] and 20% became independent with moderate disability [GOS 4]. The likelihood of a good outcome [GOS>3] for the surgical treatment group differs from the medical treatment group [25% vs 13%]. There was no significant difference in mortality at 3 months [45% vs 46.6%]. At the end of the follow-up period, the median GOS score showed a nonsignificant trend towards a better outcome in the surgical treatment group against the conservative medical treatment group [56% vs 53%]. Craniotomy with clot evacuation for spontaneous supratentorial ICH may result in functional independence in approximately 25% of patients [5 out 20]. Despite this, there is no clear indication from this study for the optimal treatment of these patients, either through aggressive surgical intervention or conservative medical management

Distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm: case report

A maioria dos aneurismas da artéria cerebelar posterior inferior (PICA) é geralmente encontrada na junção artéria vertebral (VA) - PICA. Aneurismas originando-se nos segmentos mais distais da PICA são considerados raros. A manifestação clínica em geral por hemorragia intracraniana, e o local desta está relacionado ao segmento que origina o aneurisma. Lesões localizadas em segmentos mais distais da PICA, em especial os originados do segmento telovelotonsilar, estão associados a hemorragias no sistema ventricular, particularmente no quarto ventrículo. Relatamos o caso de mulher de 50 anos de idade que desenvolveu quadro de cefaléia súbita e vômitos, com hemorragia nos quatro ventrículos, causada por ruptura de aneurisma localizado no segmento telovelotonsilar da PICA. Não havia sinais de hemorragia subaracnóidea na tomografia computadorizada de crânio. O aneurisma foi clipado e a paciente apresentou evolução favorável. Aspectos anatômicos e outras séries são revisados.

Dificuldades no tratamento microcirúrgico dos aneurismas gigantes e complexos da circulacao anterior do polígono de Willis: proposta de escala técnica prognóstica / Dificulties in the microsurgical treatment of giant and complex aneurysms of the anterior circulation of the circle of Willis: proposal of a technical and prognostic scale

Para desenvolver e avaliar a aplicabilidade de uma escala técnica prognostica das dificuldades no tratamento microcirúrgico dos aneurismas gigantes e complexos da circulação anterior do polígono de Willis, 50 lesões foram operadas. Um valor numérico foi dado a cada uma das 8 variáveis da escala / In order to develop and verify the applicability of a technical and prognostic scale of the difficulties in the microsurgical treatment of giant and complex aneurysms of the anterior circulation of the Cicle of Willis, 50 lesions were operated. A numeric amount was given for each of 8 variants of the scale. By adding each amount for each variant a score(from 1 to 14) was achieved, for each of the 50 surgeries. Two groups, therefore, were established...

Successful outcome after evacuation of intracranial hematoma following thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction

Thrombolytic therapy is the modality of choice for the treatment of life threatening thrombosis in various vascular territories and nowadays, is used extensively in setting of acute myocardial infarction. There is, however, the omnipresent danger of serious bleeding inherently associated with the use of all thrombolytics which if it occurs in the brain, can lead to potentially serious neurological impairment and even death. In our report, we describe the successful surgical management of a streptokinase-induced intracranial hemorrhage. Timely neurosurgical intervention is advocated as the optimal approach for this particular side effect of thrombolytic agents