Characterization of antibody response in neuroinvasive infection caused by Toscana virus.

OBJECTIVES: Among sandfly-borne pathogens, Toscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent cause of summer meningitis in Mediterranean Europe. Here, we assessed the kinetics of anti-TOSV antibodies over time in 41 patients diagnosed with TOSV meningitis or meningoencephalitis in northeastern Italy. METHODS: Acute and follow-up serum samples were collected up to 20 months after diagnosis of TOSV infection and tested for the presence of specific antibody using immunoenzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence assays. In addition, maturation of anti-TOSV IgG over time was evaluated as well as production of neutralizing antibodies. RESULTS: Specific IgM and IgG response was present at diagnosis in 100% of patients; TOSV-specific IgM and IgG were detected in patients' sera up to 6 and 20 months after diagnosis, respectively. The avidity index (AI) increased over the first month after infection in 100% of patients and most cases exceeded 60% by Day 30 post infection. The AI subsequently plateaued then declined at 20 months after diagnosis. Finally, neutralization assay to TOSV was performed in 217 sera collected from 41 patients; 69.6% of tested samples resulted in reactive and moderate levels of neutralizing antibodies observed during all phases of infection despite high titres of total anti-TOSV IgG. CONCLUSIONS: Specific antibody response develops rapidly and is long-lasting for neuroinvasive TOSV infection. Serodiagnosis of neuroinvasive TOSV requires simultaneous detection of specific IgM and IgG. Moderate levels of neutralizing antibodies were maintained over the study period, while the protective role of antibodies lacking neutralizing activity is unclear and requires further evaluation.

Carotid Stenting without Angioplasty and without Protection: The Advantages of a Less Invasive Procedure.

SUMMARY: Endovascular stenting is a consolidated alternative to thrombendarterectomy in the treatment of extracranial carotid artery atheromasic stenosis. The most common complication of stenting is a distal embolism causing clinically silent orsymptomatic cerebral ischaemia. To prevent this complication distal embolism protection devices are often used but their effectiveness remains unsettled. In addition, there is some evidence that distal embolism may actually be triggered by the protection systems due to clot formationat their distal surface or in the intimal lesions these systems cause. Another rarer complicationis hyperperfusion syndrome arising during both stenting and thrombendarterectomy but more common in endovascular procedures. To avoid these complications the Neuroradiology Service at Bellaria Hospital (Bologna Local Health Trust) has devised a mini-invasive carotid stenting technique that does not require either distal embolism protection or angioplasty. The technique uses only the radial force exerted by the self-expanding stent to widen the atherosclerotic stenosis slowly and gradually. The goal of treatment has also changed from a prompt restoration of the atheromasic vessel's original calibre to slow transformation of the hemodynamic significance of the stenosis. The technique's success lies mainly in selecting the stenosis to treat using CT angiography to analyse plaque morphology and structure.We used the technique to treat 83 stenotic lesions in 75 patients. The study aims to describe and discussour experience.

Use of Glubran 2 acrylic glue in interventional neuroradiology.

INTRODUCTION: Glubran 2 is a cyanoacrylate-based synthetic glue modified by the addition of a monomer synthesized by the manufacturer. With this material it is possible to obtain the stability of endovascular embolization that is needed to treat tumours and vascular disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report our 3-year experience of the use of Glubran for treating extracerebral tumours, spinal tumours, spinal arteriovenous malformations, and brain and spine dural fistulae. Glubran 2 was diluted with Lipiodol and injected in a continuous column with the flow rate monitored by seriography. The injection was stopped when retrograde flow was displayed in the afferent vessel. RESULTS: There were no periprocedural or subsequent clinical complications and the glue resulted in successful selective permanent occlusion with intralesional penetration similar to the angiographic features of microcatheterization. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization procedure was technically straightforward and relatively safe. However, Glubran 2 can be difficult to use and the procedure does carry major risks for patients. Glue injection requires in-depth study of the lesion, its circulation and the collateral circulation to avoid severe complications due to inappropriate use.

Intracranial stenting in the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms.

SUMMARY: We positioned the following self-expanding stents certified for intracranial application: 16 Neuroform (Boston Scientific), three INX (Medtronic), one Leo (Balt). 6F calibre femoral introducers and guiding catheters were used for stent placement changing to 5F calibre introducers and guiding catheters (Envoy, Cordis) for the Neuroform 2 and 3 stents. All procedures were carried out under general anaesthesia and heparinization. Our pharmacological protocol consisted of adjunctive treatment with anti-aggregants during the interventional procedure and for the following six months, without premedication. From November 2000 to August 2006 we treated 28 patients (27 F/1M) with giant wide-necked aneurysms and one dissecting basilar artery aneurysm requiring the placement of 29 stents. We successfully positioned 20 stents: 11 stents combined with coils (8 immediate; 3 late) with complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation in seven cases and subtotal exclusion in four; nine stents not followed by embolization with complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation in six cases and subtotal exclusion in three. Stenting was not possible in nine cases due to extreme vessel tortuosity and the poor flexibility of release systems for the first stents. No late stent occlusion or subarachnoid haemorrhage were encountered after treatment.

Brain AVM Embolization with Onyx(R): Analysis of Treatment in 34 Patients.

SUMMARY: The endovascular approach to arteriovenous malformations (AVM) using different embolizing agents is a well-established treatment option. This report assesses the results of our experience using a non "glueing" embolic material available for several years, commercially known as Onyx(R). We used Onyx to treat 34 consecutive patients in the last four years. All patients were treated in the same department by the same neuroradiological team, with a strictly repetitive technical strategy and procedural protocol. All our patients presented AVMs with Spetzler Grade 3 or more, because in our Institution Grade 1 or 2 AVMs are directly treated by surgical approach. We adopt a multidisciplinary treatment approach (embolization, surgery, radiotherapy) by which embolization is construed as work in progress offering definitive treatment of AVMs without severe risks. Embolization is mainly undertaken as the first step before surgery, to reduce flow and size of the AVM by a "targeted" technique. In addition to reducing lesion size, endovascular treatment aims to seal off AVM areas anatomically or haemodynamically complex for surgical treatment. Occasionally, the reduction in size allows a radiosurgical approach. Embolization seldom results in a definitive cure of AVMs. At the end of multimodal approach, we obtained the complete and definitive cure of AVM in 21/34 patients (two complete obliteration with interventional technique, 19 in combination with surgery); to these were added 5/34 patients who received radiosurgical therapy. No major complications arose during endovascular treatment. One patient had transitory (36 hour) impaired right arm pronation. The CT scan disclosed an asymptomatic mild SAH in the left sylvian fissure but no ischaemic areas. One patient still in treatment died from fatal rebleeding (the clinical onset had been with haemorrhage two weeks before the session) 12 days after the embolization. Excellent or good clinical outcome was obtained in 23/26 patients who completed the therapeutic protocol. Outcome was conditioned by focal symptoms present on admission in three patients due to haemorrhagic onset, but only one patient presented a severe disability on discharge. In our view, the main problem of Onyx is that the apparently easier approach will probably lead to a wider diffusion of these procedures. AVMs are extremely difficult and dangerous to treat: this is not affected by the quality of the embolizing agents used and must be kept in mind at all times.

Retrospective Study of Complications Arising during Cerebral and Spinal Diagnostic Angiography from 1998 to 2003.

SUMMARY: This retrospective study aimed to assess the percentage of complications in the daily practice of cerebral and spinal cord diagnostic angiography at our institution and to compare this with literature reports published in the last twenty years and guidelines for angiography. From 1(st) December 1998 to 1(st) December 2003 2154 patients underwent digital angiography for a total of 5996 vessels selected. Three neurological complications arose during angiographic procedures in the five year period. * Focal neurological deficit resolving within 24h in two patients, * Permanent neurological deficit in one patient. There were no adverse systemic reactions to contrast medium. Retrospective analysis of our cohort disclosed a complication rate of 0.1% for transient neurological complications and 0.05% for permanent deficits.

Endovascular treatment of basilar artery dissection by stent deployment. A case report.

SUMMARY: We describe a 44 year-old woman with dissection of the distal third of the basilar artery presenting with subarachnoid haemorrhage. She was treated with a Neuroform stent (Boston Scientific), the first stent designed for intracranial navigation and recently approved by the FDA to treat wide-necked cerebral aneurysms and allow reconstruction of the internal lumen. In our patient, the dissection involved the origin of the anterosuperior cerebellar artery and the origin of the right posterior cerebral artery. The stent was positioned without complications during or after the procedure. Intra and periprocedural thrombolytic therapy was given followed by an antiaggregant (100 mg Aspirin) for a year after treatment. Subsequent angio-MR and angiographic monitoring disclosed resolution of the dissection and normalization of the basilar artery lumen. She currently lives a controlled but normal life.

Reduced sympathetic outflow and adrenal secretory activity during a 40-day stay in the Antarctic.

Human adaptation to unknown and extreme environments requires changes in the psychological and physical homeostasis. We previously reported a significant decrease of anterior pituitary and adrenal hormonal levels and a significant modification of psychophysiological correlates of stress, such as galvanic skin response, after exposure to Antarctica, suggesting a possible decrease of individual arousal. The latter was hypothesized to be correlated with a modification of autonomic balance, mainly represented by a possible reduction of adrenergic output. The aim of the present study was to assess the patterns of hormonal circadian rhythms and the autonomic nervous system balance by means of spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). These parameters were evaluated during 3 sessions (baseline, session 1 and session 2), before, at the beginning and after a 40-day stay in Antarctica (Station of Terra Nova Bay; average temperature in the study period: -11 degrees C, 24 h of light, sea level). In each of the sessions, 6 healthy male subjects underwent a 24-h electrocardiogram and blood sampling (08.00, 12.00, 16.00, 20.00, 24.00 and 08.00 h) for hormonal determinations. The data showed a remarkable decrease of hormonal levels without significant changes in circadian rhythms. Spectral analysis of HRV showed an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system with a relative significant decrease of the low frequency band (0.1 Hz) in session 1 and 2 compared to baseline, which can be functionally interpreted as a relative decrement of the sympathetic component. In conclusion, the exposure to a cold and extreme environment seems to affect autonomic balance over a 40-day period. This is followed by a significant reduction of the anterior pituitary and adrenal hormonal secretory patterns with preserved hormonal circadian rhythms (within the same time period of 40 days). This pattern is suggestive of a trophotropic neurovegetative adaptive process.

Glubran 2((r)):a new acrylic glue for neuroradiological endovascular use: a complementary histological study.

SUMMARY: Two Landrace Large White swine underwent angiography by the femoral route. In both cases, the superior left renal artery was embolized by injection of 2 ml of Glubran 2((R)), diluted with Lipiodol 1:1 thereby excluding the superior left kidney poles from blood flow. During the follow-up period, neither pig presented any clinical symptom correlated to the embolization procedure. Case 1 was sacrificed after 30 days and case 2 after 60 days. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis was performed in both animals. Long-term follow-up of the two cases after endovascular injection of Glubran 2((R)) showed that the embolization procedure was well-tolerated by the swine in terms of clinical symptoms and histological findings. Arterial occlusion was stable and a reasonable quantity of scar tissue appeared between 30 and 60 days, surrounding the ischaemic tissue. This follow-up experimental study offers further evidence that Glubran 2((R)) is a safe embolizing material for human use as far as its chemical activity is concerned.

3D Micrus Coil "Cage" in Wide-Necked Aneurysms.

SUMMARY: We aimed to verify that Micrus 3D microcoils can be used as first coils in the treatment of saccular wide-necked aneurysms to provide stable protection to the neck by keeping the coil mesh inside the aneurysm. We selected 22 wide-necked aneurysms and calculated the ratio between sac diameter and neck width which was close to unity. The aneurysms were treated by endovascular approach using Micrus 3D (Spherical) microcoils as first coils. The coils proved stable during placement and detachment and compatible with both GDC and Micrus coils used for filling and packing. The endovascular procedure was suspended in only two out of 22 aneurysms selected for treatment. Aneurysm bleeding occurred in two endovascular procedures but was controlled. No complications were encountered in the remaining 18 patients treated. The percentage of technical failures has been reduced since the adoption of 3D Micrus microcoils in our practice.

Presurgical embolization of spinal tumours using glubran 2 acrylic glue.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to define the indications, technique and results of presurgical embolization of spinal tumours using Glubran 2 acrylic glue. Embolization was performed prior to surgery in eight patients with benign tumours and 11 patients with malignant lesions. The main embolization agent used was Glubran 2, a new acrylic glue with the EC mark, suitable for permanent embolization of the pathological circulation of primary and secondary spinal tumours. All the procedures were technically feasible and achieved partial or complete embolization of the vascularized lesion without periprocedural complications. Glubran 2 proved easy to use with excellent intravascular penetration achieving permanent embolization. The degree of presurgical embolization in terms of surgical field haemostasis was correlated with the degree of vascular occlusion achieved.

Three-Year Retrospective Study of Complications Arising during Interventional Procedures.

SUMMARY: This retrospective study aimed to assess the percentage of complications arising in our daily practice of interventional procedures, comparing our findings with those of leading international reference centers and accepted guidelines for endovascular treatment. During the threeyear period considered (2000-2002), we performed 246 interventional procedures, divided into seven different pathological conditions: aneurysms, brain AVMs dural and carotid cavernous fistulae, spine-spinal cord tumours, headneck tumours, carotid stenosis and thrombolysis. Aneurysmal disease accounted for 45% of all endovascular procedures. In conclusion, four periprocedural complications arose in the course of 246 procedures resulting in one death and three cases of permanent neurological deficit (2%).

[Malignant glial tumor with skeletal muscle differentiation. Description of a case]. / Tumore gliale maligno con differenziazione muscolare scheletrica. Descrizione di un caso.

A case of CNS gliomyosarcoma, in a 71-year-old female with skeletal muscle differentiation is presented. The tumor was composed by two cell types: one showed features typical of glial cells, the other was constituted by elements having immunohistochemical positivity with desmin, sarcomeric actin, myoglobin and myogenin antisera. It is postulated an origin from a cell capable of dual differentiation.

CT prognostic factors in acute subdural haematomas: the value of the 'worst' CT scan.

The relationship between radiological findings and outcome in patients with acute posttraumatic subdural haematomas (SDH) has been based on CT obtained upon hospital admission. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects on prognosis of SDH patients of lesions not present on admission, but detected by subsequent CT. We have also studied those findings present on admission CT that could predict worsening of the associated lesions. From 1 May 1989 to 30 April 1996, we admitted 206 patients harbouring acute SDH of thickness 5 mm or more. The admission GCS score ranged from 3 to 15. Each patient underwent CT on admission (always within 3 h from injury). Follow-up CT was performed within 12-24 h after injury and in the following days (an average of 4.3 examinations for each patient). These examinations were reviewed by a neuroradiologist and the 'worst' CT was determined. We defined the 'worst' examination as that showing the largest haematoma thickness/midline shift and/or with the most extensive degree of parenchymal damage. Clinical factors related to prognosis in this series are age, hypoxia/hypotension, GCS motor score and pupillary abnormalities. Time from injury to treatment was found relevant only in patients with isolated SDH. CT findings on admission that correlated with outcome were haematoma thickness, midline shift and status of the basal cisterns. Prognosis was also worsened by the presence of associated lesions; SAH alone or associated with brain contusions. The last of these was the single most powerful predictor of worse outcomes (Odds ratio 0.37, p < 0.004). Whereas the first CT showed parenchymal associated damage in 56 patients, the 'worst CT' showed such damage in 105 patients. Presence of SAH on admission was found significant (p < 0.02) in predicting evolving parenchymal damage. Haematoma thickness, midline shift, status of the basal cisterns and presence of SAH are related to outcome when identified on the initial (early) CT examination. However, early (within 3 h from injury) CT under-estimates the ultimate size of parenchymal contusions. Patients with SAH on early CT are those at highest risk for associated evolving contusions. The use of sequential CT should be included in the routine management of head-injured patients.

Endocrine and psychophysiological aspects of human adaptation to the extreme.

Human beings need to adapt to any extreme, unknown, or isolated environment. This adaptation requires changes in the normal regulation of psychophysiological homeostasis, as described in terms of stress reaction. The aim of the present study was to monitor the processes of human adaptation to cold and isolated areas in Antarctica during the 12th expedition of the Italian National Research Program. Nine healthy subjects (experimental subjects), members of the expedition, and nine controls in Italy, were studied over a period of 2 months. Anterior pituitary hormone secretion, insulin, and melatonin, plus routine blood test, blood pressure, and ECG were performed. In addition, psychophysiological correlates were also recorded before and after the expedition period. In experimental subjects results of metabolic data suggested the presence of an increased peripheral insulin sensitivity at the end of the permanence in the station and a significant increased of total cholesterol. Hematocrit also significantly increased due to the conditions of hypobaric hypoxia. Results of endocrine data showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of hormone levels, which was associated with a significant decrement of the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) activity to a standardized cognitive stress. No significant differences were reported in the controls. The data suggest that the exposure to the extreme environment develops a possible psychophysiological mechanism(s) that decreases the individual arousal.

Importance of a reliable admission Glasgow Coma Scale score for determining the need for evacuation of posttraumatic subdural hematomas: a prospective study of 65 patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have an acute subdural hematoma with a thickness of 10 mm or less and with a shift of the midline structures of 5 mm or less often can be treated nonoperatively. We wonder whether the knowledge of the clinical status both in the prehospital determination and on admission to the neurosurgical center can predict the need for evacuation of subdural hematomas as well as the computed tomographic (CT) parameters. METHODS: From January 1, 1994, to May 31, 1996, 65 comatose patients harboring an acute subdural hematoma of 5 mm or more and not brain dead were admitted to our intensive care unit. Of the 65 patients, 15 patients were initially managed conservatively according to a protocol based on clinical, CT, and intracranial pressure parameters. During the study period, the use of long-lasting paralytic agents has been eliminated to allow detection of clinical deterioration in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score from the prehospital determination to the hospital admission assessment. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients initially managed conservatively, two were subsequently operated on because of evolving parenchymal hematomas. When comparing demographic, clinical, and CT parameters between the surgical group of patients and the patients initially conservatively treated, hematoma thickness (mean, 17.1 mm vs. 7.5 mm, p < 0.0001) and shift of the midline structures (mean, 12.8 mm vs. 4.7 mm, p < 0.008) were predictive of the need for surgery. A statistically significant change in the GCS score between prehospital determination and admission assessment was shown in the surgical group of patients (mean GCS score, 8.4 vs. 6.7, p < 0.01), and it was not present (mean GCS score, 7.3 vs. 7.2) in the patients initially conservatively treated. Functional outcomes were present in 23 cases (35.4%); functional outcomes in the initially conservatively treated patients were reached by 10 patients (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative management for selected cases of acute subdural hematomas is at least as safe as surgical management. GCS scoring at the scene and in the emergency room combined with early and subsequent CT scanning is crucial when making the decision for nonoperative management. This strategy requires that administration of long-lasting sedatives and paralytic medications be avoided before the patient arrives at the neurosurgical center.

Emergency medical services in mass gatherings: the experience of the Formula 1 Grand Prix 'San Marino' in Imola.

Mass gatherings are special situations for which mass medical care must be preplanned. Acute emergencies occur at public gatherings and medical coverage on site has proven benefit. Responsibility of general plan, management of specific problems, transport planning, communications system, guidelines and protocols, special situations management, ancillary supports, sources of extra help for unforeseen needs are the most important items to consider. In mass gatherings the whole emergency medical service (EMS) planning and management has to depend on the emergency department direction, with its authority on all aspects of patient care in the EMS system. This report concerns the planning of EMS and of medical care in a situation at risk for mass casualties at the Formula I Grand Prix-Championship Racing 'San Marino' of Imola.