Selective internal carotid artery cross-clamping increases the specificity of cerebral oximetry for indication of shunting during carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: An indication for selective shunting during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is based on monitoring during a procedure. Cerebral oximetry (CO) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be a simple technique, but its relevance during CEA, especially with respect to cutoff values indicating shunt implantation, still needs to be elucidated. METHODS: One hundred twenty five patients underwent CEA under local anesthesia (LA) and were monitored clinically throughout the whole procedure. The patients were also monitored using bilateral NIRS probes during surgery. The NIRS values were recorded and evaluated before and after selective cross-clamping, firstly by the external carotid artery (ECA), followed by the internal carotid artery (ICA). The decrease in the ipsilateral CO values, with respect to the indication of shunting, was only analyzed after selective cross-clamping of the ICA. The decision to use an intraluminal shunt was solely based on the neurological status evaluation after ICA cross-clamping. RESULTS: One hundred five patients (85%) were stable throughout the CEA, while 20 patients (15%) clinically deteriorated during surgery. The mean drop in the CO after selective ICA clamping in clinically stable patients was 6%, while in patients with clinical deterioration, the NIRS decreased by 14.5% (p < 0.05). When the cutoff value for selective shunting was set as a 10% decrease of the ipsilateral CO after selective ICA clamping, the sensitivity of the technique was 100% and the specificity 83.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a 10% decrease in the ipsilateral brain tissue oximetry after selective cross-clamping the ICA provides a reliable cutoff value for selective shunting during CEA. Despite the availability of a variety of monitoring tools, the NIRS may be an easy, reliable option, especially in the scenario of acute CEA in general anesthesia.

Sagittal profile of cervical and whole spine before and after surgery of subaxial cervical spine.

INTRODUCTION: Until recently, there was a lack of information on sagittal axis parameters of the cervical spine, its relationship to the global sagittal axis of the spine, and their possible implications for long-term clinical outcomes in patients following subaxial cervical spine surgery. The aim of the authors is to provide an overview of the issue from available literature. METHODS: The authors present a complete overview of local radiological parameters of the sagittal axis of the cervical spine, an overview of radiological parameters of the total sagittal axis of the spine, and also spinopelvic parameters. Normative values ​​of the majority of individual parameters are summarized. The authors discuss several topics such as: The possible effects of sagittal axis parameters on the clinical condition of an individual before surgery; furthermore, whether a change in sagittal parameters of the cervical and whole spine after subaxial cervical spine surgery can affect the clinical condition and postoperative patient satisfaction. Finally, the methodology of specific operations is discussed, including their ability to change the parameters of the sagittal axis of the spine. CONCLUSION: Short patient monitoring times and the predominant use of retrospective methodology are common drawbacks of most studies. Also, there are no clearly determined procedures and specifications for surgical correction of the sagittal axis of the cervical spine. As it turns out, multi-stage procedures are more appropriate to achieve changes of the cervical sagittal axis. It is also gradually becoming apparent that any local change of the cervical spine may affect the sagittal axis of the entire spine.

Atlanto-occipital dissociation.

INTRODUCTION: Atlanto-occipital dissociation (AOD) is a rare and unstable injury of the craniocervical junction, associated with very high morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of this injury is high energy trauma with hyperextension of the cranium, such as car accidents. Due to specific anatomical predispositions, children and young adults are the frequently affected populations. Improving pre-hospital and early emergency care has resulted in a higher sensitivity of AOD diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients with cervical spine trauma, treated at the Masaryk Hospital Trauma Center between 2008 and 2018, identified 7 patients with AOD. The cohort consisted of 5 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 19,6 years and with the age range 9 to 35 years. All cases occurred as a result of a car accident. RESULTS: All patients in the cohort had findings of a highly unstable C0-C1 injury on their CT scans on admission. Four patients died early, while undergoing CPR in the emergency department. Two patients were in severe neurological states, with lesions of the upper cervical spinal cord and medulla oblongata on MRI. These patients were treated with external halo fixation and died within 3 days of the trauma. Only one patient with a new progressive neurological deficit was successfully treated using acute occipitocervical stabilization and fusion. CONCLUSION: The increasing incidence of AOD requires an early diagnosis, which minimizes the risk of successive clinical deterioration. The diagnostic method of choice is the C1-condyle interval (CCI) CT assessment along with cervical spine MRI. Standard treatment of stable patients with unstable AOD injuries consists in posterior occipitocervical stabilization and fusion of C0-C2.

Image Possibilities of the Peripheral Nerve Tumor Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Case Report.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and morphological analysis of peripheral nerve tumours (PNTs). In recent years, a number of novel MRI sequences such as MR neurography (MRN), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) or MR tractography (MRT) have emerged extending the range of conventional MRI techniques. These advanced sequences are able to provide detailed information concerning PNTs structure, including the course and function of individual neural fascicles. This data can then be utilized in tailoring a suitable surgical procedure, reducing the risks of postoperative neurological deficit. The following case report of a median nerve tumour demonstrates the range and practicality of current MRI techniques. With continuing advancement and perfection of these MRI techniques, we can expect their integration into standard diagnostic protocols of PNTs.

The masaryk hospital extracranial-intracranial bypass study.

Patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion with haemodynamic impairment are at higher risk of ischaemic stroke, and they require treatment. There are two main options: the best medical treatment and an extracranial-intracranial bypass. The aims of this study are to analyse the 30-day and 2-year risk of stroke and death in patients with extracranial-intracranial bypass performed by our department and to compare our results with major published studies. This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgery from 1998 to 2012. Inclusion criteria were the following: (1) radiological diagnosis of symptomatic atherosclerotic internal carotid artery occlusion (AICAO), (2) less than 50 % stenosis of a contralateral ICA, (3) transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ischaemic stroke in the hemispheric territory on an occluded side within 120 days and (4) haemodynamic impairment of at least stage I according to transcranial Doppler sonography (TCDS), perfusion CT and SPECT. Patients were followed up in the outpatient department with TCDS and sonography of the contralateral ICA and the anastomosis after 6 weeks and every 12 months after that. All risks of stroke and death from surgery were recorded throughout the 30 days and the following 2 years post surgery. From September 1998 to November 2012, 93 patients were selected for bypass surgery. There were 72 men and 21 women in an age range of 33 to 79 years (mean 58.9 years) and a follow-up range of 13 to 187 months (mean 108 months). The 30-day risk of stroke and death was 7.5 %. It consists of one death, one major ischaemic stroke, two reversible neurological deficits and three TIAs. The 2-year risk of stroke and death was 9.7 %. Extracranial-intracranial bypass is an effective treatment of haemodynamic impairment in patients with internal carotid occlusion. Maintaining low-level morbidity and mortality is possible with a dedicated neurovascular team. This is the only way in which we can reduce the risk of stroke and death in patients with bypass compared to patients treated medically.

Fractional anisotropy in patients with disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus.

BACKGROUND: Disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH) findings on MRI were described as a prognostic factor for responsiveness to the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Our premise is that DESH could be associated with compression of the cerebral white matter. Microstructural changes can be identified using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), specifically fractional anisotropy (FA). The aim of this study is to compare FA in iNPH patients with and without DESH and healthy controls. METHODS: We analysed 1.5-T MRI scans of patients fulfilling the criteria of probable or possible iNPH and positive supplementary tests before and after surgery (ventriculo-peritoneal shunt). FA was measured in the anterior and posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) and in the corpus callosum. Patients were divided into the DESH and non-DESH group. These data were also compared to FA values in the control group. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. DESH was present in 15 patients and lacking in 12. Twenty-three iNPH patients were shunt responders (85.2 %), and 4 were non-responders (14.8 %). All patients in the DESH group were shunt responders. In the non-DESH group, eight patients were responders (66.7 %). A significant difference between the DESH and non-DESH group was found in the FA of the PLIC. The mean value of FA in the PLIC was 0.72 in the DESH group and 0.66 in the non-DESH group. After the surgery FA decreased in both groups. In the DESH iNPH group FA PLIC decreased to 0.65 and in the non-DESH iNPH group to 0.60. In the healthy controls, the mean FA in the PLIC was 0.58. CONCLUSION: DESH on MRI scans is related to a higher FA in the PLIC with a decrease after the surgery. It reflects a more severe compression of the white matter than in non-DESH patients or healthy volunteers. DESH patients had better outcome than non-DESH patients. This study confirmed the importance of DESH as a supportive sign for iNPH.

[Treatment for volume upgrading of the low-grade supratentorial glioma after the subtotal neurosurgical resection]. / Lécba nízkostupnového gliomu supratentoriální oblasti mozku po neurochirurgické subtotální resekci s projevy objemového up-gradingu.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade gliomas WHO II (LGG) are mostly detected in patients with neurological symptomatology between 20 and 45 years of age very often as secondary epilepsy. We present two cases in which low-grade gliomas attacked neurological zones. Neurosurgical resection was subtotal because of the risk of the damage in neurocognitive functions in both these patients. After the operation, both patients were followed at neurosurgery department in regular intervals using different imaging methods (MRI, MRS and PET). After resections, the MRI detected the enlargement of the volumes of the tumor residua in both patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Owing to the risk of up-grading to high-grades glial tumors (overexpression of EGFR and VEGF), both patients were indicated for curative treatment by external beam radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (Temodal®) and adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: After the end of this treatment, the MRI proved considerable partial regressions in both patients. Moreover, three months later, the MRI did not prove any residual disease. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy combined with the administration of Temodal should prolong the OS and TTP in patients with a high risk of up-grading of low-grade gliomas of the brain. Both the patients are in a follow-up program, also because of the risk of duplicite brain tumor.

Elevated intracranial pressure, low cerebral perfusion pressure, and impaired brain metabolism correlate with fatal outcome after severe brain injury.

BACKGROUND: New brain tissue monitoring techniques (tissue oxymetry, microdialysis) provide direct information about the state of brain oxygenation and brain metabolism in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite this information being limited to a small region of the brain surrounding the probes, it could be associated with such global parameters as the clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE: To study the predictive value of monitoring brain oxygenation and metabolism on clinical outcome in patients in the acute phase of severe TBI. METHODS: An observational study of 20 patients with a severe TBI was undertaken, utilizing intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), brain tissue oxygenation, and brain metabolism monitoring. We correlated the clinical outcome of the patients with the following parameters: ICP, CPP, brain tissue oxymetry (PbtO2), glucose and glycerol levels, and the lactate/pyruvate (LP) ratio. Further, we analyzed the relationship between ICP, CPP, PbtO2, and the metabolism parameters. RESULTS: We found a correlation of the mean ICP values (8.73 ± 1.18 in group A vs. 26.32 ± 5.01 mmHg in group B, p < 0.005), the mean CPP values (84.82 ± 2.02 in group A vs. 66.62 ± 4.64 mmHg, p < 0.005), the LP ratio (37.36 ± 3.44 vs. 199 ± 87.97, p < 0.05), and glycerol levels (62.07 ± 12.14 vs. 215 ± 46.52 µmol/l, p < 0.05) with the clinical outcome. High ICP correlated with both a high LP ratio (Spearman R = 0.61, p < 0.05), and elevated glycerol concentrations (Spearman R = 0.48, p < 0.05). A low CPP correlated with a high LP ratio (Spearman R = -0.57, p < 0.05), while a low PbtO2 correlated with a high LP ratio (Spearman R = -0.49, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High ICP, low CPP, an elevated mean LP ratio, and high glycerol concentrations in the acute phase predict fatal outcome 6 months after TBI. Further, high ICP, low CPP, and low PbtO2 correlate with impaired brain metabolism.

An anatomical and radiological study of the high jugular bulb on high-resolution CT scans and alcohol-fixed skulls of adults.

Although many reports mention a "high jugular bulb" (HJB), it is often not clearly defined. We examined the relationship between the jugular bulb (JB) and the internal auditory canal (IAC) in 200 temporal bones on high resolution CT scans and alcohol-fixed skull bases of adults. The average distance (+/-standard deviation) between the IAC and the JB was 7.5+/-2.3mm (range, 1-16 mm). The JB was higher on the right side than its companion in 53.3% of patients (left side only in 22%; no side dominance in 23.7% of bases). When the JB reached or exceeded the floor of the IAC (16.5%), it was defined as a HJB; 61% of HJB were found in females. Bilateral HJB was found in 0.5% of patients. The HJB was not associated with a contralateral flat JB. Preoperative multiplanar high resolution CT reconstructions make the most detailed assessment of structural topography.

[Results of the treatment of odontoid fractures by osteosynthesis with a single axial screw]. / Výsledky osetrení zlomenin zubu cepovce prímou osteosyntézou jediným axiálním sroubem.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors present the clinical results of odontoid fracture treatment, using a single axial screw, with the aim to compare their results with the findings of other relevant studies, with focus on the use of either one or two axial screws. MATERIAL: Thirty patients were included in the study, 16 men and 14 women at an average age of 56.1 years. They had findings of type II and "shallow" type III fractures, as evaluated on the basis of Anderson and D'Alonzo classification, and combined fractures. All were managed by the method of direct osteosynthesis of the dens with a single axial screw from the anterior approach in the years 1998 to 2005. METHODS: The retrospective, cross-study analysis was based on records and clinical notes from the outpatient department and on radiographic materials from the department of radiology at follow-ups of 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The criteria assessed included screw insertion, quality of fusion during follow-up, and intra-operative and early and late post-operative complications. RESULTS: Insertion of a screw was regarded as optimal in 24 (80 %) cases and suboptimal in six (20 %) cases. None of the patients required screw re-insertion. Evident fusion present at 12 months post-operatively was achieved in 18 (86 %) and questionable fusion in two patients. Non-union was recorded in one patient. Repeat operation was not indicated in any of the cases. There were no intra-operative complications. In six patients early complications occurred. Three patients died due to causes unrelated to the surgical procedure. Two patients had infectious complications not directly related to the surgery. One patient suffered from temporary dysphonia due to vocal chord edema. DISCUSSION: For direct osteosynthesis of the dens, one or two screws can be used. Both methods have been studied in terms of biomechanics and clinical outcome, but none of the studies showed any significant differences between the two methods. Also the available Czech studies have paid only marginal attention to this issue. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the analysis of patients' data and literature reports we can conclude that osteosynthesis employing a single axial screw gives results similar to that using two screws. The available biomechanical and clinical studies have not shown any statistically significant differences between the two methods. The results of our study are in agreement with the relevant literature data published so far. .

[Decompressive craniectomy in the treatment of posttraumatic edema and the contribution of new diagnostic methods]. / Dekompresivní kraniektomie v lécbe posttraumatického edému mozku a prínos nových monitorovacích metod.

The authors present a case report of a young male who suffered a brain injury complicated with malignant posttraumatic edema managed with bilateral decompressive craniectomy after conservative treatment failure. They further discuss current surgical approach to posttraumatic brain edema and contribution of new diagnostic methods in secondary brain damage management.

[Results of reinnervation after peripheral nerve repair by a microsurgical technique used in 1996-1998]. / Výsledky reinervace periferních nervu osetrených mikrochirurgickou technikou v letech 1996-1998.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors present the results of a retrospective study of reinnervation after peripheal nerve repair by a microsurgical technique between 1996 and 1998. This is a development of a previous study by their colleagues. MATERIAL: Between 1996 and 1998, 113 injured peripheral nerves were treated by epineuroperineural suture (Ethilon; thickness, 8/0-10/0) under a microscope. To achieve a homogeneous group, 12 median and 13 ulnar nerves were included and evaluated in this retrospective study. All nerves studied were completely severed at the distal forearm and had sharply cut ends. METHODS: The results of reinnervation were retrospectively analyzed and classified according to the British Medical Research Council system (Seddon, 1972). The patients were followed up for 3 years. The patient's satisfaction with hand function was rated according our own classification. Tinel's sign and scar tenderness were evaluated. RESULTS: 17 patients (68%) achieved motor function M3 or higher and 16 patients (64%) had sensation S3 or higher. Better motor function was achieved after repair of the median than the ulnar nerve (M3 and higher in 91% and 46%, respectively). Better sensory recovery was achieved after repair of the ulnar than the median nerve (S3 and higher in 77% and 50%, respectively). Tinel's sign was positive in 68% of the patients; 10% of the patients complained of scar tenderness. DISCUSSION: Our results are comparable with the studies published so far. The patients with median nerve lesions showed better improvement after repair than those with ulnar nerve lesions and the outcome was better in hands with injury to only one nerve than in those with both nerves injured. The factors that influence peripheral reinnervation and the recovery of hand function are discussed. The surgical technique used, patient's age, regenerative capacity of the peripheral nerve affected, the interval between injury and the definitive microsurgical procedure and the quality of postoperative care are considered to be most important. CONCLUSIONS: Lesions of the peripheral nerve require special attention by a neurosurgeon competent to provide appropriate microsurgical treatment. The interval between injury and definitive treatment should be as short as possible. Postoperative care (rehabilitation and regular neurological examination) is also an important part of treatment.

[The anterior approach in treatment of subaxial cervical spine injuries. (A group of 75 patients)]. / Prední prístup pri resení traumat subaxiální krcní pátere. (Sestava 75 pacientu).

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term results of the subaxial cervical spine injuries treatment, using splint and bicortical screws stabilization via frontal access, as well as to describe the opinion on subaxial cervical spine injuries treatment methods development. METHODOLOGY: During a twelve-year period, starting in 1990, 75 patients suffering from subaxial cervical spine injuries were treated by the authors' work-team. In 96% of the cases, decompression followed by frontal access stabilization using the Caspar technique with a splint and bicortically inserted screws was performed. The Ducker and Cooper classification scale was employed to classify the fracture type. A neurological deficit was classified according to Frankel. The trauma mechanism was determined, as well as peri- and post operation complications and the patients survival rate. Furthermore, the graphic documentation taken during the observation period was assessed. RESULTS: In the patient group, the number of male subjects was three times higher and 56% of the patients under the age of 30 were reported. 40% of the patients were injured in conjunction with a traffic accident, 27% were injured following a fall from a height and 15% after jumping into unknown water. 30% of the patient fractures were classified as flexion-compression types, 30% as flexion-dislocation types, 32% as burst-compression types and 6% as extension fracture types. 22% of the patients were accepted as Frankel A, 7% as B, 5% as C, 14% as D and 52% were Frankel E. 91% of the patients suffered from monotrauma. 96% of the patients, using the frontal access exclusively, were treated with splints, bicortical screws and autologic grafts. The neurological picture improved in 8% of the patients, 15% died in the first year. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment should be aimed at the earliest possible decompression of the neurological tissue, followed by re-introduction of the stable situation. The frontal access may be, in the majority of cases, considered the access of choice.

[The lumbar infusion test and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis and treatment of normotensive hydrocephalus. Prospective evaluation of a group of patients from 2000 to 2002]. / Lumbální infuzní test a transkraniální dopplerometrie v diagnostice a lécbe normotenzního hydrocefalu. Prospektivne hodnocená sestava pacientu 2000-2002.

BACKGROUND: The normal pressure hydrocephalus syndrome (NPH) is characterized by the presence of a clinical triad comprising dementia, motor apraxia, and sphincter complaint, along with the presence of distinct dilatation of the ventricular system in the absence of major cortical atrophy. The diagnosis of NPH must be confirmed by including dynamic liquor tests into the algorithm of examination. The lumbar infusion test (LIT) represents the "gold standard" of liquor dynamic tests. METHODS AND RESULTS: The authors present 24 patients in a prospective managed study. Indication of shunt surgery was based on the result of LIT. At the time of assessment of the diagnosis 28% of the patients were greatly dependent on the nursing care; after the shunt implantation only 7% were still greatly dependent. Shunt implantation brought about increased percentage of patients who were evaluated as quite independent (rise from 14% to 64%). Control group consists of 10 patients with negative LIT results; there were no changes in evaluated parameters in this group. The coincidence of cerebrovascular diseases is probably the most common reason of nonresponsibility to shunt implantation in LIT positive patients.

Anterior approach for vertebral artery occlusion in a rabbit.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various research protocols call for the vertebral artery (VA) occlusion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The anterior aspect of the cervical spine was exposed, the small medial parts of two adjoining pedicles were removed and the VA was occluded by a small hemoclip. RESULTS: The vertebral artery was successfully occluded in 36 experimental animals. In 22 animals the occlusion was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The technique proved to be very reliable and rather easy. Its main advantage seems to be the possibility of simultaneous access to vertebral and carotid arteries.

[Normal pressure hydrocephalus--a rare late complication of radiography of the spine using contrast media]. / Normotenzní hydrocefalus--vzácná pozdní komplikace rentgen-kontrastního vysetrení pátere.

The aim of the study is to inform professionals about a serious complication--the liquor malabsorption--developing in relation to the routinely performed roentgen-contrastive examination (PMG). It also demonstrates advantages of the lumbal infusion test (LIT) as a part of the algorithm of the shunt operation in patients with supposed pathology of liquor malabsorption.

[Development of peripheral nerve surgery]. / Vývoj chirurgie periferních nervu.

In the submitted review the author deals with the development of peripheral nerve surgery (PN) from ancient times to the present time incl. hithero unpublished details. He analyses in great detail the period of the last 40 years which is divided into three stages--the mechanical, biological period and the period of neurotrophism. From the Second World War to the sixties the period bears the term mechanical. The results of reinnervation during this period were not satisfactory as the nerves were connected without the use of a microscope, in major defects they were connected under considerable traction and the only criterion was the resistance against dehiscence. Significant improvement of results of regeneration of PN was recorded during the biological period. Mechanical ideas were overcome and biological and physiological reactions of the peripheral nerves were taken into account. Suture of nerves under traction was refuted and into clinical practice the surgical microscope, microsurgical technique and microsurgical autotransplantation with a nervous graft were introduced. The anatomical structure of the nerve with a plexiform pattern of the fascicles became however the limitation of surgical methods. After discovery of NGF (nerve growth factor) we can speak of the onset of a new period, neurotrophism. In laboratory experiments many substances are studied and theoretically new non-surgical possibilities how to promote regeneration lie ahead. However they cannot be applied yet in clinical practice. In injuries of peripheral nerves the only correct reconstruction method is still microsuture of the nerve and in case of losses microsurgical autotransplantation using a nerve graft.