Subarachnoid space of the optic nerve sheath and intracranial hypertension: a macroscopic, light and electron microscopic study.

PURPOSE: The optic nerve (ON) is an extension of the central nervous system via the optic canal to the orbital cavity. It is accompanied by meninges whose arachnoid layer is in continuity with that of the chiasmatic cistern. This arachnoid layer is extended along the ON, delimiting a subarachnoid space (SAS) around the ON. Not all forms of chronic intracranial hypertension (ICH) present papilledema. The latter is sometimes asymmetric, unilateral, or absent. The radiological signs of optic nerve sheath (ONS) dilation, in magnetic resonance imaging, are inconsistent or difficult to interpret. The objective of this study was to analyze the anatomy, the constitution, and the variability of the SAS around the ON in its intraorbital segment to improve the understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanism of asymmetric or unilateral or absent papilledema in certain ICH. METHODS: The study was carried out on nine cadaveric specimens. In four embalmed specimens, macroscopic analysis of the SAS of the ONS were performed, with description about density of the arachnoid trabecular meshwork in three distinct areas (bulbar segment, mid-orbital segment and the precanal segment). In three other embalmed specimens, after staining of SAS by methylene blue (MB), we performed macroscopic analysis of MB progression in the SAS of the ONS. Then, in two non-embalmed specimens, light and electron microscopy (EM) analysis were also done. RESULTS: On the macroscopic level, after staining of SAS, we found in all cases that MB progressed on 16 mm average throughout the SAS of the ONS without reaching the papilla. In four embalmed specimens, in the SAS of the ONS, the density of the arachnoid trabecular meshwork showed inter-individual variability (100%) and intra-individual variability with bilateral variability (50%) and/or variability within the same ONS (88%). On the microscopic level, the arachnoid trabeculae of the ONS are composed of dense connective tissue. The EM perfectly depicted its composition which is mainly of collagen fibers of parallel orientation. CONCLUSION: The variability of the SAS around the ONS probably impacts the symmetrical or asymmetrical nature of papilledema in ICH.

Paediatric care in relation to the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak and general reporting of deaths in Sierra Leone.

Setting: All peripheral health units countrywide in Sierra Leone and one hospital in Port Loko. Objectives: Sierra Leone was severely affected by the 2014-2015 Ebola outbreak, whose impact on paediatric care and mortality reports merits assessment. We sought to compare the periods before, during and after the Ebola outbreak, the countrywide trend in morbidities in children aged < 5 years and exit outcomes in one district hospital (Port Loko). During the Ebola outbreak period, gaps in district death reporting within the routine Health Management Information System (HMIS) were compared with the Safe and Dignified Burials (SDB) database in Port Loko. Design: This was a retrospective records analysis. Results: The average number of monthly consultations during the Ebola outbreak period declined by 27% for malaria and acute respiratory infections and 38% for watery diarrhoea, and did not recover to the pre-Ebola levels. For measles, there was an 80% increase during Ebola, which multiplied by 6.5-fold post-Ebola. The number of unfavourable hospital exit outcomes was 52/397 (13%) during Ebola, which was higher than pre-Ebola (47/496, 9%, P = 0.04). Of 6565 deaths reported in the Port Loko SDB database, only 2219 (34%) appeared in the HMIS, a reporting deficit of 66%. Conclusion: The Ebola disease outbreak was associated with reduced utilisation of health services, and appears to have triggered a measles epidemic. Almost 70% of deaths were missed by the HMIS during the Ebola outbreak period. These findings could guide health system responses in future outbreaks.

Contexte : Toutes les unités périphériques de santé dans le pays et un hôpital à Port Loko, Sierra Leone.Objectifs : La Sierra Leone a été gravement affectée par l'épidémie d'Ebola de 2014­2015. Son influence sur les soins pédiatriques et les rapports de décès mérite une évaluation. Cette étude compare, avant, pendant et après l'épidémie d'Ebola, la tendance de la morbidité des enfants âgés de <5 ans dans tout le pays et, dans un hôpital de district (Port Loko), les résultats à la sortie. Pendant Ebola, les lacunes des rapports de décès du district au sein du système d'information de la gestion de la santé de routine (HMIS) ont été comparées à la base de données SDB (enterrement en sécurité et digne) de Port Loko.Schéma : Une analyse rétrospective de dossiers.Résultats : Le nombre moyen de consultations par mois pendant Ebola a décliné de 27% pour le paludisme et les infections respiratoires aiguës et de 38% pour la diarrhée aqueuse, et ce nombre n'est pas remonté aux niveaux d'avant Ebola. Pour la rougeole, il y a eu une augmentation de 80% pendant Ebola qui a été multipliée par 6,5 après Ebola. Sur 397 sorties d'hôpital, 52 ont eu un résultat défavorable (13%) pendant Ebola, ce qui a été plus élevé qu'avant Ebola (47/496, 9% ; P = 0,04). Sur 6565 décès rapportés dans la base de données SDB de Port Loko, seulement 2219 (34%) sont apparues dans le HMIS (déficit de rapportage = 66%).Conclusion : L'épidémie d'Ebola a été associée à une réduction de l'utilisation des services de santé, et semble avoir déclenché une épidémie de rougeole. Près de sept décès sur dix ont été manqués par le HMIS pendant Ebola. Ces résultats pourraient guider les ripostes du système de santé lors de futures épidémies.

Marco de referencia: Todas las unidades periféricas de salud en el territorio nacional de Sierra Leona y un hospital de Port Loko.Objetivos: El brote epidémico de fiebre hemorrágica del Ébola afectó de manera considerable a Sierra Leona durante el 2014 y el 2015. La evaluación de la repercusión de la epidemia sobre la atención pediátrica y la notificación de las defunciones es digna de interés. Se comparó la evolución de la morbilidad de los niños < 5 años de edad en todo el país y los desenlaces del alta hospitalaria en un hospital distrital (Port Loko), antes de la epidemia del Ébola, durante el brote y después del mismo. Durante la epidemia se compararon las deficiencias de notificación de defunciones del distrito en el sistema corriente de información sobre gestión sanitaria, con respecto a la base de datos de la inhumación segura y digna (SDB) en Port Loko.Método: Un análisis retrospectivo de historias clínicas.Resultados: Durante la epidemia del Ébola, el promedio mensual de consultas por paludismo e infección respiratoria aguda disminuyó un 27% y el promedio de consultas por diarrea líquida disminuyó un 38%; tras la epidemia no se recuperaron las cifras anteriores al brote. Al contrario, se observó un aumento de 80% de las notificaciones de sarampión durante la epidemia y una cifra 6,5 veces más alta después del brote epidémico. Durante la epidemia del Ébola ocurrieron desenlaces hospitalarios desfavorables en 52 de 397 pacientes (13%), lo cual representa un aumento con respecto al período anterior al brote, que fue de 47 en 496 hospitalizaciones (9%, P = 0,04). De las 6565 defunciones notificadas en la base de datos SDB de Port Loko, solo 2219 aparecían en el sistema corriente de información sobre gestión sanitaria (34%), lo cual corresponde a una deficiencia de notificación del 66%.Conclusión: El brote epidémico del Ébola ocasionó una disminución de la utilización de los servicios de salud y al parecer desencadenó una epidemia de sarampión. Durante el brote, faltaban en el sistema corriente de información sobre gestión sanitaria cerca de siete de cada diez defunciones. Estos resultados deben contribuir a orientar las respuestas de los sistemas de salud durante los futuros brotes epidémicos.

Cebranopadol: novel dual opioid/NOP receptor agonist analgesic.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain presents a difficult clinical challenge because of the limited efficacy, the limiting adverse-effect profile or the abuse potential of current analgesic options. Cebranopadol is a novel new agent in clinical trials that combines dual agonist action at opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide (NOP) receptors. It is the first truly unique, centrally acting analgesic in several years. We here review the basic and clinical pharmacology of cebranopadol. METHODS: Published literature and Internet sources were searched to identify information related to the basic science (pharmacology and medicinal chemistry) and development (clinical trial) information on the mechanism of dual opioid and NOP receptor pharmacologic action in general, and for cebranopadol in particular. The identified sources were reviewed and the information synthesized. RESULTS: The preclinical testing of cebranopadol has characterized it as a dual opioid and NOP receptor agonist that displays antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic action in a variety of acute and chronic pain models in animals. Unlike most current traditional opioids, it is generally more potent against neuropathic than nociceptive pain. Several phase 2 clinical trials have been completed. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Despite the medical need, a truly novel centrally acting analgesic has not been developed in many years. Cebranopadol represents a truly novel mechanistic approach. Its actual place in pain pharmacotherapy awaits the results of phase 3 clinical trials.

Management program decreases postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk and in general surgical patients: a quality improvement cycle.

BACKGROUND: Preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a major priority for postsurgical patient care. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of a multimodal postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) approach, which was associated with a continuous quality improvement program, in maintaining a low PONV incidence in the PACU. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients scheduled for surgery (ambulatory surgery or not) were prospectively included. PONV data were recorded in the PACU and over a 24-hour period. The management program was based on a multimodal approach with both changes in anesthetic techniques and anti-emetics, and on a three-stage protocol including: 1) phase I: institutional practice phase based on prospective observational study; 2) protocol implementation; 3) phase II: prospective observational study associated with feedback, scientific session and evaluation to guideline adherence. We used the Apfel risk scoring system to identify patients at high risk of PONV. Feedback with audit results and didactic sessions were scheduled quarterly in the Phase II. RESULTS: Thirty-seven/395 (9.4%) and 151/3864 (3.9%) patients experienced PONV in the PACU during Phase I and Phase II respectively (P<0.001). Among the patients with an Apfel risk score that included at least two risk factors, 16.6% and 4.2% experienced PONV in the PACU during Phase I and Phase II respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We highlight the association with a sharp decrease in PONV incidence over a one-year period and a multimodal PONV approach using feedback to clinicians associated with continuous quality improvement program.

Cerebral blood flow modulation by transcutaneous cranial electrical stimulation with Limoge's current.

OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous cranial electrical stimulation (TCES) delivers a high-frequency (166 kHz) pulsed biphasic balanced current with a pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz with 40% duty cycle through a negative electrode and two positive electrodes over the skull. TCES has a proven ability to potentiate anesthesia and analgesia, although the physiological mechanisms of this effect remain unclear. We hypothesized that the mechanism is a modulation of CBF in the central endogenous opioid system. This study aimed at determining the effects of TCES on CBF to elucidate its physiological mechanism. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to active or placebo TCES, and all assessments were double blind. TCES was performed using the Anesthelec™ device. In the stimulated group, an active cable was used, and in the control group (sham), the cable was inactive. CBF was measured by XeCT™ before and after two hours of TCES. RESULTS: Globally, CBF was unchanged by TCES. However, locally, TCES induced a significant CBF decrease in the brainstem and thalamus, which are structures involved in pain and anxiety (TCES and control CBF decrease were 18.5 and 11.9 mL/100g brain tissue/min, respectively). CONCLUSION: TCES can modulate local CBF but it has no effect on overall CBF. [Clinical Trials. gov number: NCT00273663].

Hemangioblastoma of the corpus callosum: A case report and review of the literature on its origin.

A third case of corpus callosum hemangioblastoma (HB) is presented. With no preoperative embolization, surgery was uneventful and the postoperative course was excellent. Based on the literature, we attempted to clarify the histogenesis of HB and to explain why they are exceptional in the supratentorial region in contrast to the posterior cranial fossa. The VHL gene is expressed particularly in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, but this expression is also possible in supratentorial structures. Its mutation leads to developmental arrest of angioblasts that become potentially neoplastic cells. These CD133-positive pluripotent neoplastic angioblasts, similar to stem cells, may be immature HB in the brain. They also express VEGF, coexpress Epo/EpoR, and are capable of differentiation into primitive vascular structures. This coexpression may not only mediate developmental stagnation, but may also induce HB proliferation. Therefore, HB tumorigenesis may be initiated during embryogenesis and may originate from angiomesenchyma because of the expression of three cell types (stromal cells, pericytes, and endothelial cells) in vimentin. Their capacity for proliferation and differentiation in HB depends on the microenvironment.

Preparation for surgery of phaeochromocytoma by blockade of alpha-adrenergic receptors with urapidil: what dose?

The preparation for phaeochromocytoma surgery is a matter of debate. Pre-operative blockade of alpha-1 receptors is increasingly employed in an attempt to reduce the risk of hypertensive episodes, especially during manipulation of the tumour. In this study, we compared the interest of an almost complete blockade of these receptors by high doses of urapidil in comparison with that of moderate doses of this drug. The study was conducted in two consecutive series of 18 patients, the first treated by a moderate dose, and the second by the highest dose tolerated by the patient. The two groups were comparable in other respects. All patients were operated under laparoscopy by the same surgeon and managed by the same anaesthetist using the same protocol. The number of hypertensive peaks was significantly reduced using the high dose of urapidil, with no more hypotensive episodes after tumour removal in this group. The area under the curve of norepinephrine levels as a function of time was significantly larger with the high doses of urapidil, arguing in favour of a more complete blockade of alpha-1 receptors. Our findings indicate the value of aggressive blockade of alpha-1 receptors in preparation for surgery of phaeochromocytoma.

Wound infiltration with magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine mixture reduces postoperative tramadol requirements after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized, double-dummy study was undertaken to compare the effects of magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) administered by the intravenous vs. the infiltration route on postoperative pain and analgesic requirements. METHODS: Forty ASA I or II men scheduled for radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomized into two groups (n=20 each). Two medication sets A and B were prepared at the pharmacy. Each set contained a minibag of 50 ml solution for IV infusion and a syringe of 45 ml for wound infiltration. Group MgSO(4).IV patients received set A with 50 mg/kg MgSO(4) in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine in the syringe. Group MgSO(4)/L received set B with isotonic saline in the minibag and 190 mg of ropivacaine +750 mg of MgSO(4) in the syringe. The IV infusion was performed over 30 min at induction of anaesthesia and the surgical wound infiltration was performed during closure. Pain was assessed every 4 h, using a 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Postoperative analgesia was standardized using IV paracetamol (1 g/6 h) and tramadol was administered via a patient-controlled analgesia system. The follow-up period was 24 h. RESULTS: The total cumulative tramadol consumption was 221 +/- 64.1 mg in group MgSO4.IV and 134 +/- 74.9 mg in group MgSO(4).L (P<0.01). VAS pain scores were equivalent in the two groups throughout the study. No side-effects, due to systemic or local MgSO(4) administration, were observed. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of MgSO(4) with ropivacaine for postoperative infiltration analgesia after radical retropubic prostatectomy produces a significant reduction in tramadol requirements.

Pharmacological control of head motion during cerebral blood flow imaging with CT or MRI.

Uncontrolled head motion during CT/MRI cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging has been estimated between 3 and 15% of the cases. We present a pharmacological approach which permitted us to maintain the incident at 0.06% with few side effects. The protocol involves the systematic use of general anesthesia (sevoflurane) in children below five years and those with mental retardation. In anxious, claustrophobic or agitated adults, mild sedation with propofol, midazolam or hydroxyzine was used with mild effects on CBF. We strongly recommend the availability of basic cardiorespiratory resuscitation equipment and a recovery room before any sedation or general anesthesia is undertaken.

Pre-clinical evaluation and efficacy studies of a melanin-binding IgM antibody labeled with 188Re against experimental human metastatic melanoma in nude mice.

PURPOSE: Currently there is no satisfactory treatment for metastatic melanoma. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) uses the antigen-antibody interaction to deliver lethal radiation to target cells. Recently we established the feasibility of targeting melanin in tumors with 188-Rhenium ((188)Re)-labeled 6D2 mAb to melanin. Here we carried out pre-clinical development of (188)Re-6D2 to accrue information necessary for a Phase I trial in patients with metastatic melanoma. RESULTS: TCEP proved to be effective in generating a sufficient number of -SH groups on 6D2 to ensure high radiolabeling yields with (188)Re and preserved its structural integrity. (188)Re-6D2 was quickly cleared from the blood with the half-life of approximately 5 hrs and from the body--with the half-life of 10 hr. The doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mCi significantly (p < 0.05) slowed down A2058 tumor growth in nude mice, also causing release of melanin into the extracellular space which could provide additional target for repeated treatments. Transient effects of RIT on WBC and platelet counts resolved by Day 14 post-treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Tris(2-Carboxyethyl) Phosphine Hydrochloride (TCEP) was evaluated as potential agent for generation of -SH groups on 6D2 mAb. TCEP-treated 6D2 mAb was radiolabeled with (188)Re and its radiochemical purity and stability was measured by ITLC and HPLC and its immunoreactivity--by melanin-binding ELISA. The pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy and acute hematologic toxicity studies were performed in nude mice bearing lightly pigmented A2058 human metastatic melanoma tumors. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed radiolabeling and quality control procedures for melanin-binding (188)Re-6D2 mAb which made possible currently an on-going Phase I clinical trial in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Peritumoral edema and prognosis in intracranial meningioma surgery.

Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) is often associated with meningiomas. PTBE is probably implicated in the complications occurring in intracranial meningiomas. The goal of this study was to determine the exact implication of PTBE in prognosis. Thirty consecutive patients who underwent surgery for intracranial meningiomas were investigated over a 1-year period. We focused on the clinical and radiological status before and after surgery, and postoperative complications. Multiple regression analysis revealed a close correlation (p<0.05) between PTBE and symptoms, type of arterial supply, difficulty of surgical removal, and postoperative complications. PTBE is likely implicated in the morbidity of intracranial meningiomas. We suggest predictive factors for difficult surgical resection, and emphasise the importance of medical preoperative management and post-operative follow-up.

Sublingual oxybutynin reduces postoperative pain related to indwelling bladder catheter after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Bladder discomfort related to an indwelling catheter can exacerbate postoperative pain. It mimics overactive bladder syndrome that is resistant to conventional opioid therapy. Muscarinic receptor antagonists are effective for treatment of the overactive bladder. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of oxybutynin in the management of postoperative pain after radical prostatectomy. METHOD: Forty-six ASA I or II men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy under general anaesthesia were randomly assigned to two groups, in a double-blind fashion: Group O and Group P (n = 23 each). Group O and Group P received, respectively, sublingual oxybutynin 5 mg or placebo every 8 h during the 24 h after surgery. A 16F Foley catheter was placed during the vesico-urethral anastomosis and the balloon inflated with 10 ml of saline. Pain was assessed in the recovery room starting 10 min after extubation using a 100-point visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were asked to specify whether pain was related to the surgical incision or bladder pain. Standardized postoperative analgesia included acetaminophen and tramadol administered via a patient-controlled analgesia system. RESULTS: The incidence of bladder catheter pain was 65% (15 of 23 patients) in Group P compared with 17% (4 of 23 patients) in Group O (P < 0.01). Overall VAS scores at rest were significantly lower in Group O. Cumulative tramadol consumption was 322.9(124.3) mg [mean(sd)] in Group P and 146(48) mg in Group O (P < 0.01). No oxybutynin-related side-effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual oxybutynin is an effective treatment for postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy and produces a significant reduction in tramadol requirements.

Postoperative thrombotic microangiopathy following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

This report describes the perioperative management of disseminated intravascular coagulation occurring abruptly during a planned cystectomy for non-metastatic bladder papillary carcinoma. Peroperatively, profuse bleeding and an acute decrease in blood pressure were effectively treated by blood transfusions and fresh frozen plasma. Haematological tests indicated the presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. On the following three days, acute renal failure, peripheral disseminated intravascular coagulation-related thrombocytopenia and haemolytic anemia with schistocytes were suggestive of thrombotic microangiopathy. Treatment by plasma exchange along with haemodialysis was commenced. An aetiological work-up remained negative. After 21 days of treatment, haemodialysis and plasma exchange were stopped. Urological outcome was favourable. The one-year follow-up did not show any residual renal insufficiency and laboratory parameters returned to normal. In the absence of evidence in favour of an infectious, drug-related or immunological aetiology, we postulated that this thrombotic microangiopathy was caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation and that the tumour manipulation during the surgical procedure was the triggering factor.

Intravenous magnesium sulphate decreases postoperative tramadol requirement after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the addition of intravenous magnesium sulphate (Mg) at the induction of anaesthesia to a balanced anaesthetic protocol including wound infiltration, paracetamol and tramadol resulted in improved analgesic efficiency after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Thirty ASA I or II males scheduled to undergo radical retropubic prostatectomy with general anaesthesia were prospectively assigned to one of the two groups (n = 15 each). The Mg group (Gr Mg) received 50 mg kg-1 of MgSO4 in 100 mL of isotonic saline over 20 min immediately after induction of anaesthesia and before skin incision. The patients in the control group (Gr C) received the same volume of saline over the same period. At the time of abdominal closure, wound infiltration with 190 mg (40 mL) of ropivacaine was performed in both groups. Pain was assessed by a 10-point visual analogue scale in the recovery room starting from the time of tracheal extubation. Standardized postoperative analgesia included paracetamol and tramadol administered via a patient-controlled analgesia device. RESULTS: In the postoperative period, both groups experienced an identical pain course evolution. Cumulative mean tramadol dose after 24 h was 226 mg in the magnesium group and 446 mg in the control group (P < 0.001). Postoperative nausea occurred in two patients in each group. Two vs. eight patients required analgesic rescue in magnesium and control groups, respectively (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that intravenous magnesium sulphate reduces tramadol consumption when used as a postoperative analgesic protocol in radical prostatectomy.

Comparison of the anaesthetic requirement with target-controlled infusion of propofol to insert the laryngeal tube vs. the laryngeal mask.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The target effect-site concentration of propofol to insert a laryngeal mask airway was recently reported as almost 5 microg mL(-1). The present study aimed to determine the target effect-site concentration with target-controlled infusion of propofol to place classical larnygeal mask airway or current laryngeal tube in adult patients. METHODS: We included 40 patients scheduled for short gynaecological and radiological procedures under general anaesthesia in a randomized, double-blind manner using the Dixon's up-and-down statistical method. Monitoring included standard cardiorespiratory monitors, and bispectral index monitoring was used for all patients. Anaesthesia was conducted with a target-controlled infusion system: Diprifusor. The initial target plasma concentration of propofol was 5 microg mL(-1), and was changed stepwise by 0.5 microg mL(-1) increments according to Dixon's up-and-down method. Criteria for acceptable insertion were: Muzi's score < or = 2, and mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate or bispectral index variation <20% the baseline values. RESULTS: Target effect-site concentration of propofol required to insert laryngeal tube was 6.3 +/- 0.3 microg mL(-1) with Dixon method and ED50 was 6.1 microg mL(-1) (5.9-6.4) with logistic regression method. In the case of larnygeal mask airway they were 7.3 +/- 0.2 microg mL(-1) (Dixon method) and 7.3 microg mL(-1) (7.1-7.5; with logistic regression) respectively (P < 0.05). ED95 (logistic regression) was 6.8 microg mL(-1) (5.9-7.6) for laryngeal tube and 7.7 microg mL(-1) (7.3-8.0) for larnygeal mask airway (P < 0.05). Haemodynamic incidents were 55% in the larnygeal mask airway group vs. 30% in the laryngeal tube group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The target effect-site concentration of propofol for insertion of laryngeal tube was lower than for larnygeal mask airway (P < 0.05), with a consequent reduction of the propofol induced haemodynamic side-effects.

Comparative overview of brain perfusion imaging techniques.

Numerous imaging techniques have been developed and applied to evaluate brain hemodynamics. Among these are: Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Xenon-enhanced Computed Tomography (XeCT), Dynamic Perfusion-computed Tomography (PCT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC), Arterial Spin-Labeling (ASL), and Doppler Ultrasound. These techniques give similar information about brain hemodynamics in the form of parameters such as cerebral blood flow (CBF) or volume (CBV). All of them are used to characterize the same types of pathological conditions. However, each technique has its own advantages and drawbacks. This article addresses the main imaging techniques dedicated to brain hemodynamics. It represents a comparative overview, established by consensus among specialists of the various techniques. For clinicians, this paper should offers a clearer picture of the pros and cons of currently available brain perfusion imaging techniques, and assist them in choosing the proper method in every specific clinical setting.

Effects of perioperative alpha1 block on haemodynamic control during laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery for phaeochromocytoma can cause excessive catechol amine release with severe hypertension and sinus tachycardia. i.v. calcium antagonists may be used to prevent increases in blood pressure during phaeochromocytoma resection. We investigated the effects of perioperative alpha(1) adrenergic block with urapidil on intraoperative haemodynamic events. The aim was to block the alpha(1) adrenergic receptors before any acute catecholamine release, to prevent any severe rise in blood pressure. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a phaeochromocytoma received a continuous i.v. infusion of urapidil 10-15 mg h(-1) for 3 days before surgery and until the adrenal gland had been removed. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were measured before surgery, after induction of anaesthesia, at the end of pneumoperitoneal insufflation, during gland manipulation, after gland resection, and in the recovery room after extubation. Arterial pressure was recorded concomitantly. Hypertensive events were treated with boluses of nicardipine with or without esmolol. RESULTS: All patients had the adrenal tumour removed without any severe rise in blood pressure or other complication. Creation of a pneumoperitoneum and adrenal gland manipulation induced significant catecholamine release associated with hypertension in 6 and 12 patients, respectively. No correlation was found between hypertensive events and plasma catecholamine levels suggesting alpha(1) receptor block with urapidil is efficacious. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative alpha(1) block using i.v. urapidil is a safe and efficient alternative during surgical management of phaeochromocytoma.