ABSTRACT
Introducción: Las deformidades craneales, que han existido desde siempre, recientemente han suscitado un gran interés. Varios estudios muestran un aumento llamativo de consultas por plagiocefalia occipital. En este trabajo se analizan los factores clínico-epidemiológicos relativos a esta deformación. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron las historias de 158 niños atendidos en nuestro hospital para evaluación de deformación craneal. Se recogieron datos clínicos y de neuroimagen, tratamientos y resultados, analizando especialmente los factores de riesgo. Resultados: Durante el estudio se apreció un aumento de visitas por esta causa. La media de edad al consultar fue de 9 meses, existiendo un claro predominio (68%) de varones. El tipo de deformación fue: plagiocefalia occipital unilateral (89,2%), bilateral (7,6%) y dolicocefalia (3,2%). Aparte de la posición para dormir, se encontraron diversos factores de riesgo, como colecciones pericerebrales de líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) en el 50% de los niños valorados mediante estudios de neuroimagen. El tratamiento fue conservador (posicional y/o fisioterapia) en la mayoría de niños y con cascos en 12, apreciándose mejoría en 136 pacientes. Discusión y conclusiones: Estos hallazgos concuerdan con los de la bibliografía. Un resultado original del estudio fue la elevada incidencia de colecciones pericerebrales de LCR. El aumento de plagiocefalia posicional coincidió con las indicaciones de la Academia Americana de Pediatría sobre la posición para dormir, con el fin de evitar la muerte súbita del lactante. Se destaca el papel del pediatra en la detección y el manejo inicial de estos pacientes. La instauración de medidas de prevención se considera más importante que las indicadas para su tratamiento (AU)
Introduction: Cranial deformities have always existed, but it is only until recently that they provoked a greater interest. Several reports have demonstrated an increasing tendency for occipital plagiocephaly. This work presents an analysis of the clinical-epidemiological features of these deformities in our area. Patients and methods: The medical records and neuroimaging studies of 158 children seen a tour hospital due to a skull deformation were analyzed, paying special attention to risk factors. Results: During the study period, an increase in the number of consultations for skull deformation of children was noted. The mean age for the patients at consultation was 9 months.There was a predominance of boys (68%) over girls. The deformities were: unilateral- (89.2%) or bilateral-posterior plagiocephaly (7.6%), and dolicochephaly (3.2%). In addition to the supine position for sleeping, there were several risk factors, among them pericerebral collections of cerebrospinal fluid found in 50% of children subjected to neuroimaging studies. Most children were managed conservatively, while 12 patients were given helmets, which led to an improvement in 136 cases. Discussion and conclusions: The present findings agree with those in the current literature. Aunique result of this study was the high rate of pericerebral fluid collections found in children assessed with neuroimaging methods. The increase in positional plagiocephaly seems to parallel the application of the recommendations for supine sleeping position established by the American Academy of Pediatrics for preventing the sudden infant death syndrome. The role played by Pediatricians in the detection, initial management and referral of these children is highlighted. Prevention measures seem to be more important than those regarding treatment (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Craniofacial Abnormalities/diagnosis , Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic/diagnosis , Synostosis/diagnosis , Modalities, Position , Diagnosis, Differential , Subdural Effusion/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cranial deformities have always existed, but it is only until recently that they provoked a greater interest. Several reports have demonstrated an increasing tendency for occipital plagiocephaly. This work presents an analysis of the clinical-epidemiological features of these deformities in our area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records and neuroimaging studies of 158 children seen at our hospital due to a skull deformation were analyzed, paying special attention to risk factors. RESULTS: During the study period, an increase in the number of consultations for skull deformation of children was noted. The mean age for the patients at consultation was 9 months. There was a predominance of boys (68%) over girls. The deformities were: unilateral- (89.2%) or bilateral-posterior plagiocephaly (7.6%), and dolicochephaly (3.2%). In addition to the supine position for sleeping, there were several risk factors, among them pericerebral collections of cerebrospinal fluid found in 50% of children subjected to neuroimaging studies. Most children were managed conservatively, while 12 patients were given helmets, which led to an improvement in 136 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present findings agree with those in the current literature. A unique result of this study was the high rate of pericerebral fluid collections found in children assessed with neuroimaging methods. The increase in positional plagiocephaly seems to parallel the application of the recommendations for supine sleeping position established by the American Academy of Pediatrics for preventing the sudden infant death syndrome. The role played by Pediatricians in the detection, initial management and referral of these children is highlighted. Prevention measures seem to be more important than those regarding treatment.
Subject(s)
Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic/diagnosis , Plagiocephaly, Nonsynostotic/epidemiology , Skull/abnormalities , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The role of radiosurgery after multimodality treatment of recurrent desmoplastic adult medulloblastoma is analyzed. The ultra-early clinical and pathological response of this tumor to adjunctive radiosurgery is stressed.
Subject(s)
Medulloblastoma/therapy , Radiosurgery/methods , Adult , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Medulloblastoma/pathology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The standard procedure for the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infections consists of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, which is usually accomplished by a lumbar puncture. However, in some patients presenting with acute hydrocephalus submitted to immediate CSF drainage, the fluid is customarily obtained from the placed draining system. In addition, the CSF obtained from the ventricular and lumbar spaces in some cases may show unusual differences, both in physiological and pathological conditions. ILLUSTRATIVE CASES: We report two children who presented with confounding results in the initial studies of their ventricular and lumbar CSF who were subsequently diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, causing delay in diagnosis and treatment. AIM. By reporting these cases, we wanted to alert the treating physician about the possibility of this discrepancy to avoid the delayed diagnosis and management of the affected patients. DISCUSSION: We comment on the possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may result in this dissociation in ventricular and lumbar CSF composition. CONCLUSIONS; Normal results in CSF studies, especially those of the ventricular fluid, do not always rule out the presence of tuberculous meningitis. We suggest obtaining a CSF sample from the lumbar subarachnoid space in doubtful, or suspicious, cases of CNS infection even in the presence of a normal ventricular CSF.
Subject(s)
Cerebrospinal Fluid , Hydrocephalus , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/cerebrospinal fluid , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/complications , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/diagnosis , Cerebrospinal Fluid/chemistry , Cerebrospinal Fluid/microbiology , Female , Humans , Hydrocephalus/cerebrospinal fluid , Hydrocephalus/diagnosis , Hydrocephalus/etiology , Infant , Male , Spinal Puncture , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/microbiologyABSTRACT
Background. The standard procedure for the diagnosisof central nervous system (CNS) infections consistsof cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, which isusually accomplished by a lumbar puncture. However,in some patients presenting with acute hydrocephalussubmitted to immediate CSF drainage, the fluid is customarilyobtained from the placed draining system.In addition, the CSF obtained from the ventricularand lumbar spaces in some cases may show unusualdifferences, both in physiological and pathologicalconditions.Illustrative cases. We report two children who presentedwith confounding results in the initial studiesof their ventricular and lumbar CSF who were subsequentlydiagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, causingdelay in diagnosis and treatment.Aim. By reporting these cases, we wanted to alert thetreating physician about the possibility of this discrepancyto avoid the delayed diagnosis and management (..) (AU)
Antecedentes. El procedimiento habitual para eldiagnóstico de infección del sistema nervioso central(CNS) consiste en el estudio del liquido cefalorraquídeo(LCR) mediante la realización de una punción lumbar.Sin embargo, en pacientes que debutan con un cuadrode hidrocefalia aguda que son tratados de urgenciamediante la inserción de un sistema de drenaje deLCR, el líquido es rutinariamente obtenido desde elsistema derivativo implantado. Pero, en ciertos casos,el LCR ventricular y lumbar analizados pueden mostrardiferencias significativas, tanto en condicionesfisiológicas como patológicas.Casos ilustrativos. Se describen los casos de dosniños que presentaron resultados dispares en losestudios iniciales del LCR ventricular y lumbar, enlos que se demostró posteriormente que padecíanuna hidrocefalia por meningitis tuberculosa, lo que (..) (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant , Tuberculosis, Meningeal/complications , Hydrocephalus/cerebrospinal fluid , Cerebrospinal Fluid/cytology , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The presence of a dermal sinus on a child's back is a common cause for paediatric neurosurgical consultation. The relative frequency of these lesions and fears on their possible clinical consequences enhances the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. With this work we aimed to search for the most relevant clinical features that might indicate an intradural penetration of the lesions and that may advise performing neuroimaging studies and a paediatric neurosurgical consultation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records pertaining to children diagnosed with sacro-coccygeal pits seen at our institution during the years 2005-2009 were reviewed. A Pub Med search of the most relevant articles on the subject was also performed. RESULTS: Thirty-two children diagnosed with sacro-coccygeal pits were seen at our institution in the study period. Most cases had been sent for neurosurgical consultation by their paediatricians, paediatric surgeons or paediatricians of the emergency services in our region. Seventeen patients were submitted to some neuroimaging study and 15 were evaluated only by physical examination. In no patient was an intradural penetration of the lesion observed. The lack of reports on coccygeal sinuses probably reflects the unimportance given to these lesions in the absence of neurological involvement. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed physical examination can reduce the number of neuroimaging studies, an intergluteal localization of the sinus being the most important diagnostic clue. Doubtful cases of an intradural penetration of the lesion can be further evaluated by ultrasound as a preliminary screening tool and by magnetic resonance and neurosurgical consultation if deemed necessary.
Subject(s)
Spina Bifida Occulta/diagnosis , Spina Bifida Occulta/surgery , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Retrospective Studies , Sacrococcygeal RegionABSTRACT
We report the case of a 13-year-old girl with an increased hypophysis that mimicked an adenoma, who developed a partial empty sella on MRI after an acute episode of hydrocephalus. After replacement of a CSF shunt, the intracranial pressure returned to normal and the hypophysis filled up again all the sellar fossa. We discuss the possibility of the involvement by an ischemic atrophy of the adenohypophysis in the development of a primary empty sella with idiopathic chronic raised intracranial pressure that prevents the recovery of the gland volume after restoring the intracranial pressure to normal values. Restitution of empty sella may be an indicator of normal intracranial pressure in these cases.
Subject(s)
Empty Sella Syndrome/etiology , Hydrocephalus/complications , Pituitary Gland/pathology , Adolescent , Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts , Female , Humans , Hydrocephalus/surgery , Magnetic Resonance ImagingABSTRACT
Se presenta el caso de un niña de 13 años con un aumento del tamaño de la hipófisis sugerente de adenoma que, tras un episodio de hidrocefalia aguda, desarrolló en la RM una silla turca vacía parcial.Tras la colocación de una derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo, se normalizó la presión intracraneal y la hipófisis volvió a ocupar todo el espacio de la fosa sellar. Se discute la posibilidad de que en la silla turca vacía primaria con hipertensión intracraneal crónica idiopática, esté implicada una atrofia isquémica de la adenohipófisis que impide la recuperación del volumen glandular tras la restauración de la PIC a los niveles normales. La reversión de la silla turca vacía es un indicador de la normalización de la PIC (AU)
We report the case of a 13-year-old girl with an increased hypophysis that mimicked an adenoma, who developed a partial empty sella on MRI after an acute episode of hydrocephalus. After replacement of a CSFshunt, the intracranial pressure returned to normal and the hypophysis filled up again all the sellar fossa. We discuss the possibility of the involvement by an ischemic atrophy of the adenohypophysis in the development of a primary empty sella with idiopathic chronic raised intracranial pressure that prevents the recovery of the gland volume after restoring the intracranial pressure to normal values. Restitution of empty sell a may bean indicator of normal intracranial pressure in these cases (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adolescent , Empty Sella Syndrome/surgery , Intracranial Hypertension/surgery , Intracranial Hypertension/etiology , Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts , Hydrocephalus/surgeryABSTRACT
Radionecrosis with brain edema is a complication of radiosurgery. Three female patients harbouring a frontal pole, petrous and parasagital parietoocipital meningiomas respectively who had been treated with LINAC radiosurgery are presented. Those patients developed, between two and eight months later, a severe symptomatic radionecrosis with a huge brain edema resistant to the usual steroid therapy. Only after 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen, a good remission of the lesions was obtained. There are few cases reported in the literature with such a good outcome. Consequentely, this therapy must be taken into account to treat this type of radiosurgical complication before considering surgery.
Subject(s)
Brain Edema/therapy , Brain Injuries/therapy , Hyperbaric Oxygenation , Radiation Injuries/therapy , Radiosurgery/adverse effects , Aged , Brain Damage, Chronic/etiology , Brain Damage, Chronic/prevention & control , Brain Edema/etiology , Brain Edema/pathology , Brain Injuries/etiology , Brain Injuries/pathology , Cerebellar Neoplasms/surgery , Cerebellopontine Angle/pathology , Cerebellopontine Angle/radiation effects , Endothelium, Vascular/pathology , Endothelium, Vascular/radiation effects , Female , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Meningeal Neoplasms/surgery , Meningioma/surgery , Middle Aged , Necrosis , Parietal Lobe/pathology , Parietal Lobe/radiation effects , Radiation Injuries/etiology , Radiation Injuries/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: With this 1-year retrospective study we aimed to analyze our experience on the utilization of real-time bidimensional (2-D) ultrasonography as an aid for the localization of deep-seated supratentorial brain tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the year 2006 we performed 2-D ultrasonographic localization studies in patients undergoing excision of subcortical supratentorial brain tumours whose nature was pathologically proven. The ultrasound machines utilized were 2410 A ultrasounds HP and Phillips HDI 3500 ATL. To check gross anatomical structures we used a 3 MHz probe and then a 5 MHz sound to define the brain tumour characteristics. Coronal and sagittal cuts were obtained during parietal or temporal craniotomies, and axial and sagittal slices in the case of frontal masses. After brain tumour removal and after a thorough irrigation with saline, new image acquisitions were performed to confirm the completeness of tumour excision. The amount of removed tumour was also verified by a post-contrast computerized tomography (CT) scan performed after the surgery. RESULTS: The study group was composed by 30 patients with ages comprised between 28 and 82 years. The time required for tumour localization was 17.5 (+/- 1.9) min. The lesions were approached though 8 temporal, 7 parieto-occipital, 8 parietal, 2 fronto-parietal and 5 temporo-parietal craniotomies. Mean depth of the lesions was 5.3 (+/- 1.6) cm. The histopathologic diagnosis was 17 high-grade gliomas, 3 low-grade astrocytomas, 8 metastatic lesions and 2 oligo-astrocytomas. High-grade gliomas were more echogenic than low-grade tumours and than oedema. No residual tumour was detected at the end of the surgery except in two cases in which a tumoral rest was left due to the proximity of the lesion to eloquent cerebral areas. Postoperative CT scans confirmed the completeness of tumour removal in the patients of the study as assessed by intraoperative ultrasounds. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time 2-D ultrasonography affords an adequate image quality for performing guided-craniotomy in supratentorial brain tumours, as it allows for a safe and accurate localization of the lesions. Its use is mainly indicated in the removal of tumours located in, or close to, important anatomical and functional brain areas and to depict the presence of tumour rests after surgical removal of cerebral neoplasms.
Subject(s)
Craniotomy/methods , Supratentorial Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Supratentorial Neoplasms/surgery , Ultrasonography/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Supratentorial Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
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Subject(s)
Humans , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Neurosurgical Procedures/methods , Craniosynostoses/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures/adverse effects , Neurosurgical Procedures/adverse effects , Craniosynostoses/pathology , SyndromeABSTRACT
Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo es presentar nuestra experiencia clínica durante un año sobre la utilización de la ultrasonografía bidimensional (2-D) en tiempo-real para la exéresis de tumor supratentorial de localización cerebral profunda. Material y métodos: Durante el año 2006 realizamos craneotomía guiada por ultrasonografía 2-D en pacientes sometidos a cirugía para exéresis de tumor supratentorial, confirmado por anatomía patológica y de localización subcortical. Para la realización de la ultrasonografía se utilizaron los modelos de ultrasonidos M 2410 A ultrasounds HP y Phillips HDI 3500 ATL. Se utilizó en primer lugar un transductor de 3Mhz para localizar estructuras anatómicas, seguido de un transductor de 5MHz para la identificación del tumor cerebral. Se consiguieron cortes en el plano sagital y coronal durante la craneotomía parietal o temporal y en el plano axial y sagital en la craneotomía frontal. Tras la exéresis del tumor, se realizó una nueva ultrasonografía tras irrigar la cavidad con suero salino para la visualización de remanentes tumorales. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada (TC) craneal postoperatoria para verificar la exéresis total del tumor. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 30 pacientes de edades comprendidas entre 28 y 82 años. El tiempo requerido para la localización de la lesión fue de 17,5 (±1,9) min. Se realizaron 8 craneotomías temporales, 7 parietooccipitales, 8 parietales, 2 frontoparietales y 5 parietotemporales. La lesión fue localizada a una profundidad media de 5,3 (±1,6) cm. El estudio histológico reveló 17 gliomas de alto grado, 3 gliomas de bajo grado, 8 lesiones metastásicas y 2 oligoastrocitomas. Los gliomas de alto grado mostraron mayor ecogenidad que los gliomas de bajo grado y el edema cerebral. No se detectaron restos del tumor al final de la cirugía, excepto en dos pacientes debido a la proximidad a áreas elocuentes del cerebro. La TC craneal postoperatoria confirmó la exéresis total del tumor en los pacientes incluidos en el estudio. Conclusiones: La ultrasonografía 2-D en tiempo-real proporciona una imagen de calidad aceptable para la realización de craneotomía guiada para exéresis de tumores supratentoriales, ya que permite su localización de manera fiable y segura, sobre todo de tumores localizados en zonas del cerebro con gran importancia anatómica y funcional, así como identificar restos de tumor una vez finalizada la cirugía (AU)
Objectives: With this 1-year retrospective study we aimed to analyze our experience on the utilization of real-time bidimensional (2-D) ultrasonography as an aid for the localization of deep-seated supratentorial brain tumours. Material and methods: During the year 2006 we performed 2-D ultrasonographic localization studies in patients undergoing excision of subcortical supratentorial brain tumours whose nature was pathologically proven. The ultrasound machines utilized were 2410 A ultrasounds HP and Phillips HDI 3500 ATL. To check gross anatomical structures we used a 3MHz probe and then a 5MHz sound to define the brain tumour characteristics. Coronal and sagittal cuts were obtained during parietal or temporal craniotomies, and axial and sagittal slices in the case of frontal masses. After brain tumour removal and after a thorough irrigation with saline, new image acquisitions were performed to confirm the completeness of tumour excision. The amount of removed tumour was also verified by a post-contrast computerized tomography (CT) scan performed after the surgery. Results: The study group was composed by 30 patients with ages comprised between 28 and 82 years. The time required for tumour localization was 17.5 (±1.9)min. The lesions were approached though 8 temporal, 7 parieto-occipital, 8 parietal, 2 fronto-parietal and 5 temporo-parietal craniotomies. Mean depth of the lesions was 5.3 (±1.6)cm. The histopathologic diagnosis was 17 high-grade gliomas, 3 low-grade astrocitomas, 8 metastatic lesions and 2 oligo-astrocytomas. Highgrade gliomas were more echogenic than low-grade tumours and than oedema. No residual tumour was detected at the end of the surgery except in two cases in which a tumoral rest was left due to the proximity of the lesion to eloquent cerebral areas. Postoperative CT scans confirmed the completeness of tumour removal in the patients of the study as assessed by intraoperative ultrasounds. Conclusions: Real-time 2-D ultrasonography affords an adequate image quality for performing guided-craniotomy in supratentorial brain tumours, as it allows for a safe and accurate localization of the lesions. Its use is mainly indicated in the removal of tumours located in, or close to, important anatomical and functional brain areas and to depict the presence of tumour rests after surgical removal of cerebral neoplasms (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Supratentorial Neoplasms , Supratentorial Neoplasms/surgery , Ultrasonography , Craniotomy/methods , Supratentorial Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Delayed complications of radiation therapy comprise cerebral atrophy, radionecrosis and induction of tumors. Recent reports indicate the possibility of the "de-novo" formation of intracranial cavernomas in patients submitted to radiation therapy to the brain. OBJECTIVES: To report three children, two with medulloblastomas and one with a pineal germinoma, treated with radiotherapy that developed intracerebral cavernous hemangiomas some years after treatment. With this work, we aim to draw attention to this occurrence in the neurosurgical community. RESULTS: The patients were two girls and one boy with ages comprised between 2.5 and 7 years (mean 5.2 years). The average interval from irradiation to the appearance of cavernoma was of 5.3 years (range 5-6 years). The lesions were found during the routine neuroimaging studies performed for the follow-up of their primary neoplasms. No patient showed signs or symptoms related to the cavernomas. However, the three children will need both clinical and neuroimaging surveillance to monitor the evolution of these incidentally discovered lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial cavernomas can occur years after cerebral radiation therapy. In spite of previous reports that show a high incidence of bleeding lesions, cavernomas may be found incidentally during the neuroimaging surveillance studies that are performed to children with brain tumors previously treated with radiotherapy. In these cases, a conservative attitude seems to be advisable, reserving surgery only for those lesions that grow or bleed.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms/complications , Brain Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Hemangioma, Cavernous/etiology , Radiotherapy/adverse effects , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hemangioma, Cavernous/pathology , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system. It is a disease that is endemic to certain countries in South America. The phenomenon of immigration, however, has increased its prevalence in developed regions due to the arrival of immigrants from endemic areas. AIM: To present the clinical and demographic characteristics of the cases of neurocysticercosis attended in a tertiary care hospital in the city of Murcia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients with a hospital diagnosis of neurocysticercosis over a nine-year period (1997-2005). Demographic and clinical data on these patients were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (three under 12 years of age) were found. Mean age: 29.6 years. Countries of origin: Ecuador and Bolivia. The most frequently observed clinical manifestations were: epileptic seizures (73.9%), headache (39.1%) and neurological focus (26.1%). Albendazole was employed in 91.3% of cases and corticoids in 73.9%. The most frequently used drug in patients who received antiepileptic therapy was phenytoin. Four patients required surgical treatment. During the follow-up period, 52.8% of the patients were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Neurocysticercosis is a disease that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in Spain and we should suspect its presence in patients from endemic areas who visit because of clinical symptoms involving the central nervous system.
Subject(s)
Neurocysticercosis/diagnosis , Neurocysticercosis/epidemiology , Adult , Female , Hospitals , Humans , Male , Retrospective Studies , SpainABSTRACT
La neurocisticercosis es la enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente del sistema nervioso central. Setrata de una enfermedad endémica de ciertos países de Sudamérica. Sin embargo, debido al fenómeno de la inmigración, ha aumentado su prevalencia en zonas desarrolladas debido a la llegada de inmigrantes procedentes de áreas endémicas. Objetivo.Presentar las características clínicas y demográficas de los casos de neurocisticercosis atendidos en un hospital terciario de la ciudad de Murcia. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo mediante revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico hospitalario de neurocisticercosis en un período de nueve años (1997-2005). Se recogen los datosdemográficos y clínicos de estos pacientes. Resultados. Se estudiaron 23 pacientes (tres menores de 12 años). Edad media: 29,6 años. Países de origen: Ecuador y Bolivia. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron: crisis epilépticas (73,9%),cefalea (39,1%) y focalidad neurológica (26,1%). Se utilizó albendazol en el 91,3% de los casos y corticoides en el 73,9%. De los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento antiepiléptico, el fármaco más utilizado fue la fenitoína. cuatro pacientes precisarontratamiento quirúrgico. En el período de seguimiento estaban asintomáticos el 52,8% de los pacientes. Conclusiones. La neurocisticercosis es una enfermedad cada vez más prevalente en España y que debemos sospechar en pacientes procedentes de zonasendémicas que consulten por clínica de afectación del sistema nervioso central
Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system. It is adisease that is endemic to certain countries in South America. The phenomenon of immigration, however, has increased its prevalence in developed regions due to the arrival of immigrants from endemic areas. Aim. To present the clinical and demographic characteristics of the cases of neurocysticercosis attended in a tertiary care hospital in the city of Murcia.Patients and methods. We conducted a descriptive, retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients with a hospital diagnosis of neurocysticercosis over a nine-year period (1997-2005). Demographic and clinical data on these patients were collected. Results. Twenty-three patients (three under 12 years of age) were found. Mean age: 29.6 years. Countries of origin: Ecuador and Bolivia. The most frequently observed clinical manifestations were: epileptic seizures(73.9%), headache (39.1%) and neurological focus (26.1%). Albendazole was employed in 91.3% of cases and corticoids in 73.9%. The most frequently used drug in patients who received antiepileptic therapy was phenytoin. Four patients requiredsurgical treatment. During the follow-up period, 52.8% of the patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions. Neurocysticercosis is a disease that is becoming increasingly more prevalent in Spain and we should suspect its presence in patients from endemicareas who visit because of clinical symptoms involving the central nervous system
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adult , Neurocysticercosis/epidemiology , Tertiary Healthcare , Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections/epidemiology , Emigration and Immigration/statistics & numerical data , Albendazole/therapeutic use , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Antiparasitic Agents/therapeutic use , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic useABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Spinal cord rethetering can occur after the primary surgical repair of myelomeningoceles (MMC) and lipomeningoceles (LMC) and produce devastating physical and psychological consequences. The inadvertent introduction of skin elements at the time of the initial surgery can lead to the growth of intraspinal epidermoid or dermoid cysts. OBJECTIVES: To review the incidence of spinal cord tethering following surgery for open and occult spinal dysraphism and to analyze factors that might influence the appearance of this complication. We also aimed to search technical measures at the time of the primary operation that might prevent the occurrence of symptomatic cord retethering. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients submitted to surgical repair of MMC (n=162) or occult spinal dysraphism (n= 54) during the period 1975-2005 who developed symptomatic tethered cord syndrome. RESULTS: Eleven of 162 (6.79%) patients with MMC and 2 of 54 (3.7%) with LMC developed clinical symptoms and signs of spinal cord tethering after intervals ranging from 2 to 37 years after the initial surgical repair of their back lesions. Indications for surgical re-exploration were based mainly on clinical grounds. Postoperative fibrosis was a constant finding in all instances. Other surgical findings included inclusion tumors of cutaneous origin (n=3), lumbar canal stenosis (n= 2), foreign body reactions (n= 2), residual lipoma (n= 1), and a tight hyalinized filum (n=1). Interestingly, 3 of 162 (or 1.85%) myelomeningoceles were found to harbor an intradural epidermoid tumor at the time of spinal cord dethetering, accounting for an incidence of cutaneous inclusion tumors of 27% in cases of post- MMC repair tethering. After a mean follow-up time of 5.5 years, eight patients were improved, two were unchanged and one was worsened. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological deterioration is not a necessary consequence of the natural history of patients with MMC or LMC. Early or late clinical deterioration can be due to spinal cord re-tethering and deserves timely investigation and surgical exploration. Results of surgical intervention were rewarding as 92% of the patients showed improvement or stabilization in their otherwise deteriorating condition. We also report two infrequent causes of spinal cord deterioration: lumbar canal stenosis and intense foreign-body reactions to implanted materials.
Subject(s)
Meningomyelocele/surgery , Reoperation , Spinal Cord/surgery , Spinal Dysraphism/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Lumbosacral Region , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Meningomyelocele/epidemiology , Neurosurgical Procedures , Postoperative Complications , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Antecedentes. La médula espinal puede fijarse tras la reparación inicial en pacientes operados demielomeningocele (MMC) y lipomeningocele (LMC), produciendo graves lesiones físicas y psicológicas. Asimismo, la introducción accidental de restos cutáneos durante la reparación de estas lesiones puede dar lugar al desarrollo de tumores intraespinales de estirpe cutánea. Objetivos. Averiguar la incidencia del anclaje medular tras la cirugía de MMC y LMC y analizar los factores que puedan explicar su aparición. También, investigamos las maniobras técnicas durante la operación primaria susceptibles de evitar la aparición del síndrome de médula fijada. Pacientes y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de las historias de los pacientes operados de MMC (n=162) y de espina bífida oculta (n=54) en el período 1975-2005 que desarrollaron cuadros de anclaje medular sintomático. Resultados. Once pacientes con MMC (6,79%) y dos con LMC (3,7%) presentaron manifestaciones de anclaje medular tras intervalos de 2 a 37 años después de la reparación primaria. Las indicaciones de reintervención se basaron fundamentalmente en criterios clínicos. Un hallazgo constante fue la fibrosiscicatricial que estuvo presente en todos los casos. Otros hallazgos operatorios causantes de la fijación medular consistieron en tumores cutáneos de inclusión (n=3),reacciones de cuerpo extraño (n=2), estenosis del canal lumbar (n=2), restos de lipoma (n=1), y filumhialinizado (n=1). En 3 casos de MMC se encontróademás un quiste epidermoide intradural (1,85% delos MMC), lo que supone una tasa de epidermoides en la reintervención de MMC de 27%. El periodo medio de seguimiento fue de 5,5 años y los resultados fueron: mejoría en 8, dos no experimentaron cambios, y uno sufrió empeoramiento. Conclusiones. El deterioro neurológico de los pacientes operados de MMC o LMC no constituye una consecuencia obligada o parte de la historia natural de estos procesos. El deterioro, precoz o tardío, puede estar motivado por el anclaje posquirúrgico de la médula espinal. Ello hace necesario realizar un seguimiento periódico de estos pacientes, acompañado de los oportunos estudios de neuroimagen y, en su caso, de exploración quirúrgica. Los resultados fueron satisfactorios, ya que el 92% de los pacientes reoperados experimentaron mejoría o estabilización de su enfermedad. Se describen además dos causas infrecuentemente descritas de deterioro tardío: la estenosis del canal y las reacciones fibrosas de cuerpo extraño a materiales implantados
Background. Spinal cord rethetering can occur after the primary surgical repair of myelomeningoceles (MMC) and lipomeningoceles (LMC) and produced evastating physical and psychological consequences.The inadvertent introduction of skin elements at the time of the initial surgery can lead to the growth of intraspinal epidermoid or dermoid cysts. Objectives. To review the incidence of spinal cord tethering following surgery for open and occult spinaldys raphism and to analyze factors that might influence the appearance of this complication. We also aimed to search technical measures at the time of the primary operation that might prevent the occurrence of symptomatic cord retethering. Material and methods. We reviewed the medical records of patients submitted to surgical repair of MMC (n=162) or occult spinal dysraphism (n= 54) during the period 1975-2005 who developed symptomatic tethered cord syndrome. Results. Eleven of 162 (6.79%) patients with MMCand 2 of 54 (3.7%) with LMC developed clinical symptoms and signs of spinal cord tethering after intervals ranging from 2 to 37 years after the initial surgical repair of their back lesions. Indications for surgical re-exploration were based mainly on clinical grounds. Postoperative fibrosis was a constant finding in all instances. Other surgical findings included inclusion tumors of cutaneous origin (n=3), lumbar canal stenosis(n= 2), foreign body reactions (n= 2), residual lipoma (n= 1), and a tight hyalinized filum (n=1). Interestingly,3 of 162 (or 1.85%) myelomeningoceles were found to harbor an intradural epidermoid tumor at the time of spinal cord dethetering, accounting for an incidence of cutaneous inclusion tumors of 27% in cases of post-MMC repair tethering. After a mean follow-up time of 5.5 years, eight patients were improved, two were unchanged and one was worsened. Conclusions. Neurological deterioration is not a necessary consequence of the natural history of patients with MMC or LMC. Early or late clinical deterioration can be due to spinal cord re-tethering and deserves timely investigation and surgical exploration. Results of surgical intervention were rewarding as 92% of the patients showed improvement or stabilization in their otherwise deteriorating condition. We also report two infrequent causes of spinal cord deterioration: lumbar canal stenosis and intense foreign-body reactions to implanted materials
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Meningomyelocele/surgery , Spinal Cord/surgery , Spinal Dysraphism/surgery , Reoperation , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retrospective Studies , Neurosurgical Procedures , Postoperative Complications , Lumbosacral RegionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Some reports have documented posterior fossa cysts resulting in syringomyelic obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow caused by cyst displacement within the foramen magnum. Rarely the syringomyelia is caused by acquired Chiari malformation due to a retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a 38-year-old man with hydrocephalus and syringomyelia, who was found to have a Chiari malformation secondary to a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. After endoscopic third ventriculostomy, the patient was submitted to foramen magnum decompression and arachnoid cyst removal that were followed by resolution of both the Chiari malformation and the syringomyelia. DISCUSSION: In most published cases the syringomyelia has been attributed to obstruction of CSF flow at the foramen magnum by the arachnoid cyst itself. There is only one previous report of a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst producing tonsillar descent and syringomyelia. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts can result in acquired Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. In our view, the management of these patients should be directed at decompressing the foramen magnum and include the removal of the walls of the coexistent arachnoid cyst as it seems to be the crucial factor that accounts for the development of the syringomyelia that these patients present.
Subject(s)
Arachnoid Cysts , Cerebellar Diseases/etiology , Cranial Fossa, Posterior , Hernia/etiology , Syringomyelia/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Arachnoid Cysts/complications , Arachnoid Cysts/surgery , Arnold-Chiari Malformation/complications , Arnold-Chiari Malformation/pathology , Child , Cranial Fossa, Posterior/pathology , Cranial Fossa, Posterior/surgery , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Review Literature as TopicABSTRACT
Antecedentes. Algunos trabajos han descrito laexistencia de quistes aracnoideos de fosa posterior queproducían siringomielia al obstruir la circulación deliquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) por bloqueo del agujeromagno ocasionado por el propio quiste. Rara vezla siringomielia asociada a quiste aracnoideo de fosaposterior es producida por malformación de Chiariadquirida.Objetivos. Publicar el caso de un hombre de 38años con hidrocefalia y siringomielia, en el que seencontró descenso de las amígdalas cerebelosas por lapresión ejercida por un quiste aracnoideo retrocerebeloso.Tras tratar primero la hidrocefalia medianteventriculostomía neuroendoscópica, el paciente fueoperado de descompresión del agujero magno yextirpación de las membranas del quiste que condujerona la resolución tanto del Chiari como de lasiringomielia.Discusión. En la mayoría de los casos publicados lasiringomielia se debía a la obstrucción de LCR en el agujeromagno ocasionada por el propio quiste aracnoideo.Hemos encontrado solamente un caso previo en el queel quiste de fosa posterior era causante del descenso delas amígdalas cerebelosas y éste, a su vez, producía lasiringomielia.Conclusiones. Los quistes aracnoideos de fosa posteriorpueden producir descenso de las amígdalas ysiringomielia. En nuestra opinión, el manejo de estospacientes debe de encaminarse no sólo a descomprimirel agujero magno, sino también a comunicar las paredesdel quiste ya que éste parece ser el principal responsabledel complejo cuadro de siringomielia en estos casos
Background. Some reports have documented posteriorfossa cysts resulting in syringomyelic obstruction ofcerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow caused by cyst displacementwithin the foramen magnum. Rarely the syringomyeliais caused by acquired Chiari malformationdue to a retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst.Objective. To report the case of a 38-year-old manwith hydrocephalus and syringomyelia, who was foundto have a Chiari malformation secondary to a posteriorfossa arachnoid cyst. After endoscopic third ventriculostomy,the patient was submitted to foramen magnumdecompression and arachnoid cyst removal that werefollowed by resolution of both the Chiari malformationand the syringomyelia.Discussion. In most published cases the syringomyeliahas been attributed to obstruction of CSF flow at theforamen magnum by the arachnoid cyst itself. There isonly one previous report of a posterior fossa arachnoidcyst producing tonsillar descent and syringomyelia.Conclusions. Posterior fossa arachnoid cysts canresult in acquired Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.In our view, the management of these patientsshould be directed at decompressing the foramenmagnum and include the removal of the walls of thecoexistent arachnoid cyst as it seems to be the crucialfactor that accounts for the development of the syringomyeliathat these patients present
