Mixed aneurysm: A new proposed nomenclature for a rare condition.

BACKGROUND: Mixed intracranial aneurysms are vascular lesions appearing in the ruptured saccular aneurysms whose blood is contained by perivascular tissues forming another cavity called pseudoaneurysm. All cases until now have been reported in the literature with subarachnoid hemorrhage. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 65-year-old woman presented with multiple brain aneurysms with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment was chosen for left-sided aneurysms [lateral carotid wall (LCW) and posterior communicating (PCom)]. After the embolization of the LCW aneurysm, the patient developed a left third nerve palsy. A head computed tomography scan was immediately performed which did not show any SAH. The control angiography demonstrated PCom aneurysm with intraaneurysmal contrast retention even in the venous phase, along with modification of the aneurismal sac format, leading to diagnoses of mixed aneurysm. The PCom aneurysm was successfully coiled and an operation was performed to clip the right side aneurysms. The patient was discharged after 10 postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Mixed intracranial aneurysm has special radiological characteristics that should be promptly recognized to offer the best treatment.

Medullary Paracoccidioidomycosis Treated Successfully with Oral Itraconazole

Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most prevalent endemic mycosis in Latin America, with a great incidence in Brazil. Although a common disease, its medullary form is rare. We present a case report of medullary paracoccidioidomycosis presenting with subacute, progressive, spinal cord symptoms, and with multiple expansive lesions into the cervical and thoracic spinal cord. The patient was treated with itraconazole and showed good clinical and radiologic recovery upon six months of follow-up.

Paracoccidioidomicose é a micose endêmica de maior prevalência na America Latina, com grande incidência no Brasil. Apesar de comum, sua forma medular é rara. Apresentamos um relato de caso de paracoccidioidomicose medular apresentando sintomas subagudos e progressivos na medula, com múltiplas lesões expansivas na medula, cervical e torácica. O paciente foi tratado com itraconazole e apresentou melhora clínica e recuperação radiológica após seis meses.

Anterior selective amygdalohippocampectomy: technical description and microsurgical anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: We introduce a technique for performing a selective amygdalohippocampectomy (AH) through a minisupraorbital approach. METHODS: A minisupraorbital craniotomy and an anterior selective AH were performed in 8 cadaver heads (16 sides). The anatomic specimens were analyzed, and the extent of resection of the hippocampus and amygdala was evaluated. Surgically relevant measurements were performed using anatomic specimens. An image-guided system was used to document the extent of the anterior AH. Laboratory data were used to support the clinical application of the technique. RESULTS: The anterior route allowed removal of the amygdala and hippocampus, as confirmed by anatomic assessment. The image-guided system and anatomic evaluation confirmed that the amygdala and hippocampus can be accessed and removed through this route. The mean distance between the anterior aspect of the uncus and the tip of the temporal horn was 17.0 +/- 4.6 mm; the mean distance from the head of the hippocampus to the posterior border of the cerebral peduncles was 26.0 +/- 3.2 mm. Clinical application resulted in satisfactory removal of the amygdala and hippocampus. CONCLUSION: The anterior route for selective AH is a logical and straightforward approach to the mesial temporal lobe. Compared with other variations, it is less invasive and destructive, especially in terms of the fibers of the optic pathway, temporal stem, and lateral temporal neocortex.

The minipterional craniotomy: technical description and anatomic assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modification of the pterional approach (PT), the minipterional craniotomy (MPT), and compare the anatomic exposure provided by these two approaches. METHODS: The anatomic exposure offered by the MPT and PT were compared in eight sides of cadaver heads using a computerized tracking system, a robotic microscope, and an image-guidance system. The area of surgical exposure, angular exposure, and anatomic limits of each craniotomy were evaluated. Three recently operated clinical cases (EGF) are also reported. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the total area of surgical exposure between the two craniotomies (PT, 1524.7 +/- 305 mm; MPT, 1469.7 +/- 380.3 mm; P > 0.05) or among the ipsilateral, middle, and contralateral components of the area (P > 0.05). There were no differences in angular exposure along the longitudinal and transverse axis angles for the three selected targets, the bifurcations of internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries, and the anterior communicating artery (P > 0.05). Except for the distal portion of the operculoinsular compartment of the sylvian fissure, no significant differences in the limits of the surgical exposure through the PT and MPT were apparent on the image-guidance system. CONCLUSION: The MPT craniotomy provides comparable surgical exposure to that offered by the PT. The advantages of the MPT include reduction of tissue trauma and bony removal, a decrease in surgical time, and improved cosmetic outcomes.

An anatomical evaluation of the mini-supraorbital approach and comparison with standard craniotomies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare anatomically the surgical exposure provided by pterional (PT), orbitozygomatic (OZ), and minisupraorbital (SO) craniotomies. METHODS: Seven sides of six fixed cadaver heads injected with silicone were used. The mini-SO craniotomy followed by the PT and OZ approaches were performed sequentially. The bony flaps were attached with miniplates and screws, allowing easy conversion between the approaches. A frameless stereotactic device was used to calculate an area of surgical exposure and the angles of approach for six different anatomic targets. An image guidance system was used to demonstrate the limits of the surgical exposure for each technique. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the total area of surgical exposure when comparing the mini-SO (A = 1831.2 +/- 415.3 mm), PT (A = 1860.0 +/- 617.2 mm), and OZ approaches (A = 1843.3 +/- 358.1 mm; P > 0.05). Angular exposure was greater for the OZ and PT approaches than for the mini-SO approach, either in the vertical and horizontal axes, considering all of the six targets studied (P < 0.05). Except for the distal segment of the ipsilateral sylvian fissure, no practical differences in the limits of the exposure were detected. CONCLUSION: The mini-SO approach may offer a similar surgical working area compared with that provided by standard craniotomies and constitutes an excellent alternative to the OZ and PT craniotomies in selected patients. Selection should not be based primarily on the area to be exposed, but rather on the working angles that are anticipated to be required. The key point is to use the most adequate technique for a particular patient, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach for all patients.

Metastatic prolactinoma: case report with immunohistochemical assessment for p53 and Ki-67 antigens.

Pituitary carcinomas are rare neoplasms characterized by craniospinal and/or systemic metastases originated from the pituitary. Their histopathology is frequently indistinguishable from that of benign adenomas. The development of markers that better reflect their behavior is desirable. We present the case of a 47 year-old man with a prolactin-secreting macroadenoma who was submitted to surgeries, cranial radiation therapy, and bromocriptine treatment, but evolved to a fatal outcome after the disclosure of intracranial metastases. Tumor samples underwent p53 and Ki-67 immunohistochemical assessment. p53 was absent in all samples, a rare finding among pituitary carcinomas. Ki-67 proliferative index was 2.80% in the original tumor, 4.40% in the relapse, and 4.45% in the metastasis. The figure in the relapse is higher than the expected for a noninvasive adenoma. In conclusion, p53 staining is not positive in all pituitary carcinomas. A high Ki-67 proliferative index in a pituitary adenoma might indicate a more aggressive behavior.