Meaning of sustainability of innovations in healthcare organizations: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is pressure on healthcare organizations to provide high-quality care to all patients while innovating the way care is delivered. As they take on the challenge of delivering high-quality, innovative services, any gains made tend to stall before a radical change impacts key outcomes given the difficulty in sustaining innovations over time. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in 5 electronic databases using the PRISMA structure that resulted in 1313 articles, of which 260 were duplicated, leaving 1053 articles. After reading their abstracts, 877 had an inadequate scope for analysis because they did not deal with research on the sustainability of innovations. After a full assessment of the remaining 176 articles, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria with the snowball strategy generating one additional paper, leading to 11 empirical studies. A theoretical discussion and the proposition of a framework were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Studies in university hospitals shed light on determining sustainability factors of innovations not yet fully explored such as the meaning given by individuals to innovation, culture, partnerships, and multidisciplinary collaboration, which complement the literature. This research sought to contribute to the dialogue between management theory and practice in studies on the sustainability of health innovations based on experiences observed in university hospitals. Health managers can verify how sustainability relates to the challenges presented and identify a path that helps them overcome the limitations imposed on the process. The literature shows that the understanding of sustainability as a mediating dimension can collaborate in sustained innovations in order to allow managers to identify actions related to the individual-organization dimension that may be compromising the process and thus act in a more efficient, assertive way in determining the factors that sustain ongoing innovations. CONCLUSIONS: A relevant point is that innovation sustainability needs to be an objective to be achieved where managers/individuals must incorporate this perspective of innovation continuity since the beginning of the process, otherwise this may represent a greater propensity for discontinuity. This analysis can potentially be applied in university hospitals, but it can also be applicable to other types of hospitals and public or private institutions as long as it is an organization that adopts, implements, and seeks to sustain innovations in service delivery.

Hemodynamic and Anatomical Factors in Arteriovenous Malformation Clinical Presentation: 45 Case Studies.

BACKGROUND: Hemodynamic factors have been implicated in hemorrhage from cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The goal of this endovascular study is to analyze the hemodynamic variability in AVM feeders in a balanced group of ruptured and unruptured AVMs of various sizes and at both superficial and deep locations. METHODS: We monitored feeder artery pressure (FP) using microcatheters in 45 patients with AVMs (16 with hemorrhage, 29 without) during superselective angiography and AVM embolization. RESULTS: Mean FP was 49 mm Hg. Significant determinants of FP were the systemic pressure (p < 0.001), AVM size (p = 0.03), and the distance of the microcatheter tip from the Circle of Willis (p = 0.06), but not the presence of hemorrhage, patient age, or feeder artery diameter. The FP in ruptured AVMs was 7 mm Hg higher than in unruptured ones (53.8 mm Hg vs. 47.1 mm Hg, p = 0.032). The presence or absence of venous outflow stenosis and the position of the AVM nidus (superficial or deep to the cortical surface) were important anatomical predictors of AVM presentation. CONCLUSION: The pressure in the feeding artery supplying an AVM is the result of factors which include the systemic arterial pressure, the size of the AVM nidus, and the distance of the AVM from the Circle of Willis. The correlation between these variables makes it difficult to study the risk of hemorrhage as a function of a single factor, which may account for the variation in the conclusions of previous studies.

Importância da experiência clínica para a mensuração da curva escoliótica de crianças pela técnica de Cobb / La importancia de la experiencia clínica en la medición de la curva escoliótica de niños mediante la técnica de Cobb / The importance of clinical experience for the measurement of scoliosis curve in children by Cobb technique

RESUMO A escoliose é definida como uma deformidade com desvio lateral da coluna no plano coronal, torsão da coluna e do tronco e distúrbio no perfil sagital. Essa alteração postural é avaliada por meio de radiografia de incidência anteroposterior, utilizando-se o método de Cobb. O objetivo do estudo é verificar a influência da experiência do avaliador sobre a confiabilidade intraexaminador e interexaminador do ângulo Cobb em curvaturas escolióticas de crianças. Foram incluídas na pesquisa 39 crianças portadoras de escoliose idiopática, com idade entre 7 e 18 anos. Os exames foram avaliados por dois fisioterapeutas, um quiropraxista e um estudante de fisioterapia - cada um avaliando duas vezes cada exame. A segunda avaliação ocorreu após sete dias, para confiabilidade intraexaminador. Ademais, as primeiras avaliações forneceram dados para confiabilidade interexaminador. A análise estatística foi realizada com coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI), análise de Bland e Altman e análise descritiva do desvio absoluto médio, erro-padrão de medição e mínima mudança detectável. Observou-se boa confiabilidade (CCI>0,5) para as análises intraexaminadores entre os profissionais, e confiabilidade fraca (CCI=0,4) para o avaliador inexperiente. A confiabilidade interexaminador dos profissionais foi boa (CCI=0,6), e com a presença do avaliador inexperiente foi fraca (CCI=0,3). As avaliações entre os profissionais apresentaram menor variabilidade das medidas e valores de desvio-padrão quando comparadas com as do avaliador inexperiente. A mensuração dos ângulos da escoliose por meio do método de Cobb realizada por profissionais experientes apresentou melhores índices de concordância e de confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores e menor desvio-padrão e variabilidade entre as medidas.

RESUMEN La escoliosis se define como una alteración con curvatura lateral de la columna vertebral en el plano coronal, torsión de la columna vertebral y del tronco y trastorno en el perfil sagital. Esta alteración postural se evalúa mediante radiografía anteroposterior, utilizando el método de Cobb. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo verificar la influencia de la experiencia del evaluador para la fiabilidad intraexaminador e interexaminador del ángulo de Cobb en las curvaturas escolióticas de los niños. El estudio incluyó a 39 niños con escoliosis idiopática entre 7 y 18 años de edad. Los exámenes fueron evaluados por dos fisioterapeutas, un quiropráctico y un estudiante de fisioterapia, siendo que cada uno evaluó cada examen dos veces. Tras siete días, ocurrió una segunda evaluación para la fiabilidad intraexaminador. Además, las primeras evaluaciones proporcionaron datos para la fiabilidad interexaminador. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), con el análisis de Bland y Altman y con el análisis descriptivo de la desviación media absoluta, del error estándar de medición y del cambio mínimo detectable. Se observó una alta fiabilidad (ICC>0,5) en los análisis intraexaminadores entre los profesionales, y una baja fiabilidad (ICC=0,4) en los de evaluadores inexpertos. La fiabilidad interexaminador de los profesionales fue buena (ICC=0,6), y la presencia del evaluador inexperto fue baja (ICC=0,3). Las evaluaciones entre los profesionales mostraron una menor variabilidad de las medidas y valores de desviación estándar en comparación con los del evaluador inexperto. La medición de los ángulos de escoliosis utilizando el método de Cobb que había sido realizada por profesionales con experiencia mostró mejores índices de concordancia y fiabilidad intra e interexaminadores y una menor desviación estándar y variabilidad entre las mediciones.

ABSTRACT Scoliosis is defined as a deformity with lateral deviation of the spine in the coronal plane, torsion of the spine and trunk, and disturbances in the sagittal profile. This postural alteration is evaluated by anteroposterior incidence radiography using the Cobb method. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of evaluator experience on inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Cobb angle of scoliosis curvatures in children. In total, 39 patients aged 7 to 18 years with idiopathic scoliosis were included in this study. The exams were evaluated by two physical therapists, a chiropractor and a physical therapy student. Each evaluator rated each exam twice and the second evaluation occurred after seven days, characterizing the intra-rater reliability. Furthermore, the first evaluations provided the inter-rater reliability. Statistical analysis was performed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis, descriptive analysis of mean absolute deviation, standard error of measurement, and minimum detectable chance. Correlations ranged from good (ICC>0.5) for intra-rater reliability among professionals to weak (ICC=0.4) for the inexperienced evaluator. The inter-rater reliability of the professional's evaluations was good (ICC=0.6) and the same analysis with the presence of an inexperienced evaluator was weak (ICC=0.3). Evaluations among professionals showed less variability of measurements and standard deviation values compared to the inexperienced evaluator. The measurement of the angles of the scoliosis through the Cobb method carried out by experienced professionals showed better agreement as well as intra- and inter-rater reliability, lower standard deviation, and variability among the measurements.

Correlation between cervical morphology, pain, functionality, and rom in individuals with cervicalgia / Correlação entre morfologia cervical, dor, funcionalidade e adm em indivíduos com cervicalgia / Correlación entre morfología cervical, dolor, funcionalidad y adm en individuos con cervicalgia

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify if there is a correlation between the morphology of the cervical spine curvature, pain intensity, functional disability, and range of motion in individuals with cervicalgia. Methods: Thirty-nine individuals were evaluated using x-rays in the right sagittal plane (Cobb C1-C7 two-line method), visual analogue scale, Neck Disability Index questionnaire, and fleximeter. Descriptive statistical analysis (percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential (independent t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, α=0.05) were performed. Results: There were significant correlations, ranging from moderate to high, between functional capacity and pain intensity (r=0.637, p<0.001), and total range of motion (r=-0.568, p<0.001), and extension (r=-0.610, p<0.001), and between pain intensity and range of motion (r=-0.422, p=0.007). Regarding the morphology of the cervical spine curvature, none of the variables showed a significant correlation. Conclusions: Cervical morphology, more specifically related to the curvature in the sagittal plane, does not seem to interfere alone with pain, functionality, and range of motion. In contrast, it is possible to affirm that higher levels of pain generate a smaller range of cervical movement, especially of extension, which, in turn, results in greater functional losses in individuals with neck pain. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar se existe correlação entre a morfologia da curvatura da coluna cervical, a intensidade da dor, a incapacidade funcional e a amplitude de movimento em indivíduos com cervicalgia. Métodos: Foram avaliados 39 indivíduos, por meio de Raios x no plano sagital direito (método Cobb C1-C7 duas linhas), da escala visual analógica, do questionário Neck Disability Index e de um flexímetro. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva (porcentagem, média e desvio padrão) e inferencial (teste t independente e coeficiente de correlação produto-momento de Pearson, α = 0,05). Resultados: Foram encontradas correlações significativas, que variaram de moderada a alta, entre a incapacidade funcional e a intensidade da dor (r=0,637; p<0,001) e a amplitude de movimento total (r=-0,568; p<0,001) e de extensão (r=-0,610; p<0,001); e, entre a intensidade da dor e a amplitude de movimento de extensão (r=-0,422; p=0,007). Quanto a morfologia da curvatura da coluna cervical, nenhuma das variáveis apresentou correlação significativa. Conclusões: A morfologia cervical, relacionada mais especificamente à curvatura no plano sagital, parece não interferir por si só no acometimento álgico, na funcionalidade e na amplitude de movimento. Em contrapartida, é possível afirmar que níveis mais elevados de dor geram uma menor amplitude de movimento cervical, especialmente de extensão, os quais, por sua vez resultam em maiores perdas funcionais, em indivíduos com cervicalgia. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos prognósticos - Investigação do efeito de característica de um paciente sobre o desfecho da doença.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar si existe correlación entre la morfología de la curvatura de la columna cervical, la intensidad del dolor, la incapacidad funcional y la amplitud de movimiento en individuos con cervicalgia. Métodos: Se evaluaron 39 individuos, por medio de rayos X en el plano sagital derecho (método Cobb C1-C7 dos líneas), de la escala visual analógica, del cuestionario Neck Disability Index y de un flexímetro. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo (porcentaje, promedio y desviación estándar) e inferencial (prueba t independiente y coeficiente de correlación producto-momento de Pearson, α = 0,05). Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones significativas, que variaron de moderada a alta, entre la incapacidad funcional y la intensidad del dolor (r = 0,637, p < 0,001) y la amplitud de movimiento total (r = −0,568, p < 0,001) y de extensión (r = −0,610; p < 0,001) y entre la intensidad del dolor y la amplitud de movimiento de extensión (r = −0,422, p = 0,007). En cuanto a la morfología de la curvatura de la columna cervical, ninguna de las variables presentó correlación significativa. Conclusiones: La morfología cervical, relacionada más específicamente a la curvatura en el plano sagital, parece no interferir por sí solo en la manifestación álgica, en la funcionalidad y en la amplitud de movimiento. En cambio, es posible afirmar que niveles más elevados de dolor generan una menor amplitud de movimiento cervical, especialmente de extensión, el cual a su vez resulta en mayores pérdidas funcionales en individuos con cervicalgia. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios pronósticos - Investigación del efecto de características de un paciente sobre el desenlace de la enfermedad.

Frontal-Mental Line Inclination Test for assessment of cervical curvature: validation and applicability / Teste de Inclinação do Eixo Frontal-Mentoniano para avaliação da curvatura cervical: validação e aplicabilidade / Prueba de Inclinación del Eje Frontal-Mentoniano para la evaluación de la curvatura cervical: validación y aplicabilidade

Abstract Introduction: Alternative testing for X-rays in the assessment of the spine have the advantage of not causing radiation problems, but need to be validated. Objective: To propose a clinical test for assessment of the cervical spine based on the frontal-mental line inclination, identifying its concurrent validity in relation to the gold standard and determining its clinical applicability. Method: The present study was separated into two phases: (1) Test of Frontal-mental Line Inclination's (TFMLI) validation protocol (evaluation of head position using X-ray analysis and computerized photogrammetry and assessment of cervical curvature using X-ray analysis and the TFMLI) (n = 35); (2) testing the possibility of performing the TFMLI with a universal goniometer (n = 23). Results: In phase 1, for the evaluation of head position, the gold standard and photogrammetry showed high and significant correlation (r = 0.602; p < 0.001). When evaluating cervical curvature, the gold standard and the TFMLI showed high and significant correlation (r = 0.597; p = 0.019). In phase 2, for the evaluation of head position, photogrammetry and goniometry showed high and significant correlation (rs = 0.662; p < 0.001). For the evaluation of cervical curvature, the TFMLI performed with photographs and with goniometry showed almost perfect and significant correlation (r = 0.969; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The TFMLI is suitable for an initial evaluation of the cervical spine posture of individuals with anterior head position and can be applied in clinical practice with the use of a universal goniometer.

Resumo Introdução: Testes alternativos ao exame de Raio-X na avaliação da coluna vertebral têm a vantagem de não causarem problemas devido a radiação, mas necessitam ser validados. Objetivo: Propor um teste clínico para avaliação da coluna cervical, baseado na inclinação do eixo frontal-mentoniano, identificar sua validade concorrente em relação ao padrão ouro e determinar sua aplicabilidade clínica. Método: O presente estudo foi separado em duas fases: (1) protocolo de validação do Teste de Inclinação do Eixo Frontal-Mentoniano (TFMLI) (avaliação da posição da cabeça por meio de Raios-X e fotogrametria computadorizada e avaliação da curvatura cervical por meio de Raios-X e pelo TFMLI) (n = 35); (2) testagem da possibilidade de realizar o TFMLI com um goniômetro universal (n = 23). Resultados: Na fase 1, para avaliação da posição da cabeça, o padrão ouro e a fotogrametria mostraram alta e significativa correlação (r = 0,602; p < 0,001). Para avaliação da curvatura cervical, o padrão ouro e o TFMLI mostraram alta e significativa correlação (r = 0,597; p = 0,019). Na fase 2, para avaliação da posição da cabeça, a fotogrametria e a goniometria mostraram correlação alta e significativa (rs = 0,662; p < 0,001). Para avaliação da curvatura cervical, o TFMLI realizado por meio de fotografias e por meio de goniometria apresentaram correlação praticamente perfeita e significativa (r = 0,969; p < 0,001). Conclusão: O TFMLI é adequado para uma avaliação inicial da postura da coluna cervical de indivíduos que apresentem uma posição de cabeça anterior e pode ser aplicado na prática clínica através do uso de um goniômetro universal.

Resumen Introducción: Las pruebas alternativas de rayos X en la evaluación de la columna vertebral tienen la ventaja de no causar problemas de radiación, pero deben validarse. Objetivo: Proponer un ensayo clínico para la evaluación de la columna cervical basada en la inclinación de la línea frontal-mental, identificar su validez concurrente en relación con el patrón oro y determinar su aplicabilidad clínica. Métodos: El presente estudio se separó en dos fases: (1) protocolo de validación do Prueba de Inclinación del Eje Frontal-Mentoniano (TFMLI) (evaluación de la posición de la cabeza mediante rayos X y mediante fotogrametría computarizada y evaluación de la curvatura cervical usando Rayos X y TFMLI) (n = 35); (2) probando la posibilidad de realizar TFMLI con un goniómetro universal (n = 23). Resultados: En la fase 1, para la evaluación de la posición de la cabeza, el patrón oro y la fotogrametría mostraron una correlación alta y significativa (r = 0,602; p < 0,001). Al evaluar la curvatura cervical, el patrón de oro y TFMLI mostraron una correlación alta y significativa (r = 0,597; p = 0,019). En la fase 2, para la evaluación de la posición de la cabeza, la fotogrametría y la goniometría mostraron una correlación alta y significativa (rs = 0,662; p < 0,001). Para la evaluación de la curvatura cervical, el TFMLI realizado mediante fotografías y por goniometría presentó una correlación casi perfecta y significativa (r = 0,969; p < 0,001). Conclusión: El TFMLI es adecuado para una evaluación inicial de la postura de la columna cervical de individuos que presentan una posición anterior de la cabeza y se puede aplicar en la práctica clínica mediante el uso de un goniómetro universal.

Safety and seizure control in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy treated with regional superselective intra-arterial injection of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a highly prevalent syndrome among people with epilepsy, and is usually refractory to drug treatment. Structural and physiological changes, such as hippocampal sclerosis, are often present in TLE patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) in adults with medically refractory mesial TLE (MTLE) and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS). We enrolled 20 patients who had been diagnosed with MTLE-HS and were refractory to medical treatment. All patients underwent a neurological evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging with hippocampal volumetry, video-electroencephalography (EEG) with ictal recording, and a neuropsychological test battery focusing on verbal and nonverbal memory domains. After bone marrow aspiration and subsequent cell preparation, the BMMC were infused by selective posterior cerebral artery catheterization. Patients were followed for 6 months. Safety of the procedure, seizure frequency, neuropsychological evaluation, EEG variables, routine brain magnetic resonance imaging and hippocampal volumetry were considered measurements of outcome. Any serious intercurrent clinical event or adverse effects related to the procedure were reported. No additional lesions and no significant hippocampal volumetric changes were observed. EEG recordings showed a decrease in theta activity and spike density. At 6 months, eight patients (40%) were seizure free. A significant increase in the memory scores over time was observed. The BMMC autologous transplant for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy is feasible and safe. The seizure control achieved in this novel study supports the therapeutic potential of stem cell transplants in MTLE-HS patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Adults: Expansion and Reproducibility.

BACKGROUND: The BackPEI questionnaire was developed and validated just exclusively to evaluate children. AIMS: To propose, validate, and test the reproducibility of an expanded version of the Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument (BackPEI), originally designed to assess back pain in school-aged children, for use with adults. DESIGN: Validation Study. METHODS: Five questions from the original BackPEI were replaced, resulting in the revised instrument (BackPEI-A) containing 20 questions. Three experts checked the content validity of the revised instrument, and the reproducibility was tested by trialing the questionnaire with 154 adults. RESULTS: The reproducibility data for the questions regarding pain intensity, analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), indicated that (a) there was no difference between the medians and (b) the answers were highly correlated, both for lower back (p = .574) (ICC = 0.908) and cervical (p = .968) (ICC = 0.865) pain. The reproducibility data for the remaining questions analyzed using the κ coefficient were classified as moderate (0.4 < κ ≤ 0.6) or very good (κ > 0.8). CONCLUSION: The BackPEI-A is a reproducible, valid, and reliable instrument for use in the evaluation of back and neck pain and their associated risk factors. The instrument also facilitates the evaluation of postural habits in activities of daily living in adults.

The Validity and Reproducibility of the Flexicurve in the Evaluation of Cervical Spine Lordosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure the validity and reliability of flexicurve measurements of cervical curvature in the sagittal plane in adults. METHODS: One hundred thirteen adults were assessed in the seated position with flexicurve radiographs. Two groups were measured: (1) the validity group (n = 55), and (2) the reliability group (n = 58). Both groups were subdivided into 3 subgroups according to body mass index: underweight, normal weight, and overweight. Radiographs were simultaneously taken with flexicurve molded on the cervical spine. Pearson's correlation and the root mean square error were used for the concurrent validity. The reliability of the flexicurve was assessed by 3 raters using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of the measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS: For the concurrent validity, a high correlation (r = 0.570, P < .001, root mean square error = 9.8°), and excellent results were obtained for intra-rater (ICC = 0.771, P < .001, SEM = 4.4°, MDC = 8.6°) and inter-rater (ICC = 0.775, P < .001, SEM = 4.3°, MDC = 8.5°) reliability. The subgroups had different results, whereas the underweight subgroup consistently had the best results. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the flexicurve can be a valid instrument for evaluating the curvature of the cervical spine in the sagittal plane in adults classified according to the body mass index as underweight and normal weight. Reliable measurements were provided for its use whether by the same or different raters. The flexicurve can be recommended for use both in clinical practice and in research settings as long as the suggested protocol is followed.

Accuracy of a Radiological Evaluation Method for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Curvatures Using Spinous Processes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess a radiographic method for spinal curvature evaluation in children, based on spinous processes, and identify its normality limits. METHODS: The sample consisted of 90 radiographic examinations of the spines of children in the sagittal plane. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures were evaluated using angular (apex angle [AA]) and linear (sagittal arrow [SA]) measurements based on the spinous processes. The same curvatures were also evaluated using the Cobb angle (CA) method, which is considered the gold standard. For concurrent validity (AA vs CA), Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, root-mean-square error, Pitman- Morgan test, and Bland-Altman analysis were used. For reproducibility (AA, SA, and CA), the intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change measurements were used. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between CA and AA measurements, as was a low root-mean-square error. The mean difference between the measurements was 0° for thoracic and lumbar curvatures, and the mean standard deviations of the differences were ±5.9° and 6.9°, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients of AA and SA were similar to or higher than the gold standard (CA). The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change of the AA were always lower than the CA. CONCLUSION: This study determined the concurrent validity, as well as intra- and interrater reproducibility, of the radiographic measurements of kyphosis and lordosis in children.

Intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in patients with moderate to severe middle cerebral artery acute ischemic stroke.

Transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) has been proven safe in animal and human studies. However, there are very few studies in stroke patients. In this study, intra-arterial autologous BMMCs were infused in patients with moderate to severe acute middle cerebral artery infarcts. The subjects of this study included 20 patients with early or late spontaneous recanalization but with persistent deficits, in whom treatment could be initiated between 3 and 7 days after stroke onset. Mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow aspirates and infused at the proximal middle cerebral artery of the affected hemisphere. Safety analysis (primary endpoint) during the 6-month follow-up assessed death, any serious clinical events, neurological worsening with ≥ 4-point increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, seizures, epileptogenic activity on electroencephalogram, and neuroimaging complications including new ischemic, hemorrhagic, or neoplastic lesions. Satisfactory clinical improvement (secondary endpoint) at 90 days was defined according to the pretreatment NIHSS scores as follows: modified Rankin Scale score of 0 in patients with NIHSS <8, modified Rankin Scale scores of 0-1 in patients with NIHSS 8-14, or modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2 in patients with NIHSS >14. Good clinical outcome was defined as mRS ≤2 at 90 days. Serial clinical, laboratory, electroencephalogram, and imaging evaluations showed no procedure-related adverse events. Satisfactory clinical improvement occurred in 6/20 (30%) patients at 90 days. Eight patients (40%) showed a good clinical outcome. Infusion of intra-arterial autologous BMMCs appears to be safe in patients with moderate to severe acute middle cerebral artery strokes. No cases of intrahospital mortality were seen in this pilot trial. Larger prospective randomized trials are warranted to assess the efficacy of this treatment approach.

Embolization of pseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery after orthognathic surgery.

In orthognathic surgery, Le Fort I osteotomy is one of the most often used methods for the correction of dental-facial deformities and is considered technically safe. However, this procedure may lead to diverse complications, including uncommon vascular complications. A clinical case is described of late development of pseudoaneurysm in one of the branches of the maxillary artery in a 20-year-old patient who had undergone Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal osteotomy of mandibular branch, and mentoplasty and subsequently treated with embolization. The main forms of treating vascular injuries are reviewed, and embolization is demonstrated to be a technically safe procedure with few complications.

Intracranial arterial stenting for symptomatic stenoses: a Latin American experience.

BACKGROUND: The proportionally higher incidence of intracranial atherosclerosis among Asian and black patients and a greater proclivity for intracranial artery stenosis in the Hispanic population merit drawing attention to a Latin American experience with intracranial arterial stenting. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of an observational study of 33 intracranial lesions (each >50% stenosis) in 32 patients treated by intracranial angioplasty in 6 Latin American centers over a 3-year period. The investigation used a unique device, a balloon-expandable stent (Lekton Motion stent system, now Pharos, Biotronik, AG, Bülach, Switzerland). RESULTS: The treated patients ranged in age from 30 to 81 years (mean, 59.3 years; SD, 12 years), including 24 male and 8 female patients (sex ratio, 4:1). Two were Asians, 4 were blacks, and the rest were white Hispanic. Our mean follow-up is of 10.2 months (SD, 7.84 months), with a mortality rate of 9.4% (3/32), a nonfatal complication rate of 6.2%, and a stroke rate (rate of recurrence) of 0%. The mean pretreatment stenosis of 68.75% (SD, 14%) was reduced to a residual of 5.16% (SD, 16%) (P = .000; 95% confidence interval, 56.8%-70.3%). A control angiogram was performed in 82% of patients, and in that case, the restenosis 50% or greater was of 8.7% during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The treatment of intracranial stenosis with the Lekton Motion stent (Pharos) is feasible with a high technical success rate. Restenosis as well as the rate of new neurologic events during follow-up suggests some efficacy of stroke prevention by using the latest-generation, highly trackable, balloon-expandable stents.

Tratamento endovascular de aneurisma da artéria renal por embolização com micromolas preservando o fluxo sangüíneo renal: relato de caso / Endovascular treatment of renal artery aneurysm using microcoil embolization and renal blood flow preservation: case report

O tratamento endovascular da doença aneurismática da artéria renal tem sido, cada vez mais, aceito como uma alternativa à cirurgia convencional, especialmente em casos de aneurismas complexos intra-parenquimatosos ou que comprometam a bifurcação da artéria renal. Os autores relatam a experiência do tratamento endovascular de uma paciente com aneurisma sacular da bifurcação da artéria renal direita, associado à hipertensão renovascular de difícil controle. Foi realizada a cateterização seletiva da artéria renal, com a inserção de micromolas no saco aneurismático. O aneurisma foi completamente ocluído com preservação total do fluxo sanguíneo renal. A evolução clínica foi satisfatória com redução significativa das medicações anti-hipertensivas. A angio-tomografia de controle, após o oitavo mês do procedimento, confirmou o sucesso do tratamento.

Endovascular treatment of renal artery aneurysmal disease has been increasingly accepted as an alternative to conventional surgery, especially in cases of renal artery bifurcation or complex intrarenal aneurysms. The authors report a case of endovascular treatment of a saccular aneurysm of the right renal artery bifurcation associated with poorly controlled renovascular hypertension. Selective catheterization of the renal artery was performed and microcoils were inserted into the aneurysmal sac. The aneurysm was completely obliterated with total preservation of renal blood flow. Clinical evolution was satisfactory with significant reduction in anti-hypertensive drugs. Control tomographic angiography, after eight months, confirmed treatment success.

Does treatment with N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization protect against hemorrhage in cerebral arteriovenous malformations?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of this procedure to prevent hemorrhage in cerebral arteriovenous malformations (cAVM). METHOD: Between 1992 and 2000, we studied 104 patients submitted to embolization as the main treatment. Patients were followed until hemorrhage or death. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 1.6 months to 8 years. The most frequent presentations were hemorrhage (50%) and seizures (38%). In addition, 40% were small (<30 mm); 56% were medium (30-60 mm). Obliteration was < or =1/3 in 11% of the cases; from 1/3 to < or = 2/3 in 49%; >2/3 in 36%; complete in 5%. The risk of death was 1%/year, and of bleeding, 5.4%/year. Presentation with hemorrhage and low obliteration rate were the main factors associated with hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: cAVM embolization provides limited protection against hemorrhage with obliteration rates below 2/3. Presentation with hemorrhage is the main factor for predicting hemorrhage.

Does treatment with N-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization protect against hemorrhage in cerebral arteriovenous malformations?

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel deste procedimento na prevenção de hemorragia em casos de malformação arteriovenosa (MAV) cerebrais. MÉTODO: Entre 1992 e 2000, estudamos 104 pacientes submetidos a embolização como tratamento principal. Os pacientes foram seguidos até a ocorrência de hemorragia ou morte. RESULTADOS: O período de seguimento variou de 1,6 mês a 8 anos. As apresentações mais freqüentes foram hemorragia (50%) e convulsões (38%). Além disso, 40% das lesões eram pequenas (<30 mm); 56% eram médias (30-60 mm). O grau de obliteração foi <1/3 em 11% dos casos; 1/3 a <2/3 em 49%; >2/3 em 36%; completa em 5%. O risco de morte foi 1%/ano, e de sangramento, 5,4%/ano. Apresentação com hemorragia e baixo grau de obliteração foram os principais fatores associados com hemorragia. CONCLUSÃO: A embolização em MAVs cerebrais confere proteção limitada contra hemorragia, com graus de obliteração abaixo de 2/3. Apresentação com hemorragia é o principal fator preditivo de hemorragia.

Distúrbio da funçäo cortical superior e malformaçäo vascular: relato de caso / Disorder of the superior cortical function and vascular malformation: case report

O distúrbio de aprendizado é uma queixa comum nos ambulatórios de neurologia. Apresenta-se o caso de um paciente jovem que tem história de dificuldade de aprendizado com prejuízo de sua escolaridade e cefaléia de início recente. Na avaliaçao, encontra-se prejuízo no desempenho das funçoes corticais e alteraçoes tomográficas e arteriográficas de malformaçao vascular encefálica. Os autores discutem a associaçao de distúrbios de aprendizado e malformaçao vascular cerebral.

Giant pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial vertebral artery: case report

Pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery are extremely rare due to their deep location and the anatomical protection of this artery. They can be caused by cervical traumas (firearm inhuries, sports, hyperextension of the neck and iatrogeny). The authors report the case of a patient who developed a giant pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial vertebral artery after surgery for the removal of a tumor of the cerebellopontine angle in which surgical lesion of the artery occurred. Treatment was performed by endovascular approach. Literature is reviewed and comments are made on the physiopathogeny of the lesion and the different forms of treatment.

Fasciculaçöes e impressäo basilar: estudo a propósito do relato de um caso / Fasciculations and basilar impression: study apropos of a case

Descreve-se um caso impressäo basilar manifesto com síndrome piramidal e cerebelar bilateral, déficit sensitivo no hemicorpo direito e fasciculaçöes abundantes na face, língua, masseteres, esternocleidomastoideus e trapézios, enfatizando a sua etiologia compressivo-isquêmica

Fasciculacoes e impressao basilar: estudo a proposito do relato de um caso

Os autores descrevem o caso de impresdsao basilar manifesto com sindrome piramidal e cerebral bilateral, deficit sensitivo no hemicorpo direto e fasciculacoes abundantes na face, lingua, maseteres, esternocleidomastroideus e trapezios, enfatizando a sua etiologia compressivo-isquemica.

Hemorragia intracraniana na criança / Intracranial hemorrhage in children

Apresentam-se os tipos de hemorragias intracranianas näo-traumáticas que ocorrem no período neonatal e na criança maior, discutindo-se a etiologia, aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e radiológicos, prognóstico e tratamento