Patient eligibility for thrombectomy after acute stroke: Northern French Alps database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since 2015, the emergence of mechanical thrombectomy as standard care in acute stroke has involved organizational changes not only for stroke centers, but also for entire emergency regional networks. The aim of our study was to assess the proportion of ischemic stroke patients, admitted to stroke units in the Northern French Alps within the first 6h of onset, eligible for thrombectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiological data of all acute stroke patients hospitalized at three stroke units of the Northern French Alps Emergency Network (RENAU) in 2014. Eligible patients had proximal arterial occlusions of the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation, as confirmed by brain imaging, which could be treated by thrombectomy within 6h of symptom onset. RESULTS: Of the 435 cases of acute ischemic stroke, 152 patients were treated by intravenous thrombolysis (IV rtPA). Of these patients, 83 (55%) had intracranial occlusions and were eligible for combined thrombectomy. Of the 283 patients not treatable by IV rtPA, 32 patients (11%) were eligible for primary thrombectomy. CONCLUSION: Thrombectomy could be performed in 26% of our acute ischemic stroke patients (n=115/435), and a large increase in endovascular procedures is expected over the next few years that will require close collaboration among all partners in the emergency networks. Using our RENAU stroke database, it will be possible to compare various factors contributing to effective activity.

How helical CT helps the surgeon in oculo-orbital trauma.

Whether isolated or associated with craniofacial lesions, traumatic oculo-orbital injuries occur frequently. Radiological evaluation is often necessary to appropriately manage the trauma-related vision loss and oculomotor disturbance. In the emergency setting and after clinical examination, helical CT scanning is the optimal imaging technique for displaying injuries of the orbit and its contents, for determining their severity and for helping the surgeon to choose the best course of treatment. MRI is indicated if the cause of the loss of vision or ocular mobility remain unexplained on CT after ferromagnetic foreign body has been ruled out. Drawing from numerous clinical cases, the purpose of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the wide variety of traumatic lesions of the orbit and eyeball as revealed by helical CT, as well as the limitations of the technique, to provide relevant information for patient care. Helical CT scans remain, in cases of emergency, the optimal imaging technique for the evaluation of oculo-orbital trauma.

Giant osteoma of the maxillary sinus--diagnosis and management.

Osteomas are rare, slow-growing, benign bone tumors that preferentially develop in the paranasal sinuses. We report a case of a giant osteoma of the left maxillary sinus in a 29-year-old man which was diagnosed by imaging and endoscopy and treated surgically because of the patient's symptoms and maxillary sinus distortion. Given the large volume and location of the osteoma, resection was performed through an external sublabial approach, according to the Rouge-Denker technique. There were no postoperative complications. There was no sign of recurrence at 5 years follow-up. A review of the literature for maxillary sinus osteomas was performed. Indications for surgery and the different surgical approaches available are discussed.

[Diffuse cervical cellulites and descending necrotizing mediastinitis]. / Cellulites cervicales extensives et médiastinite descendante nécrosante.

OBJECTIVES: To give a report on the progress in physical examination, investigations and treatment of diffuse cervical cellulites (DCC) associated with descending necrotizing mediastinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Retrospective study (1995-2005) of patients presenting DCC with mediastinitis was made. All had a cervical and thoracic Computed tomography (CT) scan. The references were collected by a Medline search. RESULTS: Six men and 2 women, average ages 53 years were treated. Four had an immunodeficient status. Two had had an anti-inflammatory drug treatment without antibiotic treatment. The average for diagnosis and treatment was 4 days. In 2 cases we found a dental origin and in 6 cases a pharyngeal origin. The most frequently identified germs were streptococcus beta haemolytic group A and Prevotella. In 4 cases, no physical sign of mediastinitis was noted. The diagnosis of mediastinitis was made thanks to the thoracic CT scan. All the patients were treated by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. All had cervical and thoracic surgical drainage. Mediastinal drainage was made by cervical way in 3 cases and by thoracotomy in 5 cases. One patient died. CONCLUSIONS: The DCC with mediastinum extension are serious infectious emergencies with a high mortality rate. Clinical diagnosis of mediastinitis is difficult. A thoracic CT scan should be performed systematically. Performing thoracotomy best controls mediastinal drainage.

[Imaging findings in Lemierre syndrome]. / Syndrome de Lemierre: apport de l'imagerie.

Lemierre syndrome is a septic thrombosis of the internal jugular vein with pulmonary abscesses secondary to untreated pharyngotonsillitis due to anaerobic bacteria. It occurs in young, previously healthy patients and leads to life-threatening consequences if not treated. We illustrate the value of imaging and particularly cervical and thoracic CT in a report of three recent cases.

[Dehiscence of the anterior semicircular canal and otosclerosis: a case report]. / Dehiscence du canal semi-circulaire antérieur et otospongiose: à propos d'un cas.

UNLABELLED: The dehiscence of the anterior semicircular canal is a new clinical entity, it is necessary to consider this when a gusher occurs during stapedial surgery. CASE REPORT: We report a rare case of dehiscence of the anterior canal associated with otosclerosis. This was revealed by a gusher during the initial stapedectomy. At 3 months, an obliteration of the dehiscence was necessary by middle cranial fossa approach (persistant vestibular symptoms), seven months later. Revision stapedial surgery resulted in complete closure of the air-bone-gap. CONCLUSION: High resolution CT scans of the temporal bone are the key to diagnosis. It is necessary to appreciate this pathology with advances in canal and vestibular surgery.

[Sphenoid sinus mucocele of unusual aetiology and location]. / Une mucocèle sphénoïdale atypique de par son étiologie et sa localisation.

UNLABELLED: Mucoceles of the sphenoid sinnus are rare. 140 cases have been reported in the literature. PURPOSES: We review a case and discuss: 1) pathophysiology and diagnosis of mucoceles; 2) etiologies, anatomical variants, clinical manifestations and treatment of sphenoidal mucoceles. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Case report and literature review. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old female, with no past medical history was hospitalized for right fluctuating monocular blindness. MRI and CT scan facilitated the diagnosis of right clinoid mucocele with compression of the optic nerve. Imagery also revealed fibrous dysplasia of the anterior skull base which probably induced the mucocele formation. The mucocele was successfully decompressed during endoscopic sinus surgery. Postoperative course was unremarkable. At four months post surgery there was no recurrence of ophtalmological symptoms. DISCUSSION-CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology of mucoceles remains uncertain. Diagnosis is based on imagery (CT scan, RMI). Imagery allows accurate location of the mucocele, defines any concomitant pathology and oulines important anatomical structures necessary for safe endoscopic sinus surgery. The association of fibrous dysplasia and an anterior clinoidal mucocele is exceptional. To our knowledge this is the only report in the literature. Ophtalmologic symptoms with a risk of blindness require urgent surgical treatment. Surgery involves decompression, ideally endoscopically.

Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDc): one case report.

OBJECTIVES: NPDc arises from embryological tissue. It is classified among the epithelial non-odontogenic cysts according to the 1992 WHO histological typing of odontogenic tumors. The purpose of our report was to provide details about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of NPDc. CASE REPORT: A 25 year-old male was referred by his practitioner regarding to an intermittent palatal swelling for 6 months. Diagnosis of NPDc was suggested on the basis of computed tomography (CT-scan). Excision was performed under general anaesthesia. There was no post-operative complication. Histological features confirmed an inflamed NPDc. Follow up was 22 months, without relapse. CONCLUSION: NPDc occurs in approximately 1% of the population and forms approximately 12% of all jaw cyst tumors. NPDc may occur at any age, but main cases are seen between 40 and 60 years old. It has a slight male predilection. Black and white people are equally involved. NPDc is normally asymptomatic, unless it is infected. The most common symptom is swelling, usually in the anterior part of palate's midline. Diagnosis is based on radiographic and histological results. Treatment of choice is enucleation.

[Nasopalatine canal cyst: 4 cases and a review of the literature]. / Kyste du canal nasopalatin. A propos de 4 cas, revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVES: Nasopalatine cyst (NPC) is the most common epithelial and non-odontogenic cyst arising in the maxilla. It is nevertheless generally underestimated by ENT surgeons. The purpose of our report was to provide details about the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of NPC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study was based on a retrospective analysis of four cases and a review of the literature. RESULTS: From January 2002 to March 2003, four patients (3 males and 1 female, mean age 43 Years) were treated for NPC at the ENT Department of Grenoble University hospital. One patient had received prior treatment. Symptoms were a palatine mass on the midline of the hard palate behind the central maxillary incisors in two patients, and a superior vestibular mass in the two others. Diagnosis was established on the basis of the CT-scan and histological findings. Excision was performed under general anesthesia in all four patients. Median hospital stay was four days (3-5 days). There was no post-operative complication. Median follow-up was 10 Months. CONCLUSION: NPC is arises from embryological tIssue. It must be differentiated from radicular cyst. Diagnosis is based on radiographic and histological results. Treatment consists in enucleation. Surgical access depends on the size of the cyst and its anterior or posterior extension. Excision must be total to avoid relapse which may occur after five Years. Long-term follow-up is essential.

[Methods of identification and localization of ethmoid and sphenoid osteomeningeal breaches]. / Méthodes d'identification et de localisation des brèches ostéo-méningées ethmoïdo-sphénoïdales.

The accurate localization of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula presenting as rhinorrhea is an essential requirement for successful dural repair, in order to eliminate unsuccessful surgical exploration, and to achieve a definitive closure of the osteo-dural defect. The authors report their experience in 22 patients, and propose a simplified attitude: realization of high resolution CT scan in all cases, in first choice, and a MRI with MR cysternography sequences, in second choice, in case of negative CT scan.

A persistent pharyngohyostapedial artery: embryologic implications.

A 3-year-old child was examined because of otorrhagia. CT scans showed an unusual vessel, confirmed by angiography, related to a persistent pharyngohyostapedial artery. This embryonic persistent artery associated with the normal internal carotid artery would explain the "duplication" aspect of the internal carotid artery.

[Gadolinium and contrast medium MRI of the acoustic nerve in patients with meningeal neuritis and acoustico-facial syndrome]. / Imagerie en résonance magnétique avec Gadolinium et prise de contraste de la VIIIe paire au cours de méningo-névrites avec syndrome acoustico-facial.

Twelve cases of vestibular neuritis were investigated in gradient echo MRI with gadolinium. Only 3 severe cases associated with an acoustico facial syndrome (2 cases of herpes zoster oticus and one case after influenzae) demonstrated focal enhancement within the internal auditory canal on post contrast T1 weighted images. This enhancement involved at least 2 differents nerves. These 3 severe cases associating sensory neural hearing loss and facial palsy revealed a meningeal reaction after cerebrospinal fluid examination. The enhancement lasted a long time (up to 10 months) in one case of RAMSAY HUNT syndrome associated with a chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The MRI was able to confirm the anatomical reality of the vestibular neuritis and more precisely of the meningoneuritis and gave arguments for the theory of the polyneuropathy of Adour. Enhancement at MRI seems correlated with the severity of the affection (permanent vestibular areflexia in 3 cases and permanent hearing loss in 1 case).

[Benign vertebral osteoblastoma. Report of 6 cases]. / L'ostéoblastome bénin vertébral. A propos de 6 observations.

We present six cases of benign spinal osteoblastoma. This localization of this uncommon benign bone tumor occurring in young subjects is rare. The patients were explored with radiotomography, computed tomography, myelography and medullo-spinal angiography. These benign tumors may appear radiographically as pure bone lysis mimicking malignancy. The size of these tumors often leads to widening search for extension, particularly in recurrent, aggressive, multifocal forms which require wide resection, and sometimes total vertebrectomy. Medullo-spinal angiography can confirm the vascular involvement of the tumor nidus and is require to identify arteries supplying the spinal canal which would modify operative strategy.

Direct emergence of the dorsospinal artery from the aorta supplying the anterior spinal artery: report of two cases.

We report two cases of an isolated dorsospinal artery that emerged directly from the aorta to supply the anterior spinal artery, which in one case had another blood supply on the opposite side, in a lower position. It is important to identify this anatomic variant, otherwise spinal angiography might be incomplete, especially when the isolated dorsospinal artery supplies the anterior spinal artery.

[MRI aspects of cerebellar hemangioblastomas. Apropos of 9 cases]. / Aspect IRM des hémangioblastomes cérébelleux. A propos de 9 observations.

Nine patients with haemangioblastoma of the posterior cerebral fossa were explored by computerized tomography (CT), then by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with enhancement by gadolinium in 4 cases. Following a review of clinical and laboratory data, the radiological images are detailed and distributed into three forms: cystic with mural nodule, solid, and annular. The usefulness of the different imaging techniques is specified, and the stress it put on the need to look for multiple sites in the entire central nervous system.

[Computed tomographic aspects of secondary cholesteatomas of the middle ear and petrous bone]. / Aspects tomodensitométriques des cholestéatomes secondaires de l'oreille moyenne et du rocher.

The authors present their experience of secondary cholesteatomas of the middle ear explored by computerized tomography (CT). Following a brief anatomicopathological description of secondary petrous bone cholesteatomas, and of the CT technique used for their exploration, they describe and illustrate the classical "bag-shaped" internal or external attical forms usually extended to the antrum and the mastoid process, and the less common locations often due to relapse or postoperative recurrences (anterior hypotympanic or posterior mastoidal). The holotympanic forms, usually due to "lamellar" cholesteatomas, create diagnostic problems with other opacities in the cavity, as also do certain forms that are evacuated spontaneously or by aspiration. One of the qualities of CT lies in the preoperative extension assessment. The lesion may extend towards the internal wall of the cavity (lateral semicircular canal, second portion of the facial nerve), towards the labyrinth to the petrosal apex and/or the geniculate ganglion, and above all towards the inferior labyrinth which might bring the cholesteatoma into contact with large vessels (e.g. jugular vein bulb for postero-inferior extensions, carotid canal for antero-inferior extensions). Extension into anfractuosities of the cavity walls (sinus tympani, subratubal fossette) must be systematically looked for in order to avoid postoperative recurrences.