Task synergies in neurovascular surgery: Image-guided navigation using a thermoplastic facial mask for the resection of a symptomatic occult to MRI brain microarteriovenous malformation.

Due to the size of microarteriovenous malformations (mAVM), its precise angioarchitecture description often requires a supraselective DSA and detecting the nidus during microsurgical resection is challenging. An accurate intraoperative navigation system is desirable but available softwares which can combine DSA and MRI are not always available. The authors present here a technical note describing the use of a stereotactic thermoplastic mask with a fiducial box to guide the resection of a mAVM.

Atención al ictus agudo durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Recomendaciones Plan Ictus Madrid / Acute stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ictus Madrid Program

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha obligado a una reorganización de los sistemas sanitarios y una saturación excepcional de sus recursos. En este contexto es vital asegurar la atención al ictus agudo y optimizar los procesos asistenciales del código ictus para reducir el riesgo de contagios y racionalizar el uso de recursos hospitalarios. Para ello desde el Grupo multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid proponemos una serie de recomendaciones. MÉTODOS: Revisión bibliográfica no sistemática de las publicaciones disponibles con los términos "stroke" y "covid-19" o "coronavirus" o "SARS-COV-2", así como otras conocidas por los autores. En base a ésta se redacta un documento de recomendaciones que es sometido a consenso por el Grupo multidisciplinar Ictus Madrid y su Comité de Neurología. RESULTADOS: Las recomendaciones se estructuran en cinco líneas fundamentales: (1) Coordinar la actuación para garantizar el acceso la asistencia hospitalaria de los pacientes con ictus, (2) Reconocer a los pacientes con ictus potencialmente infectados por COVID-19, (3) Organización adecuada para garantizar la protección de los profesionales sanitarios frente al riesgo de contagio por COVID-19, (4) la realización de Neuroimagen y otros procedimientos que conlleven contactos de riesgo de infección COVID-19 hay que procurar reducirlos y asegurar la protección, y (5) alta y seguimiento seguros procurando optimizar la ocupación hospitalaria. Resumimos el procedimiento de forma esquemática con el acrónimo CORONA (COordinar, Reconocer, Organizar, Neuroimagen, Alta). CONCLUSIONES: Estas recomendaciones pueden servir de apoyo para la organización del sistema sanitario en la atención al ictus agudo y la optimización de sus recursos, garantizando la protección de sus profesionales

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reorganization of healthcare systems and an exceptional saturation of their resources. In this context, it is vital to ensure acute stroke care and optimize the care processes of the stroke code to reduce the risk of contagion and rationalize the use of hospital resources. To do this, the Ictus Madrid multidisciplinary group proposes a series of recommendations. METHODS: Non-systematic bibliographic review of the available publications with the terms "stroke" and "covid-19" or "coronavirus" or "SARS-COV-2", as well as other already known for the authors. We provide a document of recommendations as a result of the consensus of the Ictus Madrid multidisciplinary group and its Neurology Committee. RESULTS: Our recommendations are structured on five lines: (1) Coordinate to guarantee the access to hospital care for stroke patients, (2) Recognize potentially COVID-19 infected stroke patients, (3) Organize to ensure the protection of healthcare professionals from COVID-19 infections, (4) Neuroimaging and other procedures potentially associated to risks for COVID-19 infection should be reduced and secured to avoid contagion, and (5) At home as soon as posible and supported follow-up to optimize hospital occupancy. The procedure is shown summarized under the acronym CORONA (Coordinate, Recognize, Organize, Neuroimaging, At home). CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations can support the organization of healthcare services for acute stroke care and the optimization of their resources, guaranteeing the protection of healthcare professionals

Epistaxis en un paciente con seudoaneurisma de la arteria maxilar interna como complicación de una osteotomía de LeFort tipo 1: reporte de un caso / Epistaxis in patient with pseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery as a complication of LeFort I osteotomy: a case report

No disponible

Intracranial internal carotid artery angioplasthy and stenting in giant cell arteritis.

We report the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with several episodes of transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by pathologically confirmed giant cell arteritis. She continued suffering from TIAs during admission despite immunosuppressant and antithrombotic therapy. Sudden neurological deterioration with paraparesis and cognitive impairment developed. A brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed bilateral watershed ischemic lesions. MR angiography demonstrated severe stenosis of both intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs). Angioplasty and stenting on the left ICA were performed, with evident clinical improvement occurring within 24 hours. Endovascular therapy may be an alternative option to treat severe GCA with symptomatic intracranial large vessel disease not responsive to intensive conventional medical treatment.

Endovascular treatment of a true posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms are most commonly located at the junction of the internal carotid artery and the PCoA. "True" PCoA aneurysms, which originate from the PCoA itself, are rarely encountered. Most previously reported cases were treated surgically mainly before the endovascular option became available. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 53-year-old male presented with sudden onset of right hemiparesis and aphasia. Left middle cerebral artery stroke was diagnosed. Further studies revealed a 3 mm left PCoA aneurysm arising from the PCoA itself, attached to neither the internal carotid artery nor the posterior cerebral artery. Endovascular treatment was performed and the aneurysm was coiled completely. CONCLUSION: Technical advances in endovascular interventional technology have permitted an additional approach to these lesions. The possible endovascular significance of the treatment of true PCoA aneurysms is discussed.

Fístulas durales arteriovenosas intracraneales. Experiencia con 81 casos y revisión de la literatura / No disponible

OBJETIVOS: Analizar las variables clínicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas de las fístulas durales arteriovenosas (FDAV) intracraneales tratadas en nuestro centro, y analizar la validez de las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard y su correlación con la presentación clínica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un análisis retrospectivo de las FDAV identificadas. Se ha clasificado en función de la localización, del patrón de drenaje venoso y según las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard, y se ha correlacionado con el modo de presentación. Se han descrito los tratamientos, sus complicaciones y su eficacia. RESULTADOS: Entre 1975 y 2012 se identificaron 81 FDAV. La localización en el seno cavernoso (SC) fue la más frecuente. Las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard presentaron un índice Kappa interobservador de 0,72 y 0,76, respectivamente. La odds ratio de presentación agresiva en presencia de drenaje venoso cortical (DVC) fue de 19,3 (2,8-132,4). Ninguna localización, ajustada por patrón de drenado venoso, se asoció a presentación agresiva. El tratamiento endovascular transarterial de las FDAV del seno cavernoso presentó una mejoría sintomática en más del 78% de los casos, con una tasa de complicaciones del 5%. Las FDAV con DVC tratadas quirúrgicamente presentaron una curación del 100%, sin complicaciones asociadas. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de DVC se asoció significativamente a presentaciones agresivas. Las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard presentan poca variabilidad interobservador. El tratamiento endovascular de las FDAV del SC es seguro y relativamente efectivo. El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAV con DVC es seguro y eficaz, y de elección en nuestro medio

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical, radiological and therapeutic variables of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated at our institution, and to assess the validity of the Borden and Cognard classifications and their correlation with the presenting symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DAVF identified were retrospectively analysed. They were classified according to their location, drainage pattern and the Borden and Cognard classifications. We recorded the different treatments, their complications and efficacy. RESULTS: There were 81 DAVF identified between 1975 and 2012. The cavernous sinus (CS) location was the most frequent one. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed an interobserver Kappa index of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. The odds ratio of aggressive presentation in the presence of cortical venous drainage (CVD) was 19.3 (2.8-132.4). No location, once adjusted by venous drainage pattern, showed significant association with an aggressive presentation. Endovascular transarterial treatment of cavernous sinus DAVF achieved symptomatic improvement of 78%, with a complication rate of 5%. The DAVF of non-CS locations, with CVD, treated surgically were angiographically shown cured in 100% of the cases, with no treatment-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CVD was significantly associated with aggressive presentations. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed little interobserver variability. Endovascular treatment for CS DAVF is safe and relatively effective. Surgical treatment of non-CS DAVF with CVD is safe, effective and the first choice treatment in our environment

Cerebral microarteriovenous malformations: a series of 28 cases.

OBJECT: Microarteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are a rare subgroup of brain AVMs characterized by a nidus smaller than 1 cm. The authors' purpose in this study was to assess the clinical presentation, radiological features, therapeutic management, and outcome of these lesions. METHODS: All angiography studies performed at the authors' institution since 2000 for the diagnosis of AVM were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicoradiological findings, therapeutic management, and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had presented with AVMs having a nidus diameter smaller than 1 cm or no clearly identifiable nidus but an early draining vein. All patients, except 2, presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and 12 patients had a focal deficit. Supratentorial hematomas were large (mean volume 25 ml), and in 8 patients hematomas were evacuated urgently. In 6 patients cerebral digital subtraction angiography studies were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic MR angiography revealed an AVM in 4 of these 6 patients. Treatment of the AVM consisted of surgery in 16 cases, radiosurgery in 6, and endovascular embolization in 2, and there were no posttreatment deficits. Four patients received no treatment because of their poor condition. The AVM was occluded at the follow-up in all patients treated with surgery or embolization and in 4 of the 6 patients treated with radiosurgery. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was good (GOS 4-5) in 23 patients (82%) and poor (GOS 3-2) in 5 (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with micro-AVMs generally present with large intracranial hemorrhages and neurological deficits. If the initial angiography is negative, then delayed or superselective angiography is recommended. Magnetic resonance imaging may reveal the existence of these lesions. Surgery is the treatment of choice for superficial micro-AVMs, and radiosurgery or embolization can be considered for deep lesions.

[Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae. Experience after 81 cases and literature review]. / Fístulas durales arteriovenosas intracraneales. Experiencia con 81 casos y revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical, radiological and therapeutic variables of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated at our institution, and to assess the validity of the Borden and Cognard classifications and their correlation with the presenting symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DAVF identified were retrospectively analysed. They were classified according to their location, drainage pattern and the Borden and Cognard classifications. We recorded the different treatments, their complications and efficacy. RESULTS: There were 81DAVF identified between 1975 and 2012. The cavernous sinus (CS) location was the most frequent one. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed an interobserver Kappa index of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. The odds ratio of aggressive presentation in the presence of cortical venous drainage (CVD) was 19.3 (2.8-132.4). No location, once adjusted by venous drainage pattern, showed significant association with an aggressive presentation. Endovascular transarterial treatment of cavernous sinus DAVF achieved symptomatic improvement of 78%, with a complication rate of 5%. The DAVF of non-CS locations, with CVD, treated surgically were angiographically shown cured in 100% of the cases, with no treatment-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CVD was significantly associated with aggressive presentations. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed little interobserver variability. Endovascular treatment for CS DAVF is safe and relatively effective. Surgical treatment of non-CS DAVF with CVD is safe, effective and the first choice treatment in our environment.

Idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage and venous drainage: are they related?

OBJECTIVE: In the past, several possible explanations for idiopathic subarachnoid hemorrhage (ISAH) have been proposed; however, neuroimaging studies have never provided conclusive data about the structural cause of the bleeding. The aim of this study is to determine whether there are anatomic differences in the deep cerebral venous drainage in patients with ISAH compared with those with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) and those without intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: We reviewed the venous phase of carotid digital angiograms of 100 consecutive patients who had a final diagnosis of ISAH. We also analyzed the angiograms of a control group of 112 patients with ASAH and the angiograms of a nonhemorrhagic group of 25 patients having incidental aneurysms. The anatomic variants of the basal vein of Rosenthal (BVR) on both sides were classified into the following types: Type A (normal continuous), in which the BVR is continuous with the deep middle cerebral veins and drains mainly into the vein of Galen; Type B (normal discontinuous), in which there is discontinuous venous drainage, anterior to the uncal vein and posterior to the vein of Galen; and Type C (primitive), which drains mainly to veins other than the vein of Galen. We calculated the proportions to analyze the differences in the type of venous drainage between patients with ISAH, patients with ASAH, and patients without hemorrhage. chi2 statistics were used to search for differences. RESULTS: Types A and C venous drainage were present in 23.8 and 32.3%, respectively, of patients with ISAH compared with 58.7 and 15.4%, respectively, in the ASAH group and 57.5 and 5%, respectively, in the nonhemorrhagic group (P < 0.001). A primitive variant was present in at least 1 hemisphere in 38 patients with ISAH (41.8% of the cases) compared with 24 patients with ASAH (21.4%) and 2 patients (8%) in the nonhemorrhagic group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with ISAH, deep cerebral venous drainage more commonly drains directly into dural sinuses instead of via the vein of Galen compared with patients with ASAH and patients without intracranial hemorrhage. The way in which this venous configuration might influence bleeding remains unknown.

Venous angioma associated with atypical ophthalmoplegic migraine.

BACKGROUND: Ophthalmoplegic migraine is a rare syndrome in which episodic headaches are associated with ophthalmoplegia. Several recent reports emphasize the possibility, especially in atypical cases, of a heterogeneous type of ophthalmoplegic migraine. METHODS: We describe the case of an 18-year-old woman with recurrent episodic headache accompanied by binocular diplopia due to left third cranial nerve palsy. The symptoms resolve in hours. A diagnosis of atypical ophthalmoplegic migraine was established. RESULTS: Digital angiography revealed a venous angioma draining into the left cavernous sinus. CONCLUSIONS: This case reveals the importance of differential diagnosis in atypical migraine in which the symptomatology could be secondary to intracranial lesions. We propose venous stasis as a cause of symptoms.

Prospective evaluation of carotid artery stenosis: elliptic centric contrast-enhanced MR angiography and spiral CT angiography compared with digital subtraction angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the reference standard for assessing carotid arteries, it is uncomfortable for patients and has a small risk of disabling stroke and death. These problems have fueled the use of spiral CT angiography and MR angiography. We prospectively compared elliptic centric contrast-enhanced MR angiography and spiral CT angiography with conventional DSA for detecting carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: Eighty carotid arteries (in 40 symptomatic patients) were assessed. Elliptic centric MR and spiral CT angiographic data were reconstructed with maximum intensity projection and multiplanar reconstruction techniques. All patients had been referred for DSA evaluation on the basis of findings at Doppler sonography, which served as a screening method (degree of stenosis > or = 70% or inconclusive results). Degree of carotid stenosis estimated by using the three modalities was compared. RESULTS: Significant correlation with DSA was found for stenosis degree for both elliptic centric MR and spiral CT angiography; however, the correlation coefficient was higher for MR than for CT angiography (r = 0.98 vs r = 0.86). Underestimation of stenoses of 70-99% occurred in one case with elliptic centric MR angiography (a 70% stenosis was underestimated as 65%) and in nine cases with spiral CT angiography, in comparison to DSA findings. Overestimation occurred in two cases with MR angiography (stenoses of 65-67% were overestimated as 70-75%). With CT, overestimation occurred in seven cases; a stenosis of 60% in one case was overestimated as 70%. Both techniques confirmed the three cases of carotid occlusion. With elliptic centric MR angiography, carotid stenoses of 70% or greater were detected with high sensitivity, 97.1%; specificity, 95.2%; likelihood ratio (LR) for a positive test result, 20.4; and ratio of LR(+) to LR(-), -0.3. With spiral CT angiography, sensitivity, specificity, LR(+), and LR(+):LR(-) were 74.3%, 97.6%, 31.2, and 0.3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Elliptic centric contrast-enhanced MR angiography is more accurate than spiral CT angiography to adequately evaluate carotid stenosis. Furthermore, elliptic centric contrast-enhanced MR angiography appears to be adequate to replace conventional DSA in most patients examined.