[Posterior spinal instrumentation image guided and assisted by neuronavigation. Experience in 120 cases]. / Fijación vertebral posterior guiada por neuronavegación. Experiencia en 121 casos.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the results of a series of 121 cases of posterior vertebral fixation carried out from Sept 2008 to Sept 2010 using Flouro 2D-TC assisted Vector Vision o Kolibri navigator. ( Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). MATERIAL: The sample included 68 males and 53 females. Age range was 24-75 with an average of 50.35., all with indication for instrumentation by different pathologies. METHOD: Patients presenting vertebral lesions of varying ethiology and lesion level with vertebral posterior fixation indication were included in the study. All underwent a CT before surgery, according to navigation protocol, and the images obtained were merged in the navigator with those obtained in the operating room with a Flouro 2D, which allowed a high quality 3D reconstruction to be performed and thus the capacity to navigate in a real-virtual manner. To evaluate the results of the implant a post-op CT was performed and the position of the implant was defined according to the Heary scale. The calabration time of the material was also evaluated, number of shots with the Flouro-2D, and for clinical evaluation VAS scales were employed, Oswestry and JOA (L), as well as the degree of satisfaction and acceptance of the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 580 screws were implanted, distributed in 62 cervicals of which 24 were in C1-C2, 38 dorsals, 370 lumbar and 110 sacral. Open surgery was performed in 42 cases, MIS in 28 and percutaneous in 51. The presision of the implant was 98.45% with a global deviation of 1.55%, that according to the Heary scale was distributed in grade ll: 2 (1 cervical, 1 lumbar) grade lll: 4 (1 cervical, 2 dorsal, 1 lumbar), grade IV: 3 (1 cervical, 2 lumbar). General average time of calibration per procedure was 2 min. 49 seconds and the mean flouroscopic exposure was one shot at cervical and dorsal and two shots at lumbar level. The clinical evaluation at one month of 121 patients was 8.6/3.0 in the VAS, 68.0% / 23.0% in Oswestry and 6.4/13.1 in JOA (L), with those parameters remaining stable at 3 months in 100 and at 6 months in 87 patients respectively, and the degree of satisfaction between being completely and very satisfied with the procedure was 94.9%, and those who would submit to another treatment was more than 94%. CONCLUSION: Navigation with Flouro-2D-CT is a high precision technique that reduces complications of varying severity according to the level operated well as number of reinterventions, radiation exposure and surgical time.

[Posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis. Experience in transarticular and interarticular fixation in 36 patients]. / artrodesis posterior C1-C2. Experiencia en fijación transarticular e interarticular en 36 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: The stabilization of C1-C2 segment has evolved with the appearance of several techniques from sublaminar, transarticular or interarticular fixation and over recent years with the introduction of neuronavegation systems. The aim of the study was to review patients treated in our center with transarticular and interarticualr fixation and compare the results obtained with both techniques. METHODS: Thirty six patients with C1-C2 instability that required a surgical fixation between 1995-2008 were retrostpectively analized. The causes of instability were principaly traumatic (18 cases) or degeneritive (16) and two cases of neoplasic lesions. In the first period (1995-2001) 20 patients were treated with transarticular fixation (Magerl's technique), and later (2002-2008) with interarticular fixation (Goel-Harms technique) in another 16 patients. Data was obtainned regarding complications, radiological evolution and clinical results (EVA pain score) and functionals (PROLO score) at 3, 6, 12 and >12 months post-op, as well as post-op cervical mobility and signs of bone fusion. A good result was considered if clinical improvement exi ted with decrease in EVA pain score > 5 points and funcional if a PROLO score > 4, regular if EVA decreased but <5 and PROLO <3 , and bad if there was no clinical or functional improvement. The results were statistically compared between both techniques. RESULTS: Of the 20 patients treated with transarticular fixation, good results were obtained in 17 cases (85%) , regular in 2 (10%), and bad in 1 (5%). Complications included 1 case of vertebral artery lesion and 3 screw misplacements, one case in contact with vertebral artery. Regarding those treated with interarticualr fixation, in 14 (89%), good results were obtained, regular in 2 (12.5%) with 1 case of screw misplacement and another of postsurgical infection. No statistical significant differences were recorded between both techniques, although in those treated with interarticular fixation there was a higher rate of bone fusion and no cases of vertebral arterial lesions were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Transarticular and interarticular C1- C2 fixation is safe and provides a high rate of good results with few complications. The introduction of neuronavigation systems can increase the efficacy and safety of these techniques.

Artrodesis posterior C1-C2. Experiencia en fijación transarticular e interarticularen 36 pacientes / Posterior C1-C2 arthrodesis. Experience in transarticular and interarticular fixation in 36 patients

Objetivo. La estabilización del segmento C1-C2 ha ido evolucionando con la aparición de numerosas técnicas desde la fijación sublaminar, transarticular o interarticular y en los últimos tiempos con la introducción de sistemas de neuronavegación. El objetivo del estudio fue revisar los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro con fijación transarticular e interarticular y comparar los resultados obtenidos con las 2 técnicas. Métodos. Se analizaron retrospectivamente 36 pacientes con inestabilidad C1-C2 que requirieron fijación quirúrgica entre 1995-2008. Las causas de la inestabilidad fueron en su mayoría traumáticas (18 pacientes) o degenerativas (16 pacientes) y 2 casos de neoplasia. En un primer periodo (1995-2001) se trataron 20 pacientes mediante fijación transarticular (técnica Magerl), y posteriormente (2002-2008) con fijación interarticular (técnica Goel-Harms) en otros 16 pacientes. Se obtuvieron datos sobre las complicaciones, evolución radiológica y resultados clínicos (escala EVA dolor) y funcionales (Escala PROLO) a los 3, 6, 12 y >12 meses tras la cirugía, así como la movilidad cervical postquirúrgica y los signos de fusión ósea. Se consideró resultado bueno si existía mejoría clínica con disminución en la escala EVA de dolor >5 puntos y funcional si se obtenía PROLO ≥4, regular si disminución de EVA pero <5 y PROLO ≤3, y malo si no había mejoría clínica ni funcional. Se compararon los resultados estadísticamente entre una y otra técnica. Resultados. De 20 pacientes tratados con fijación transarticular se obtuvieron resultados buenos en 17 casos (85%), regular en 2 (10%) y malo en 1 (5%). Como complicaciones 1 caso de lesión de arteria vertebral y en 3 malposición de tornillos. En cuanto a los tratados con fijación interarticular en 14 (89%) se obtuvieron un buen resultado, y regular en 2 (12.5%), con 1 caso de malposición de tornillos y otro de infección postquirúrgica. No se registraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambas técnicas, aunque en los tratados con fijación interarticular hubo mayor tasa de fusión ósea y no se dieron casos de lesión de arteria vertebral. Conclusiones. La fijación C1-C2 transarticular e interarticular resulta segura, presentando altas tasas de buenos resultados con pocas complicaciones. La introducción de sistemas de neuronavegación podría incrementar la eficacia y la seguridad de éstas técnicas (AU)

Objective. The stabilization of C1-C2 segment has evolved with the appearance of several techniques from sublaminar, transarticular or interarticular fixation and over recent years with the introduction of neuronavegation systems. The aim of the study was to review patients treated in our center with transarticular and interarticualr fixation and compare the results obtained with both techniques. Methods. Thirty six patients with C1-C2 instability that required a surgical fixation between 1995-2008 were retrostpectively analized. The causes of instability were principaly traumatic (18 cases) or degeneritive (16) and two cases of neoplasic lesions. In the first period (1995-2001) 20 patients were treated with transarticular fixation (Magerl's technique), and later (2002-2008) with interarticular fixation (Goel-Harms technique) in another 16 patients. Data was obtainned regarding complications, radiological evolution and clinical results (EVA pain score) and functionals (PROLO score) at 3, 6, 12 and >12 months post-op, as well as post-op cervical mobility and signs of bone fusion. A good result was considered if clinical improvement existed with decrease in EVA pain score > 5 points and funcional if a PROLO score > 4, regular if EVA decreased but <5 and PROLO <3 , and bad if there was no clinical or functional improvement. The results were statistically compared between both techniques. Results. Of the 20 patients treated with transarticular fixation, good results were obtained in 17 cases (85%) , regular in 2 (10%), and bad in 1 (5%). Complications included 1 case of vertebral artery lesion and 3 screw misplacements, one case in contact with vertebral artery. Regarding those treated with interarticualr fixation, in 14 (89%), good results were obtained, regular in 2 (12.5%) with 1 case of screw misplacement and another of postsurgical infection. No statistical significant differences were recorded between both techniques, although in those treated with interarticular fixation there was a higher rate of bone fusion and no cases of vertebral arterial lesions were recorded. Conclusions. Transarticular and interarticular C1C2 fixation is safe and provides a high rate of good results with few complications. The introduction of neuronavigation systems can increase the efficacy and safety of these techniques (AU)

Fijación vertebral posterior guiada por neuronavegación. Experiencia en 121 casos / Posterior spinal instrumentation image guided and assisted by neuronavigation. Experience in 120 cases

Introducción. Los autores aportan una serie de 121 casos de instrumentación vertebral posterior realizadas desde septiembre del 2008 a diciembre del 2010 mediante la utilización de Fluoro 2D y TC asistida con neuronavegador Vector Visión o Kolibri. (Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). Material. La muestra fue de 68 varones y 53 mujeres con edades comprendidas entre 24 y 75 años con una media de 50,35 años, todos ellos con indicación para una instrumentación vertebral posterior por distintas patologías. Método. A todos se les realizó una TC previo al pro- cedimiento según protocolo específico de adquisición de imagen para navegación, estas se fusionaron en el navegador con las adquiridas en el quirófano con un Fluoro 2D, lo cual permitió realizar una reconstrucción de alta calidad y así poder navegar de forma real-virtual. Para valorar los resultados se realizó una TC postoperatorio y se clasificó la posición del implante según la escala tomográfica de Heary. Se valoró también el tiempo de calibración del material y número de disparos con el Fluoro-2D. Los resultados clínicos se valoraron con las escalas de VAS, Oswestry y JOA (L) así como el grado de satisfacción con el procedimiento y aceptación del mismo. Resultados. Se implantaron un total de 580 tornillos distribuidos en 62 cervicales (24 en C1-C2), 38 dorsales, 370 lumbares y 110 sacros. Se realizó cirugía abierta en 42 casos, MIS 28 y percutánea en 51. La precisión del implante fue del 98,45% con una desviación global del 1,55% que según escala de Heary se distribuyeron (..) (AU)

Introduction. The authors present the results of a series of 121 cases of posterior vertebral fixation carried out from Sept 2008 to Sept 2010 using Flouro 2D-TC assisted Vector Vision o Kolibri navigator. ( Brain LAB, Feldkirchen, Germany). Material. The sample included 68 males and 53 females. Age range was 24-75 with an average of 50.35., all with indication for instrumentation by different pathologies. Method. Patients presenting vertebral lesions of varying ethiology and lesion level with vertebral posterior fixation indication were included in the study. All under went a CT before surgery, according to navigation protocol, and the images obtained were merged in the navigator with those obtained in the operating room with a Flouro 2D, which allowed a high quality 3D reconstruction to be performed and thus the capacity to navigate in a real-virtual manner. To evaluate the results of the implant a post-op CT was performed and the position of the implant was defined according to the Heary scale. The calabration time of the material was also evaluated, number of shots with the Flouro-2D, and for clinical evaluation VAS scales were employed, Oswestry and JOA (L), as well as the degree of satisfac- tion and acceptance of the procedure. Results. A total of 580 screws were implanted, dis- tributed in 62 cervicals of which 24 were in C1-C2, 38 dorsals, 370 lumbar and 110 sacral. Open surgery was performed in 42 cases, MIS in 28 and percutaneous in 51. The presision of the implant was 98.45% with a global deviation of 1.55%, that according to the Heary scale was distributed in grade ll: 2 (1 cervical, 1 lumbar) grade lll: 4 (1 cervical, 2 dorsal, 1 lumbar), grade IV: 3 (1 cervical, 2 lumbar). General average time of calibration per procedure was 2 min. 49 seconds and the mean flo- uroscopic exposure was one shot at cervical and dorsal and two shots at (..) (AU)

[Intraoperative complications of corticosubcortical mapping]. / Complicaciones intraoperatorias del mapeo corticosubcortical.

By looking through our cases and literature, an analysis of the surgical complications derived from direct cerebral stimulation under general anesthesia and local anesthesia and sedation was made. A retrospective descriptive study was performed including patients who were intervened in our centre from 2004 to 2008 and had the cortico-subcortical mapping technique. Common pre-operation variables were as follow: Age, sex, tumor localization and tumor's pathology; On patients intervened while awake, we collected the ASA, BMI and duration of the intervention. Afterwards, variable like epileptic attacks and cerebral edema were included in two groups. In addition, on those awake, respiratory and circulatory complications, local anesthesia toxicity, poor level of sedation, nausea and vomiting, pain and feeling uncomfortable with body posture were collected as well. A total of 20 patients had surgery. 10 of them were operated under local anesthesia and sedation with a mean age of 41 years, mean BMI of 26.8 and a pre-operatory ASA score of I or II ( except one patient with ASA III). The mean time duration of the surgical procedure was 5 hours and 20 minutes. On the other side, 10 patients were intervened with general anesthesia with a mean age of 55 years. There were no cases of cerebral edema in either group, although in 4 patients had epileptic attacks which resolved with cold saline irrigation. Five patients with local anesthesia and sedation did not have any complication, 2 patients showed desaturation episodes without further complications, three manifested hypertension episodes and two signs of feeling uncomfortable with body posture. None of the intra-operatory complications registered interfered wit the overall surgical procedure. This is a safe technique if performed following recommended indications and parameters. Regarding complications, respiratory complications are the most common and the most dangerous, as they can influence in the surgical procedure for difficult cases.

Complicaciones intraoperatorias del mapeo corticosubcortical / Intraoperative complications of corticosubcortical mapping

Mediante una revisión de nuestra casuística y dela literatura analizamos las complicaciones intraoperatoriasderivadas del uso de las estimulaciones cerebralesdirectas bajo anestesia general y anestesialocal y sedación. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivodescriptivo de los pacientes intervenidos (2004-2008)en que se utilizó la técnica del mapeo corticosubcortical.Se determinaron como variables preoperatoriascomunes: edad, sexo, localización tumoral, anatomíapatológica, y en los pacientes operados despiertos, seregistró el ASA, IMC y duración de la intervención.En los dos grupos se constataron la aparición de edemacerebral o crisis comiciales. En los pacientes despiertosse registró además las complicaciones respiratorias,hemodinámicas, toxicidad por anestésico local, nivelinadecuado de sedación, náuseas/vómitos, dolor eincomodidad postural. Bajo anestesia local y sedaciónse operaron 10, de 41 años de edad media, IMC mediode 26,8 y un ASA preoperatorio de I o II . La duraciónmedia de la intervención fue de 5 horas y 20 minutos.Mediante anestesia general se intervinieron 10 pacientes,de 55 años de media. En ningún caso de los dosgrupos se constató edema cerebral, 4 pacientes presentaroncrisis comiciales (autolimitadas con irrigación desuero frío). En 5 pacientes con anestesia local y sedaciónno registramos ninguna complicación, 2 pacientes episodiosde desaturación sin complicaciones, 3 episodiosde hipertensión y 2 incomodidad postural. Ninguna delas complicaciones intraoperatorias que registramosinterfirió en el desarrollo de la cirugía. Es una técnicasegura si se realiza siguiendo las indicaciones y losparámetros recomendados. Las crisis y complicacionesrespiratorias son las complicaciones más frecuentes ya su vez las más temidas, puesto que pueden influir encasos problemáticos en el proceso de la cirugía (AU)

By looking through our cases and literature, ananalysis of the surgical complications derived fromdirect cerebral stimulation under general anesthesiaand local anesthesia and sedation was made. A retrospectivedescriptive study was performed includingpatients who were intervened in our centre from 2004to 2008 and had the cortico-subcortical mapping technique.Common pre-operation variables were as follow:Age, sex, tumor localization and tumor’s pathology; Onpatients intervened while awake, we collected the ASA,BMI and duration of the intervention. Afterwards,variable like epileptic attacks and cerebral edema wereincluded in two groups. In addition, on those awake,respiratory and circulatory complications, local anesthesiatoxicity, poor level of sedation, nausea and vomiting,pain and feeling uncomfortable with body posturewere collected as well. A total of 20 patients had surgery.10 of them were operated under local anesthesia andsedation with a mean age of 41 years, mean BMI of 26.8and a pre-operatory ASA score of I or II ( except onepatient with ASA III). The mean time duration of thesurgical procedure was 5 hours and 20 minutes. On theother side, 10 patients were intervened with generalanesthesia with a mean age of 55 years. There were nocases of cerebral edema in either group, although in 4patients had epileptic attacks which resolved with coldsaline irrigation. Five patients with local anesthesiaand sedation did not have any complication, 2 patientsshowed desaturation episodes without further complications,three manifested hypertension episodes and (..) (AU)

[Comparison [corrected] of Chiari I malformation treatment using suboccipital craniectomy and posterior arch of C1 resection with or without dural graft]. / Comparación del tratamiento de la malformación de Chiari tipo I mediante craniectomía suboccipital y resección del arco posterior de C1 con o sin duroplastia.

UNLABELLED: There are various surgical approaches to treat Chiari I malformation. In spite of the good clinical results that are reported with most of them, there is still controversy about the optimal treatment of this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiological results of surgical treatment of the Chiari I malformation with suboccipital craniectomy, posterior arch of C1 resection with or without dural graft, analyzing clinical and radiological findings and describing the complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospectively clinical cases series of patients who underwent Chiari I malformation surgery between 1998 and 2006 in the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona. The inclusion criteria consisted in: patients older than 18 years, who have had surgery in our hospital, detailed neurological examination before and after surgery (calculating the EDSS scale punctuation), craniospinal magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery and minimal follow up period of 6 months. The election of the surgical approach was left to the discretion of the main surgeon. Patients were divided in two groups depending of the surgical technique: Group A (with dural graft) and Group B (without dural graft). To evaluate the morphological results in both groups, measurements of the position of the fastigium above a basal line in the midsagittal T1 weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained. In patients with syringomyelia, siringo-to-cord ratio was measured before and after surgery. To evaluate the clinical results, neurological examination was recorded in both groups before and after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of Group A patients was 47 (-/+12.89) years, and of Group B was 38.3 (-/+7.77) years. Mean follow up period was 2.48 (-/+2.44) years in Group A and 4.2 (-/+4.46) in Group B. Creation of an artificial cisterna magna was observed en 35.7% of Group A patients and only in 3.5% of Group B patients (p=0.022). In 8 patients front Group A, 8 patients (28.6%) an upward migration of the cerebellum was seen, whereas any of the Group B patients presented it (p=0.022) Siringo-to-cord ratios were decreased in both groups without significant differences. All of the Group A patients improved their clinical exploration. In Group B, 60% of the patients improved and the 40% left maintained clinical stability. Any patient worsened. All patients that maintained clinical stability belonged to Group B, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p=0.04). Five patients presented immediate surgical complications (2 pseudomeningoceles, 2 meningitis and 1 hydrocephalus). All this patients where operated with dural graft (p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, suboccipital craniectomy with resection of the posterior arch of C1 and dural graft shows better clinical and radiological results than without dural graft. Nevertheless this technique can increase the incidence of surgical complications.

Comparación del tratamiento de la malformación de Chiari tipo I mediante craniectomía suboccipital y resección del arco posterior de C1 con o sin duroplastia / Comparation of Chiari I malformation treatment using suboccipital craniectomy and posterior arch of C1 resection with or without dural graft

Existen múltiples tratamientos descritos para la malformación de Chiari tipo I. Se reportan buenos resultados clínicos con la mayoría de las variantes. Aún así, sigue habiendo controversia acerca del tratamiento óptimo de esta entidad. Objetivo. Comparar los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la malformación de Chiari tipo I mediante craniectomía suboccipital, resección del arco posterior de C1 con o sin duroplastia, analizando las variables clínicas, radiológicas y describiendo las complicaciones. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos en nuestro centro entre los años 1998 y 2006. La muestra cumplía los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pacientes mayores de 18 años, que hubieran sido intervenidos en nuestro centro en todas las ocasiones, examen neurológico preoperatorio y de control postoperatorio (calculando su puntuación en la escala EDSS), estudio de imagencraneo espinal preoperatorio y postoperatorio y tiempomínimo de seguimiento clínico de 6 meses. Los pacientes se intervinieron con una u otra técnicaen función del criterio del cirujano principal. Dividimosa los pacientes en dos grupos según la técnica utilizada: Grupo A (intervenidos mediante duroplastia) y grupo B (intervenidos sin duroplastia). Para evaluar los resultados radiológicos en los dos grupos se midieron en la resonancia magnética, antes y después de la cirugía: la migración cerebelos a siguiendo el método de Duddy y Williams y la ratio siringo espinal en los pacientes con siringomielia. Para evaluar el resultado clínico, se recogió en los dos grupos la exploración neurológica antes y después de la cirugía. Resultados. La edad media de los pacientes del grupo A fue de 47 (±12,89) años, mientras que la del grupo B fue de 38,30 (±7,77) años. El tiempo medio de seguimiento de los pacientes del grupo A fue de 2,48 (...)

There are various surgical approaches to treat ChiariI malformation. In spite of the good clinical results that are reported with most of them, there is still controversy about the optimal treatment of this patology.Objective. To compare the clinical and radiologicalresults of surgical treatment of the Chiari I malformation with suboccipital craniectomy, posterior arch of C1 resection with or without dural graft, analyzing clinical and radiological findings and describing the complications.Material and methods. Retrospectively clinical casesseries of patients who underwent Chiari I malformationsurgery between 1998 and 2006 in the Hospital GermansTrias i Pujol in Badalona. The inclusion criteriaconsisted in: patients older than 18 years, who have hadsurgery in our hospital, detailed neurological examination before and after surgery (calculating the EDSS scale punctuation), craniospinal magnetic resonanceimaging before and after surgery and minimal followup period of 6 months.The election of the surgical approach was left to thediscretion of the main surgeon.Patients were divided in two groups depending ofthe surgical technique: Group A (with dural graft)and Group B (without dural graft). To evaluate themorphological results in both groups, measurementsof the position of the fastigium above a basal line in the midsagittal T1 weighted magnetic resonance imageswere obtained. In patients with syringomyelia, siringoto-cord ratio was measured before and after surgery. Toevaluate the clinical results, neurological examinationwas recorded in both groups before and after surgery.Results. The mean age of Group A patients was 47(±12,89) years, and of Group B was 38,3 (±7,77) years.Mean follow up period was 2,48 (...)

Clinical course of high-grade glioma patients with a "biopsy-only" surgical approach: a need for individualised treatment.

INTRODUCTION: 'Biopsy-only' high-grade glioma (HGG) patients get limited benefit from post-operative treatments, and as a group, negatively impact median survival outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated clinical characteristics, treatment and overall survival of HGG patients with a 'biopsy- only' surgical approach diagnosed between 1997 and 2005 at a University Hospital in Spain. RESULTS: In 31% of 294 suspected gliomas, only a diagnostic biopsy was undertaken. Reasons for 'biopsy-only' for all patients were either location in eloquent areas: (motor area 18.7%, language area 25,3%, basal ganglia 7.7%, visual area 4.4%) or extension of the disease (corpus callosum invasion 14.3% and multicentricity/multifocality 28.6%). Seventy-four patients (80.4%) were HGG: 26% of all grade IV and 49% of all grade III tumours. For these patients, post-operative Karnofsky Performance Status of over 70%, median age and median survival were, respectively: 64 and 70%, 60.7 and 57 years old, and 23.1 and 42.7 weeks (p=0.0006). Patients lived longer if post-operative treatment was given, in all grades (p<0.0001). Nineteen patients (25.6%) died within 42 days after surgery. Only 60% of them initiated radiotherapy and 10% of them did not complete it. However, tumour grade, radiotherapy and temozolomide- based chemotherapy were independently associated with longer survival in multivariate analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Almost one third of HGG patients can undergo only a biopsy and not debulking surgery. Although radiotherapy improves survival, only 50% of them complete the treatment. An individualised approach to these patients is needed to facilitate a correct analysis of therapy results. New therapies must be investigated in these patients.

Clinical course of high-grade glioma patients with a "biopsy-only" surgical approach: a need for individualised treatment

INTRODUCTION: 'Biopsy-only' high-grade glioma (HGG) patients get limited benefit from post-operative treatments, and as a group, negatively impact median survival outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated clinical characteristics, treatment and overall survival of HGG patients with a 'biopsy- only' surgical approach diagnosed between 1997 and 2005 at a University Hospital in Spain. RESULTS: In 31% of 294 suspected gliomas, only a diagnostic biopsy was undertaken. Reasons for 'biopsy-only' for all patients were either location in eloquent areas: (motor area 18.7%, language area 25,3%, basal ganglia 7.7%, visual area 4.4%) or extension of the disease (corpus callosum invasion 14.3% and multicentricity/multifocality 28.6%). Seventy-four patients (80.4%) were HGG: 26% of all grade IV and 49% of all grade III tumours. For these patients, post-operative Karnofsky Performance Status of over 70%, median age and median survival were, respectively: 64 and 70%, 60.7 and 57 years old, and 23.1 and 42.7 weeks (p=0.0006). Patients lived longer if post-operative treatment was given, in all grades (p<0.0001). Nineteen patients (25.6%) died within 42 days after surgery. Only 60% of them initiated radiotherapy and 10% of them did not complete it. However, tumour grade, radiotherapy and temozolomide- based chemotherapy were independently associated with longer survival in multivariate analysis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Almost one third of HGG patients can undergo only a biopsy and not debulking surgery. Although radiotherapy improves survival, only 50% of them complete the treatment. An individualised approach to these patients is needed to facilitate a correct analysis of therapy results. New therapies must be investigated in these patients (AU)

Factors related to non-participation in a population-based breast cancer screening programme.

The main objectives were to describe the measures taken by women to detect breast disease prior to invitation to participate in a screening programme for breast cancer, and to identify factors related to non-participation in this programme. A cross-sectional study was designed at the Breast Cancer Early Detection Program of Sabadell-Cerdanyola (BCEDP), using data collected in interviews conducted face to face or over the telephone with 13 760 women participating in the programme and 280 non-participants. A total of 74.2% of the participants versus 70.4% of the non-participants reported having taken measures to detect breast disease, and 71.7% of the participants had undergone mammography versus 69.6% of the non-participants. Of the 10 057 women who had had mammograms, 58% had done so less than 2 years previously. Factors found to be associated to non-participation in the multivariate analysis were: higher level of education, higher occupational skills or working at home, self- or gynaecological examination of breasts, and having received hormone replacement therapy. Higher age group was the only factor that increased the probability of not having undergone mammography previously. Despite the high prevalence of prior measures to detect breast cancer and the similar prevalence between participating and non-participating women, this behaviour is much less prevalent in the group of women 60 years of age or older.

Programa de adiestramientoy resultados en la inserciónhisteroscópica dedispositivos para laesterilización tubáricapermanente / Training program and results of hysteroscopic insertion of devices for permanent tubal sterilization

Objetivos: Evaluar la metodología utilizada para aprender la técnica de inserción de los dispositivos Essure®, antes de proceder a su colocación, en mujeres que deseaban un método contraceptivo permanente. Sujetos y métodos: En una primera fase, el adiestramiento comenzó con sesiones teoricoprácticas de manejo del material, utilizando maquetas uterinas de plástico. En la segunda fase, se insertaron los dispositivos a 6 pacientes que iban a ser sometidas a una histerectomía por enfermedad benigna. En una tercera fase, se procedió a la inserción de los dispositivos a 25 mujeres voluntarias, en el marco de un ensayo clínico multicéntrico de fase II. Resultados: Se consiguió la inserción correcta de ambos dispositivos en 23 de las 25 participantes (92 por ciento). Las únicas complicaciones fueron dos reflejos vagales (8 por ciento) que no precisaron ingreso hospitalario. No se objetivó ningún embarazo. Conclusión: El elevado porcentaje de inserciones satisfactorias, el escaso número de complicaciones y la efectividad del método como contraceptivo demuestran la eficacia del entrenamiento efectuado (AU)

[Results of C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation in a series of 20 patients]. / Resultados de la fijación transarticular C1-C2 en una serie de 20 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: C1-C2 transarticular fixation is an increasingly used surgical method of treating atlantoaxial instability. When properly performed, it can safely provide fusion rates near 100%, but techniques of fixation in this region allow only a small margin of error. We here report the results of C1-C2 transarticular fixation in a series of 20 patients in which different procedures were selected according to the presenting disorder in each case. METHODS: The study group included 9 men and 11 women with a mean age of 48 years (range 17 to 68 years). The causes of instabilities were rheumatoid arthritis in nine patients, type II and III Hangman's fracture of traumatic origin in nine (in association with other lesions in three cases), pseudoarthrosis after type II odontoid fracture in one, and type III complex C1 fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Preoperative assessment included flexion and extension plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Operations included transarticular screw fixation in all cases; in patients with rheumatoid arthritis it was associated with sublaminar fixation and bone grafting following Sonntag's technique in all but two cases. Postoperative results were evaluated in relation to the biomechanical stability and fusion was studied by flexion and extension radiographs and CT scans. Pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis patients was assessed using a 0-10 visual analogic scale (V.A.S.). RESULTS: In the traumatic group, a consolidation of the fracture and radiologic stability was achieved in all cases. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, pain improved in all but not the neurological deficit, and in all cases a C1-C2 biomechanical stability was reached despite interlaminar graft resorption in two (25%) cases. With respect to complications, a lesion of the vertebral artery occurred in one case, deviation of the screw in two cases, and breakage of the screw without clinical repercussion in two other cases. CONCLUSION: C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation was a useful technique to achieve satisfacory biomechanical stability in patients with atlatoaxial instability of both inflammatory and traumatic origin with a low rate of complications.

Resultados de la fijación transarticular C1-C2 en una serie de 20 pacientes / Results of C1-C2 transarticular screw fixation in a series of 20 patients

Objetivo: La fijación transarticular C1-C2 es un procedimiento quirúrgico progresivamente más utilizado para el tratamiento de la inestabilidad de la columna cervical alta. Cuando dicha técnica se efectúa correctamente, es un procedimiento seguro que proporciona tasas de fusión cercanas al 100 por ciento, pero la fijación en esta región permite un escaso margen de error. Presentamos los resultados de la fijación transarticular C1-C2 en una serie de 20 pacientes en los que se seleccionaron diferentes técnicas según la causa de la inestabilidad cervical.Métodos: Se estudiaron a 9 varones y 11 mujeres con una media de edad de 48 años (rango 17 a 68 años). Las causas de la inestabilidad cervical fueron artritis reumatoide en nueve pacientes, fracturas tipo 11 y 111 de Hangman de origen traumático en nueve (con otras lesiones en tres casos), seudoartrosis tras fractura odontoide tipo 11 en un caso y fractura compleja tipo 111 de C1 en un paciente con espondilitis anquilopoyética. La evaluación preoperatoria incluyó radiografías cervicales en flexión y extensión, así como tomografía axial computadorizada (TAC) y resonancia magnética nuclear. En todos los casos se efectuó una fijación transarticular con tornillos (asociada a fijación sublaminar e injerto óseo según la técnica de Sonntag en siete de los nueve pacientes con artritis reumatoide). En el postoperatorio se evaluaron la estabilidad biomecánica y la fusión (por las radiografías cervicales y el TAC). Se utilizó una escala analógica visual (E.V.A.) de 0 a 10 para valorar la mejoría del dolor en el grupo con artritis reumatoide.Resultados: En todas las luxaciones traumáticas, se logró la consolidación de la fractura y la estabilidad radiológica. Todos los pacientes con artritis reumatoide experimentaron mejoría de dolor y en todos los casos se logró la estabilidad biomecánica C1-C2 a pesar de la reabsorción del injerto interlaminar en dos pacientes (25 por ciento). Con respecto a las complicaciones, hubo un caso de lesión de la arteria vertebral, desviación del tornillo Neurocirugía 2002; 13:429-436 en dos casos y rotura del tornillo sin repercusión clínica en otros dos casos.Conclusión: La fijación transarticular CI-C2 fue una técnica útil para lograr la estabilidad biomecánica en pacientes con inestabilidad de la columna cervical superior de origen traumático e inflamatorio, con un bajo porcentaje de complicaciones (AU)

[Genetic study of a new family with Hippel-Lindau type IIB disease]. / Estudio genético de una nueva familia con la enfermedad de Von Hippel-Lindau tipo IIB.

BACKGROUND: Von Hippel-Lindau disease is characterized by the variable presence of cerebellar and retinal haemangioblastomas, phaeocromocytomas and hypernephromas, beginning at early stages of life. Von Hippel-Lindau gene has been located in the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p25.5) and has been involved in the regulation of DNA transcription acting as a suppressor gene. More than 500 different mutations have been described. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We describe a new family with the type IIB Von Hippel-Lindau disease in which, apart from clinical studies, we performed a genetic screening trying to identify germinal mutations. RESULTS: So far, we have point out 6 patients with the G-->A transversion at codon 167 (R167Q). Two of them with overt clinical disease (phaeocromocytoma in case II.1 and haemangioblastoma in the II.2) at the beginning of the study and one with a non-suspected clinical presentation (phaeocromocytoma and renal carcinoma in case I.1) out of 8 family members studied in three generations. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic screening in this family permitted us to identify three subjects before their clinical onset. The absence of the mutation in two of the younger patients will simplify the clinical follow-up of this family. Genetic screening must be generalized in the follow-up of Von Hippel-Lindau disease families, because of economic advantages and clinical efficacy.

The impact of stereotactic large-core needle biopsy in the treatment of patients with nonpalpable breast lesions: a study of diagnostic accuracy in 510 consecutive cases.

The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of stereotactic large-core needle biopsy (LCNB) in the management of nonpalpable breast lesions (NBL) and compare it with stereotactic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (SFNA) performed simultaneously in a significant number of cases. From November 1993 through June 1997, 510 consecutive patients with NBL underwent 14-gauge LCNB with 354 women undergoing simultaneous 21-gauge SFNA in the same lesson. Mammographic findings lesion size, number of core biopsy specimens, complications and diagnoses of both techniques were analysed. Surgical biopsy, tumorectomy or mastectomy was indicated for malignancy or poor correlation between SFNA or LCNB results and clinical or radiological findings. Values of diagnostic accuracy of both LCNB and SFNA were determined. The ratio benign surgical biopsies/malignant surgical biopsies (BB/CB) of the series was calculated. A total of 171 patients underwent surgical treatment: in 31 (18.1%) a benign process or atypical ductal hyperplasia was the final diagnosis. The ratio BB/CB was 0.22. Sensitivity and specificity were 93.2 and 100%, respectively, for LCNB, and 77.2 and 92.3%, respectively, for SFNA with cytological analysis. Large-core needle biopsy provides more accurate diagnosis than SFNA in the management of nonpalpable breast lesions and obviates a surgical diagnostic procedure in a significant number of cases.

[Spinal cord compression in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A study of 10 patients]. / Compresión medular en los linfomas no hodgkinianos. Estudio de 10 pacientes.

Spinal cord compression is an infrequent event in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) and early diagnosis and therapy are required. The main clinical and histologic characteristics as well as the response to therapy in 10 NHL patients with spinal cord compression diagnosed at a single center in a 7-year period are referred. The main initial clinical manifestations were pain in dorsal or lumbar regions (5 cases) and paraparesia or paraplegia (5 patients). Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was present in four cases. In 8 patients spinal cord compression was the initial manifestation of NHL. Pathologic diagnosis showed intermediate or high-grade lymphoma in 8 out of 10 cases and immunologic phenotype was B-cell in all cases. Laminectomy followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy was performed in 4 cases, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in two, isolated chemotherapy in 3 and radiation therapy was administered to the remaining case. Complete response was observed in 4 cases and 6 cases were resistant to treatment. No patient with HIV infection responded to treatment. Six patients had died, median survival time for the whole series being 4 months, and the actuarial probability of survival was 40% at the first year.

Contralateral trigeminal neuralgia as a false localizing sign in intracranial tumors.

Three cases of contralateral trigeminal neuralgia as a false localizing sign in intracranial tumors are reported. In each patient (meningioma, 2 cases; cholesteatoma, 1 case) the tumor was asymptomatic, so that intracranial tumor had not been suspected preoperatively. In all cases, tumors were large and firm. The tumor was supratentorial in two cases. In one case, a cortically mediated mechanism may have caused the neuralgia, whereas in the remaining two cases distortion and displacement of the brain stem and compression of the contralateral Meckel's cave would explain the trigeminal nerve signs.

[Prolactin secretion in women using IUDs]. / Estudio de la secrecion de prolactina en pacientes portadoras de DIU.

PIP: Prolactin variations in women wearing IUDs (Lippes Loop, Copper T-Device) were evaluated. All had been wearing the devices for at least 6 months. Results are compared to those of a control group during the follicular and luteal phases. There was no increase observed in prolactin secretion in either phase in relation to the control group. However, there was a slight increase in prolactin secretion during the luteal phase in patients wearing IUDs as compared to the follicular phase; nevertheless, this increase was not significant. It is concluded that the IUD does not influence the normal variations in prolactin secretion.^ieng