ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Large multicenter studies have shown that small intracranial aneurysms are associated with a minimal risk of bleeding. Nevertheless, other large series have shown that most ruptured aneurysms are, in fact, the smaller ones. In the present study, we questioned whether small aneurysms are indeed not dangerous. METHODS: We enrolled 290 patients with newly-diagnosed aneurysms at our institution over a six-year period (43.7% ruptured). We performed multivariate analyses addressing epidemiological issues, cardiovascular diseases, and three angiographic parameters (largest aneurysm diameter, neck diameter and diameter of the nutrition vessel). Risk estimates were calculated using a logistic regression model. Aneurysm size parameters were stratified according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we calculated odds ratios for rupture based on the ROC analysis. RESULTS: The mean largest diameter for the ruptured versus unruptured groups was 13.3 ± 1.7 mm versus 22.2 ± 2.2 mm (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between rupture and arterial hypertension (p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with all three angiographic measurements (all p < 0.01). Aneurysms from the anterior cerebral artery bled more often (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curves, at the largest diameter of 15 mm, the sensitivity and specificity to predict rupture were 83% and 36%, respectively. Based on this stratification, we calculated the chance of rupture for aneurysms smaller than 15 mm as 46%, which dropped to 25% for larger aneurysms. CONCLUSION: In the population studied at our institution, small aneurysms were more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the need for intervention for small aneurysms should not be overlooked.
Subject(s)
Aneurysm, Ruptured/complications , Intracranial Aneurysm/complications , Intracranial Hemorrhages/etiology , Adult , Aged , Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnostic imaging , Aneurysm, Ruptured/pathology , Cerebral Angiography , Female , Humans , Hypertension/complications , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Intracranial Aneurysm/pathology , Intracranial Hemorrhages/diagnostic imaging , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Neck/pathology , ROC Curve , Reference Values , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment/methods , Risk Factors , Time FactorsABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Large multicenter studies have shown that small intracranial aneurysms are associated with a minimal risk of bleeding. Nevertheless, other large series have shown that most ruptured aneurysms are, in fact, the smaller ones. In the present study, we questioned whether small aneurysms are indeed not dangerous. Methods: We enrolled 290 patients with newly-diagnosed aneurysms at our institution over a six-year period (43.7% ruptured). We performed multivariate analyses addressing epidemiological issues, cardiovascular diseases, and three angiographic parameters (largest aneurysm diameter, neck diameter and diameter of the nutrition vessel). Risk estimates were calculated using a logistic regression model. Aneurysm size parameters were stratified according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we calculated odds ratios for rupture based on the ROC analysis. Results: The mean largest diameter for the ruptured versus unruptured groups was 13.3 ± 1.7 mm versus 22.2 ± 2.2 mm (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between rupture and arterial hypertension (p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with all three angiographic measurements (all p < 0.01). Aneurysms from the anterior cerebral artery bled more often (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curves, at the largest diameter of 15 mm, the sensitivity and specificity to predict rupture were 83% and 36%, respectively. Based on this stratification, we calculated the chance of rupture for aneurysms smaller than 15 mm as 46%, which dropped to 25% for larger aneurysms. Conclusion: In the population studied at our institution, small aneurysms were more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the need for intervention for small aneurysms should not be overlooked.
RESUMO Grandes estudos multicêntricos demostram que aneurismas intracranianos pequenos são associados a risco de sangramento mínimo. Outras grandes séries têm evidenciado que aneurismas rotos são em sua maioria os pequenos. Neste estudo questionamos até que ponto os aneurismas pequenos não são perigosos. Métodos: Avaliamos 290 novos casos de aneurismas tratados em nossa instituição durante 6 anos (43,7% rotos). Realizamos análises multivariadas com aspectos epidemiológicos dos pacientes, doenças cardiovasculares e três parâmetros angiográficos: maior diâmetro, diâmetro do colo e diâmetro do vaso nutridor do aneurisma. Estimativas de risco foram calculadas utilizando-se modelo de regressão logística. Parâmetros do tamanho aneurismático foram estratificados de acordo com curvas ROC. Também calculamos a razão de chances (odds ratios) de ruptura baseadas nas análises das curvas ROC. Resultados: O maior diâmetro médio para os grupos de aneurismas rotos e não-rotos foi 13.3 ± 1.7mm e 22.2 ± 2.2 (p < 0.001). Análises multivariadas revelaram uma correlação positiva entre ruptura aneurismática e hipertensão arterial (p < 0.001) e uma correlação inversa entre ruptura e as três medidas angiográficas (p < 0.01). Aneurismas da artéria cerebral anterior foram os que mais sangraram (p < 0.05). Análises das curvas ROC demonstram que no maior diâmetro de 15mm, a sensibilidade e especificidade para se predizer ruptura são de 83% e 36%. Baseando-se nessas estratificações, calculamos uma chance de ruptura para aneurismas menores de 15mm de 46% e de 25% para aneurismas maiores. Conclusão: Na população estudada, aneurismas pequenos são mais propensos a romper. Desta forma, a necessidade de intervenção para aneurismas pequenos não deve ser relevada.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Intracranial Aneurysm/complications , Aneurysm, Ruptured/complications , Intracranial Hemorrhages/etiology , Reference Values , Time Factors , Cerebral Angiography , Logistic Models , Intracranial Aneurysm/pathology , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Multivariate Analysis , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , ROC Curve , Aneurysm, Ruptured/pathology , Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnostic imaging , Risk Assessment/methods , Intracranial Hemorrhages/diagnostic imaging , Hypertension/complications , Neck/pathologyABSTRACT
Vein of Galen aneurysm is a rare pathology, representing less than 1% of intracranial vascular malformations. We report on a 65-year-old man who experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Brain imaging showed a large calcified expanding mass in the pineal region, confirming the diagnosis of a vein of Galen aneurysm. Because of the spontaneous thrombosis of the malformation, there was no need for microsurgical or endovascular treatment and he has been regularly followed since that.
Subject(s)
Cerebral Veins/abnormalities , Intracranial Aneurysm/congenital , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/complications , Intracranial Thrombosis/etiology , Aged , Cerebral Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Intracranial Aneurysm/complications , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnosis , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnosis , Intracranial Thrombosis/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Vein of Galen aneurysm is a rare pathology, representing less than 1 percent of intracranial vascular malformations. We report on a 65 years-old man who experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Brain imaging showed a large calcified expanding mass in the pineal region, confirming the diagnosis of a vein of Galen aneurysm. Because of the spontaneous thrombosis of the malformation, there was no need for microsurgical or endovascular treatment and he is been regularly followed since that.
Aneurisma da veia de Galeno é patologia rara, representando menos de 1 por cento das malformações vasculares intracranianas. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 65 anos que teve episódio de crise convulsiva tônico-clônica generalizada. Exames de imagem evidenciaram grande processo expansivo calcificado na região pineal, confirmando o diagnóstico de aneurisma trombosado de veia de Galeno. Devido à trombose espontânea da malformação, foi excluída a possibilidade de tratamento endovascular bem como microcirúrgico, mantendo-se o acompanhamento clínico.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Cerebral Veins/abnormalities , Intracranial Aneurysm/congenital , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/complications , Intracranial Thrombosis/etiology , Cerebral Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Intracranial Aneurysm/complications , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnosis , Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnosis , Intracranial Thrombosis/diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: A new midline posterior column pathway related to visceral pain has been recently discovered. OBJECTIVE: To present its interruption by a punctate midline myelotomy providing significant visceral oncologic pain relief. METHOD: Three patients with abdominal cancer refractory pain from opiate analgesics were treated by a punctate midline myelotomy through thoracic laminectomy. RESULTS: Complete pain control was achieved in two patients, one had no more narcotics and the other one had significant lowering of opiate intake doses. The third patient was intolerant to narcotics having 80% relieving pain. There were no postoperative neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: The present report reaffirms the existence of a dorsal column midline pathway related to visceral pain in humans, and its interruption ameliorates abdominal pain due to cancer.
Subject(s)
Colonic Neoplasms/complications , Pain, Intractable/etiology , Spinal Cord/surgery , Stomach Neoplasms/complications , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Pain Measurement , Pain, Intractable/surgery , Punctures/methods , Treatment Outcome , VisceraABSTRACT
INTRODUÇÃO: Uma nova via relacionada com a dor visceral foi recentemente descrita. Esta via localiza-se na linha média da coluna dorsal na medula espinhal, sendo o alvo da técnica cirúrgica aqui descrita. OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados de três pacientes submetidos ao tratamento da dor visceral oncológica por mielotomia punctiforme. MÉTODO: Três pacientes, com dor abdominal oncológica refratária ao tratamento clínico, foram submetidos à mielotomia punctiforme por meio de de pequena laminectomia torácica. RESULTADOS: Dois pacientes obtiveram controle completo da dor, sendo que um deles não mais necessitou de opióides. O terceiro paciente, que era intolerante aos opióides, obteve melhora de 80 por cento da dor. Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou déficit neurológico no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Ratificamos a existência de uma via, localizada na linha média da coluna dorsal, relacionada com a dor visceral em humanos, cuja ablação está relacionada à melhora da dor abdominal visceral de origem oncológica.
