Tercerventriculostomía endoscópica del paciente adulto. Resultados tras la aplicación de nuestro protocolo / Endoscopic third ventriculostomy of the adult patient. Results from the application of our protocol

Introducción: La tercerventriculostomía endoscópica (TVE) es una técnica quirúrgica ampliamente reconocida para el tratamiento de la hidrocefalia obstructiva. Al igual que otras técnicas para el manejo de la hidrocefalia, la protocolización del manejo intra y peri-operatorio deviene en mejores resultados. Sin embargo, no existe en la literatura en castellano alguna publicación que exponga en detalle un protocolo de trabajo de TVE. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar los resultados tras la aplicación de nuestro protocolo. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una descripción del protocolo para TVE prequirúrgico, intraoperatorio y post-operatorio. Se realizó un análisis prospectivo de una serie de casos. Resultados: Un detallado protocolo fue presentado. Un total de 70 pacientes fueron incluidos para su análisis. La tasa de éxito del procedimiento fue del 82.43%. Hubo una mejoría en la escala de Karnofsky tras la TVE [media de 26.22 puntos (IC 95% 13,77 -36,92)]; siendo esta estadísticamente significativa (p=<0,001). Conclusión: La TVE demostró ser un procedimiento seguro y efectivo para el tratamiento de la hidrocefalia obstructiva. El protocolizar el procedimiento quirúrgico demostró una alta tasa de éxito en nuestra cohorte de pacientes, comparando con los resultados de la literatura internacional

Background. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a worldwide accepted technique to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. As per many other techniques to treat hydrocephalus, protocols had improved the overall results and reduced the complications rate. However, there are no protocols written in Spanish literature, that illustrate in detailed a step by step on how to perform and follow up patients with ETV.The aim of this study is to present the results after the application of our protocol. Methods. A protocol with surgical technique, management and follow up for ETV in adults was written and a retrospective analysis of several cases was presented. Results. A detailed protocol was presented. Forty-three patients included in the protocol were analysed after ETV. The success rate of the procedure was 82.43%. There was a statistically significant improvement of a mean 26.22 points (IC 95% 13.77 -36.92) in the Karnofsky scale after the ETV (p=<0.001). Conclusion: ETV has shown to be a safe and effective procedure to treat obstructive hydrocephalus. The protocolization of the procedure proved a high success rate in our cohort of patients, comparable with the international literature results

Factores radiológicos predictores de grado de resección en pacientes con schwannomas vestibulares / Radiological factors that predict the degree of resection and functional preservation in patients with vestibular schwannomas

Introducción: Existen diversos factores predictores de grado de resección en la cirugía de los schwannomas vestibulares (SV). Nuestro equipo en Tucumán realizó un estudio sistemático perioperatorio con un protocolo específico de resonancia magnética (RM) en estos pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la utilidad de la RM como predictor de grado de resección de los SV. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de serie, de tipo correlacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes operados de SV, por nuestro equipo en Tucumán, entre enero 2014 y diciembre 2020 (n:92). Se realizó correlación estadística, entre las características imagenológicas con el grado de resección. Resultados: Un tumor sólido aumenta 39,19 veces la probabilidad de tener una resección completa en comparación con un tumor quístico. Conclusión: La RM permite definir adecuadamente la consistencia tumoral; un tumor sólido se asocia a una mayor probabilidad de resección total(AU)

Background: There are various predictors of degree of resection surgery for vestibular schwannomas (SV). Our team in Tucumán carried out a systematic perioperative study with a specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in these patients. The objective of the present study was to determine the usefulness of MRI as a predictor of the degree of resection of VS. Methods: A serial, correlational, descriptive, and retrospective study of patients operated on for SV was carried out by our team in Tucumán, between January 2014 and December 2020 (n: 92). Statistical correlation was made between the imaging characteristics with the degree of resection. Results: A solid tumor increases 39.19 times the probability of having a complete resection compared to a cystic tumor. Conclusion: MRI allows to adequately define tumor consistency; a solid tumor is associated with a higher probability of total resection(AU)

Giant Supratentorial Brain Tumors in Children: Functional Outcome and Progression-Free Survival Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) in pediatric patients with giant supratentorial brain tumors (GSBTs) treated with surgical excision. The secondary aim was to analyze how these same factors affected the functional outcome in the long term. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, analytical, single-center cohort study. We included all pediatric patients with GSBT between January 2014 and June 2018. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months for the PFS and overall survival (OS) analysis. Functional status score (FSS) was used to assess the functional outcome. RESULTS: We included 27 patients with GSBT, the median age was six (range 2-12), and eleven patients had a grade IV tumor. The 24-month PFS and OS were 51.85% and 74.04%, respectively. A PFS-ending event or treatment failure occurred in 13 patients. We found that patients with postoperative FFS >16 have a worse PFS than patients with a postoperative FSS <15 (HR 4.51; p = 0.03). Patients with more than three surgeries had worse PFS than patients with one or two procedures (HR 11.39; p = 0.004). High-grade tumors were associated with worse PFS than low-grade tumors (HR 1.55; p = 0.04). Finally, patients with CNS infections had worse PFS than patients without that complication (HR 2.70; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: GSBTs in pediatric patients are complex lesions that require multidisciplinary management. Surgical management and quality of life should be considered when choosing the best treatment. Factors influencing long-term PFS were high-grade histopathology, the need for three or more surgeries, postoperative FSS >16, and CNS infections.

Clinical Applicability of the Sellar Barrier Concept in Patients with Pituitary Apoplexy: Is It Possible?

There is evidence of association between sellar barrier thickness and intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, impacting the postoperative prognosis of the patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical applicability of the sellar barrier concept in a series of operated patients with pituitary apoplexy (PA). A retrospective study was conducted including 47 patients diagnosed with PA who underwent surgical treatment through a transsphenoidal approach. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients were evaluated and classified utilizing the following criteria: strong barrier (greater than 1 mm), weak barrier (less than 1 mm), and mixed barrier (less than 1 mm in one area and greater than 1 mm in another). The association between sellar barrier types and CSF leakage was analyzed, both pre- and intraoperatively. The preoperative MRI classification identified 10 (21.28%) patients presenting a weak sellar barrier, 20 patients (42.55%) with a mixed sellar barrier, and 17 patients (36.17%) exhibiting a strong sellar barrier. Preoperative weak and strong sellar barrier subtypes were associated with weak (p ≤ 0.001) and strong (p = 0.009) intraoperative sellar barriers, respectively. Strong intraoperative sellar barrier subtypes reduced the odds of CSF leakage by 86% (p = 0.01). A correlation between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings in the setting of pituitary apoplexy has been observed.

Senos dérmicos craneales en pediatría: presentación, diagnóstico, complicaciones y tratamiento. Experiencia de un hospital pediátrico de nivel III / Cranial dermal sinuses in pediatrics: Presentation, diagnosis, complications, and management. Experience at a tertiary care children's hospital

Introducción. El seno dérmico cefálico es un tractotubular formado por una separación incompleta entre el ectodermo neural y el ectodermo epitelial;puede tener complicaciones infecciosas. Existen reportes aislados de esta patología. Objetivo: describir una serie de pacientescon seno dérmico craneal, las formas depresentación, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y las complicaciones. Población y métodos. Estudio observacionaldescriptivo de una serie de pacientes pediátricos con seno dérmico cefálico atendidos en unhospital pediátrico de nivel III entre 2014 y 2019. Resultados. se incluyeron 18 pacientes. La clínicade presentación fue, en 12 casos, una lesión puntual en el cuero cabelludo, hipertensiónendocraneana en 4 casos, ataxia en 1 caso y lesión puntual con fístula en 1 caso. La mitad presentó síntomas de infección. La localización fue en la línea media sobre el hueso occipital en 13 casos, en la línea media sobre el hueso frontal en 3 casos y en la línea media interparietal en 2 casos. En 5 casos se encontró asociada una imagen extracraneana y, en 11 casos, una complicación intracraneana. Ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la lesión y en todos se realizó un solo procedimiento quirúrgico. Conclusiones. Los senos dérmicos en esta serie se presentaron como lesiones puntuales en cuerocabelludo. La localización más frecuente fue a nivel occipital sobre línea media y, en más de la mitad, atravesaba el hueso. El tratamiento de elección fue la exéresis completa del seno dérmicoy las lesiones asociadas. Ante la presencia de senos dérmicos sintomáticos o asociados alesiones intracraneanas, la cirugía se realizó de urgencia.

Introduction. A cranial dermal sinus is a tubular tract resulting from the incomplete separation of the epithelial ectoderm from the neuroectoderm which may lead to infectious complicationsThere have been isolated reports of this condition. Objective. To describe a series of patients with cranial dermal sinus, its presentation, diagnosis, management, and complications. Population and methods. Observational,descriptive study of a series of pediatric patients with cranial dermal sinus treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2014 and 2019. Results. A total of 18 patients were included. Theclinical presentation was a specific lesion on the scalp in 12 cases, intracranial hypertension in 4, ataxia in 1, and a specific lesion with fistula tract in 1. Half of patients had symptoms of infection. The lesion was located in the midline of the occipital bone in 13 cases; in the midline of the frontal bone in 3 cases; and in the interparietal midline in 2 cases. The dermal sinus was associated with anextracranial image in 5 cases and an intracranial complication in 11 cases. No patient hadrecurrence and only one surgery was performed in all of them. Conclusions. In this series, dermal sinusespresented as specific lesions on the scalp. The most common site was the occipital midline, and more than 50% of these extended through the bone. The treatment of choice was complete resection of dermal sinus and associated lesions. An emergency surgery was performed when the dermal sinus was symptomatic or associated with intracranial lesions.

Cranial dermal sinuses in pediatrics: Presentation, diagnosis, complications, and management. Experience at a tertiary care children's hospital. / Senos dérmicos craneales en pediatría: presentación, diagnóstico, complicaciones y tratamiento. Experiencia de un hospital pediátrico de nivel III.

INTRODUCTION: A cranial dermal sinus is a tubular tract resulting from the incomplete separation of the epithelial ectoderm from the neuroectoderm which may lead to infectious complications. There have been isolated reports of this condition. OBJECTIVE: A cranial dermal sinus is a tubular tract resulting from the incomplete separation of the epithelial ectoderm from the neuroectoderm which may lead to infectious complications. There have been isolated reports of this condition. POPULATION AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive study of a series of pediatric patients with cranial dermal sinus treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2014 and 2019. RESULTS: Observational, descriptive study of a series of pediatric patients with cranial dermal sinus treated at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2014 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, dermal sinuses presented as specific lesions on the scalp. The most common site was the occipital midline, and more than 50% of these extended through the bone. The treatment of choice was complete resection of dermal sinus and associated lesions. An emergency surgery was performed when the dermal sinus was symptomatic or associated with intracranial lesions.

Introducción. El seno dérmico cefálico es un tracto tubular formado por una separación incompleta entre el ectodermo neural y el ectodermo epitelial; puede tener complicaciones infecciosas. Existen reportes aislados de esta patología. OBJETIVO: describir una serie de pacientes con seno dérmico craneal, las formas de presentación, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y las complicaciones. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo de una serie de pacientes pediátricos con seno dérmico cefálico atendidos en un hospital pediátrico de nivel III entre 2014 y 2019. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 18 pacientes. La clínica de presentación fue, en 12 casos, una lesión puntual en el cuero cabelludo, hipertensión endocraneana en 4 casos, ataxia en 1 caso y lesión puntual con fístula en 1 caso. La mitad presentó síntomas de infección. La localización fue en la línea media sobre el hueso occipital en 13 casos, en la línea media sobre el hueso frontal en 3 casos y en la línea media interparietal en 2 casos. En 5 casos se encontró asociada una imagen extracraneana y, en 11 casos, una complicación intracraneana. Ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la lesión y en todos se realizó un solo procedimiento quirúrgico. CONCLUSIONES: Los senos dérmicos en esta serie se presentaron como lesiones puntuales en cuero cabelludo. La localización más frecuente fue a nivel occipital sobre línea media y, en más de la mitad, atravesaba el hueso. El tratamiento de elección fue la exéresis completa del seno dérmico y las lesiones asociadas. Ante la presencia de senos dérmicos sintomáticos o asociados a lesiones intracraneanas, la cirugía se realizó de urgencia.

Classification and Management of Pontecerebellar-Petrosal Bridging Veins.

OBJECTIVES: The risks and benefits of coagulating intradural venous elements during a retrosigmoid approach for trigeminal neurovascular decompression has not been accurately established. The objectives of this study were to identify the veins that drain into the superior petrosal sinus, classify them in relation to the suprameatal tubercle, and determine the implication of their coagulation. METHODS: A retrospective study of 3-dimensional surgical videos of retrosigmoid approaches for trigeminal neurovascular decompression from the Laboratory of Neurosurgical Innovations of Tucumán (LINT) digital archive was carried out. The veins encountered were classified into 3 groups: retromeatal, meatal and premeatal. The neurosurgical postoperative complication scale proposed by Landriel et al. was utilized to assess complications from venous coagulation. A grade 0 was added for patients without complications. The STATA 14 program was utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The pontocerebellar-petrosal veins of 28 patients who underwent trigeminal decompressive surgery were analyzed. In 7 cases these were found in the retromeatal region; 100% were sacrificed. Eleven cases revealed veins within the meatal region; 90.91% were coagulated. Veins in the premeatal region were found in 14 cases; 57.14% were sacrificed. In the postoperative follow-up, 27 patients were grade 0 and 1 patient developed postoperative meningitis (grade Ib complication). No patient suffered vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: The venous elements identified in trigeminal neurovascular decompressive surgery are variable. We propose classifying them into retromeatal, meatal, and premeatal groups. Retromeatal and meatal veins can be safely sacrificed for appropriate visualization of the neurovascular conflict. The premeatal venous elements should be coagulated only in justified cases.

Ependimomas intracraneales pediátricos: Si el objetivo es la curación, ¿cuál es el verdadero costo? / Pediatric Intracranial Ependymomas: If the Goal Is Cure, What Is the True Cost?

Introducción: Para caracterizar mejor la morbilidad neurológica después de una cirugía de resección máxima seguida de radioterapia en niños con ependimoma infratentorial, decidimos estudiar el estado neurológico prequirúrgico y compararlo con las evaluaciones postoperatorias a corto y largo plazo. Al mismo tiempo realizamos un estudio de sobrevida libre de progresión (SLP) tumoral para conocer qué factores tienen mayor impacto en el pronóstico de este tipo de lesiones. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo donde se incluyeron todos los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de ependimoma infratentorial. Se identificaron los distintos factores de riesgo y se observó cómo evolucionaron en el tiempo. Los pacientes se siguieron por un mínimo de 24 meses para el análisis de supervivencia. Resultados: Se analizaron 26 pacientes pediátricos con ependimomas de fosa posterior entre 2008-2019. Encontramos una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el FSS (Escala funcional neurológica) prequirúrgico y el FSS postoperatorio inmediato (p=0.03), sin embargo esta diferencia se pierde cuando comparamos el prequirúrgico con el FSS posterior al año (p=0.07).La exéresis total de la lesión tiene un efecto protector en la SLP tumoral (p=0.02), mientras que haber requerido más de 3 cirugías afecta negativamente la SLP tumoral (p=0.04), al igual que la localización lateralizada del tumor (p=0.04). Conclusión: La exéresis completa de los ependimomas de fosa posterior continúa siendo el factor pronóstico más importante para la sobrevida libre de progresión tumoral. El deterioro neurológico inmediato producido a causa del procedimiento quirúrgico parecería mejorar en la evaluación a largo plazo.

Introduction: To better characterize the neurological morbidity after maximal resection surgery followed by radiotherapy in children with infratentorial ependymoma, we decided to study the preoperative neurological status and compare it with short and long-term postoperative evaluations. At the same time, we conducted a tumor progression-free survival (PFS) study to find out which factors have the greatest impact on the prognosis of this type of injury. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in which all pediatric patients with a diagnosis of infratentorial ependymoma were included. The different risk factors were identified and it was observed how they evolved over time. Patients were followed for a minimum of 24 months for survival analysis. Results: 26 pediatric patients with posterior fossa ependymomas were analyzed between 2008-2019. We found a statistically significant difference between the presurgical FSS (Functional Status Scale) and the immediate postoperative FSS (p = 0.03), however this difference is lost when we compare the presurgical with the FSS after one year (p = 0.07).Total excision of the lesion has a protective effect on tumor PFS (p = 0.02), while having required more than 3 surgeries negatively affects tumor PFS (p = 0.04), as does the lateralized location of the tumor (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Complete excision of posterior fossa ependymomas continues to be the most important prognostic factor for tumor progression-free survival. The immediate neurological deterioration produced by the surgical procedure would appear to improve on the long-term evaluation

Risk factors for surgical site infection in pediatric posterior fossa tumors.

PURPOSE: Posterior fossa tumors are the most frequent pediatric solid tumor. Its main treatment is a surgical resection. Being a frequent procedure does not mean that it is exempt from complications, such as surgical site infections (SSI). The main objective of this paper is to study the risk factors associated with SSI following a resection of posterior fossa tumors in a purely pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study including all posterior fossa tumor surgeries performed at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2019 was conducted. All patients with a diagnosis of a postoperative SSI have been included as cases, and those who had surgery and no infectious complications have been considered as controls. RESULTS: When analyzing risk factors, we have found that patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) (p = 0.03) or external ventricular drainage (EVD) (p = 0.005) placement had a greater chance of presenting a postoperative surgical site infection. Prolonged operative time (p < 0.001) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak through the wound (p = 0.002) also caused an increase in the risk of SSI in the postoperative period. A higher hemoglobin value (p = 0.002) would seem to be a preventive factor. CONCLUSIONS: Some strategies that could help to reduce the risk of infections are managing hydrocephalus preferably with endoscopic third ventriculostomy, minimizing the needed operative time to perform the procedure, obtaining an adequate serum hemoglobin level, and avoiding CSF leak through the wound.

Resultados clínicos y quirúrgicos del tratamiento de craneofaringiomas en pediatría / Clinical and surgical results of the treatment of craniopharyngiomas in pediatrics

Introducción: Los craneofaringiomas son tumores benignos frecuentes en pediatría. La cirugía resectiva solía ser el tratamiento de elección. Sin embargo, en los últimos años se encuentra muy cuestionada debido a su elevada morbilidad. El objetivo primario de este trabajo es presentar los resultados clínicos y quirúrgicos de la cirugía resectiva de craneofaringiomas por vía transcraneal en nuestra institución. El objetivo secundario es presentar una serie de casos en los que se realizó un tratamiento quirúrgico conservador utilizando un reservorio de Ommaya para tratamiento del componente quístico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de una serie de casos que compara evaluaciones clínicas e imagenológicas pre y postoperatoria en pacientes sometidos a cirugía resectiva de craneofaringioma. Además, se presenta una serie de casos de pacientes con craneofaringiomas predominantemente quísticos tratados con colocación de catéter de Ommaya intraquístico e Interferón. Resultados: Se analizaron 33 pacientes con craneofaringioma sometidos a resección quirúrgica. Al año de la cirugía, encontramos que el 51.52% de los casos (17 pacientes) se mantuvo sin crecimiento de la lesión y que el 48.48% (16 pacientes) presentó aumento o recidiva. En el postoperatorio todas las evaluaciones clínicas empeoraron. Fueron estadísticamente significativas la aparición de diabetes insípida (18.18% vs. 69.70%; p=0.04), obesidad (12.12% vs. 36.36%; p=0.005) y talla baja (33.33% vs. 57.58%; p=0.0006). En los tratados con Ommaya e Interferón, el 28.57% (2 casos) presentó reducción o estabilidad en el quiste y el 71.43% (5 casos) aumentó el tamaño, aunque presentó mejores resultados respecto a la restricción de la talla y obesidad. Conclusión: La exéresis quirúrgica de los craneofaringiomas genera una alta tasa de comorbilidades sumado a un porcentaje elevado de recidiva. El manejo conservador tratando el componente quístico en los casos en los que sea posible podría ser una opción viable. El tratamiento de los craneofaringiomas de la infancia debe abordarse de forma multidisciplinaria intentando preservar el bienestar y la calidad de vida de los pacientes

Introduction: Craniopharyngioma is a common benign tumor in children. Although surgery has traditionally been the treatment of choice, it has been controversial in recent years due to the associated high morbidity. The main aim of this paper is to present the clinical and surgical outcomes seen after craniopharyngioma resection in our institution. The secondary objective is to present a case series of patients treated with an Ommaya reservoir (OR) and interferon. Methods: This was a descriptive study comparing the pre and post-surgical clinical and image assessment in patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection. Also, a case series including patients with craniopharyngioma managed with an Ommaya reservoir (OR) and Interpheron was included. Results: Thirty-three patients with craniopharyngioma undergoing surgical resection were assessed. We found no tumor growth in 51.52% (17) of the cases, and either tumor growth or recurrence in 48.48% of the cases at one year. Clinical worsening was observed in the post-operative period; the presence of diabetes insipidus (18.18% vs. 69.70%; p=0.04), obesity (12.12% vs. 36.36%; p=0.005) and short stature (33.33% vs. 57.58%; p=0.0006) were statistically significant. Of the patients treated with an OR and interferon, 28.57% (2) presented tumor cyst regression or stability, and 71.43% exhibited tumor cyst growth. Conclusion: The surgical resection of craniopharyngiomas is associated with a high recurrence rate and usually high mortality. A multidisciplinary management of craniopharyngiomas in childhood is advisable in order to preserve the wellbeing and quality of life of patients

Abdominal complications in patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: proposal for management recommendations from a single pediatric tertiary center.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the management of patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-related complications (abdominal pseudocyst, bowel-related complications, and ascites) and to propose treatment recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-related abdominal complications seen between 2009 and 2019 at a tertiary-care pediatric center. Patients were classified according to their diagnosis into the following: group A (abdominal pseudocyst), group B (bowel-related complications), and group C (ascites). The following variables were studied in all three groups: age, sex, etiology of hydrocephalus, history of pyogenic ventriculitis, history of abdominal surgery, clinical presentation, presence of ventricular enlargement on computed tomography scan, abdominal ultrasonography, shunt series X-ray, cerebrospinal fluid cultures, urgent as well as elective surgical interventions, antibiotic treatment, length of hospital stay, follow-up, and outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 48 patients were analyzed: group A, n=29; group B, n=15; and group C, n=4. In all cases, surgical decision-making was based on symptom severity at the time of diagnosis, presence of ventricular enlargement on computed tomography scan, and cerebrospinal fluid culture results. In patients with positive cultures, the shunt system was removed, and an external ventricular drain was placed. In oligosymptomatic patients, cerebrospinal fluid culture results were awaited to define long-term treatment and in patients with ventricular enlargement or clinically difficult-to-treat symptoms, the distal catheter was exteriorized at the thoracic level. CONCLUSION: In patients with shunt-related abdominal complications, surgical management depends on symptom severity and/or whether infection is present at the time of diagnosis.

Senos dérmicos cefálicos en pediatría: Presentación, diagnóstico, complicaciones y tratamiento / Cephalic dermal sinuses in pediatrics: Presentation, diagnosis, complications and treatment

Introducción: El seno dérmico cefálico es un tracto tubular, producido por una incompleta separación entre el ectodermo neural y el ectodermo epitelial que puede traer aparejado complicaciones infecciosas1.Hasta el momento, en la bibliografía internacional, existen casos reportados aislados de esta patología.Es por esto que realizamos un estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de 18 pacientes con seno dérmico cefálico que fueron operados en nuestra institución, con el objetivo de describir las formas de presentación, diagnóstico, tratamiento y complicaciones de esta patología poco frecuente.Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes pediátricos con seno dérmico cefálico.Resultados: Se analizaron 18 pacientes con seno dérmico cefálico. La clínica de presentación fue en 13 casos una lesión puntual en el cuero cabelludo, hipertensión endocraneana en 4 casos, ataxia en 1 caso y fístula en 1 caso. La mitad presentó síntomas de infección. Las localización fue en línea media sobre el hueso occipital en 13 casos, en línea media sobre el hueso frontal en 3 casos y en línea media interparietal en 2 casos.En 5 casos encontramos asociada una imagen extracraneana y en 11 casos una complicacion intracraneana. Ningún paciente presentó recidiva de la lesión y todos recibieron un solo procedimiento quirúrgico.Conclusiones: Los senos dérmicos pueden presentarse de diversas formas, desde un defecto puntual en un paciente asintomático, a una meningitis fulminante. El estudio de estas lesiones debe contar con una TC de cerebro y RM con DWI, si se sospecha una infección se debe solicitar contraste.El tratamiento es siempre la exéresis completa del seno dérmico y las lesiones asociadas. Ante el diagnóstico de una lesión asintomática se puede programar la cirugía, sin embargo sí encontramos senos dérmicos sintomáticos o asociadas a lesiones intracraneanas la cirugía debe realizarse sin demasiada demora.

Baclofen pump with pre-brainstem catheter tip placement: technical note and case series.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe a new baclofen pump implantation technique with pre-brainstem catheter placement and to demonstrate the benefits that this procedure has in treating spasticity and dystonia. METHODS: We described a new technique to place a baclofen pump catheter anterior to the brainstem. To illustrate the technique, we presented five patients with both spasticity and dystonia in whom conventional treatment was not effective. They each received a baclofen pump with a pre-brainstem catheter. We evaluated the results using the Ashworth scale for spasticity, the Barry-Albright scale for dystonia, and the PedsQL for quality of life assessment. Each patient was evaluated before a surgery and after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in all the physical examination evaluated areas using the Barry-Albright and modified Ashworth scales between the preoperative and the postoperative period. The same applies to the results of the PedsQL quality of life scale. CONCLUSION: We presented an innovative baclofen pump implantation technique with pre-brainstem catheter placement that could be a therapeutic alternative in patients with dystonia and spastic quadriparesis for whom conventional therapy is not effective.

Giant dural arteriovenous fistula in a pediatric patient: positive outcome following surgical treatment.

PURPOSE: Our purpose is to present an atypical case of a 4-month-old patient with a giant dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). METHODS: Presentation of a case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: The DAVF arterial supply was through the middle meningeal artery bilaterally and the anterior and middle cerebral arteries on the right hemisphere. The venous drainage was through the posterior two-thirds of the superior sagittal sinus. The endovascular team performed an embolization to reduce the flow of the lesion, and finally, the surgical team completed the excision of the residual venous sac, without causing any significant neurological deficit. We used a double surgical approach done with two surgical teams in order to optimize the hemostasis control and reduce morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Midline DAVF usually has devastating consequences in children. Endovascular treatment is the first choice since it has lower mortality. Nevertheless, it requires multiple interventions, and the cure of the disease may not be achieved. We believe that joint endovascular and surgical treatment, supported by a reliable multidisciplinary medical team, is a good option for this type of lesions.

The sellar barrier on preoperative imaging predicts intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The type of sellar barrier observed between a pituitary tumor and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may predict intraoperative CSF leak during endonasal pituitary surgery. This is the first multicentric prospective cohort trial to study the sellar barrier concept and CSF leak rate during endoscopic pituitary surgery. METHODS: This multi-center, international study enrolled patients operated for pituitary adenomas via fully endoscopic endonasal surgery over a period of 4 months. The independent variable was the subtype of sellar barrier observed on preoperative MRI (strong, mixed or weak); the dependent variable was the presence of an intraoperative CSF leak. The primary goal was to determine the association between a particular type of sellar barrier and the risk of intraoperative CSF leak. Appropriate statistical methods were then applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Over the study period, 310 patients underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumor. Preoperative imaging revealed a weak sellar barrier in 73 (23.55%), a mixed sellar barrier in 75 (24.19%), and a strong sellar barrier in 162 (52.26%) patients. The overall rate of intraoperative CSF leak among all patients was 69 (22.26%). A strong sellar-type barrier was associated with significantly reduced rate of intraoperative CSF leak (RR = 0.08; 95% CI 0.03-0.19; p < 0.0001), while a weak sellar barrier associated with higher rates of CSF leak (RR = 8.54; 95% CI 5.4-13.5; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative MRI of pituitary patients can suggest intraoperative CSF leak rates, utilizing the concept of the sellar barrier. Patients with a weak sellar barrier carry a higher risk for an intraoperative CSF leak, whereas a strong sellar barrier on MRI seems to mitigate intraoperative CSF leak. We propose that preoperatively assessment of the sellar barrier can prepare surgeons for intraoperative CSF leak repair.

Posición semisentada en neurocirugía. Nota técnica y presentación de casos ilustrativos / Semi-sitting position in neurosurgery. Technical note and illustrative case presentation

Introducción: En las últimas décadas el uso de la posición sentada ha disminuido en frecuencia a causa de 2 complicaciones mayores: el embolismo aéreo venoso y la hipotensión intraoperatoria. Sin embargo es innegable que la posición sentada ofrece una serie de ventajas al neurocirujano, el anestesiólogo y al electrofisiólogo. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados en dos instituciones de Tucumán, entre enero de 2015 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: Se operaron un total de 119 pacientes en posición sentada por vía posterior. Conclusión: Se presentó la técnica de posición semisentada paso a paso y consejos específicos. Se ilustró la utilidad de la misma mediante la presentación de casos representativos

Introduction: In the last decades, the use of the sitting position has been abandoned due to 2 major complications: venous air embolism and intraoperative hypotension. However, it is undeniable that the sitting position offers a series of advantages to the neurosurgeon, the anesthesiologist and the electrophysiologist. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of patients operated at two institutions in Tucumán, between January 2015 and December 2019. Results: A total of 119 patients were operated in a sitting position and posterior approach. Conclusion: The sitting position technique was presented step by step in detail, with the key steps and a series of tricks. The usefulness of the position was illustrated by presenting representative cases

Factores pronósticos en el traumatismo craneoencefálico grave en pediatría / Prognostic factors in severe head injury in pediatrics

Objetivos: Analizar y establecer una asociación entre las características del Traumatismo Craneoencefálico (TEC) grave en pediatría (edad, etiología, características clínicas, lesiones intracraneales y cirugía) y los resultados a largo plazo. Material y Método: Revisión de los pacientes con TEC grave ingresados al Hospital Garrahan desde enero 2013 hasta enero 2019. Se analizaron las características al ingreso y el tratamiento instaurado. Se utilizó la escala Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) para evaluar los resultados a 12 meses. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante las pruebas de Chi2 y Fisher. Se consideró como significativo a un valor de p menor a 0.05. Resultados: Se registraron 54 pacientes con TEC grave y seguimiento posterior de 12 meses. La mediana de edad fue de 6 años (3-12). La mayoría fue de sexo masculino 62.96% (34). La etiología más frecuente fue la caída de altura (42.59%) mientras que la lesión intracraneal que más se observó fue el hematoma extradural (25.93%). Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron las lesiones no accidentales (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), la midriasis bilateral (100% vs 0%; p= 0.001) y el hematoma subdural (70% vs 30%; p= 0.002). Los factores asociados a buen pronóstico fueron las caídas de altura (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) y un examen oftalmológico normal al ingreso (90% vs 10%; p=0.006). Conclusión: Los factores que se asociaron a mal pronóstico fueron el trauma no accidental, la midriasis y el hematoma subdural agudo. Por otro lado, las caídas y el examen oftalmológico normal se asociaron a mejor pronóstico.

Objective: To analyze and establish an association between the characteristics of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in pediatric patients (age, etiology, clinical characteristics, intracranial injuries and surgery) and long-term results. Material and Method: Review of patients with severe TBI admitted to Garrahan Pediatric Hospital from January 2013 to January 2019. The characteristics of admission and treatment instituted were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was used to evaluate results at 12 months. A statistical analysis was performed using Chi2 and Fisher tests. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 54 patients with severe TBI and subsequent follow-up of 12 month were reported. The median age was 6 years (3-12). Most were male 62.96% (34). The most common etiology was height falls (42.59%) while the most observed intracranial lesion was extradural hematoma (25.93%). Non-accidental injuries (100% vs 0%; p=0.02), bilateral mydriasis (100% vs 0%; p=0.001) and subdural hematoma (70% vs 30%; p=0.002) were associated with poor prognosis. Height drops (54.84% vs 45.16%; p=0.01) and a normal ophthalmological examination at income (90% vs 10%; p=0.006) were associated with good prognosis. Conclusion: Non-accidental trauma, mydriasis and acute subdural hematoma were associated with poor prognosis, whereas falls and normal eye exam were associated with better prognosis

Infecciones asociadas a drenaje ventricular al exterior: incidencia y factores de riesgo / Infections associated with external ventricular drainage: incidence and risk factors

Introducción: La utilización de drenajes ventriculares al exterior (DVE) es uno de los procedimientos más frecuentes dentro de la neurocirugía. Los DVE presentan una elevada tasa de infección, con valores que van desde 3-22 %. Las publicaciones que hablan acerca de los factores de riesgo asociados a IAD son limitadas al hemisferio norte, por lo tanto, los resultados no son tan fácilmente trasladables a nuestro medio. Creemos que es importante conocer los factores de riesgo que predisponen a las IAD en nuestra comunidad, para poder prevenirlas y evitarlas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico retrospectivo de una cohorte de 66 pacientes pediátricos que recibieron 137 DVE. Se analizaron los factores considerados de riesgo para infección asociada al drenaje (IAD). Resultados: De los 66 pacientes analizados con DVE, 15 (22.7%; IC 95%: 14-34,5) presentaron una IAD. Los pacientes que presentaron fístula de LCR (65,2% vs 0%; p <0,0001), desconexión del sistema (60% vs 16% p<0,007), obstrucción (75% vs 19% p=0,03), menor edad (2 vs 9 p=0,03), internación prolongada (68 vs 42; p=<0.000), mayor tiempo en quirófano (462 vs 113; p=<0,000), y mayor número de recambios (4 vs 1; p=<0,000) mostraron una incidencia de IAD significativamente superior. Conclusión: La incidencia anual de IAD en nuestra población fue del 22,7%.La fístula de LCR junto con la desconexión y la obstrucción del sistema parecerían ser factores de riesgo para IAD. La edad, el tiempo de internación, la duración de la cirugía y el número de recambios parecerían ser también factores de riesgo para las IAD.

Introduction: The use of external ventricular drainage (EVD) is one of the most frequent procedures within neurosurgery. EVDs present a high infection rate, with values ranging from 3-22%.Information about risk factors associated with EVD are limited to the northern hemisphere, therefore, the results are not so easily transferable to our environment. We believe that it is important to know the risk factors that predispose EVD ́s infections in our community, in order to prevent and avoid them. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analytical study of a cohort of 66 pediatric patients who received 137 EVD. Risk factors for EVD infections were analyzed. Results: Of the 66 patients analyzed with EVD, 15 (22.7%; 95% CI: 14-34.5) presented an EVD infection. CSF fistula (65.2% vs 0%; p <0.0001), disconnection (60% vs 16% p <0.007), obstruction (75% vs 19% p = 0.03) , younger age (2 vs 9 p = 0.03), prolonged hospitalization (68 vs 42; p = <0.000), longer time in the operating room (462 vs 113; p = <0.000), and greater number of replacements (4 vs 1; p = <0.000) showed a significantly higher incidence of EVD infections. Conclusion: The annual incidence of ADI in our population was 22.7%. CSF fistula along with system disconnection and obstruction, younger age, length of stay, surgery duration, and number of replacements appear to be risk factors for EVD infections.

Paraplejía compresiva de un año de evolución. ¿Es posible la recuperación mediante tratamiento quirúrgico? / Compressive paraplegia of one year of evolution. Is recovery possible by surgical treatment?

Introducción: La recuperación de la función motora luego de una lesión medular depende de varios factores como el nivel de la lesión, la extensión del daño, el tiempo de evolución y la edad del paciente. Mayormente la literatura hace referencia a la población adulta y poco existe publicado en pediatría. Objetivo: Reportar y enfatizar la utilidad de la cirugía en una paciente de 7 años con paraplejia por compresión tumoral de larga evolución con posterior recuperación neurológica. Presentación del caso: Paciente femenina de 7 años con paraplejía de larga evolución secundaria a una lesión neoplásica extradural torácica que presentó recuperación neurológica completa en el postoperatorio. Conclusión: Se reporta un caso clínico de una paciente con historia clínica de un año de paraplejia por compresión medular tumoral y recuperación completa luego de la remoción quirúrgica.

Introduction: The recovery of motor function after a spinal cord injury depends on several factors such as the level of the injury, the extent of the damage, the time of evolution and the age of the patient. Most of the literature refers to the adult population and there is little published in pediatrics. Objective: To report and emphasize the utility of surgery in a 7-year-old patient with long-standing tumor compression paraplegia with subsequent neurological recovery. Case presentation: 7-year-old female patient with long-standing paraplegia secondary to a thoracic extradural neoplastic lesion who presented complete neurological recovery in the postoperative period. Conclusion: A clinical case of a patient with a one-year medical history of paraplegia due to tumor spinal cord compression and complete recovery after surgical excision is reported.

Bypass temporosilviano: enfermedad Moyamoya / Temporosilvian Bypass: Moyamoya disease

Introducción: En 1957, Takeuchi y Shimizu describen una vasculopatía oclusiva que involucra la arteria carótida interna bilateral, con la formación de vasos colaterales. En 1969, Suzuki y Takaku denominan a la conexión vascular colateral en las imágenes de angiografía "moyamoya" que significa nube de humo.2,3 Objetivos: El propósito del siguiente video es la descripción detallada de una cirugía de revascularización directa a través de un bypass temporosilviano en paciente con enfermedad Moyamoya. Materiales y Métodos: Se describe el caso de un paciente masculino de 27 años de edad que presentó de accidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico derecho. En la angiografía se diagnosticó estenosis del 70% de la arteria carótida interna supraclinoidea derecha, acompañado de estenosis de la arteria cerebral media y cerebral anterior homolateral. Se realizó cirugía de revascularización cerebral directa con bypass temporosilviano derecho.4,5 Resultados: Luego de realizado el bypass se confirmó adecuada permeabilidad del mismo y en la angiografía postoperatoria se observó el desarrollo de circulación colateral a través de la anastomosis. El paciente no presentó déficit en el periodo postoperatorio. Conclusión: Aunque la incidencia de enfermedad de Moyamoya no es elevada, es una causa probable de stroke isquémico o hemorrágico en niños y adultos. El manejo adecuado es fundamental para mejorar el pronostico a largo plazo de los pacientes con esta rara patología.

Introduction: In 1957, Takeuchi and Shimizu describes an occlusive vasculopathy involving the bilateral internal carotid arteries, with the formation of collateral vessels. In 1969, Suzuki and Takaku designate the collateral vascular connections in the angiographical images "moyamoya" which means puff of smoke.2,3 Objectives: The purpose of the following video is the detailed description of a direct revascularization surgery through a temporosilvian bypass in a patient with Moyamoya disease. Materials and methods: We present a case of a 27-year-old male patient with a history of right hemorrhagic cerebral vascular accident. In the angiography, 70% stenosis of the right supraclinoid internal carotid artery was diagnosed, accompanied by stenosis of the middle and anterior homolateral cerebral artery. Direct cerebral revascularization surgery was performed with right temporosilvian bypass.4,5 Results: After performing the bypass, adequate permeability is confirmed and in the postoperative angiography the development of collateral circulation through the anastomosis was observed. The patient did not present a deficit in the postoperative period. Conclusion: Although the incidence of Moyamoya disease is not high, it is a probable cause of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in children and adults. Proper management is essential to improve the long-term prognosis of patients with this rare pathology.