Pleural effusion in a child with a correctly placed ventricle-peritoneal shunt.

Pleural effusions in children (PE) due to ventricle-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is very rare, with few cases reported. We present a new case of an infant with VPS who had a massive hydrothorax not associated with misplacement or migration of the distal catheter or with ascites. After the evacuation of the PE we managed the patient by adjusting the pressure of the adjustable valve (AV). Sequential thoracic ultrasounds showed a satisfactory outcome. We review the literature thoroughly and describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

[Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid of an intramedullary tumor]. / Resección de tumor intramedular guiada por fluorescencia con ácido aminolevulínico.

Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has demonstrated its usefulness in the resection of malignant cerebral gliomas. It also seems useful for the treatment of other types of cerebral and intramedullary neoplasms. We present the case of a patient with an intramedullary tumor in who fluorescence- guided resection was useful for intraoperative localization, definition of small tumor nodules and in order to achieve a complete resection of the tumor.

Resección de tumor intramedular guiada por fluorescencia con ácido aminolevulínico / Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-aminolevulinic acid of an intramedullary tumor

La resección guiada por fluorescencia con ácidoaminolevulínico (5-ALA) se ha demostrado útil para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los gliomas cerebrales malignos.También parece útil en el tratamiento de otros tipos de tumores, tanto cerebrales como intramedulares. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con un tumor intramedular en el que la fluorescencia con 5-ALA fue de utilidad para la localización intraoperatoria de la lesión, para la identificación de pequeños nódulos en el parénquima medular y para lograr la exéresis completa del tumor (AU)

Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-aminolevulinicacid (5-ALA) has demonstrated its usefulness in the resection of malignant cerebral gliomas. It also seems useful for the treatment of other types of cerebral and intramedullary neoplasms. We present the case of a patient with an intramedullary tumor in who fluorescence-guided resection was useful for intraoperative localization, definition of small tumor nodules and in order to achieve a complete resection of the tumor (AU)

[Intramedullary schwannomas. Report of two cases]. / Neurinomas intramedulares. Presentación de dos casos de un tumor infrecuente.

Intramedullary schwannomas are benign tumors that arise from clusters of Schwann cells embedded in the medullary parenchyma. They are very rare and account for 0.3 to 1.5 % of all spinal schwannomas. It is not known for certain why this happens, and several theories have been put forward. They do not exhibit any characteristic clinical picture, being pain the most frequent symptom. Imaging is also not specific and the correct diagnosis is attained most of the times after pathological examination. The goal of treatment must be complete removal, which is curative. We are presenting two patients in whom an intramedullary tumor was removed. The true nature of the lesions was suspected during the operation, but only after pathological examination was confirmed. A review of the literature has been undertaken, with special attention to the theories about the origin of these uncommon tumors.

Neurinomas intramedulares. Presentación de dos casos de un tumor infrecuente / Intramedullary schwannomas. Report of two cases

Los schwannomas intramedulares son tumoresbenignos derivados de células de Schwann localizadasen el parénquima medular. Son muy infrecuentes, constituyendoentre el 0,3 y el 1,5% de los schwannomasespinales. Existen varias teorías que intentan explicarla presencia de células de Schwann intramedularesa partir de las que derivarían estas neoplasias. Lasintomatología no es específica, siendo el dolor elsíntoma más frecuente, pudiéndose añadir, además,cualquier signo de afectación medular según el nivelde localización. En las pruebas de neuroimagen, la sospechade otras lesiones intramedulares de origen glialmás frecuentes hace que el diagnóstico de schwannomaintramedular sea postquirúrgico la mayoría de lasveces. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, pudiendo llevarse acabo, habitualmente, una resección completa.En este artículo presentamos dos casos de pacientesintervenidas quirúrgicamente de sendas lesionesintramedulares, que resultaron ser neurinomas. Hacemosuna revisión de otros casos publicados en la literatura,exponiendo las teorías existentes acerca del origende estos tumores poco frecuentes (AU)

Intramedullary schwannomas are benign tumorsthat arise from clusters of Schwann cells embeddedin the medullary parenchyma. They are very rare andaccount for 0.3 to 1.5 % of all spinal schwannomas. Itis not known for certain why this happens, and severaltheories have been put forward. They do not exhibitany characteristic clinical picture, being pain the mostfrequent symptom. Imaging is also not specific and thecorrect diagnosis is attained most of the times afterpathological examination. The goal of treatment mustbe complete removal, which is curative.We are presenting two patients in whom an intramedullarytumor was removed. The true nature ofthe lesions was suspected during the operation, butonly after pathological examination was confirmed. Areview of the literature has been undertaken, with specialattention to the theories about the origin of theseuncommon tumors (AU)

[Isolated mesencephalic stroke related to a ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst]. / Ictus isquémico mesencefálico aislado secundario a ruptura de quiste dermoide.

Dermoids cysts are embrionary benign lesions that comprise approximately 0.04-0.25% of all intracranial tumors. Occasionally they break and spread their content into subarachnoid space and/or lateral ventricles causing several acute or delayed symptoms. Debut of this type of tumor as acute stroke is poorly reflected in literature. We present a 26-year-old woman with a isolated mesencephalic infarct secondary to spontaneous rupture of a dermoid cyst. We discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms for this condition and review the literature.

Ictus isquémico mesencefálico aislado secundario a ruptura de quiste dermoide / Isolated mesencephalic stroke related to a ruptured intracranial dermoid cyst

Los quistes dermoides son lesiones benignas deorigen embrionario que representan del 0.04 a 0,25%de todos los tumores intracraneales. Estos quistesocasionalmente pueden romperse diseminándose elcontenido graso intraquístico al espacio subaracnoideoy/o los ventrículos laterales. En este caso puede provocardiversas manifestaciones clínicas de forma agudao retardada. El debut de este tipo de tumor con unictus agudo está escasamente reflejado en la literatura.Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 26 años con uninfarto mesencefálico aislado secundario a la rupturade un quiste dermoide. Discutimos el mecanismofisiopatológico supuesto y realizamos una revisión delos casos recogidos en la literatura (AU)

Dermoids cysts are embrionary benign lesions thatcomprise approximately 0.04-0.25% of all intracranialtumors. Occasionally they break and spread their contentinto subarachnoid space and/or lateral ventriclescausing several acute or delayed symptoms. Debut ofthis type of tumor as acute stroke is poorly reflected inliterature. We present a 26-year-old woman with a isolatedmesencephalic infarct secondary to spontaneousrupture of a dermoid cyst. We discuss the possiblepathophysiological mechanisms for this condition andreview the literature (AU)

[Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after lumbar spinal fluid drainage. Report of two cases and literature review]. / Hematomas de cerebelo como complicación de drenaje lumbar. Presentación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura.

Remote cerebellar hematoma, a cerebellar hematoma occurring after performing a surgical procedure in an anatomical distant area from the cerebellum, is a rare complication. It has been reported after supratentorial surgery and, less often, after spinal surgery with dural opening with important loss of cerebrospinal fluid. We report the occurrence of remote cerebellar hemorrhage after lumbar spinal fluid drainage in two patients with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus. They were managed conservatively with good outcome. We review the pathologic mechanism, diagnostic procedures, management and prognosis of remote cerebellar hemorrhage.

Hematomas de cerebelo como complicación de drenaje lumbar. Presentación de doscasos y revisión de la literatura / Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after lumbar spinal fluid drainage. Report of two cases and literature review

Los hematomas de cerebelo a distancia (HCD) sonuna complicación rara, consistente en la aparición deun hematoma en el cerebelo tras intervenciones quirúrgicasen áreas que no guardan relación anatómicacon él. Esta complicación ha sido descrita tras cirugíasupratentorial y, menos frecuentemente, tras cirugíaraquídea con apertura dural con importante pérdidade líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR).Presentamos dos pacientes con un hematoma decerebelo tras la colocación de un drenaje lumbarexterno (DLE) por sospecha diagnóstica de hidrocefaliacrónica del adulto (HCA). Ambos evolucionaronfavorablemente tras la retirada de los DLE. Así mismo,realizamos una revisión de la literatura sobre los mecanismosetiopatogénicos, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronósticode los HCD (AU)

Remote cerebellar hematoma, a cerebellar hematomaoccurring after performing a surgical procedure in ananatomical distant area from the cerebellum, is a rarecomplication. It has been reported after supratentorialsurgery and, less often, after spinal surgery with duralopening with important loss of cerebrospinal fluid. Wereport the occurrence of remote cerebellar hemorrhageafter lumbar spinal fluid drainage in two patients withsuspected normal pressure hydrocephalus. They weremanaged conservatively with good outcome. We reviewthe pathologic mechanism, diagnostic procedures, management and prognosis of remote cerebellar hemorrhage (AU)

Diffuse leptomeningeal seeding from benign choroid plexus papilloma.

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are rare intracranial tumours with a favourable long-term outcome after surgical excision. Although they are histologically benign, local recurrences may occasionally occur, but leptomeningeal dissemination is exceptional. We report an unusual example of a fourth ventricle choroid plexus papilloma with diffuse leptomeningeal seeding. Neither the initial tumour nor the recurrence showed malignant histological features. Treatment with systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy was ineffective in this patient. We review the literature concerning leptomeningeal dissemination of benign choroid plexus papillomas.

[Chordoid glioma of the III ventricle. Case report and revision of the literature]. / Glioma cordoide del III ventrículo. Nuevo caso y revisión de la literatura.

Chordoid glioma of the third ventricle is an infrequent brain tumour that was described for the first time by Brat et al. in 1998; since then, only 39 cases have been reported. We present a new case of chordoid glioma of the third ventricle in a 51-year-old-man that was treated with total surgical removal, with a good initial postoperative evolution. Sudden death, most likely due to a massive pulmonary embolism, occurred in the third postoperative day. We present the histological characteristics of the tumour and review the literature regarding this entity.

Hernias discales calcificadas en la infancia / Calcified disc herniation in childhood

Las calcificaciones de los discos intervertebrales son muy infrecuentes en la infancia. Aunque su etiologíano está clara, se sabe que no se relacionan con procesos degenerativos. Cursan con clínica inespecífica de raquialgias, contracturas musculares y, a veces, febrícula. Aunque ocasionalmente estos discos se hernian, causando dolor radicular o, mucho más raramente, déficits neurológicos o disfagia, la clínica desaparece en la mayor parte de los casos con tratamiento conservador, y sólo excepcionalmente se precisan tratamientos más agresivos. En nuestra revisión de la literatura hemos encontrado solamente17 casos que requirieron tratamiento quirúrgico. En dos de estos casos el paciente estaba previamente diagnosticado de calcificaciones intervertebrales idiopáticas, pero no se habían descartado hernias preexistentes mediante resonancia magnética (RM). Presentamos un nuevo caso de una paciente diagnosticada a la edad de 10 años decalcificaciones discales idiopáticas, sin hernias discales en la RM, en la que 4 años después uno de los discos cervicales calcificados se hernió presentando un cuadro de radiculopatía cervical con déficit motor, precisando discectomía y artrodesis intersomática. Consideramos que este caso prueba definitivamente la teoría de Heinrichy cols., que considera la hernia calcificada en la infancia como la complicación de una patología previa, la calcificación del disco intervertebral. Se discuten los aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos de esta entidad

Calcification of intervertebral discs is a rare occurrence in children. Although the etiology of the calcification remains uncertain, it is no related with degenerative diseases. The clinical picture is non specific with neck pain, muscle contractures and, sometimes, low-grade fever. These symptoms generally disappear spontaneously, and surgery rarely becomes necessary. In our review of the literature, we have found only seventeen cases requiring surgical management. Two of these children had been previously diagnosed with calcified intervertebral discs, but at the time no herniation had been ruled out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report the case of a girl who was diagnosed, when she was ten years old, with intervertebral idiopatic calcifications. Four years later she presented with radiculopathy caused by the posterolateral displacement of a calcified cervical disc, wich required operative management. We think that this case supports the theory of Heinrich et al. that considers that the calcified hernia is a complication of a previous pathology, namely intervertebral calcification. Clinical and therapeutic aspects of this entity are discussed

[Calcified disc herniation in childhood]. / Hernias discales calcificadas en la infancia.

Calcification of intervertebral discs is a rare occurrence in children. Although the etiology of the calcification remains uncertain, it is no related with degenerative diseases. The clinical picture is non specific with neck pain, muscle contractures and, sometimes, low-grade fever. These symptoms generally disappear spontaneously, and surgery rarely becomes necessary. In our review of the literature, we have found only seventeen cases requiring surgical management. Two of these children had been previously diagnosed with calcified intervertebral discs, but at the time no herniation had been ruled out with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We report the case of a girl who was diagnosed, when she was ten years old, with intervertebral idiopatic calcifications. Four years later she presented with radiculopathy caused by the posterolateral displacement of a calcified cervical disc, which required operative management. We think that this case supports the theory of Heinrich et al. that considers that the calcified hernia is a complication of a previous pathology, namely intervertebral calcification. Clinical and therapeutic aspects of this entity are discussed.

[Pyogenic brain abscesses: experience with 60 consecutive cases]. / Abscesos piógenos encefálicos. Nuestra experiencia en 60 casos consecutivos.

INTRODUCTION: Brain abscess is a focal suppurative process in the brain parenchyma that still carries high mortality rates. Outcome is closely related with a correct and early management. In order to evaluate this management we have reviewed the brain abscesses treated in our Department during the last 14 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present a retrospective series of 60 consecutive patients with pyogenic brain abscess treated between January of 1990 and February of 2004 paying attention to the epidemiology, etiology, clinical data, microbiology, treatment modalities and outcome. RESULTS: The male to female rate was 5.6 to 1. The average age was 47 years. Hematogenous spread was most frequent, followed by contiguous spread. In 22% of the cases, the origin was unknown. Regarding the causative pathogens, Gram positive cocci are the most frequent (44%), with a 40% incidence of anaerobics. A mixed infection occurred in 39% of the abscesses. Three modalities of treatment were used: non surgical, catheter drainage-aspiration and surgical excision. Outcome was excellent in 52 patients (86.7%) and 4 patients (6.7%) died. Although outcome was similar in both surgical modalities, drainage-aspiration required a second procedure in 20% of the cases while this was necessary in only 10% of the patients with abscess excision. Length of admission was shorter in the drainage-aspiration group than in the excision group (13 and 26 days respectively). Mortality was higher in patients with low level of consciousness and age over 70 years. CONCLUSIONS: The shorter admission time associated with drainage-aspiration of brain abscesses together with its high efficacy and low morbidity suggests that drainage-aspiration should be used as the first mode of treatment.

Abscesos piógenos encefálicos. Nuestra experiencia en 60 casos consecutivos / Pyogenic brain abscesses: experience with 60 consecutive cases

Introducción. El absceso cerebral es un proceso supurativo focal en el parénquima cerebral que todavía presenta una elevada mortalidad. El resultado está altamente relacionado con un tratamiento precoz y adecuado. Para valorar dicho tratamiento revisamos los abscesos cerebral es tratados en nuestro Servicio en los últimos 14 años. Material y métodos. Presentamos una revisión de los60 pacientes con diagnóstico de absceso cerebral piógeno tratados en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Infanta Cristina entre Enero de 1990 y Febrero de 2004, prestando atención a la epidemiología, clínica, etiología, microbiología, tratamiento y resultado final. Resultados. La relación hombre/mujer es 5.6/1, con una edad media de 47 años; el origen de la infección más frecuente es el hematógeno, seguido de las infecciones contiguas, con un 22% de abscesos de origen desconocido; los gérmenes más frecuentes son los cocos Gram positivos (44%), con una importante presencia de gérmenes anaerobios (40%); en un 39% de los casos las infecciones son mixtas; las modalidades de tratamiento fueron la punción de los abscesos para aspiración-drenaje, la cirugía abierta, con o sin resección capsular, y el tratamiento médico exclusivo. 52 pacientes (86.7 %)curaron sin secuelas y 4 (6,7 %) fallecieron. Aunque los resultados de ambos tipos de tratamiento quirúrgico son similares, el drenaje del absceso requirió en un 20%de los casos un segundo proceder quirúrgico, mientras que la craneotomía lo precisó sólo en el 10%; la estancia media en nuestro hospital fue mucho menor en los abscesos tratados mediante drenaje que en los tratados mediante cirugía abierta (13 vs 26 días); la mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes con bajo nivel de conciencia al ingreso y en mayores de 70 años. Conclusiones. Consideramos que la menor estancia media del drenaje del absceso, unido a su alta eficacia y su baja morbilidad, hacen aconsejable su uso como tratamiento de primera elección

Introduction. Brain abscess is a focal suppurative process in the brain parenchyma that still carries high mortality rates. Outcome is closely related with a correct and early management. In order to evaluate this management we have reviewed the brain abscesses treated in our Department during the last 14 years. Material and Methods. The authors present a retrospective series of 60 consecutive patients with pyogenic brain abscess treated between January of 1990 and February of 2004 paying attention to the epidemiology, etiology, clinical data, microbiology, treatment modalities and outcome Results. The male to female rate was 5.6 to 1. The average age was 47 years. Hematogenous spread was most frequent, followed by contiguous spread. In 22%of the cases, the origin was unknown. Regarding the causative pathogens, Gram positive cocci are the most frequent (44%), with a 40% incidence of an aerobics. A mixed infection occurred in 39% of the abscesses. Three modalities of treatment were used: non surgical,catheter drainage-aspiration and surgical excision. Outcome was excellent in 52 patients (86.7%) and 4patients (6.7%) died. Although outcome was similar in both surgical modalities, drainage-aspiration required a second procedure in 20% of the cases while this was necessary in only 10% of the patients with abscess excision. Length of admission was shorter in the drainage aspiration group than in the excision group (13 and 26 days respectively). Mortality was higher in patients with low level of consciousness and age over 70 years. Conclusions. The shorter admission time associated with drainage-aspiration of brain abscesses together with its high efficacy and low morbidity suggests that drainage aspiration should be used as the first mode of treatment

Anterior cervical osteophyte causing dysphagia as a complication of laminectomy.

Asymptomatic osteophytes of the anterior margins of the cervical vertebral bodies (VB) may occur in 20 - 30% of the population. On rare occasions, dysphagia or dyspnoea may be caused by such cervical osteophytes. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman with progressive dysphagia caused by a voluminous osteophyte secondary to chronic cervical instability after a laminectomy performed 8 years before. Progressive growth of the osteophyte was observed in sequential roentgenograms. As far as we know, this complication of cervical laminectomy has never been reported before. After resection of the osteophyte and arthrodesis of the affected segment the patient was cured.

[Hemifacial spasm as clinical presentation of intracranial meningiomas. Report of three cases and review of the literature]. / Espasmo hemifacial como presentación clínica de meningiomas intracraneales. Presentación de 3 casos y revisión de la literatura.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a clinical entity consisting of brief clonic jerking movements of the facial musculature, beginning in the orbicularis oculi with downward spreading to other facial muscles. Apart from vascular loop compression at the root exit zone of the facial nerve, other causes of HFS are rare. It is exceptional as a form of presentation of intracranial meningiomas We report three cases of patients with meningiomas who presented with HFS, either as an isolated sign or associated with symptoms of rise intracranial pressure or focal deficit. We review the literature and discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms responsible for this association.

Espasmo hemifacial como presentación clínica de meningiomas intracraneales. Presentación de 3 casos y revisión de la literatura / Hemifacial spasm as clinical presentation of intracranial meningiomas. Report of three cases and review of the literature

El espasmo hemifacial (EH) constituye una entidad clínica caracterizada por contracciones tónico-clónicas de carácter involuntario de la musculatura inervada por el nervio facial. Como forma de presentación de meningiomas intracraneales es excepcional. Presentamos tres casos de pacientes con meningiomas cuya presentación clínica fue en forma de EH, bien de forma aislada o asociado a sintomatología de hipertensión intracraneal o déficit neurológico focal. Se revisa la literatura y se discuten los posibles mecanismos fisiopatológicos que puedan intervenir en esta asociación

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a clinical entity consisting of brief clonic jerking movements of the facial musculature, beginning in the orbicularis oculi with downward spreading to other facial muscles. Apart from vascular loop compression at the root exit zone of the facial nerve, other causes of HFS are rare. It is excepcional as a form of presentation of intracranial meningiomas We report three cases of patients with meningiomas who presented with HFS, either as an isolated sign or associated with symptoms of rise intracranial pressure or focal déficit. We review the literature and discuss the possible physiopathological mechanisms responsible for this association

[Contralateral extradural hematoma during evacuation of a previous one]. / Desarrollo introperatorio de un hematoma extradural contralateral a otro previo.

The development of an extradural hematoma during the evacuation of a traumatic extracerebral hematoma is a very rare event. It occurs in patients with a severe head injury that present with both an extraaxial hematoma and a contralateral skull fracture. Recognition of the significance of a sudden increase in the cerebral tension after hematoma evacuation is the key for a pront diagnosis of the development of a contralateral lesion. We present the case of a patient with a severe head trauma and an extradural hematoma who developed a contralateral extradural hematoma during evacuation of the initial one. The development of a contralateral lesion was suspected by a sudden and unexpected increase in cerebral tension during evacuation of the first hematoma and confirmed by emergency CT scan. We think that the most important pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of a contralateral extradural hematoma are the rapid fall of intracranial pressure, the loss of tamponade effect achieved by the energetic use of antiedema measures and the evacuation of the ipsilateral hematoma.

[Contralateral mesencephalic injury due to tentorial uncal herniation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the Kernohan's notch]. / Lesión mesencefálica contralateral por hernia cerebral. Imagen en resonancia magnética de la hendidura de Kernohan (Kernohan's notch).

We report a case of a traumatic epidural hematoma with ipsilateral hemiparesis, due to the so-called Kernohan's notch. We document the injury with axial and coronal magnetic resonance imaging.