Cerebral metastasis from an undifferentiated sarcoma of the left atrium.

A rare case of a cerebral metastasis 13 months after open heart surgery because of an undifferentiated sarcoma of the left atrium is presented.

Does perioperative administration of rofecoxib improve analgesia after spine, breast and orthopaedic surgery?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Data on the effectiveness of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors in postoperative pain therapy vary widely. We tested in a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial the hypotheses that perioperative (i.e. preoperative and postoperative) administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor rofecoxib decreases pain scores and morphine consumption after spine, breast and orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: Five hundred and forty patients scheduled for spine, breast or orthopaedic surgery were randomly assigned to receive in combination with postoperative morphine via patient controlled analgesia pump for 4 days either rofecoxib 50 mg administered perioperatively, rofecoxib 50 mg administered only postoperatively, or placebo. Primary outcome criteria were pain score at rest (numeric rating scale 0-4) and morphine consumption. RESULTS: Perioperative rofecoxib significantly decreased pain score 0 (0-1) vs. 1 (0-2) (median (interquartile range)), and morphine consumption 18 (6-33) vs. 22.5 (12-38) compared with placebo. In contrast, rofecoxib when administered only postoperatively did not significantly improve analgesic effects or side-effects at time of assessment of the main criteria (24 h after skin closure), but during the follow-up period at 48 h and 72 h after skin closure pain scores and morphine consumption were improved compared to placebo. The analgesic effects of rofecoxib were independent from the type of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor rofecoxib decreases pain scores and morphine consumption after orthopaedic, breast and spine surgery. However, the benefit of preoperative administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor seems to be only moderate, suggesting that early postoperative administration may be a useful alternative approach. There is no evidence that the type of surgery influences analgesic effects of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors.

Spinal intramedullary metastases. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two cases of intramedullary metastasis were observed in our department within a short period of time that change the picture of uncommon locations of spinal metastases as described in literature. The patients presented primarily with rapidly progressing flaccid paraparesis of the lower extremities. Both additionally described diffusely located hypesthesia and pallhypesthesia of the limbs. One complained about sphincter disturbance. Both were treated by laminectomy and microsurgical extirpation of the tumor. In the first case reported here, an intramedullary metastasis of an epithelioid sarcoma in the conus medullaris region was ascertained which may be regarded as the first such reported case. In the second case report, histologic findings confirmed a thoracic intramedullary metastasis of a mastocarcinoma. At follow-up 6 and 8 months postoperatively, we observed full recovery of neurologic function in one patient and partial recovery in the other. Intramedullary metastases are extremely rare. Clinical presentation may show rapid onset and outcome is related to rapid resection and adjuvant therapy. In contrast to intracerebral metastases, this is a remarkable incidence of sarcomatous intramedullary metastatic disease.

Intradiscal pressure recordings in the cervical spine.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental investigations analyzing the biomechanics of the cervical spine are less common than similar studies of other regions of the spine. There are no reports on cervical intradiscal pressure (PID) measurements in vitro. We therefore wanted to establish normal values for PID under physiological conditions by simultaneous muscle force simulation. Moreover, the impact of ventral cervical fusion should be elucidated, because in clinical studies, it is a well-known phenomenon that the adjacent segments often show increased degenerative changes. We present a pilot study. METHODS: Seven human cervical spine specimens were tested biomechanically in a specially developed spine tester. Only pure moments were used for flexion/extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending (maximal moment +/- 0.5 Nm). PID was measured simultaneously in C3-C4 and C5-C6. The specimens were tested as intact specimens and after discectomy and fusion in C4-C5. Both test situations were repeated with simulation of muscle forces. RESULTS: We found characteristic load-pressure curves for each of the three motion axes. In neutral position, PID correlated well with former published data from in vivo measurements. After fusion of C4-C5, there was a marked increase of PID in both adjacent segments (e.g., < or = 180% for axial rotation). With muscle force simulation, the increase was even higher (e.g., < or = 400% for axial rotation). CONCLUSION: For the first time, PID could be measured in the cervical spine in an experimental setting. The results obtained using normal specimens under physiological conditions confirmed those reported in two clinical studies. After cervical fusion, a marked increase in PID could be found in both adjacent segments. Presuming that an increase in PID had a negative effect on metabolism of the intervertebral disc, our results may help to explain why progressive degeneration occurs in these segments.

[Craniocerebral trauma--new pathophysiologic aspects]. / Das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma--neue pathophysiologische Gesichtspunkte.

In the last two decades our understanding of the pathophysiology of severe head injury has significantly increased. It has become evident that secondary neuronal damage may occur and should be prevented. It is ischemia, similar to that seen with stroke and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, that causes secondary brain damage. Therefore, careful monitoring of blood pressure is indicated, and the treatment of arterial hypotension/hypertension should begin as soon as possible. Moreover, there are some new pharmacological concepts for changing the threshold for ischemia in brain tissue. At the present time, however, valid data concerning clinical use are still not available. Therefore, mild hyperventilation and sedation during the initial post-traumatic phase and lowering of intracranial pressure by osmotherapeutics remain the most important treatment modalities, as they were 20 years ago.

Indications for surgery in upper cervical spine injury.

20% of all spine injuries are cervical spine injuries. Surgical treatment of these injuries must take into account the great mobility of this part of the spinal column. Therefore, biomechanical aspects must be considered, especially in the upper cervical spine-C1 and C2. Describing our own therapeutical regimen in 35 patients with unstable upper cervical spine injuries we explain the biomechanical back-ground and review the literature. It becomes evident that ventral approaches are superior to dorsal techniques for decompression, reposition, and stabilization with minimal loss of mobility.

Surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas in elderly patients.

Partly due to increased life expectancy, more and more patients over 60 years of age present with neurosurgical problems. In each case you have to decide to operate a patient or not. Describing the management in pituitary adenomas we conclude that also in elderly people operative therapy via the transsphenoidal approach can be done with a low risk in most cases.

[Intradiscal pressure forces on cervical intervertebral discs in physiologic and pathologic conditions. In vitro study]. / Intradiskales Druckverhalten zervikaler Bandscheiben unter physiologischen und pathologischen Bedingungen. In-vitro-Untersuchung.

Clinical and experimental studies concerning intradiscal pressure have mainly been carried out using the lumbar spine. It has been shown that degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc and external loads can significantly influence intradiscal pressure. To see if these findings are also relevant for cervical discs, we carried out an in vitro study using human cervical spine specimens. The specimens were tested biomechanically under various conditions with simultaneous recording of intradiscal pressure in two cervical discs. We were able to confirm in vivo measurements of intradiscal pressure reported in the literature. Simulation of muscle force led to a marked increase in intradiscal pressure. Moreover, it was demonstrated that ventral cervical fusion has a significant influence on intradiscal pressure in both adjacent segments. In general, the results improve our understanding of the basic biomechanics of the cervical spine. The experiments with fused specimens could help to explain why degeneration is accelerated in adjacent motion segments after ventral cervical fusion.

Epidural scar tissue formation after spinal surgery: an experimental study.

Extensive epidural scar formation is a well-known complication after spine surgery. Fibrous adhesions around nerve roots are a major reason for recurrent neurological symptoms following lumbar discectomy. A large variety of materials, implanted onto the dura, have been used to prevent or reduce laminectomy membrane, with conflicting results. We therefore carried out an experimental study in dogs to compare those materials that seemed to be most suitable. In each of 30 adult beagles, three lumbar laminectomies were performed. Each level was covered with a different material--free autologous fat graft, cellulose mesh, Gelfoam or triamcinolone suspension. In a control group nothing was implanted. After 7 days or 1, 3 or 6 months the animals were killed. The lumbar vertebral columns were harvested and prepared for further histological examination. To compare the results, we designed a new classification scheme (scar index). The data were obtained without knowledge of implanted material or time since operation. We found that free autologous fat grafts are able to reduce epidural scar formation in a high proportion of cases, especially after 3 and 6 months; cellulose mesh showed the worst results. We conclude that free autologous fat grafts are superior to other materials because of simple operative handling, good compatibility and effective prevention of laminectomy membrane.

[The scar tissue protective effect of free autologous fatty tissue transplants. An animal experiment on spinal surgery]. / Die narbenprotektive Wirkung freier autologer Fetttransplantate. Ein tierexperimenteller Beitrag zur Wirbelsäulenchirurgie.

All spinal operations can be followed by the formation of extensive epidural scar tissue. The development of fibrous adhesions around the nerve roots is known to be the main cause of recurrent symptoms after lumbar discectomy. In the past many materials have been used to prevent or to reduce postlaminectomy membrane, with very different results. They have to be implanted onto the dura at the end of the operation. Therefore, we carried out the following controlled experimental study in dogs to compare the materials that seemed to be most suitable. In 30 adult beagles three lumbar laminectomies were performed. For each level a different material was used--free autologous fat graft, cellulose mesh, gel foam, triamcinolone suspension. Animals were sacrificed after 7 days and 1, 3, and 6 months. The lumbar vertebral columns were prepared for further histological examination. We found that free autologous fat grafts reduce epidural scarring in a high percentage, especially after 3 and 6 months. Only in this group good or excellent results were found at all lumbar levels (n = 18). To compare the results with each other we used a newly developed classification scheme (I-IV). The consistency and extent of scar tissue, the kind of cellular infiltrations, and adhesions to the surrounding structures were estimated separately. Cellulose mesh yielded the worst results. We conclude that free autologous fat is superior to other materials, because of: (1) simple and uncomplicated operative handling, (2) good compatibility and (3) effective prevention of postlaminectomy membrane.

[Prognostic factors in acute traumatic epi- and subdural hematoma]. / Prognostische Faktoren bei akuten traumatischen Epi- und Subduralhämatomen.

The results of a retrospective study on the outcome of 147 patients with acute traumatic epidural and subdural haematomas are presented. It is shown that several factors have a significant influence on the outcome of these patients (e.g. type of haematoma, injuries of other organ systems, and findings on admission. Our conclusions: 1. Epidural haematomas have a far better prognosis than subdural haematomas. 2. For both types of haematoma the initial findings and duration of coma seem to be the main predictors of outcome. 3. The patient's age does not significantly influence outcome. 4. As for subdural haematomas, concomitant brain injuries are of greater importance to the outcome than the effects of the haematoma itself.

[Radicular paralysis with reference to lumbar root compression syndromes. Incidence, extent and follow-up in a neurosurgical patient sample]. / Die radikuläre Parese im Rahmen lumbaler Wurzelkompressionssyndrome. Inzidenz, Ausprägung und Verlauf in einem neurochirurgischen Krankengut.

This is a retrospective study of 170 patients which were operated on for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. The mean follow-up was 8 weeks. All patients showed muscular weakness before operation. Incidence, severity, and natural history of motor deficit following lumbar discectomy are reported. Moreover it was of special interest to analyze the effect of sex, age, severity and duration of muscular weakness, and timing of surgery on changes in radicular function.

[Posttraumatic headache : Observations in a pain clinic.]. / Der posttraumatische Kopfschmerz : Erfahrungen aus der Schmerzambulanz.

Following head trauma many different forms of headache can develop. Complaints in the early post-traumatic period appear to be organic in most cases. Later in the course post-traumatic headache frequently shows a psychogenic picture. Describing the causative factors and discussing the therapeutic guidelines, the authors explain how psychological influences can form chronic pain syndromes.

[Intracranial complications of inflammatory ear diseases]. / Intrakranielle Komplikationen entzündlicher Ohrerkrankungen.

Acute and chronic ear infection can lead to intracranial complications, brain abscess and meningitis being the most serious. The clinical picture, diagnosis and therapeutic guidelines are discussed. The important role of interdisciplinary management is emphasised by a case report.

Brain abscess and infections aneurysm of extravascular origin.

Acute and chronic ear infection can lead to intracranial involvement. We report on a case in which two typical cerebral complications followed a chronic otitis media. It seemed that there was no causal relationship between brain abscess and meningitis. The meningitis itself was complicated by rupture of an infectious intracranial aneurysm with fatal outcome. We have not been able to find a similar case in the literature. Clinical picture and therapeutic management are discussed.