Papel de la estimulación del nervio vago en el tratamiento de la epilepsia refractaria. Resultados clínicos e impacto en la calidad de vida / The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: Clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life

Introducción: La estimulación del nervio vago (ENV) se ha mostrado como una terapia complementaria al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con epilepsia refractaria. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de la ENV en relación con la disminución del número, intensidad y duración de las crisis, con la reducción del número de fármacos antiepilépticos y con la mejoría de la calidad de vida. Material y métodos: Se analizó la evolución de 70 pacientes con epilepsia refractaria, tratados mediante ENV en el Hospital General Universitario de Alicante y en el Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Se recogieron variables pre- y postoperatorias. La diferencia en la frecuencia tras la estimulación vagal se clasificó mediante la escala de McHugh. También se recogieron los cambios en la duración e intensidad de las crisis y la disminución de la medicación junto con la modificación de la calidad de vida. Resultados: El 12,86% de los pacientes se clasificaron como McHugh I, el 44,29% como ii, el 40% como iii y el 2,86% como iv-v. Un 57,15% de los pacientes presentaron una reducción superior al 50% en la frecuencia de las crisis. Un 88% de los pacientes presentaron una mejoría en la duración de las crisis, en el 68% disminuyó la intensidad, un 66% toman menos fármacos y en el 93% mejoró la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La ENV ha mostrado disminuir la frecuencia de las crisis, así como la duración, la intensidad y el consumo de fármacos, ofreciendo además una mejoría en la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes. (AU)

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients’ quality of life. Material and methods: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. Results: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. Conclusions: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients’ quality of life. (AU)

The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients' quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. RESULTS: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients' quality of life.

Surgical management of anterior clinoidal meningiomas: consensus statement on behalf of the EANS skull base section.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of clinoidal meningiomas (CMs) continues to be debated. METHODS: We constituted a task force comprising the members of the EANS skull base committee along with international experts to derive recommendations for the management of these tumors. The data from the literature along with contemporary practice patterns were discussed within the task force to generate consensual recommendations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This article represents the consensus opinion of the task force regarding pre-operative evaluations, patient's counselling, surgical classification, and optimal surgical strategy. Although this analysis yielded only Class B evidence and expert opinions, it should guide practitioners in the management of patients with clinoidal meningiomas and might form the basis for future clinical trials.

The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: Clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life. / Papel de la estimulación del nervio vago en el tratamiento de la epilepsia refractaria. Resultados clínicos e impacto en la calidad de vida.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients' quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. RESULTS: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients' quality of life.

Intracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumour of uncertain differentiation and low metastatic potential, which occurs predominantly in children and young adults. It occurs mostly within the extremities, trunk, head and neck. We report the case of a 32-year-old female that was operated in our hospital in 2016 and twice in 2017. The patient had headaches and neck pain initially in 2016. We discuss the radiographic and histologic features initially found and the findings that ultimately led to the diagnosis of AFH. The patient had a past history of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Reparación de las lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador mediante diferentes compuestos / Repair of rotator cuff injuries using different composites

Objetivo. La reparación del manguito rotador se acompaña de una elevada tasa de rerrotura. Nuestro objetivo es determinar si el empleo de rhBMP-2 vehiculizada en un transportador híbrido mejora el proceso de reparación en lesiones crónicas del manguito. Material y métodos. Estudio experimental en 62 ratas. A las 4 semanas de la lesión se llevó a cabo una sutura transósea y la asignación aleatoria a uno de los 5 grupos de estudio: 1) grupo control: solo sutura; 2) grupo doble-control: se aplicó además un transportador de alginato-quitina; 3) grupo control-alginato: se añadió rhBMP-2 al alginato; 4) grupo control-quitina: se añadió rhBMP-2 a la quitina, y 5) grupo doble-muestra: se añadió rhBMP-2 a ambos componentes. A los 4 meses se evaluaron los resultados mediante estudios biomecánicos e histológicos. Resultados. En todos los casos se observó una brecha osteotendinosa macroscópicamente a las 4 semanas. La tasa de rerrotura fue del 7,5%, ocurriendo el 20% de ellas en el grupo control-alginato. En la evaluación histológica los mejores resultados se obtuvieron en el grupo doble muestra: 4,5 (3,3-5). La carga máxima soportada fue mayor en el grupo doble muestra 62,9N (59,8-69,4) presentando además una menor rigidez 12,7 (9,7-15,9). Conclusiones. El empleo de la rhBMP-2 vehiculizada en un transportador híbrido de alginato-quitina parece mejorar las características histológicas de la reparación e incrementar las propiedades biomecánicas del tendón en el contexto de una lesión crónica del manguito rotador (AU)

Aim. Rotator cuff repairs have shown a high level of re-ruptures. It is hypothesised that the use of rhBMP-2 in a carrier could improve the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair. Material and methods. Controlled experimental study conducted on 40 rats with section and repair of the supraspinatus tendon and randomisation to one of five groups: Group 1 (control) only suture; Group 2 (double control), suture and alginate-chitin carrier; Group 3 (alginate-control), the rhBMP-2 was added to the alginate; Group 4 (chitin-control) application of the rhBMP-2 to the chitin, and Group 5 (double sample): The two components of the carrier (alginate and chitin) have rhBMP-2. A biomechanical and histological analysis was performed at 4 weeks. Results. A gap was observed in all cases 4 weeks after supraspinatus detachment. The re-rupture rate was 7.5%, with 20% of them in the control-alginate Group. Histologically the best results were obtained in the double sample group: 4.5 (3.3-5.0). Double sample were also able to support higher loads to failure: 62.9N (59.8 to 69.4) with lower rigidity 12.7 (9.7 to 15.9). Conclusions. The use of alginate-chitin carrier with rhBMP-2 improves the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair site in a chronic rotator cuff tear (AU)

Repair of rotator cuff injuries using different composites. / Reparación de las lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador mediante diferentes compuestos.

AIM: Rotator cuff repairs have shown a high level of re-ruptures. It is hypothesised that the use of rhBMP-2 in a carrier could improve the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Controlled experimental study conducted on 40 rats with section and repair of the supraspinatus tendon and randomisation to one of five groups: Group 1 (control) only suture; Group 2 (double control), suture and alginate-chitin carrier; Group 3 (alginate-control), the rhBMP-2 was added to the alginate; Group 4 (chitin-control) application of the rhBMP-2 to the chitin, and Group 5 (double sample): The two components of the carrier (alginate and chitin) have rhBMP-2. A biomechanical and histological analysis was performed at 4 weeks. RESULTS: A gap was observed in all cases 4 weeks after supraspinatus detachment. The re-rupture rate was 7.5%, with 20% of them in the control-alginate Group. Histologically the best results were obtained in the double sample group: 4.5 (3.3-5.0). Double sample were also able to support higher loads to failure: 62.9N (59.8 to 69.4) with lower rigidity 12.7 (9.7 to 15.9). CONCLUSIONS: The use of alginate-chitin carrier with rhBMP-2 improves the biomechanical and histological properties of the repair site in a chronic rotator cuff tear.

[Treatment of a giant serpentine type middle cerebral artery aneurysm with a high-flow bypass from the petrous internal carotid artery]. / Tratamiento de un aneurisma serpentino gigante de arteria cerebral media conbypass de alto flujo desde la arteria carótida interna petrosa.

A case report of a giant serpentine type aneurysm arising from the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) treated with a high-flow external saphenous vein graft from the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery is presented. The steps and challenges of this demanding surgical technique are also described. The elements to be taken into consideration in the indication, design and realization of the bypass surgery in the treatment of the MCA aneurysms are discussed.

Tratamiento de un aneurisma serpentino gigante de arteria cerebral media con bypass de alto flujo desde la arteria carótida interna petrosa / Treatment of a giant serpentine type middle cerebral artery aneurysm with a high-flow bypass from the petrous internal carotid artery

Se presenta un caso de aneurisma gigante del segmento M1 de la arteria cerebral media (ACM), de tipo serpentino, tratado mediante bypass de alto flujo con vena safena externa desde la arteria carótida interna petrosa. Se describen los pasos de la cirugía y se destacan las dificultades de la técnica. Se discuten los elementos a considerar en la toma de decisiones para la indicación, diseño y realización del bypass en el tratamiento de los aneurismas de la ACM (AU)

A case report of a giant serpentine type aneurysm arising from the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) treated with a high-flow external saphenous vein graft from the petrous segment of the internal carotid artery is presented. The steps and challenges of this demanding surgical technique are also described. The elements to be taken into consideration in the indication, design and realization of the bypass surgery in the treatment of the MCA aneurysms are discused (AU)

[Olfactory groove meningiomas. Radical microsurgical treatment through the bifrontal approach]. / Meningiomas del surco olfatorio. Tratamiento microquirúrgico radical por via bifrontal.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the microsurgical technique for the radical removal of olfactory groove meningiomas through the bifrontal approach. To review the diagnostic elements to be taken into account in the selection of the surgical approach to these tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A microsurgical series of 35 olfactory groove meningiomas operated on through a bifrontal craniotomy is reviewed. RESULTS: The mean tumoral volume was 85cc (4.4cm diameter). A relevant peritumoral brain edema was found in 65.7% of cases, hyperostosis in the implantation base in 80% and paranasal sinus invasion in 28.6%. A Sipmson grade 1 resection was achieved in every case. A patient died due to a postoperative pneumonia. Postoperative hospitalization time was between 3 and 20 days and at discharge all patients had a Glasgow Outcome Scale grade 4-5. The mean follow-up was 55.2 months. Two patients had postoperative transient rhinolicuorrhea and an additional patient developed hydrocephalus. An asymptomatic recurrence have been identified in a patient four years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience the bifrontal approach allowed the radical removal of huge olfactory groove meningiomas. The microdissection of the anterior cerebral artery A2 segments is possible thanks to the arachnoidal plane between vessels and tumor. Tumoral blood flow is secured by the early approaching of the base of the tumor and preoperative embolization is not necessary. Bifrontal approach allows an aggressive treatment of the hyperostosis, bone infiltration and paranasal sinus invasion. Anterior fossa reconstruction is done using a vascularized periosteal flap.

Meningiomas del surco olfatorio. Tratamiento microquirúrgico radical por vía bifrontal / Olfactory groove meningiomas. Radical microsurgical treatment through the bifrontal approach

Objetivos. Describir los detalles técnicos del abordajebifrontal para el tratamiento microquirúrgicoradical de los meningiomas del surco olfatorio. Revisarlos factores diagnósticos a valorar en la selección delabordaje quirúrgico de estos tumores.Material y métodos. Se revisa una serie microquirúrgicade 35 tumores del surco olfatorio intervenidospor vía bifrontal.Resultados. El volumen medio de las lesiones era de85 cc (4.4 cm de diámetro). El 65.7% presentaban edemacerebral perilesional relevante, el 80% hiperostosis enla base de implantación y el 28.6% invasión de los senosparanasales. En todos los casos se realizó una exéresisgrado 1 de Simpson. Hubo un éxitus por neumonía. Laestancia hospitalaria fue de 3-20 días, con un GlasgowOutcome Scale 4-5 al alta en todos los casos y seguimientomedio de 55.2 meses. Como complicacionesrelevantes destacan rinolicuorrea transitoria en doscasos e hidrocefalia en otro caso. Se ha identificado unarecidiva local asintomática en un paciente a los 4 años (..) (AU)

Objectives. To describe the microsurgical techniquefor the radical removal of olfactory groove meningiomasthrough the bifrontal approach. To review the diagnosticelements to be taken into account in the selection ofthe surgical approach to these tumours.Materials and methods. A microsurgical series of 35olfactory groove meningiomas operated on through abifrontal craniotomy is reviewed.Results. The mean tumoral volume was 85cc (4.4cmdiameter). A relevant peritumoral brain edema wasfound in 65.7% of cases, hyperostosis in the implantationbase in 80% and paranasal sinus invasion in28.6%. A Sipmson grade 1 resection was achievedin every case. A patient died due to a postoperativepneumonia. Postoperative hospitalization time wasbetween 3 and 20 days and at discharge all patientshad a Glasgow Outcome Scale grade 4-5. The meanfollow-up was 55.2 months. Two patients had postoperativetransient rhinolicuorrhea and an additional (..) (AU)

[Treatment of intrinsic brain tumors located in motor eloquent areas. Results of a protocol based in navigation, tractography and neurophysiological monitoring of cortical and subcortical structures]. / Tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos de áreas motoras elocuentes. Resultados de un protocolo basado en la navegación, tractografía y monitorización neurofisiológica de estructuras corticales y subcorticales.

OBJECTIVES: The role of the microsurgical management of intrinsic brain tumors is to maximize the volumetric resection of the tumoral tissue minimizing the postoperative morbidity. The purpose of our paper has been to study the benefits of an original protocol developed for the microsurgical treatment of tumors located in eloquent motor areas where the navigation and electrical stimulation of motor subcortical pathways have been implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 patients operated on for resection of cortical or subcortical tumors in motor areas were included in the series. Preoperative planning for multimodal navigation was done integrating anatomic studies, motor functional MRI (f-MRI) and subcortical pathways volumes generated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperative neuromonitorization included motor mapping by direct cortical and subcortical electrical stimulation (CS and sCS) and localization of the central sulcus using cortical multipolar electrodes and the N20 wave inversion technique. The location of all cortical and subcortical stimulated points with positive motor response was stored in the navigator and correlated with the cortical or subcortical motor functional structures defined preoperatively. RESULTS: The mean tumoral volumetric resection was 89.1±14.2% of the preoperative volume, with a total resection (≥100%) in twelve patients. Preoperatively a total of 58.8% of the patients had some motor deficit, increasing 24 hours after surgery to 76.5% and decreasing to 41.1% a month later. There was a great correlation between anatomic and functional data, both cortically and subcortically. However, in six cases it was not possible to identify the central sulcus and in many cases fMRI gave contradictory information. A total of 52 cortical points submitted to CS had positive motor response, with a positive correlation of 83.7%. Also, a total of 55 subcortical points had positive motor response, being in these cases 7.3±3.1 mm the mean distance from the stimulated point to the subcortical tract. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional studies allows a safe functional resection of the brain tumors located in eloquent areas, compared to the tumoral resection based on anatomic imaging studies. Multimodal navigation allows the integration and correlation among preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional data. Cortical motor functional areas are anatomically and functionally located preoperatively thanks to MRI and fMRI and subcortical motor pathways with TDI and tractography. Intraoperative confirmation is done with CS and N20 inversion wave for cortical structures and with sCS for subcortical pathways. With this protocol we achieved a mean of 90% of volumetric resection in cortical and subcortical tumors located in eloquent motor areas with an increase of neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period that significantly decreased one month later. Ongoing studies will define the safe limits for functional resection taking into account the intraoperative brain shift. Finally, it must be demonstrated if this protocol has any benefit for patients concerning disease free or overall survival.

Tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos de áreas motoras elocuentes. Resultados de un protocolo basado en la navegación, tractografía y monitorizaciónneurofisiológica de estructuras corticales y subcorticales / Treatment of intrinsic brain tumors located in motor eloquent areas. results of a protocol based in navegation, tractography and neurophysiological monitoring of cortical and subcortical structures

Objetivos. El papel actual del tratamiento microquirúrgicode los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos se basaen alcanzar la máxima resección volumétrica del tumorminimizando la morbilidad postoperatoria. El propósitodel trabajo es estudiar los beneficios de un protocolodiseñado para tratar tumores localizados en áreaselocuentes motoras, en el que se incluye la navegación yla estimulación de tractos motores subcorticales.Material y métodos. Se han incluido 17 pacientescon tumores corticales y subcorticales de área motoratratados quirúrgicamente. Para la planificación preoperatoriase fusionaron en el sistema de navegaciónestudios anatómicos, de resonancia funcional motora(RNM-f) y los tractos subcorticales generados porestudios de tensor de difusión (DTI). La monitorizaciónintraoperatoria incluía el mapeo motor por estimulacióncortical y subcortical directa (ECD y EsCD) e identificacióndel surco central por inversión de la onda N20con electrodos corticales multipolares. La localizaciónde los puntos con respuesta positiva a la ECD o EsCD secorrelacionaba con las áreas corticales o tractos funcionalesmotores definidos en los estudios preoperatoriosgracias al navegador.Resultados. La resección volumétrica tumoral mediafue del 89.1±14.2% del volumen tumoral calculado enlos estudios preoperatorios, con resección total (≥100%)en doce pacientes. En el preoperatorio había focalidadneurológica deficitaria motora en el 58.8% de lospacientes, que aumentó al 76.5% a las 24 horas de lacirugía y se redujo a los 30 días al 41.1%. Hubo una (..) (AU)

Objectives. The role of the microsurgical managementof intrinsic brain tumors is to maximize the volumetricresection of the tumoral tissue minimizing thepostoperative morbidity. The purpose of our paper hasbeen to study the benefits of an original protocol developedfor the microsurgical treatment of tumors locatedin eloquent motor areas where the navigation and electricalstimulation of motor subcortical pathways havebeen implemented.Materials and methods. A total of 17 patients operatedon for resection of cortical or subcortical tumors inmotor areas were included in the series. Preoperativeplanning for multimodal navigation was done integratinganatomic studies, motor functional MRI (f-MRI)and subcortical pathways volumes generated by diffusiontensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperative neuromonitorizationincluded motor mapping by direct corticaland subcortical electrical stimulation (CS and sCS) andlocalization of the central sulcus using cortical multipolarelectrodes and the N20 wave inversion technique.The location of all cortical and subcortical stimulatedpoints with positive motor response was stored in thenavigator and correlated with the cortical or subcorticalmotor functional structures defined preoperatively.Results. The mean tumoral volumetric resection (..) (AU)

[Using thermal diffusion flowmetry in the assesment of regional cerebral blood flow in cerebral aneurysm microsurgery]. / Flujometría por difusióón termal para la medida del flujo sanguíneo cerebral regional en la cirugía de los aneurismas cerebrales.

INTRODUCTION: the thermal diffusion flowmetry (TDF) is a technique that allows the measurement of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) through an implanted microprobe in a cerebral region of interest. The monitoring is continuous, real-time and quantitative (ml/100g/min). The purpose of our clinical work has been to show the technical details and preliminary results by using this monitoring technique during the microsurgical management of cerebral aneurysms and along the postoperative period. The aim of the monitoring of the rCBF is to identify and evaluate ischemic events related with the temporary artery clipping or malposition of the final clip. CLINICAL MATERIALS: a total of five patients have been monitored (4 woman and one man with an average age of 50.8 years). Two patients harboured one aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery, other two patients had two aneurysms each one on the internal carotid artery in the exit of the posterior communicating and anterior choroidal artery and the fifth harboured a paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. All patients were operated on using standard microsurgical techniques through a pterional approach. Surgery was done under neurophysiological monitoring and direct microdoppler fluometry assesment. Just before craniotomy the TDF microprobe was inserted 2.5 cm deep into the white matter through a small burr-hole placed on the coronal line and 2 cm away the midline to measure in the anterior cereral artery vascular sector and 6cm away of the midline to measure in the middle cerebral artery territory. Patients were under continuous monitoring during surgery and along the postoperative period in the recovery unit. A total of 14 temporary artery clippings (between 2-4) with an average total clipping time of 7.2 minutes (ranging 1.6 to 16) and 16 definitive clip replacements (ranging 2 to 8) were done at surgery. Patient with paraclinoid aneurysm was operated on using the retrograde aspiration technique and the internal carotid artery was kept closed 45 mimutes. keeping Some illustrative cases and demonstrative records are presented. CONCLUSIONS: the use of TDF allows a quantitative real-time measurement of the rCBF in the areas of interest monitored during the microsurgical management of the cerebral aneurysms which leads to detect ischemic events helpping to avoid ischemic sequelae. The detection of ischemic events in real time would make possible the use of therapeutic measures ealier and more efficienty.

Flujometría por difusión termal para la medida del flujo sanguíneo cerebral regionalen la cirugía de los aneurismas cerebrales / Using thermal diffusion flowmetry in the assesment of regional cerebral blood flow in cerebral aneurysm microsurgery

Introducción. La flujometría por difusión termal(FDT) es una técnica que permite, mediante la implantación de una microsonda en una región cerebral de interés, determinar el flujo sanguíneo cerebral regional (FSCr) y su monitorización cuantitativa (ml/100g/min), continua y en tiempo real. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es mostrar los detalles técnicos y resultados preliminares de esta técnica de monitorización durante la cirugía y el postoperatorio del tratamiento microquirúrgico de los aneurismas cerebrales, donde tendría valor para detectar y cuantificar fenómenos isquémicos relacionados con el clipaje temporal arterial o malposición del clip definitivo. Material clínico. Han sido monitorizados cinco pacientes(4 mujeres y 1 hombre; edad media de 50.8 años),dos de ellos con aneurismas de arteria cerebral media, otros dos con sendos aneurismas de arteria comunicante posterior y coroidea anterior y uno con aneurisma de carótida interna paraclinoideo. Los pacientes fueron intervenidos con técnica microquirúrgica y clipaje de los aneurismas a través de un abordaje pterional. Se utilizó monitorización neurofisiológica peroperatoria y flujometría con microdoppler. Inmediatamente antes de la craneotomía se procedió a la colocación de la microsonda de FDT a través de un minitrépano sobrela línea coronal, en territorio de la arteria cerebral anterior (2 cm de línea media) o de la cerebral media(6 cm de línea media) y en sustancia blanca, a unos 2.5cm de profundidad. Los pacientes fueron monitorizados durante la cirugía y el tiempo en que estuvieron en la Unidad de Reanimación. Se realizaron un total de 14 clipajes temporales (rango 2-4) con un tiempo medio de clipaje de 7.2 min (rango 1.6-16) (..) (AU)

Introduction. The thermal diffusion flowmetry(TDF) is a technique that allows the measurement of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) through an implanted microprobe in a cerebral region of interest.The monitoring is continuous, real-time and quantitative(ml/100g/min). The purpose of our clinical work has been to show the technical details and preliminary results by using this monitoring technique during the microsurgical management of cerebral aneurysms and along the postoperative period. The aim of the monitoring of the rCBF is to identify and evaluate is chemicevents related with the temporary artery clipping or malposition of the final clip.Clinical materials. A total of five patients have been monitored (4 woman and one man with an average age of 50.8 years). Two patients harboured one aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery, other two patients had two aneurysms each one on the internal carotid artery in the exit of the posterior communicating and anterior choroidal artery and the fifth harboured a paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. All patients were operated on using standard microsurgical techniques through a pterional approach. Surgery was done under neurophysiological monitoring and direct microdoppler fluometry assesment. Just before craniotomy the TDF micropro be was inserted 2,5 cm deep into the white matter through a small burr-hole placed on the coronalline and 2 cm away the midline to measure in the anterior cereral artery vascular sector and 6 cm away of the midline to measure in the middle cerebral artery territory. Patients were under continuous monitoring during surgery and along the postoperative period in the recovery unit. A total of 14 temporary artery clippings (between 2-4) with an average total (..) (AU)

[Microsurgical treatment of internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms]. / Tratamiento microquirúrgico de los aneurismas de la bifurcación de la carótida interna.

Clinical and imaging findings of a series of 14 internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms microsurgically treated are presented. A total of 10 lesions were diagnosed before rupture and 4 patients presented with subarachnoidal hemorrhage and frontobasal intracerebral bleeding. Diagnosis was done using neuroimaging (CT scan, angio-CT-3D, angio-MRI, angiography) but patients with ruptured aneurysms were treated with the sole information provided by the angio-CT-3D. The average fundus size was 8.4mm (3-13.3) and the average neck size was 6.8mm (3-9.6), being the fundus-to-neck ratio 1.32 (0.46-2.05). All lesions were microsurgically treated through a pterional approach with the help of temporary clipping of the afferent vessels in all cases. We used peroperative neuroprotective, neuromonitorization and micro-doppler cerebral flow measurement. Clinical results were excellent with 13 patients GOS grade 5 and one grade 4 three month afterwards of hospital discharge and complete exclusion of the lesion in angiographic controls done solely in patients with ruptured lesions.

Tratamiento microquirúrgico de los aneurismas de la bifurcación de la carótidainterna / Microsurgical treatment of internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms

Se presentan los hallazgos clínicos y de imagen deuna serie de 14 aneurismas de bifurcación de la arteriacarótida interna tratados microquirúrgicamente. Untotal de 10 lesiones no se habían roto y las 4 restantesse presentaron con hemorragia subaracnoidea y hematomafrontobasal. El diagnóstico se realizó con técnicasde neuroimagen (TAC, angio-TAC-3D; angio-RNM,angiografía), aunque los pacientes con aneurismasrotos fueron intervenidos con los hallazgos proporcionadospor el angio-TAC-3D. El tamaño medio del sacoera de 8.4mm (3-13.3) y el del cuello 6.8mm (3-9.6),con una relación saco/cuello de 1.32 (0.46-2.05). Laslesiones se trataron por vía pterional sin incidencias ycon ayuda de clipaje temporal en todos los casos. Seutilizaron técnicas peroperatorias de neuroprotección,neuromonitorización y determinación de flujo vascularcon micro-doppler. Los resultados clínicos han sidoexcelentes, con 13 pacientes con GOS 5 y uno con GOS4 a partir de los tres meses del alta y exclusión del aneurismaen los controles angiográficos postquirúrgicosrealizados en los pacientes con aneurisma roto (AU)

Clinical and imaging findings of a series of 14 internalcarotid artery bifurcation aneurysms microsurgicallytreated are presented. A total of 10 lesions werediagnosed before rupture and 4 patients presented withsubarachnoidal hemorraghe and frontobasal intracerebralbleeding. Diagnosis was done using neuroimaging(CT scan, angio-CT-3D, angio-MRI, angiography) butpatients with ruptured aneurysms were treated withthe sole information provided by the angio-CT-3D. Theaverage fundus size was 8.4mm (3-13.3) and the averageneck size was 6.8mm (3-9.6), being the fundus-to-neckratio 1.32 (0.46-2.05). All lesions were microsurgicallytreated through a pterional approach with the help oftemporary clipping of the aferent vessesl in all cases.We used peroperative neuroprotective, neuromonitorizationand micro-doppler cerebral flow measurement.Clinical results were excellent with 13 patients GOSgrade 5 and one grade 4 three month afterwards ofhospital discharge and complete exclusion of the lesionin angiographic controls done solely in patients withruptured lesions (AU)

Revisión de los métodos de screening en hipoacusias / Revision of screening methods in hypoacusis

Introducción: La detección precoz de la hipoacusia tieneimportancia para instaurar rehabilitación auditiva tempranay conseguir el desarrollo normal del lenguaje. Por estemotivo se han desarrollado programas de screening auditivoen neonatos, que se iniciaron en pacientes con factores deriesgo de hipoacusia. El estudio neurofisiológico de potencialesevocados auditivos del troncocerebral (PEATC) constituyeun método objetivo de detección precoz de trastornosde la audición y evaluación funcional de la vía auditiva.Objetivos: Estudiar la incidencia de hipoacusia en neonatosy niños con factores de riesgo en nuestra área asistencialasí como hacer una revisión de los métodos de screeningde hipoacusia con análisis coste-efectividad.Métodos: Se realizó PEATC, años 2001 y 2002, a todoslos neonatos y niños que presentaron algún factor de riesgo audiológico o neurológico, basándose en los criterios de la Comisión Española para la Detección Precoz de Hipoacusia. El estudio incluyó 157 niños con edades desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años. Conclusiones: El resultado muestra en niños con factoresde riesgo una incidencia de 7,6% de hipoacusia neurosensorial y 2,5% de hipoacusia neurosensorial profunda bilateral. El realizar este programa de screening permitió disminuir la edad de detección de la hipoacusia en los neonatos antes de los 6 meses de edad. Los PEATC convencionales son el método más sensible de valoración de la audición en niños; sin embargo, son demasiado costosos y en tiempo empleado como método inicial de screening. El uso de equipamientos automatizados de screening universal, puede reducir el coste e incrementar el coste-efectividad

Long-term erythropoietin in rats with reduced renal mass.

Hematocrit increase with recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) has been associated with increased progression of renal insufficiency in experimental models of renal mass reduction. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of therapy with rEPO and various antihypertensives on the progression of chronic renal insufficiency and on arterial hypertension in an experimental model of renal mass reduction. Rats subjected to a two-thirds nephrectomy were randomly assigned to an untreated control group or to therapy with rEPO (subcutaneously, at an initial dose of 40 U/kg thrice weekly), rEPO plus verapamil (subcutaneously, 0.5 mg/kg/day), or rEPO plus enalapril (orally, 50 mg/l in the drinking water). Combining enalapril and rEPO therapy controlled systemic blood pressure (BP) and the increase in proteinuria. Glomerular injury, as assessed 16 weeks after renal ablation, was more marked in the animals treated with rEPO with or without either antihypertensive. The morphometric analyses showed greater glomerular tuft areas in the three groups receiving rEPO than in the controls. The glomerular tuft area was directly correlated with the rate of glomerulosclerosis. In about 11% of the rEPO-treated hypertensive rats, the lesions showed severe hypertensive vasculopathy; in the animals treated with rEPO plus enalapril, the lesions were less severe. We conclude that therapy with rEPO was associated to renal damage which could not be attenuated by enalapril despite controlling BP and proteinuria, and may have a nonhemodynamic cause. Therapy with rEPO might trigger lesions usually associated with severe arterial hypertension; concomitant therapy with enalapril attenuates hypertensive vasculopathy.