Incidence, prognosis, and prediction of haemorrhagic transformation after revascularisation for stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Haemorrhagic transformation is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine the predictors and clinical impact of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after revascularisation therapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study including 235 patients with AIS who underwent intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) therapy and/or endovascular treatment. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the variables associated with ICH, parenchymal haematomas (PH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and mortality. RESULTS: ICH was detected in 57 (30 with PH) of 183 patients included. Mechanical thrombectomy, either alone (OR 3.3 [1.42-7.63], P=.005) or in combination with IV-rtPA (OR 3.39 [1.52-7.56], P=.003), was associated with higher risk of ICH, while higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (OR 0.71 [0.55-0.91], P=.007) were associated with lower risk. Patients with older age (OR 1.07 [1.02-1.13], P=.006) and occlusion of the terminal branch of the internal carotid artery (OR 4.03 [1.35-11.99], P=.012) had a higher risk of PH, while the use of IV-rtPA alone (OR 0.24 [0.08-0.68], P=.008) was associated with lower risk of PH. Only PH was associated with disability as measured by the mRS (OR 3.2 [1.17-8.76], P=.02) and higher mortality (OR 5.06 [1.65-15.5], P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: Greater understanding about the predictors of ICH, mRS scores, and mortality could enable better selection of patients and treatments.

Incidencia, pronóstico y predicción de la transformación hemorrágica tras el tratamiento revascularizador del ictus / Incidence, prognosis, and prediction of haemorrhagic transformation after revascularisation for stroke

Introducción: La transformación hemorrágica es una complicación importante del ictus isquémico agudo (IIA). El propósito del trabajo es analizar el impacto clínico y los factores predictores de las hemorragias intracraneales (HIC) tras terapia revascularizadora.MétodosAnálisis retrospectivo monocéntrico de 235 pacientes con IIA tratados mediante trombólisis intravenosa (TIV) o tratamiento endovascular (TE). Se ha realizado un modelo de regresión logística binaria para determinar los factores asociados con las HIC, las hemorragias parenquimatosas (HP), la escala mRS y la mortalidad.ResultadosDe los 183 pacientes incluidos, 57 tuvieron HIC (30 HP). El TE mecánico (OR 3,3 [1,42-7,63], p = 0,005) y la TIV junto con TE mecánico (OR 3,39 [1,52-7,56], p = 0,003) se han asociado a mayor riesgo de HIC, mientras que valores altos de ASPECTS (OR 0,71 [0,55-0,91], p = 0,007) se han asociado a menor riesgo. Mayor edad (OR 1,07 [1,02-1,13], p = 0,006) y la oclusión de la carótida interna terminal (OR 4,03 [1,35-11,99], p = 0,012) han sido factores predictores de HP, mientras que haber recibido TIV exclusivamente (OR 0,24 [0,08-0,68], p = 0,008) se ha asociado con menor riesgo. Solo las HP se han asociado a valores invalidantes de mRS (OR = 3,2 [1,17-8,76], p = 0,02) y mayor mortalidad (OR 5,06 [1,65-15,5], p = 0,005).ConclusionesUna mejor comprensión de los factores predictores de HIC, mRS y mortalidad puede permitir una mejor selección de pacientes y tratamientos. (AU)

Introduction: Haemorrhagic transformation is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine the predictors and clinical impact of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after revascularisation therapy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-centre study including 235 patients with AIS who underwent intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) therapy and/or endovascular treatment. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the variables associated with ICH, parenchymal haematomas (PH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and mortality.ResultsICH was detected in 57 (30 with PH) of 183 patients included. Mechanical thrombectomy, either alone (OR 3.3 [1.42-7.63], P=.005) or in combination with IV-rtPA (OR 3.39 [1,52-7.56], P=.003), was associated with higher risk of ICH, while higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (OR 0.71 [0.55-0.91], P=.007) were associated with lower risk. Patients with older age (OR 1.07 [1.02-1.13], P=.006) and occlusion of the terminal branch of the internal carotid artery (OR 4.03 [1.35-11.99], P = .012) had a higher risk of PH, while the use of IV-rtPA alone (OR 0.24 [0.08-0.68], P=.008) was associated with lower risk of PH. Only PH was associated with disability as measured by the mRS (OR 3.2 [1.17-8.76], P=.02) and higher mortality (OR 5.06 [1.65-15.5], P=.005).ConclusionsGreater understanding about the predictors of ICH, mRS scores, and mortality could enable better selection of patients and treatments. (AU)

Tratamiento del ictus de circulación posterior mediante trombectomía mecánica con stent-retriever: un estudio observacional, monocéntrico y retrospectivo / Treatment of posterior circulation strokes by mechanical thrombectomy with a stent-retriever: a retrospective observational study at a single center

OBJETIVOS: Valorar la tasa de recanalización, resultado funcional a 3 meses y factores pronósticos independientes de pacientes con ictus de circulación posterior (ICP) tratados mediante stent-retriever, comparándolos con una serie anterior tratada con "métodos clásicos". MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo monocéntrico de pacientes consecutivos con ICP tratados con stent-retriever entre el 1 de diciembre de 2011 y el 1 de mayo de 2018. Las variables principales estudiadas son tasa de recanalización y escala mRS (Modified Rankin Scale) a 90 días. Se valoran datos demográficos, factores de riesgo cerebrovasculares, datos clínicos y origen probable. Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico descriptivo y un modelo de regresión logística binaria. RESULTADOS: Grupo stent-retriever (n=48), grupo "métodos clásicos" (n=27). Edad media de la serie actual 63,9 años (20,8% mujeres) con una puntuación media en el NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Score) de 15,8 (rango intercuartílico [RIQ] 9-25) y una media en la escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) de 9,1 (RIQ 6-14,5). Se consiguió el 95,8% de recanalizaciones TICI 2b-3 (46/48) en el grupo actual frente al 55,6% (15/27) con "métodos clásicos" (p <0,0001). No existe diferencia significativa en la escala mRS 0-2 a 90 días [serie actual, 39,6% (19/48); serie previa, 22,2% (6/27)]. Hay diferencia significativa (p = 0,024) en la mortalidad: serie actual, 29,2% (14/48); serie previa, 55,6% (15/27). La GCS se relacionó de forma independiente con la mRS a 90 días (odds ratio, 0,67; intervalo de confianza, 0,5-0,91; p = 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: Los stent-retrievers logran elevadas tasas de recanalización en el ICP, con independencia funcional a los 3 meses y complicaciones similares a las de otros estudios. La GCS es un factor pronóstico independiente del resultado funcional a 90 días

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recanalization, functional outcome at three months, and independent prognostic factors in patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers and to compare these results with those of patients in an earlier series treated with "classical methods". MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers at our center between December 1, 2011 and May 1, 2018. The main outcome variables were the rate of recanalization according to the Thrombosis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale and functional independence score 90 days after treatment according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We analyzed demographics, cerebrovascular risk factors, clinical findings, and probable origin. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We included 75 patients: 27 treated with "classical methods" and 48 treated with stent-retrievers (10 women; mean age, 63.9 years; median National Institute of Health Stroke Score, 15.8 (IQR 9-25); median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), 9.1 (IQR 6-14,5). TICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 46 (95.8%) patients treated with stent-retrievers and in 15 (55.6%) patients treated with "classical methods" (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rate of patients achieving mRS 0-2 at 90 days (19 (39.6%) of those treated with stent-retrievers vs. 6 (22.2%) of those treated with "classical methods"). Mortality was lower among patients treated with stent-retrievers (14 (29.2% vs. 15 (55.6%) in those treated with "classical methods", p = 0.024). GCS score was independently associated with mRS at 90 days (OR:0.67; 95%CI:0.5-0.91; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with posterior circulation infarcts, treatment with stent-retrievers achieved high rates of recanalization and functional independence at 90 days. The rate of complications was similar to those reported in other studies. GCS is an independent predictor of functional independence at 90 days

Treatment of posterior circulation strokes by mechanical thrombectomy with a stent-retriever: a retrospective observational study at a single center. / Tratamiento del ictus de circulación posterior mediante trombectomía mecánica con stent-retriever: un estudio observacional, monocéntrico y retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of recanalization, functional outcome at three months, and independent prognostic factors in patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers and to compare these results with those of patients in an earlier series treated with "classical methods". MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with posterior circulation strokes treated with stent-retrievers at our center between December 1, 2011 and May 1, 2018. The main outcome variables were the rate of recanalization according to the Thrombosis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale and functional independence score 90 days after treatment according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We analyzed demographics, cerebrovascular risk factors, clinical findings, and probable origin. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: We included 75 patients: 27 treated with "classical methods" and 48 treated with stent-retrievers (10 women; mean age, 63.9 years; median National Institute of Health Stroke Score, 15.8 (IQR 9-25); median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), 9.1 (IQR 6-14,5). TICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 46 (95.8%) patients treated with stent-retrievers and in 15 (55.6%) patients treated with "classical methods" (p<0.0001). No significant differences were observed in the rate of patients achieving mRS 0-2 at 90 days (19 (39.6%) of those treated with stent-retrievers vs. 6 (22.2%) of those treated with "classical methods"). Mortality was lower among patients treated with stent-retrievers (14 (29.2% vs. 15 (55.6%) in those treated with "classical methods", p=0.024). GCS score was independently associated with mRS at 90 days (OR:0.67; 95%CI:0.5-0.91; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with posterior circulation infarcts, treatment with stent-retrievers achieved high rates of recanalization and functional independence at 90 days. The rate of complications was similar to those reported in other studies. GCS is an independent predictor of functional independence at 90 days.

Incidence, prognosis, and prediction of haemorrhagic transformation after revascularisation for stroke. / Incidencia, pronóstico y predicción de la transformación hemorrágica tras el tratamiento revascularizador del ictus.

INTRODUCTION: Haemorrhagic transformation is a major complication of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We sought to determine the predictors and clinical impact of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) after revascularisation therapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre study including 235 patients with AIS who underwent intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) therapy and/or endovascular treatment. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the variables associated with ICH, parenchymal haematomas (PH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and mortality. RESULTS: ICH was detected in 57 (30 with PH) of 183 patients included. Mechanical thrombectomy, either alone (OR 3.3 [1.42-7.63], P=.005) or in combination with IV-rtPA (OR 3.39 [1,52-7.56], P=.003), was associated with higher risk of ICH, while higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores (OR 0.71 [0.55-0.91], P=.007) were associated with lower risk. Patients with older age (OR 1.07 [1.02-1.13], P=.006) and occlusion of the terminal branch of the internal carotid artery (OR 4.03 [1.35-11.99], P = .012) had a higher risk of PH, while the use of IV-rtPA alone (OR 0.24 [0.08-0.68], P=.008) was associated with lower risk of PH. Only PH was associated with disability as measured by the mRS (OR 3.2 [1.17-8.76], P=.02) and higher mortality (OR 5.06 [1.65-15.5], P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: Greater understanding about the predictors of ICH, mRS scores, and mortality could enable better selection of patients and treatments.

Oclusión aguda de aneurisma gigante de arteria carótida interna: Recanalización de la arteria cerebral media a través de la arteria carótida contralateral / Acute occlusion of a giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery: Recanalisation of the middle cerebral artery through the contralateral carotid artery

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Uso del stent intracraneal en el tratamiento endovascular en agudo del ictus / Intracranial stents in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke

Objetivo. Valorar la eficacia y seguridad del stent intracraneal (SI) como rescate tras el fallo de la trombectomía mecánica en el ictus isquémico agudo. Material y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de 42 pacientes (diciembre de 2008-enero de 2016) con SI como rescate. Comparamos la evolución antes y tras incorporar los stentrievers. Valoramos el grado de recanalización en territorio carotídeo y basilar (escala TICIm), factores pronósticos y evolución (escala mRS a los 3 meses). El grado de seguridad se valoró por la aparición de hemorragia sintomática intracraneal (HSI). Resultados. La mediana del NIHSS en territorio carotídeo fue 17 y en posterior 26. La mediana del tiempo desde la clínica hasta el tratamiento en territorio carotídeo fue de 225 minutos, y en vertebrobasilar, de 390 minutos. Un total de 10 pacientes fueron tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa (FIV) antes de usar stentrievers. Hubo dos casos con HSI, ambos con FIV previa (p=0,0523). La recanalización fue efectiva en 30 (71,42%), 7 de 14 antes de los stentrievers y 23 de 28 (82,14%) tras ello (p=0,0666). Dos pacientes mostraron buena evolución a 3 meses en el primer grupo y 14 en el segundo (p=0,042). La asociación fue estadísticamente significativa entre recanalización y evolución (p=0,0415) y entre menor tiempo del tratamiento y evolución (p=0,002). Un total de 14 de 29 pacientes en territorio carotídeo y 2 de 13 en posterior tuvieron buena evolución (p=0,078). Conclusiones. El SI es un método de rescate si el tratamiento habitual falla. Antes hay que usar stentriever para eliminar la carga de trombos. En nuestro estudio, la antiagregación no parece incrementar el riesgo hemorrágico excepto en pacientes con FIV previa (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracranial stenting as a rescue therapy after failed mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Material and methods. We retrospectively studied 42 patients treated with intracranial stenting after failed mechanical thrombectomy between December 2008 and January 2016. We compared outcomes before and after the incorporation of stentrievers. We assessed the degree of recanalization in the carotid and basilar territories (modified TIMI score), prognostic factors, and outcome (modified Rankin Score at 3 months). Safety was evaluated in function of the appearance of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH). Results. Median NIHSS was 17 in patients with carotid territory strokes and 26 in those with vertebrobasilar territory strokes. Median time from onset of symptoms to treatment was 225minutes in carotid territory strokes and 390minutes in vertebrobasilar territory strokes. A total of 10 patients underwent intravenous fibrinolytic therapy before treatment with stentrievers. Two patients developed SICH; both had undergone intravenous fibrinolytic therapy (p=0.0523). Recanalization was effective in 30 (71.4%) in the entire series: in 7 (50%) of 14 patients treated before the incorporation of stentrievers and in 23 (82.1%) of 28 treated after the incorporation of stentrievers (p=0.0666). Outcome at 3 months was good in 2 (14.3%) patients in the earlier group and in 14 (50%) patients in the later group (p=0.042). We found significant associations between recanalization and outcome (p=0.0415) and between shorter time to treatment and outcome (p=0.002). Outcome was good in 14 (48.3%) of the 29 patients with carotid territory strokes and in 2 (15.4%) of the 13 patients with vertebrobasilar territory strokes (p=0.078). Conclusions. Intracranial stenting is the rescue treatment when the usual treatment fails. Stentrievers must be used to eliminate the clot burden before stenting. In our study, antiplatelet treatment did not seem to increase the risk of SICH except in patients with prior intravenous fibrinolytic treatment (AU)

Intracranial stents in the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke. / Uso del stent intracraneal en el tratamiento endovascular en agudo del ictus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracranial stenting as a rescue therapy after failed mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 42 patients treated with intracranial stenting after failed mechanical thrombectomy between December 2008 and January 2016. We compared outcomes before and after the incorporation of stentrievers. We assessed the degree of recanalization in the carotid and basilar territories (modified TIMI score), prognostic factors, and outcome (modified Rankin Score at 3 months). Safety was evaluated in function of the appearance of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH). RESULTS: Median NIHSS was 17 in patients with carotid territory strokes and 26 in those with vertebrobasilar territory strokes. Median time from onset of symptoms to treatment was 225minutes in carotid territory strokes and 390minutes in vertebrobasilar territory strokes. A total of 10 patients underwent intravenous fibrinolytic therapy before treatment with stentrievers. Two patients developed SICH; both had undergone intravenous fibrinolytic therapy (p=0.0523). Recanalization was effective in 30 (71.4%) in the entire series: in 7 (50%) of 14 patients treated before the incorporation of stentrievers and in 23 (82.1%) of 28 treated after the incorporation of stentrievers (p=0.0666). Outcome at 3 months was good in 2 (14.3%) patients in the earlier group and in 14 (50%) patients in the later group (p=0.042). We found significant associations between recanalization and outcome (p=0.0415) and between shorter time to treatment and outcome (p=0.002). Outcome was good in 14 (48.3%) of the 29 patients with carotid territory strokes and in 2 (15.4%) of the 13 patients with vertebrobasilar territory strokes (p=0.078). CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial stenting is the rescue treatment when the usual treatment fails. Stentrievers must be used to eliminate the clot burden before stenting. In our study, antiplatelet treatment did not seem to increase the risk of SICH except in patients with prior intravenous fibrinolytic treatment.

Técnicas de recanalización vertebrobasilar antes de la introducción de las endoprótesis recuperadoras: la reapertura no es sinónimo de buena evolución / Vertebrobasilar recanalization techniques before the placement of stent-retrievers: reopening is not synonymous with good outcome

Objetivos. Evaluar la tasa de recanalización y la evolución clínica a los 3 meses tras el tratamiento endovascular de la oclusión vertebrobasilar, antes de la introducción de las endoprótesis recuperadoras («stentrievers»). Material y métodos. Recogida consecutiva de todos los casos de trombosis basilar tratados mediante técnicas endovasculares en nuestro centro. Se revisó de forma retrospectiva su evolución clínica. Nuestro objetivo primario fue evaluar la frecuencia de recanalizaciones alcanzadas, y, como objetivo secundario, valorar la evolución con la escala modificada de Rankin (mRS) a los 3 meses. Valoramos variables clínicas y angiográficas correlacionándolas con la evolución y las complicaciones. Resultados. Se recogieron un total de 27 pacientes, con una edad media de 58,1 y desviación estándar de ± 15,5 años, la mediana de la escala National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) fue 21, rango intercuartílico 18-29, y la mediana de la escala de coma de Glasgow (GCS) fue 7, rango intercuartílico 4-9,5. El tiempo medio y la desviación estándar desde el comienzo del cuadro clínico hasta el tratamiento intraarterial fue de 26,3 ± 41,7 horas. Se consiguió una recanalización parcial o completa en 23 enfermos (85,1%). A los 3 meses 16 pacientes (59,2%) habían fallecido y 6 (22,2%) presentaban una buena evolución (mRS ≤ 2). Conclusión. El tratamiento endovascular consigue una alta tasa de recanalizaciones en las oclusiones de la arteria basilar. Sin embargo la evolución fue negativa en un porcentaje elevado de enfermos. Es de esperar que el uso de nuevos materiales mejore el pronóstico de estos pacientes (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the recanalization rate and clinical outcome three months after endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar occlusion before the placement of stentrievers. Material and methods: We reviewed all cases of basilar thrombosis treated with endovascular techniques at our center. We reviewed the clinical outcomes with the main objective of determining the recanalization rate and the secondary objective of evaluating the outcome using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months after treatment. We assessed clinical and angiographic variables and correlated them with outcome and complications. Results: We reviewed a total of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.1 ± 15.5 y; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), 21, interquartile range, 18-29; median Glasgow coma score (GCS) 7, interquartile range, 4-9.5). The mean time between the onset of symptoms and endovascular treatment was 26.3 ± 41.7 hours. Complete or partial recanalization was achieved in 23 (85.1%) patients. Three months after treatment, 16 (59.2%) had died and 6 (22.2%) had good outcome (mRS ≤ 2). Conclusion: Endovascular treatment achieved a high rate of recanalization of occlusions of the basilar artery. Nevertheless, a high percentage of the patients did not have a good outcome. New materials might improve the prognosis in these patients (AU)

[Vertebrobasilar recanalization techniques before the placement of stent-retrievers: reopening is not synonymous with good outcome]. / Técnicas de recanalización vertebrobasilar antes de la introducción de las endoprótesis recuperadoras: la reapertura no es sinónimo de buena evolución.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the recanalization rate and clinical outcome three months after endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar occlusion before the placement of stentrievers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of basilar thrombosis treated with endovascular techniques at our center. We reviewed the clinical outcomes with the main objective of determining the recanalization rate and the secondary objective of evaluating the outcome using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months after treatment. We assessed clinical and angiographic variables and correlated them with outcome and complications. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.1±15.5 y; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), 21, interquartile range, 18-29; median Glasgow coma score (GCS) 7, interquartile range, 4-9.5). The mean time between the onset of symptoms and endovascular treatment was 26.3±41.7hours. Complete or partial recanalization was achieved in 23 (85.1%) patients. Three months after treatment, 16 (59.2%) had died and 6 (22.2%) had good outcome (mRS ≤ 2). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment achieved a high rate of recanalization of occlusions of the basilar artery. Nevertheless, a high percentage of the patients did not have a good outcome. New materials might improve the prognosis in these patients.

Biopsia guiada por TC de tumores sacros agresivos. ¿Es siempre diagnóstica? / Is CT-guided biopsy of aggressive sacral tumors always able to reach a diagnosis?

Objetivos. Presentar una serie de 8 casos de tumores sacros infrecuentes, que representan un amplio espectro de la patología agresiva que asienta en este hueso y discutir la eficacia de la técnica de biopsia guiada por TC. Material y métodos. Se revisó retrospectivamente a todos los pacientes con tumoraciones sacras a los que se hizo biopsia guiada por TC en nuestro servicio, durante los últimos 2 años. Antes de realizar la biopsia, se analizaron las imágenes previas de TC y RM para dirigir correctamente la biopsia. Se realizó una TC dirigida a la lesión con cortes de 3mm, para determinar la localización de la zona diana y el trayecto de la aguja. Se utilizó en todos los casos aguja de 11G y aguja coaxial de 15G. Resultados. Se biopsiaron 8 lesiones sacras, de las cuales, en 4 se consiguió el diagnóstico con biopsia guiada con TC. En 3 de ellas solo fue necesaria una sesión, con los diagnósticos de cordoma, plasmocitoma y metástasis de melanoma, mientras que en otro caso se tuvieron que realizar 3 sesiones, llegando al diagnóstico de sarcoma de Ewing. En los otros 4 casos fue necesaria la biopsia quirúrgica por distintos motivos. En ellos los diagnósticos definitivos fueron condrosarcoma, granuloma eosinófilo y en 2 pacientes linfoma óseo primario. La eficacia diagnóstica de la técnica fue del 36%. Conclusión. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la biopsia guiada por TC es menos útil en la caracterización de tumores primarios que en metástasis, siendo especialmente complicado el diagnóstico de linfomas óseos primarios. La repetición del procediendo tras resultados no diagnósticos, probablemente no aporte información adicional, por lo que es recomendable recurrir a biopsia quirúrgica (AU)

Objectives. To present a series of eight cases of rare sacral tumors that represent a wide spectrum of the aggressive disease involving the sacrum and to discuss the efficacy of CT-guided biopsy in these cases. Material and methods. We reviewed all cases of sacral tumors biopsied under CT guidance in the last two years. Prior CT and MR images were analyzed before biopsy, and 3mm CT slices of the lesion were obtained to determine the location of the target area and the path of the needle. All biopsies were performed using 11G needles and 15G coaxial needles. Results. Eight sacral lesions were biopsied under CT guidance, and a diagnosis was reached in four. In three of these, the diagnosis (chordoma, plasmocytoma, and metastasis from melanoma) was reached in a single session. In the fourth case, three sessions were necessary to reach the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma. For various reasons, the remaining four cases required surgical biopsy to reach the diagnoses of chondrosarcoma, eosinophilic granuloma, and primary bone lymphoma in two patients. The diagnostic efficacy of CT-guided biopsy was 36%. Conclusion. Our results suggest that CT-guided biopsy is less useful in the characterization of primary tumors than in metastases. The diagnosis of primary bone lymphomas is especially complicated. Repeating the procedure after inconclusive results probably will not provide additional information, and it is recommendable to perform surgical biopsy in these cases (AU)

[Is CT-guided biopsy of aggressive sacral tumors always able to reach a diagnosis?]. / Biopsia guiada por TC de tumores sacros agresivos. ¿Es siempre diagnóstica?

OBJECTIVES: To present a series of eight cases of rare sacral tumors that represent a wide spectrum of the aggressive disease involving the sacrum and to discuss the efficacy of CT-guided biopsy in these cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of sacral tumors biopsied under CT guidance in the last two years. Prior CT and MR images were analyzed before biopsy, and 3 mm CT slices of the lesion were obtained to determine the location of the target area and the path of the needle. All biopsies were performed using 11 G needles and 15 G coaxial needles. RESULTS: Eight sacral lesions were biopsied under CT guidance, and a diagnosis was reached in four. In three of these, the diagnosis (chordoma, plasmocytoma, and metastasis from melanoma) was reached in a single session. In the fourth case, three sessions were necessary to reach the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma. For various reasons, the remaining four cases required surgical biopsy to reach the diagnoses of chondrosarcoma, eosinophilic granuloma, and primary bone lymphoma in two patients. The diagnostic efficacy of CT-guided biopsy was 36%. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CT-guided biopsy is less useful in the characterization of primary tumors than in metastases. The diagnosis of primary bone lymphomas is especially complicated. Repeating the procedure after inconclusive results probably will not provide additional information, and it is recommendable to perform surgical biopsy in these cases.

Seguimiento mediante angio-resonancia magnética de aneurismas cerebrales embolizados: concordancia entre lectores / MR angiography follow-up of embolized cerebral aneurysms: interobserver agreement

Objetivo: valorar el grado de concordancia entre lectores en los estudios de angio-resonancia magnética (angio-RM) realizados como seguimiento de aneurismas intracraneales embolizados. Asimismo, comprobar si el uso de contraste paramagnético mejora el grado de concordancia. Material y métodos: se recogen los estudios de angio-RM realizados desde julio de 2004 a diciembre de 2006 como seguimiento de aneurismas cerebrales embolizados. Estas exploraciones se analizaron de forma independiente por 2 neurorradiólogos con experiencia en RM. Se obtuvieron 2 secuencias para cada paciente, una sin contraste, mediante parámetros 3D time-of-flight, y otra con contraste paramagnético. Los hallazgos se dividieron en: a) invalorable; b) oclusión completa, y c) resto aneurismático. El grado de concordancia entre lectores para las angio-RM sin y con contraste se midió mediante el cálculo del coeficiente kappa y se clasificó en: k<0,2 insignificante; k=0,21–0,4 bajo; k=0,41–0,6 moderado; k=0,61–0.8 bueno, y k>0,81 excelente. Resultados: se obtuvieron 200 angio-RM, 100 realizadas sin contraste y 100 con contraste, en un total de 48 pacientes a los 6, 12 y/o 24 meses tras la embolización. El grado de concordancia entre lectores fue bueno, tanto para las angio-RM sin contraste como para las con contraste, si bien fue superior para los estudios con contraste (k=0,660, p<0,001 y k=0,779, p<0,001, respectivamente). Conclusiones: la angio-RM presenta una buena concordancia entre lectores en el seguimiento de aneurismas intracraneales embolizados. El uso de contraste paramagnético ha supuesto un mayor grado de concordancia observado (AU)

Objective: To determine the interobserver agreement in the interpretation of MR angiography (MRA) studies for surveillance of embolized intracranial aneurysms. To determine whether contrast administration improves interobserver agreement. Material and methods: Two experienced neuroradiologists independently reviewed all follow-up MRA studies performed between July 2004 and December 2006 of cerebral aneurysms embolized with coils. All MRA studies included both unenhanced 3D time-of-flight (3D TOF) and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) images. Studies were classified as: a) not assessable; b) complete occlusion; c) residual aneurysm. Interobserver agreement for unenhanced and enhanced MRA studies was determined using the kappa statistic. Kappa values were considered insignificant when<0.2, low when between 0.21 and 0.4, and moderate when between 0.41–0.6; values >0.6 were considered good agreement and >0.8 excellent agreement. Significance was set at p<0.005. Results: We reviewed a total of 200 MRA studies (100 3D TOF studies and 100 CE-MRA studies) performed in 48 patients (25 women, 23 men) at 6, 12, and/or 24 months after embolization. Interobserver agreement was good in both 3D TOF and CE-MRA studies, although it was better in CE-MRA studies (k=0.660, p<0.001 and k=0.779, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Interobserver agreement is good for follow-up MRA studies of embolized intracranial aneurysms. Gadolinium administration improves interobserver agreement (AU)

[MR angiography follow-up of embolized cerebral aneurysms: interobserver agreement]. / Seguimiento mediante angio-resonancia magnética de aneurismas cerebrales embolizados: concordancia entre lectores.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the interobserver agreement in the interpretation of MR angiography (MRA) studies for surveillance of embolized intracranial aneurysms. To determine whether contrast administration improves interobserver agreement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two experienced neuroradiologists independently reviewed all follow-up MRA studies performed between July 2004 and December 2006 of cerebral aneurysms embolized with coils. All MRA studies included both unenhanced 3D time-of-flight (3D TOF) and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) images. Studies were classified as: a) not assessable; b) complete occlusion; c) residual aneurysm. Interobserver agreement for unenhanced and enhanced MRA studies was determined using the kappa statistic. Kappa values were considered insignificant when<0.2, low when between 0.21 and 0.4, and moderate when between 0.41-0.6; values >0.6 were considered good agreement and >0.8 excellent agreement. Significance was set at p<0.005. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 200 MRA studies (100 3D TOF studies and 100 CE-MRA studies) performed in 48 patients (25 women, 23 men) at 6, 12, and/or 24 months after embolization. Interobserver agreement was good in both 3D TOF and CE-MRA studies, although it was better in CE-MRA studies (kappa=0.660, p<0.001 and kappa=0.779, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver agreement is good for follow-up MRA studies of embolized intracranial aneurysms. Gadolinium administration improves interobserver agreement.

[May-Thurner syndrome and surgery for scoliosis]. / Síndrome de May-Thurner y cirugía de escoliosis.

May-Thurner syndrome consists of the compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl with severe scoliosis and May-Thurner syndrome that became evident during surgery to correct the scoliosis. An initial attempt to treat the scoliosis employed a posterior approach using Isola instrumentation; however, the procedure was aborted due to the presence of enormous dilated perimedullary veins and hemorrhage. Angiography and venography confirmed the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome. Given the patient's age, the condition was not treated with an endovascular stent. She is currently awaiting definitive treatment. This is the first case in the literature in which varicose dilatation of the perimedullary veins in the spinal canal interfered with the surgical treatment of scoliosis. This case underlines the potential difficulties of surgery in the presence of myriad dilated perimedullary veins. May-Thurner syndrome should be suspected in scoliotic patients with dilated perimedullary veins.

Síndrome de May-Thurner y cirugía de escoliosis / May-Thurner syndrome and surgery for scoliosis

El síndrome de May-Thurner (M-T) consiste en la compresión de la vena iliaca izquierda por la arteria iliaca derecha. Presentamos el caso de una niña de 13 años con escoliosis severa y síndrome de M-T, que se evidenció tras una complicación durante la cirugía correctora de la escoliosis. El tratamiento inicial consistió en un abordaje posterior e instrumentación de Isola, pero fue concluido de manera prematura por la presencia de enormes venas perimedulares dilatadas y hemorragia. Se realizó una angiografía y flebografía diagnosticándose un síndrome de May-Thurner. Dada la edad de la paciente no se realizó tratamiento endovascular con stent. La paciente se encuentra a la espera de tratamiento definitivo. No existen casos en la literatura de dilatación varicosa de las venas perimedulares en el canal espinal que interfieran el tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis. Este caso subraya la dificultad potencial de la técnica quirúrgica en presencia de una miríada de venas perimedulares dilatadas. El síndrome de May-Thurner debería sospecharse en pacientes escolióticos con venas perimedulares dilatadas (AU)

May-Thurner syndrome consists of the compression of the left iliac vein by the right iliac artery. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl with severe scoliosis and May-Thurner syndrome that became evident during surgery to correct the scoliosis. An initial attempt to treat the scoliosis employed a posterior approach using Isola instrumentation; however, the procedure was aborted due to the presence of enormous dilated perimedullary veins and hemorrhage. Angiography and venography confirmed the diagnosis of May-Thurner syndrome. Given the patient's age, the condition was not treated with an endovascular stent. She is currently awaiting definitive treatment. This is the first case in the literature in which varicose dilatation of the perimedullary veins in the spinal canal interfered with the surgical treatment of scoliosis. This case underlines the potential difficulties of surgery in the presence of myriad dilated perimedullary veins. May-Thurner syndrome should be suspected in scoliotic patients with dilated perimedullary veins (AU)

Mucormicosis rinocerebral: diagnóstico diferencial de las sinusitis fúngicas invasivas / Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: differential diagnosis of invasive fungal sinusitis

La mucormicosis es una infección oportunista causada por hongos Mucoraceae pertenecientes a la familia de los Phycomycetes. Suele afectar a pacientes debilitados e immunodeprimidos con neoplasias malignas, grandes quemados o diabéticos existiendo diferentes formas entre las que se incluyen rinocerebrales, pulmonares o diseminadas. Describimos un caso de mucormicosis rinocerebral con complicación intracraneal, visto en nuestro hospital que fue tratado mediante cirugía radical y tratamiento médico (AU)

[Endoscopic surgery of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma]. / Cirugía endoscópica del angiofibroma nasofaríngeo.

Juvinile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are highly vascular benign tumors but with an agressive behaviour with invasion of skull base and vital structures. Our study includes 11 male patients that underwent surgery for angiofibromas between 1992-2002 with an endoscopic surgical approach and embolization before surgery. The average age was 14.7 years old. Using Fisch staging, 8 patients were stage II. All cases achieved symptomatic remission, with no complications but the recurrence was 36.3%. The endoscopic excision is a safe and effective minimally invasive surgical treatment in patients in stage I and II. It should be considered as a first-choice option for these cases.