[Endovascular treatment of spinal dorsal intradural arteriovenous fistulas]. / Tratamiento endovascular de las fístulas arteriovenosas intradurales dorsales espinales.

BACKGROUND: The dorsal spinal intradural arteriovenous fistulas (DSIAF) are infrequent and complex injuries are underdiagnosed condition and disability. The aim is to present our experience in the endovascular management. METHODS: A retrospective and prospective study of patients with DSIAF treated by endovascular therapy (EVT) with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate during the period 2007-2013. RESULTS: 15 patients, 12 men and 3 women, mean age 37 years, were included. In 12 cases, the presentation was progressive and insidious over a period between 6 months and one year, while 3 had bleeding. The lesion in the thoracic location had 73 % of cases, lumbar 20 % and cervical 7 %. Prior to treatment observed disability grades 5 and 4 in 73 %, and 67 % had micturition disturbances. Complications grade 3, only one patient had transient deterioration of alert 6 hours after the procedure. Improvement to grades 1 and 2 disability at 48 hours, 3 and 6 months, 53 %, 73 % and 87 % respectively was found. CONCLUSION: EVT has a short operating time, bleeding volume is very low and the hospital stay is short compared with other surgical techniques. EVT is a safe and significant effectiveness in treating DSIAF procedure. This is the first series of cases treated with EVT in Mexico.

Introducción: las fístulas arteriovenosas intradurales dorsales espinales (FAVIDE) son lesiones poco frecuentes y complejas que son subdiagnósticadas y condicionan discapacidad. El objetivo es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo endovascular. Métodos: estudio ambispectivo de pacientes con FAVIDE, tratados mediante terapia endovascular (TEV) con n-butil-cianoacrilato en el periodo de 2007 a 2013. Resultados: se incluyeron 15 pacientes con edad media de 37 años. En 12 casos la presentación fue progresiva e insidiosa en un lapso de entre 6 meses y un año, mientras que 3 presentaron hemorragia. La lesión tuvo localización torácica en 73 % de los casos, lumbar en 20 % y cervical en 7 %. Previo al tratamiento observamos discapacidad de grados 5 y 4 en 73 %, y 67 % tenían alteraciones de la micción de grado 3. Como complicaciones, solo una paciente tuvo deterioro del estado de alerta transitorio 6 horas después del procedimiento. Se encontró una mejoría hacia los grados 1 y 2 de discapacidad, a las 48 horas, 3 y 6 meses, de 53 %, 73 % y 87 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones: con la TEV se tiene un tiempo quirúrgico corto, el volumen de hemorragia es bajo y la estancia hospitalaria es corta, respecto de otras técnicas quirúrgicas. La TEV es un procedimiento seguro y con efectividad significativa en el tratamiento de FAVIDE. Esta es la primera serie de casos tratados con TEV en México.

[Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for chronic communicating hydrocephalus in adults]. / Tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica secundaria en hidrocefalia comunicante crónica en el adulto.

BACKGROUND: Shunt devices to treat hydrocephalus are associated with a malfunction of 81 % at 12 years and 10 % of infection. The objective was to assess safeness and efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for the treatment of chronic communicating hydrocephalus. METHODS: Eight patients with chronic communicating hydrocephalus were included in a period between September, 2012 and April, 2013. X ray computed tomography scans were performed when patients were admitted, after the surgery, and at 30, 180 and 365 days. The follow-up was of 251 days (the biggest was of 459 days). The variables included were: age, sex, etiology, time of evolution, and the total number of shunt malfunctions. Conventional technique with a 30° rigid endoscope was performed, malfunctional shunt was removed, and a tied shunt device was placed. RESULTS: Four males and four females, with a mean age of 42 years (27-63 years); neurocysticercosis was identified in five patients (62.5 %); the evolution rate was of 18 years (15-30 years); the hospital stay rate was of 6.5 days (3-22 days); the mean of previous shunt malfunctions was 4 (1-6). COMPLICATIONS: neuroinfection in one patient, malfunction in three patients. None of them died. CONCLUSIONS: ETV is a safety procedure for treating chronic communicating hydrocephalus; it has a success rate higher than 60 %. Neurocysticercosis showed better results when previous shunt malfunctions were lower than three.

Introducción: la derivación valvular para tratar la hidrocefalia se asocia con disfunción del 81 % a 12 años y 10 % de infección. El objetivo es evaluar la seguridad y la eficacia clínica de la tercer ventriculostomía endoscópica secundaria (TVE) en pacientes con hidrocefalia comunicante crónica. Métodos: se incluyeron ocho pacientes adultos entre septiembre de 2012 y abril de 2013 con hidrocefalia por disfunción valvular de etiología comunicante. Se les hizo estudio de tomografía axial computarizada al ingreso, postoperatoria, y después de 30, 180 y 365 días. El seguimiento clínico fue de 251 días (el mayor fue de 459 días). Las variables incluidas fueron: edad, sexo, etiología, tiempo de evolución y número de sistemas valvulares fallidos. Se aplicó técnica convencional con endoscopio rígido 30°, retiro de catéter disfuncional, y colocación de sistema valvular ligado. Resultados: cuatro hombres y cuatro mujeres, con edad promedio de 42 años (27-63 años), neurocisticercosis en cinco pacientes (62.5 %), evolución promedio de 18 años (15-30 años), estancia hospitalaria promedio 6.5 días (3-22días), disfunciones valvulares previas promedio 4 (1-6). Complicaciones: hubo neuroinfección en un paciente y disfunción en tres pacientes. Ninguno murió. Conclusión: la TVE secundaria es un procedimiento seguro en el tratamiento de hidrocefalia comunicante crónica, con una eficacia mayor al 60 %. En neurocisticercosis se observaron mejores resultados con antecedente de dos o menos recambios valvulares.

[Treatment of endovascular aneurysms associated with fenestration of the basilar artery. A case report]. / Tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma asociado a fenestración de la arteria basilar. Reporte de un caso.

The fenestration of the basilar artery is an uncommon anatomical variant that may be associated with saccular aneurysms; however this association is rare. We report the case of a patient who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage that was successfully treated by coil embolization and review the literature.

[Prognostic factors in elderly patient meningioma]. / Factores pronósticos del meningioma del paciente geriátrico.

BACKGROUND: Frequently, therapeutic decisions must be made in order to manage meningioma in geriatric patients. This study analyzes the prognostic factors, as well as the Clinical Radiological Grading Score (CRGS) as a complement to make therapeutic decisions. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2010. The study population consisted of 28 patients over 65 years of age. We analyzed clinical, imaging and histopathological factors. We used the chi-squared test and the Fisher exact test for quantitative variables, as well as the Mann-Whitney U for qualitative variables. RESULTS: Overall mortality at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up was 7.14, 10.71 and 14.28 %, respectively. The analysis revealed that performance status with Karnofsky scale (p = 0.02), the location of the lesion (p = 0.002), histopathological malignancy grade (p = 0.038), and a score lower than 10 on the CRGS (p = 0.003) were associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The neurosurgical management of geriatric patients is a therapeutic option with a favorable prognosis in patients with a score equal to or greater than 10 and those with adequate functional status.

Introducción: frecuentemente debe tomarse una decisión terapéutica para el manejo del meningioma en el paciente geriátrico. El presente estudio analiza factores pronósticos, así como la escala Clinical- Radiological Grading Score (CRGS) como auxiliar para la decisión terapéutica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo entre 2009 y 2010. La población estudiada fue de 28 pacientes mayores de 65 años de edad. Se analizaron factores clínicos, imagenológicos e histopatológicos. Se utilizó la prueba chi cuadrada y la exacta de Fisher para variables cuantitativas y U de Mann-Whitney para variables cualitativas. Resultados: la mortalidad global a los 3, 6 y 12 meses de seguimiento fue del 7.14, 10.71 y 14.28 %, respectivamente. El análisis reveló que el estado funcional con la escala de Karnofsky (p = 0.02), la localización de la lesión (p = 0.002), el grado de malignidad histopatológico (p = 0.038) y una puntuación menor de 10 en la escala CRGS (p = 0.003) se asocian con un mal pronóstico. Conclusión: el manejo neuroquirúrgico del paciente geriátrico es una posibilidad terapéutica con un pronóstico favorable en pacientes con una puntuación igual o mayor de 10 y en aquellos con un adecuado estado funcional.

[Endovascular management of residual intracranial aneurysms after surgical clipping]. / Manejo endovascular de aneurismas intracraneales (AI) residuales posquirúrgicos.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and evaluate the cerebral aneurysm remnants after clipping and the endovascular treatment in our institution. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We made a clinical ambispective collection of all aneurysms microsurgically clipped during four years and we analyzed their endovascular treatment. RESULTS: There were 290 cerebral aneurysms; in 270 a digital subtraction angiography was made. Ten aneurysm remnants were found (3.7%); of these, a second operation was performed on two, and coil placement was done in six patients. CONCLUSION: The cerebral aneurysm remnants after clipping in our institution are equivalent to international results. The endovascular treatment of this aneurysm is safe and effective.

[Trigeminal-cavernous fistula. Report of a case and review of the literature]. / Fístula trigeminocavernosa. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

Persistent primitive trigeminal artery is a rare anatomical variant resulting from the absence of obliteration of the embryonic trigeminal artery. The shunt between the persistent primitive trigeminal artery and the cavernous sinus is called trigeminal-cavernous fistula. We report the case of a woman with a trigeminal-cavernous fistula secondary to head trauma who was treated by transarterial embolization.

Tratamiento endovascular de las fístulas arteriovenosas piales no galénicas / No disponible

Introducción y objetivos Las fístulas arteriovenosas piales son malformaciones vasculares infrecuentes. Generalmente son congénitas y su historia natural es ominosa. El objetivo es describir nuestra experiencia en su manejo endovascular y analizar la literatura. Pacientes y métodos Es un estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de pacientes tratados por vía endovascular durante 3 años en 3 instituciones latinoamericanas. Resultados Fueron 6 pacientes con edad media de 22 años. Un caso fue resultado de un traumatismo. El 50% presentó hemorragia intracraneal, el 66% desarrollaron clínica secundaria a efecto de masa y al flujo retrógrado. En los estudios de imagen se observaron varices intracraneales en el 83% de los casos. La angiografía cerebral mostró arterias fistulosas provenientes de la circulación anterior en el (..) (AU)

Dispositivo para inserción percutánea del catéter distal en la derivación ventriculoatrial. Reporte técnico / No disponible

Introducción y objetivos El sistema de derivación ventriculoatrial está indicado en el tratamiento de algunos casos de hidrocefalia. El catéter distal se suele insertar a la aurícula derecha mediante la disección venosa cervical. La inserción percutánea ha sido descrita con éxito, sin embargo su uso no está mundialmente extendido. El objetivo es describir las modificaciones del catéter distal del sistema de derivación ventriculoatrial, la técnica para su colocación percutánea y la evolución clínica. Material y métodos Se modificó el catéter distal tras su uso en 4 especímenes animales. Se diseñó «sobre la guía» (over the wire) y se disminuyó su flexibilidad, y además se agregaron accesorios al equipo. Luego se utilizó en humanos bajo ligeras modificaciones de la técnica de punción yugular. Se evaluaron las complicaciones, el tiempo operatorio y la evolución durante 6 meses. Resultados Durante un año se trataron 6 pacientes adultos portadores de hidrocefalia en quienes el peritoneo ya no podía ser receptor del líquido cefalorraquídeo. No se presentaron complicaciones y el tiempo operatorio medio fue de 34min (incluyendo la colocación del catéter proximal). La hidrocefalia remitió. Conclusiones La técnica percutánea ha demostrado ser útil: disminuye el tiempo quirúrgico y presenta un muy bajo índice de complicaciones. Al parecer, las modificaciones hechas al catéter distal no provocan complicaciones y se evita el uso de otros materiales diseñados para otros propósitos. Se requieren más casos para realizar un análisis definitivo (AU)

[Device for percutaneous insertion of a distal catheter in ventriculo-atrial shunt. Technical report]. / Dispositivo para inserción percutánea del catéter distal en la derivación ventriculoatrial. Reporte técnico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A ventriculo-atrial shunt is indicated for the treatment of some hydrocephalus cases. The distal catheter is usually inserted into the right atrium through cervical venous dissection. Percutaneous insertion has been described with success; however its use is not widespread. The aim of this work is to describe modifications in the distal catheter of a ventriculo-atrial shunt, the technique for its percutaneous insertion and the clinical outcome of the process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The distal catheter was modified after its use in 4 animal specimens. It was designed «over the wire¼, with its flexibility being reduced and accessories being added. The device was subsequently used in humans, with slight modifications of the jugular vein catheterization technique. We evaluated complications, surgical time and outcome during 6months. RESULTS: In the course of one year, 6adult patients in whom the peritoneum was no longer receiving cerebrospinal fluid were treated for hydrocephalus. The mean operating time was 34minutes (including proximal catheter insertion). There were no complications and ventricular size improved. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous technique has proved useful: it reduces surgical time and has a very low rate of complications. Apparently, modifications made in the distal catheter caused no complications and avoided the use of other materials designed for other purposes. More cases are required to perform a definitive analysis.

[Endovascular treatment of non-galenic pial arteriovenous fistulas]. / Tratamiento endovascular de las fístulas arteriovenosas piales no galénicas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pial arteriovenous fistulas are infrequent vascular malformations. They are generally congenital and their natural history is ominous. The objective of this work is to describe our experience in their endovascular management and to review the existing literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study of patients treated by endovascular approach during 3 years at 3 Latin-American hospitals. RESULTS: The study included 6 patients with a mean age of 22 years. One case was caused by cranial trauma. In total, 50% suffered intracranial haemorrhage and 66% developed symptoms attributable to volume effect or retrograde blood flow. Intracranial varices were identified by CT and MRI scans in 83% of cases. Digital subtraction angiography showed arteriovenous fistulas from anterior circulation in 67% of cases and deep venous drainage in 50%. One endovascular procedure was performed in 5 cases (83%), while 2 procedures were required in one case. A single embolic agent was used to occlude fistulas in 67% of cases; whilst 33% required a combination. Coils were used in 4 cases (67%) and onyx was injected in another 4 (67%). One case required stent and balloon deployment. The fistulas were uneventfully occluded in all cases. The follow-up period was one year in 5 cases and 6 months in one case. All patients remained symptom-free. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular management can be considered as the treatment of choice. It consists in the embolisation of arterial pedicles with one or more embolic agents and should be performed as close as possible to the drainage vein, avoiding migration of the embolic agent towards the venous side.

[Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for growth hormone-producing pituitary adenomas. Preliminary results]. / Abordaje endonasal endoscópico transesfenoida en adenomas hipofisiarios productores de hormona de crecimiento. Resultados preliminares.

BACKGROUND: An endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach is reported as less invasive, allowing an earlier discharge. Published series have never focused on its use in acromegalic patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of an endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach in the management of growth hormone-secreting adenomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen consecutively operated patients were assessed with a prospective follow-up of one year. RESULTS: Sex ratio was 0.7/1 and gross total removal was obtained in 16 cases (84%), subtotal in three (16%). The only complication was a cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring spinal drainage. The median in-hospital stay was 2.5 days. Sixteen patients experienced clinical improvement (84%) and no changes were observed in three (16%). Residual tumor was seen in two cases (11%). Growth hormone levels < 2 ng/dl were seen in 17 cases (89%) and only two patients (11%) had a level >2 ng/dl. Insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were normalized in 16 cases (84%) and remained elevated in three patients (16%). One patient presented an isolated elevated level of insulin-like growth factor-1. Patients with residual tumor and elevated growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels underwent complementary radiosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach seems to be useful in acromegaly, with a high rate of clinical and biochemical cure among other benefits.