Early computed tomography for acute post-traumatic diffuse axonal injury: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the rupture of multiple axons due to acceleration and deceleration forces during a closed head injury. Most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have some degree of DAI, especially severe TBI. Computed tomography (CT) remains the first imaging test performed in the acute phase of TBI, but has low sensitivity for detecting DAI, since DAI is a cellular lesion. The aim of this study is to search in the literature for CT signs, in the first 24 h after TBI, that may help to differentiate patients in groups with a better versus worst prognosis. METHODS: We searched for primary scientific articles in the PubMed database, in English, indexed since January 1st, 2000. RESULTS: Five articles were selected for review. In the DAI group, traffic accidents accounted 70% of the cases, 79% were male, and the mean age was 41 years. There was an association between DAI and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH); an association between the IVH grade and number of corpus callosum lesions; and an association between blood in the interpeduncular cisterns (IPC) and brainstem lesions. CONCLUSION: In closed TBI with no tSAH, severe DAI is unlikely. Similarly, in the absence of IVH, any DAI is unlikely. If there is IVH, patients generally are clinically worse; and the more ventricles affected, the worse the prognosis.

Multimodal treatment of an extremely rare desmoplastic small round cell tumor primary to the brachial plexus - A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive malignant neoplasm typically located in the abdomen or pelvis. Other possible locations are the chest, pleura, scrotum, and central nervous system. DSRCT originally arising from the brachial plexus (BP) is extremely rare, to the best of our knowledge, only two cases have been previously described in the English scientific literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present one new case of DSRCT arising from the left BP, the first in this location with rapid progression and in a female patient. We also highlight the importance of multimodal therapy, which included resection and both adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the lesion are detailed, as well as the patient's status at 56-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: For primary BP DSRCT, aggressive subtotal resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy can be satisfactory for disease control and for maintaining or improving the neurological status.

Abdominal Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome, Case Report and Diagnostic Evaluation

Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment is a rarely diagnosed condition that leads to intense neuropathic pain in the anterolateral wall of the abdomen. Generally, it is triggered by some factor implied in the increase of the pressure on the nerve in its passage by the abdominal wall. Its most important differential diagnosis is pain of visceral origin. We present a case in which the clinical findings confirmed on ultrasound and other imaging tests established the diagnosis and in which the noninvasive treatment was effective.

Results of Phrenic Nerve Transfer to the Musculocutaneous Nerve Using Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy in Patients with Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury: Series of 28 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The phrenic nerve can be transferred to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy, aiming at the recovery of elbow flexion in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. There are few scientific papers in the literature that evaluate the results of this operative technique. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biceps strength and pulmonary function after the transfer of the phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in a sample composed of 28 patients who were victims of traumatic injury to the brachial plexus from 2008 to 2013. Muscle strength was graded using the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) scale and pulmonary function through spirometry. Statistical tests, with significance level of 5%, were used. RESULTS: In total, 74.1% of the patients had biceps strength greater than or equal to M3. All patients had a decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, with no evidence of recovery over time. CONCLUSION: Transferring the phrenic nerve to the musculocutaneous nerve using video-assisted thoracoscopy may lead to an increase in biceps strength to BMRC M3 or greater in most patients. Considering the deterioration in the parameters of spirometry observed in our patients and the future effects of aging in the respiratory system, it is not possible at the moment to guarantee the safety of this operative technique in the long term.

Extradural lumbar nerve root cavernous hemangioma: case report and successful surgical resection / Hemangioma cavernoso extradural de raiz nervosa lombar: relato de caso e ressecção cirúrgica bem-sucedida

Extradural lumbar spinal canal cavernous hemangiomas (or cavernomas) are rare lesions that can induce intense back pain and neurological deficit. We present a case report of a patient with a pure radicular lombar extradural cavernoma resembling a benign neurological tumor in imaging exams and a successful surgical resection.

Os hemangiomas cavernosos do canal vertebral lombar extradural (ou cavernomas) são lesões raras que podem induzir dor intensa no dorso e déficit neurológico. Apresentamos um relato de caso de um paciente com um cavernoma extradural lombar radicular puro assemelhando-se a um tumor neurológico benigno em exames de imagem e uma ressecção cirúrgica bem-sucedida.

Immunohistochemical Markers for Schwannomas, Neurofibromas and Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors­What Can the Recent Literature Tell Us?

Introduction Schwannomas and neurofibromas are the two most common benign neoplasms of the peripheral nerve sheath, and although they are generally easy to distinguish, in some cases, they can closely resemble one another. Furthermore, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), another example of peripheral nerve sheath neoplasm, may likewise constitute, due to their morphology and lack of specific immunohistochemical markers, a challenging diagnostic. Objective To bring attention to new and promising biomarkers for schwannomas, neurofibromas and MPNSTs and to outline, based on the recent literature, a immunohistochemical profile for each neoplasm at hand, as well as to emphasize the need for further studies that could help us understand their diagnostic potential and disrupt our dependence of limited and nonspecific biomarkers. Methods An overview of the recent literature published in English on both the classical promising immunohistochemical markers of schwannomas, neurofibromasand MPNSTs was performed. We discarded case reports. Conclusions There is still a lack of specific biomarkers for peripheral nerve tumors. However, plenty of new immunohistochemical markers have been coming to light with presumed higher specificity and more diverse helpful uses than the classical ones. For example, Sox10 is a good biomarker for differentiating schwannomas and neurofibromas from sarcomas, calretinin schwannomas from neurofibromas, TLE1 and HMGA2 MPNSTs from sarcomas, and nestin, EGFR, p16 and Ki-67 MPNSTs from different types of schwannomas and neurofibromas. There is still need for further studies; however, the potential of some of these promising markers, among others, should not be disregarded.

Introdução Schwannomas e neurofibromas são as duas neoplasias benignas mais comuns a acometer o tecido nervoso periférico, e apesar de geralmente serem facilmente distinguíveis, em alguns casos, elas podem ser muito semelhantes. Além disso, os tumores malignos da bainha dos nervos periféricos (TMBNPs), outro exemplo de neoplasia da bainha do nervo periférico, podem da mesma forma constituir, pela sua morfologia e falta de marcadores imuno-histoquímicos específicos, um diagnóstico desafiador. Objetivo Chamar a atenção para novos e promissores biomarcadores para schwannomas, neurofibromas e TMBNPs e delinear, a partir da literatura atual, um perfil imuno-histoquímico para cada neoplasia em questão, além de enfatizar a necessidade de futuros estudos que possam elucidar-nos acerca de seu potencial diagnóstico e, por ventura, romper nossa dependência de biomarcadores inespecíficos e limitados. Método Foi feita uma revisão da literatura recente incluindo artigos em língua inglesa sobre os marcadores imunohistoquímicos clássicos e os promissores para schwannomas, neurofibromas e TMBNPs. Descartamos relatos de caso. Conclusão Ainda há uma falta de biomarcadores específicos para as neoplasias acima. Contudo, vários novos marcadores imuno-histoquímicos têm surgido, e com futuros estudos poderemos talvez definir biomarcadores específicos e indispensáveis para os casos desafiadores de neurofibromas, schwannomas e TMBNPs. Por exemplo, o Sox10 é um bom biomarcador para diferenciar schwannomas e neurofibromas de sarcomas; a calretinina é um bom marcador para diferenciar schwannomas de neurofibromas; os biomarcadores TLE1 e HMGA2 podem ajudar a diferenciar TMBNPs de sarcomas, e a nestina, o receptor do fator de crescimento epidérmico (EGFR), o gene p16 e a proteína Ki-67 podem diferenciar TMBNPs de diferentes tipos de schwannomas e neurofibromas. Ainda há necessidade de novos estudos; contudo, o potencial de alguns desses marcadores, dentre outros, não deveria ser negligenciado.

An anatomical study of so-called fibrous bands around the ulnar nerve distal to the cubital tunnel.

BACKGROUND: Fibrous bands (FB) are structures that cross the ulnar nerve (UN), distal to the cubital tunnel (CT). In surgical decompression of the UN in the elbow region, by endoscopy, these FB significantly impact UN visibility. The aim of the current study was to characterize the anatomical characteristics of these FB distal to the CT. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen formalinized upper limbs were dissected, nine right and nine left, within the Department of Anatomy of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). The dissections were performed with micro techniques, under a magnifying glass and a microscope. Classical UN exposure was established in the elbow region. RESULTS: Of the 18 upper limbs studied, 50% lacked any FB. When present, both the number and location of the FB varied, as near to the cubital tunnel as 3 cm past the UN's entrance into the tunnel, and as far away as almost 11 cm distal to it. Overall, there were no FB on either the left or right side in three cadavers (33.3%), FB on both the left and right side in three, and FB only on the left in three, meaning that FB were twice as common in left limbs (n = 6) as on the right (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified FB in 50% of the dissected limbs, all within 3-11 cm of the CT, though their number and location varied. Further studies are necessary to describe FB variations associated with compressive neuropathies of the UN distal to the CT.

A Neglected Cause of Iatrogenic Brachial Plexus Injuries in Psychiatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric patients are often kept immobilized during hospitalization to avoid self-inflicted injuries and danger to third parties. Inadequate positioning can lead to brachial plexus injuries (BPI). OBJECTIVE: To present a series of 5 psychiatric patients with BPI after being left sedated and restrained for prolonged periods of time during hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 5 psychiatric patients with iatrogenic BPI referred by other institutions to our service. The restraint technique adopted by those institutions consisted of a high-thoracic restraint. All patients underwent complete clinical and neurological examination at our center. Information concerning patient demographics, BPI characteristics, treatment choice, and ultimate outcome was recorded. RESULTS: Three patients were male. The age of our patients ranged from 25 to 61 years old (mean: 41.2; median: 43). Three patients had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder while 2 had schizophrenia. Duration of immobilization ranged from 5 to 168 h (mean: 77.8; median: 72). Four patients presented with a unilateral right-sided lesion. Time to presentation ranged from 1 to 9 mo (mean: 4.2; median: 4). All patients also had intense pain and axillary lesions. Four patients received conservative treatment with partial or full functional recovery and complete pain resolution. The remaining patients underwent surgical repair and experienced good functional outcome. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric patients who need to be sedated and immobilized must be monitored closely, as BPI can occur from high-thoracic restraints. When such an injury occurs, the patient must be referred to a center specialized in peripheral nerve surgery and rehabilitation.

Disfagia devido a osteoitose cervical: relato de caso / Dysphagia due to cervical osteophytosis: case report

Doenças degenerativas na coluna cervical são comuns nos pacientes idosos. Os autores apresentam caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 44 anos, com quadro de disfagia progressiva relacionada à osteofitose cervical anterior em (C5-C6 e C6-C7). Esofagograma mostrou a compreensão esofágica pelos osteófitos anteriores. O tratamento realizado foi brocagem dos osteófitos, discectomia cervical em dois níveis e artrodese cervical, resultando na remissão completa do sintoma. Embora seja uma causa de disfagia, osteófito deve ser incluído como diagnóstico diferencial pois é uma causa tratável e reversível do sintoma.

Degenerative diseases of the cervical spine are common in elderly patients. The authors present a case report of female, 44 years old, with progressive dysphagia due to anterior cervical osteophytes (C5-C6 and C6-C7). Esophagogram showed esophageal compression by anterior osteophytes. The treatment was removal of osteophytes by drill, cervical discectomy on two levels and cervical arthrodesis, resulting in complete remission of symptoms. Although it is an un-common cause of dysphagia, osteophytes should be included in the differential diagnosis because it is a reatable and reversible cause of the symptom.

Traumatic arteriovenous fistula associated to pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery in a child: case report and literature review / Fístula arteriovenosa traumática associada a pseudoaneurisma da artéria temporal superficial em uma criança: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

As fístulas arteriovenosas (FAVs) e os pseudoaneurismas traumáticos extracranianos são malformações incomuns e, em sua maioria, estão associadas a traumatismo craniano fechado com lesão contusa de forte intensidade. O diagnóstico em geral é clínico, porém o exame de escolha para o diagnóstico definitivo é a angiografia. Nos casos em que a lesão é pequena, é possível abordá-la com embolização via endovascular com sucesso. A excisão cirúrgica, no entanto, ainda é o método de escolha para o tratamento. É relatado um caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, com 9 anos de idade, diagnosticado com FAV, acometendo o ramo frontal da artéria temporal superficial, secundária a trauma craniano contundente ocorrido três anos antes do diagnóstico.

The arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) and the extracranial traumatic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon malformations and in the majority of the cases are associated to closed head trauma with high intensity blunt lesion. The diagnosis is generally clinical, though the exam of choice for definitive diagnosis is an angiography. In minor lesion cases it's possible to successfully approach it with endovas-cular embolization. The surgical excision though, is the method of choice for the treatment. Here is reported a case of a 9-year-old male patient, diagnosed with AVF involving the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, secondary to blunt head trauma occurred three years before diagnosis.

Tumores do plexo lombossacral. Relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura / Lumbosacral plexus tumors. Report of two cases and literature review

Introdução: Tumores do plexo lombossacral(TPLS)são raros. Entre estes, neurofibromas e schwannomas são os mais comuns. Em geral, atingem grandes proporções, sendo, na maioria das vezes, detectados incidentalmente durnate investigações de sintomas inespecíficos, tais como dor abdominal, dor lombar e constipação. Por vezes, comprometem a coluna vertebral, provocando destruição dos corpos vertebrais e/ou alargamento dos farames intervertebrais, podendo haver invasão do canal vertebral. Objetivo: Relatar os casos de dois pacientes que apresentavam volumosas massas retroperitoneais revomidas cirurgicamente. O acesso cirúrgico foi realizado pela equipe da cirurgia geral, e a equipe de neurocirurgia procedeu a ressecção de ambos os tumores por meio de dissecção microcirúrgica no interior do músculo psoas maior. o exame histopatológico diagnosticou neurofibroma e schwannoma, não relacionados à neurofibromatose tipo 1(NF1).Conclusão: Os TPLS são lesões cujo tratamento deve ser cirúrgico, realizado por equipe multidisciplinar, utilizando técnicas de microcirurgia para obtenção de um bom resultado funcional com possibilidade de ressecção total sem déficit neurológico.

Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis simulating a conus medullaris tumor: case report.

Cysticercosis is an endemic condition in many developing countries. Although it is the most common parasitic disease of the central nervous system, cysticercal involvement of the spinal cord is rare. It may occur as intradural extramedullary, intramedullary, intramedullary associated with intradural-extramedullary or as the vertebral presentation. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with low back pain of acute onset and no other symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary cyst of the conus medullaris region which, at pathological examination, was diagnosed as a cysticercal cyst. She refused anticysticercal agents and steroids postoperatively. After an eight-year follow-up, the patient performs the activities of her daily living with no difficulties, and annual spinal MRIs show no residual signs of the disease. Clinical, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of spinal cord intramedullary cysticercosis are discussed.

Intramedullary spinal cysticercosis simulating a conus medullaris tumor: case report

Cisticercose é uma doença endêmica em vários países em desenvolvimento. Embora seja a doença parasitária mais freqüente do sistema nervoso central, o acometimento medular por cisticercos é raro. Pode ocorrer nas formas intradural extramedular, intramedular isolada, intramedular em associação com intradural extramedular, além da forma vertebral. Relatamos o caso de mulher de 53 anos de idade que se apresentou com dor lombar de início agudo, sem outros sintomas. Ressonância magnética (RM) identificou imagem cística na região do cone medular que, no estudo histopatológico, foi diagnosticada como cisticerco. A paciente recusou tratamento pós-operatório com anti-helmínticos e corticosteróides. Após oito anos de seguimento, a paciente exerce suas atividades quotidianas sem dificuldades, e estudos de RM anuais não mostram sinais de doença residual. Aspectos clínicos, fisiopatológicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos da cisticercose intramedular são discutidos.

Pseudoaneurisma traumático de ramo frontal da artéria temporal superficial: relato de caso / Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal arteri frontal branch: case report

Pseudianeurismas da artéria temporal superficial são raros. A etilogia mais frequente é a traumática e o tratamento de escolha, cirúrgico. Relata-se um caso de pseudianeurisma traumático, parcialmente trombosado, do ramo frontal da artéria temporal superficial esquerda em paciente do sexo masculino, vítima de acidente automobilístico com traumatismo craniencefálico grave, 14 dias antes do surgimento da lesão. O diagnóstico, sugerido por meio da história clínica, exame físico, ultra-sonografia e ressonância magnética, foi seguido de ressecção cirúrgica. Aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos e terapêuticos relacionados são discutidos.