La enseñanza de la práctica clínica en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid / Teaching of clinical practice in the Faculty of Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid

Se describe la metodología de instrucción y evaluación en práctica clínica y el grado de implicación del profesorado en esta tarea en la Unidad Docente del Hospital 12 de Octubre (Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid). A pesar de algunas disfunciones curriculares, nuestros estudiantes alcanzan un buen nivel de competencia clínica al final del grado. Algunos profesores tienen un conocimiento limitado de los roles docentes que pueden asumir, por lo que deberían recibir formación específica. Idealmente, la enseñanza clínica ha de implicar a todos los profesionales que cuidan del paciente en el contexto extra- e intrahospitalario

We describe the methodology for instruction and assessment of clinical practice and analyze the profile and teaching roles of faculty at the Teaching Unit of the Hospital 12 de Octubre (Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid). Despite some structural limitations in curriculum development our students reach a good final level of clinical competence. The need for trainers to understand the different roles they can assume, improving faculty development and involving all the professionals taking care of the patient in the teaching process are emphasized

El nuevo programa de Residencia en Neurocirugía basado en competencias / Competency-based Neurosurgery Residency Programme

Se presenta una propuesta de programa de formación en Neurocirugía basado en competencias y adaptado al marco del proyecto de Troncalidad. Esta propuesta ha sido elaborada por un grupo de neurocirujanos comisionados por la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía (SENEC) y podría ser modificada para generar una versión definitiva que estaría operativa coincidiendo con implantación del sistema troncal. El presente escrito pretende facilitar el examen del nuevo programa adjuntado en la versión on-line de nuestra revista. Duración del programa: El periodo total de formación es de 6 años; los 2 primeros se enmarcan en el tronco de Cirugía y los restantes 4 se adscriben al periodo específico. Estructura del programa: Se trata de un programa basado en competencias referidas al mapa utilizado por el Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) en los EE. UU. que incluye los siguientes dominios competenciales: Conocimiento médico, Cuidado del paciente, Comunicación, Profesionalismo, Aprendizaje basado en la práctica y perfeccionamiento, Sistemas de Salud, Colaboración interprofesional y Desarrollo profesional y personal. El mapa de subcompetencias en los dominios de Conocimiento y Cuidado del paciente (incluidas las competencias quirúrgicas) se adaptó del propuesto por la AANS y el CNS (anexo 1 del programa). Se utiliza además un mapa de subcompetencias para las rotaciones troncales. Métodos de instrucción: El aprendizaje del residente se basa en el estudio personal (autoaprendizaje) apoyado en el uso eficiente de las fuentes de información y una práctica clínica supervisada, incluyendo además la instrucción en bioética, gestión clínica, investigación y técnicas docentes Métodos de evaluación: La propuesta de evaluación del residente incluye, entre otros instrumentos, test teóricos de conocimiento, evaluación objetiva y estructurada del nivel de competencia clínica con enfermo real o estandarizado, escalas globales de competencia, evaluación 360°, «audits» de registros clínicos, señalizadores del progreso del residente («milestones») y autoevaluación (anexo 2). Además, el residente evalúa periódicamente la dedicación docente de los neurocirujanos del servicio y otros docentes implicados en las rotaciones, y valora anualmente el funcionamiento global del programa. Los resultados de las evaluaciones se registran, junto con otros datos de interés, en el Libro del Residente. Comité nacional de programa: Se propone la creación de un Comité de Programa adscrito directamente a la SENEC (Comisión Nacional) que, aparte de generar la versión definitiva del programa, se ocupe de monitorizar su implementación (nivel de adherencia al mismo y funcionamiento en los diferentes servicios), asuma la creación de bancos de preguntas y la administración centralizada de los test de conocimiento (en el ecuador de la residencia y/o al final de la misma) y centralice información recabada por los tutores que podría ser utilizada para la de reacreditación de los servicios

A programme proposal for competency-based Neurosurgery training adapted to the specialization project is presented. This proposal has been developed by a group of neurosurgeons commissioned by the SENEC (Spanish Society of Neurosurgery) and could be modified to generate a final version that could come into force coinciding with the implementation of the specialization programme. This document aims to facilitate the test of the new programme included in the online version of our journal. Duration of the programme: Total training period is 6 years; initial 2 years belong to the surgery specialization and remaining 4 years belong to core specialty period. Structure of the programme: It is a competency-based programmed based on the map used by the US Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) including the following domains of clinical competency: Medical knowledge, patient care, communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, health systems, interprofessional collaboration and professional and personal development. Subcompetencies map in the domains of Knowledge and Patient care (including surgical competencies) was adapted to the one proposed by AANS and CNS (annex 1 of the programme). A subcompetency map was also used for the specialization rotations. Instruction methods: Resident's training is based on personal study (self-learning) supported by efficient use of information sources and supervised clinical practice, including bioethical instruction, clinical management, research and learning techniques. Evaluation methods: Resident evaluation proposal includes, among other instruments, theoretical knowledge tests, objective and structured evaluation of the level of clinical competency with real or standardised patients, global competency scales, 360-degree evaluation, clinical record audits, milestones for residents progress and self-assessment (annex 2). Besides, residents periodically assess the teaching commitment of the department's neurosurgeons and other professors participating in rotations, and annually assess the overall operation of the programme. Results of evaluations are registered, together with other relevant data, in the Resident's Book. Programme's National Committee: The creation of a Programme Committee directly attached to the SENEC (National Commission) that, aside from generating a final version of the programme, monitors its implementation (level of adherence and operation in the different departments), assumes the creation of test banks and the centralized administration of knowledge tests (in the middle of the residency and/or at the end of it) and centralizes information collected by tutors that could be used for re-accreditation of the services, is proposed

[Competency-based Neurosurgery Residency Programme]. / El nuevo programa de Residencia en Neurocirugía basado en competencias.

A programme proposal for competency-based Neurosurgery training adapted to the specialization project is presented. This proposal has been developed by a group of neurosurgeons commissioned by the SENEC (Spanish Society of Neurosurgery) and could be modified to generate a final version that could come into force coinciding with the implementation of the specialization programme. This document aims to facilitate the test of the new programme included in the online version of our journal. DURATION OF THE PROGRAMME: Total training period is 6 years; initial 2 years belong to the surgery specialization and remaining 4 years belong to core specialty period. STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME: It is a competency-based programmed based on the map used by the US Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) including the following domains of clinical competency: Medical knowledge, patient care, communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning and improvement, health systems, interprofessional collaboration and professional and personal development. Subcompetencies map in the domains of Knowledge and Patient care (including surgical competencies) was adapted to the one proposed by AANS and CNS (annex 1 of the programme). A subcompetency map was also used for the specialization rotations. INSTRUCTION METHODS: Resident's training is based on personal study (self-learning) supported by efficient use of information sources and supervised clinical practice, including bioethical instruction, clinical management, research and learning techniques. EVALUATION METHODS: Resident evaluation proposal includes, among other instruments, theoretical knowledge tests, objective and structured evaluation of the level of clinical competency with real or standardised patients, global competency scales, 360-degree evaluation, clinical record audits, milestones for residents progress and self-assessment (annex 2). Besides, residents periodically assess the teaching commitment of the department's neurosurgeons and other professors participating in rotations, and annually assess the overall operation of the programme. Results of evaluations are registered, together with other relevant data, in the Resident's Book. PROGRAMME'S NATIONAL COMMITTEE: The creation of a Programme Committee directly attached to the SENEC (National Commission) that, aside from generating a final version of the programme, monitors its implementation (level of adherence and operation in the different departments), assumes the creation of test banks and the centralized administration of knowledge tests (in the middle of the residency and/or at the end of it) and centralizes information collected by tutors that could be used for re-accreditation of the services, is proposed.

El método de selección de los residentes en España. Análisis del examen MIR y propuesta de una nueva metodología / The method of selection of the residents in Spain. Analysis of the examination MIR and offer of a new methodology

Introducción: El método para seleccionar a los graduados que acceden a los puestos de residencia condiciona decisivamente el funcionamiento curricular en las escuelas de medicina, incluyendo la manera de estudiar y aprender del estudiante y la actitud docente del profesorado. La metodología usada actualmente en España puede ser fácilmente mejorada, por lo que tomando como referencia las metodologías multicriterio empleadas en el Reino Unido y los EE. UU. proponemos una similar para ser aplicada en nuestro país. Objetivos del estudio: Analizar las limitaciones del método para la selección de los residentes utilizado en España y proponer uno nuevo que mejore el ordenamiento de los candidatos y evite la distorsión producida por el actual sobre la dinámica curricular. Aparte de proponer la modificación del examen MIR, se comenta la necesidad de mejorar las enseñanzas prácticas y evaluar el nivel de competencia clínica de los estudiantes. Conclusiones: El método de selección aplicado en España, basado fundamentalmente en un test teórico, resulta inapropiado y debería ser sustituido por otro que evalúe mejor la capacidad la contextualización clínica de los conocimientos y el nivel de competencia clínica y que tenga en cuenta el rendimiento global del estudiante a lo largo del grado de forma ponderada

Introduction: The method for selecting medical graduates for residency positions has a strong influence on teaching and learning strategies in medical schools. The methodology currently used in Spain does not seem appropriate for ranking the candidates or improving curriculum development. Thus, and taking into account the most consistent methodologies used in the United Kingdom and USA, we have designed a new method to be used in our country. Objectives: To analyze the limitations of the methodology used in Spain, and propose a new one aimed to improve the accuracy of selection itself and avoiding the negative influence of the current method on curricular development. In addition, we emphasize the necessity of improving teaching and learning in the clinical context to assure that graduating students reach an adequate level of clinical competence. Conclusions: The method for selecting candidates to residency post currently used in Spain, which relies mainly on testing theoretical knowledge, should be changed for an alternative methodology taking into account student’s performance through the course and assessing his/her ability for clinical contextualization of knowledge and level of clinical competence

[The method of selection of the residents in Spain. Analysis of the examination MIR and offer of a new methodology]. / El método de selección de los residentes en España. Análisis del examen MIR y propuesta de una nueva metodología.

INTRODUCTION: The method for selecting medical graduates for residency positions has a strong influence on teaching and learning strategies in medical schools. The methodology currently used in Spain does not seem appropriate for ranking the candidates or improving curriculum development. Thus, and taking into account the most consistent methodologies used in the United Kingdom and USA, we have designed a new method to be used in our country. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the limitations of the methodology used in Spain, and propose a new one aimed to improve the accuracy of selection itself and avoiding the negative influence of the current method on curricular development. In addition, we emphasize the necessity of improving teaching and learning in the clinical context to assure that graduating students reach an adequate level of clinical competence. CONCLUSIONS: The method for selecting candidates to residency post currently used in Spain, which relies mainly on testing theoretical knowledge, should be changed for an alternative methodology taking into account student,s performance through the course and assessing his/her ability for clínical contextualization of knowledge and level of clinical competence.

La selección de los graduados en Medicina para los puestos de residencia. Estudio comparativo de los métodos usados en diferentes países / Selection of medical graduates for residency posts. A comparative study of the methodologies used in different countries

Introducción: El diseño de una metodología apropiada para la selección de los graduados que acceden a los puestos de residencia tiene gran importancia porque, aparte de su eficiencia en la elección de los candidatos, condiciona decisivamente el funcionamiento curricular en las escuelas de medicina, incluyendo la manera de estudiar y aprender del estudiante y la actitud docente del profesorado y su motivación para perseguir la innovación curricular. En la actualidad existe una gran dispersión en los métodos de selección de los residentes en diferentes países, evidenciando que no hay ninguno perfecto. El uso aislado de criterios tales como el peso del expediente académico, los test de conocimiento teórico, determinadas pruebas prácticas de la competencia clínica, o las entrevistas tienen un valor limitado para predecir qué candidatos van a ser más competentes durante la residencia o la práctica autónoma. Objetivos: Describir las metodologías utilizadas para la selección de los residentes en los países de nuestro entorno prestando especial atención a las empleadas en el Reino Unido y los EE. UU. donde se analiza de manera sistemática el funcionamiento de los currícula en las escuelas de medicina. Se comentan las ventajas y desventajas de los exámenes de ámbito nacional para otorgar el grado y/o construir el listado de acceso a la residencia, y su utilidad para favorecer el proceso de convergencia y armonización de los grados y los programas de residencia a nivel transnacional europeo o internacional. El presente análisis se utiliza para establecer una comparación con la metodología de selección aplicada actualmente en España en un intento de diseñar un nuevo método multicriterio más eficiente que se describirá en otro artículo publicado en el próximo número de esta revista Conclusiones: Los métodos multicriterio para la selección de los residentes en el Reino Unido y los EE. UU. parecen los más consistentes por lo que serán utilizados para construir el nuevo método que podría ser aplicado en España. Aunque muchos expertos en docencia médica rechazan los exámenes de ámbito nacional para otorgar el grado y/o establecer el orden de acceso a los puestos de residencia porque limitan la diversidad y la innovación curriculares, cuando están bien diseñados sirven para verificar el alcance del nivel mínimo aceptable de competencia clínica del graduado sin distorsionar el buen funcionamiento y la mejora progresiva del currículum

Introduction: The design of an appropriate method for the selection of medical graduates for residency posts is extremely important, not only for the efficiency of the method itself (accurate identification of most competent candidates), but also for its influence on the study and teaching methodologies operating in medical schools. Currently, there is a great variation in the criteria used in different countries and there is no definitively appropriate method. The use of isolated or combined criteria, such as the marks obtained by students in medical schools, their performance in tests of theoretical knowledge and evaluations of clinical competence, or personal interviews, have a limited value for identifying those candidates who will perform better during the residency and later on during independent practice. Objectives: To analyse the variability in the methodologies used for the selection of residents employed in different countries, in particular those used in the United Kingdom and USA, where external agencies and medical schools make systematic analyses of curriculum development. The advantages and disadvantages of national or transnational licensing examinations on the process of convergence and harmonization of medical degrees and residency programmes through Europe are discussed. The present analysis is used to design a new and more efficient multi-criteria methodology for resident selection in Spain, which will be published in the next issue of this journal. Conclusions: Since the multi-criteria methods used in UK and USA appear to be most consistent, these have been employed for designing the new methodology that could be applied in Spain. Although many experts in medical education reject national examinations for awarding medical degrees or ranking candidates for residency posts, it seems that, when appropriately designed, they can be used to verify the level of competence of graduating students without necessarily distorting curriculum implementation or improvement

[Selection of medical graduates for residency posts. A comparative study of the methodologies used in different countries]. / La selección de los graduados en Medicina para los puestos de residencia. Estudio comparativo de los métodos usados en diferentes países.

INTRODUCTION: The design of an appropriate method for the selection of medical graduates for residency posts is extremely important, not only for the efficiency of the method itself (accurate identification of most competent candidates), but also for its influence on the study and teaching methodologies operating in medical schools. Currently, there is a great variation in the criteria used in different countries and there is no definitively appropriate method. The use of isolated or combined criteria, such as the marks obtained by students in medical schools, their performance in tests of theoretical knowledge and evaluations of clinical competence, or personal interviews, have a limited value for identifying those candidates who will perform better during the residency and later on during independent practice. OBJECTIVES: To analyse the variability in the methodologies used for the selection of residents employed in different countries, in particular those used in the United Kingdom and USA, where external agencies and medical schools make systematic analyses of curriculum development. The advantages and disadvantages of national or transnational licensing examinations on the process of convergence and harmonization of medical degrees and residency programmes through Europe are discussed. The present analysis is used to design a new and more efficient multi-criteria methodology for resident selection in Spain, which will be published in the next issue of this journal. CONCLUSIONS: Since the multi-criteria methods used in UK and USA appear to be most consistent, these have been employed for designing the new methodology that could be applied in Spain. Although many experts in medical education reject national examinations for awarding medical degrees or ranking candidates for residency posts, it seems that, when appropriately designed, they can be used to verify the level of competence of graduating students without necessarily distorting curriculum implementation or improvement.

Validation of a prognostic score for early mortality in severe head injury cases.

OBJECT: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a large health and economic burden. Because of the inability of previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TBI to demonstrate the expected benefit of reducing unfavorable outcomes, the IMPACT (International Mission on Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in TBI) and CRASH (Corticosteroid Randomisation After Significant Head Injury) studies provided new methods for performing prognostic studies of TBI. This study aimed to develop and externally validate a prognostic model for early death (within 48 hours). The secondary aim was to identify patients who were more likely to succumb to an early death to limit their inclusion in RCTs and to improve the efficiency of RCTs. METHODS: The derivation cohort was recruited at 1 center, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid (1990-2003, 925 patients). The validation cohort was recruited in 2004-2006 from 7 study centers (374 patients). The eligible patients had suffered closed severe TBIs. The study outcome was early death (within 48 hours post-TBI). The predictors were selected using logistic regression modeling with bootstrapping techniques, and a penalized reduction was used. A risk score was developed based on the regression coefficients of the variables included in the final model. RESULTS: In the validation set, the final model showed a predictive ability of 50% (Nagelkerke R(2)), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 89% and an acceptable calibration (goodness-of-fit test, p = 0.32). The final model included 7 variables, and it was used to develop a risk score with a range from 0 to 20 points. Age provided 0, 1, 2, or 3 points depending on the age group; motor score provided 0 points, 2 (untestable), or 3 (no response); pupillary reactivity, 0, 2 (1 pupil reacted), or 6 (no pupil reacted); shock, 0 (no) or 2 (yes); subarachnoid hemorrhage, 0 or 1 (severe deposit); cisternal status, 0 or 3 (compressed/absent); and epidural hematoma, 0 (yes) or 2 (no). Based on the risk of early death estimated with the model, 4 risk of early death groups were established: low risk, sum score 0-3 (< 1% predicted mortality); moderate risk, sum score 4-8 (predicted mortality between 1% and 10%); high risk, sum score 9-12 (probability of early death between 10% and 50%); and very high risk, sum score 13-20 (early mortality probability > 50%). This score could be used for selecting patients for clinical studies. For example, if patients with very high risk scores were excluded from our study sample, the patients included (eligibility score < 13) would represent 80% of the original sample and only 23% of the patients who died early. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Glasgow Coma Scale score, CT scanning results, and secondary insult data into a prognostic score improved the prediction of early death and the classification of TBI patients.

Examen clínico objetivo y estructurado formativo tras inmersión clínica precoz empleando estudiantes de sexto curso como observadores y administradores de retroalimentación / Formative objective structured clinical examination following early clerkships using sixth-year students as examiners and feed-back providers

Introducción: En este artículo se describen la logística y los resultados de un examen clínico objetivo y estructurado (ECOE) formativo pasado a estudiantes de tercero expuestos a un curso de transición del periodo básico al clínico y a rotaciones clínicas precoces, en el que utilizamos estudiantes de sexto curso como observadores y administradores de la retroalimentación. Materiales y métodos: Se analizan el rendimiento de los candidatos, la correlación de las puntuaciones otorgadas con listados de ítems y una escala global de la competencia usados por el paciente estandarizado y el estudiante observador, así como el grado de aceptación de la prueba por parte de todos los participantes. Resultados: Los estudiantes observadores se sintieron altamente satisfechos con su tarea de observación y administración de la retroalimentación. Los profesores valoraron con puntuaciones altas la tarea de los estudiantes observadores, y los alumnos candidatos otorgaron igualmente puntuaciones altas a la actuación de los estudiantes observadores, la calidad de la retroalimentación recibida y la logística del ECOE. El rendimiento global en el ECOE superó el 70,1%. Se observó una buena correlación entre las puntuaciones otorgadas por los dos observadores (enfermo y estudiante) con los dos instrumentos de medida (listados y escala global). Conclusiones: Los estudiantes del último curso del grado son capaces de usar de manera fiable los listados de ítems y una escala global de la competencia, y de proporcionar retroalimentación adecuada en un ECOE formativo. La exposición clínica precoz al inicio del tercer curso en un currículo 3 + 3 motiva y prepara a los estudiantes para el aprendizaje posterior en las rotaciones del periodo clínico

Introduction: We describe the logistic and results of a formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) designed with the double aim of providing feedback to third-year students given by senior students, and assessing clinical skills of the candidates who were exposed to a short transition course and early clerkships. Materials and methods:Candidates performance, the correlation between the scores given by standardized patients and students examiners using checklists and a global rating scale, as well as the acceptance of the OSCE by all participants were analyzed. Results: Faculty members considered excellent the action of student examiners including the feedback they gave to candidates. Student examiners felt much satisfied observing and giving feedback to candidates. Candidates valued highly the action of student examiners, the quality of the feedback they received, and the logistic of the OSCE. Global performance in the OSCE was 70.1%. The correlation between the scores given by the two examiners using checklists and the global rating scale was good. Conclusions: Senior students are able to use checklists and a global rating scale in a reliable manner and to provide appropriate feedback at a formative OSCE. A transition course followed by an early clinical immersion motivate and prepare students for learning during the clinical period in our 3 + 3 curriculum

Consideraciones sobre el diseño de un nuevo programa de residencia basado en competencias y la necesidad de combinarlo con el modelo clásico de enseñanza-aprendizaje / Considerations on the design of a new competency-based resident programme and the need to combine it with the classic teaching-learning model

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Fístulas durales arteriovenosas intracraneales. Experiencia con 81 casos y revisión de la literatura / No disponible

OBJETIVOS: Analizar las variables clínicas, radiológicas y terapéuticas de las fístulas durales arteriovenosas (FDAV) intracraneales tratadas en nuestro centro, y analizar la validez de las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard y su correlación con la presentación clínica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un análisis retrospectivo de las FDAV identificadas. Se ha clasificado en función de la localización, del patrón de drenaje venoso y según las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard, y se ha correlacionado con el modo de presentación. Se han descrito los tratamientos, sus complicaciones y su eficacia. RESULTADOS: Entre 1975 y 2012 se identificaron 81 FDAV. La localización en el seno cavernoso (SC) fue la más frecuente. Las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard presentaron un índice Kappa interobservador de 0,72 y 0,76, respectivamente. La odds ratio de presentación agresiva en presencia de drenaje venoso cortical (DVC) fue de 19,3 (2,8-132,4). Ninguna localización, ajustada por patrón de drenado venoso, se asoció a presentación agresiva. El tratamiento endovascular transarterial de las FDAV del seno cavernoso presentó una mejoría sintomática en más del 78% de los casos, con una tasa de complicaciones del 5%. Las FDAV con DVC tratadas quirúrgicamente presentaron una curación del 100%, sin complicaciones asociadas. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de DVC se asoció significativamente a presentaciones agresivas. Las clasificaciones de Borden y Cognard presentan poca variabilidad interobservador. El tratamiento endovascular de las FDAV del SC es seguro y relativamente efectivo. El tratamiento quirúrgico de las FDAV con DVC es seguro y eficaz, y de elección en nuestro medio

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical, radiological and therapeutic variables of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated at our institution, and to assess the validity of the Borden and Cognard classifications and their correlation with the presenting symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DAVF identified were retrospectively analysed. They were classified according to their location, drainage pattern and the Borden and Cognard classifications. We recorded the different treatments, their complications and efficacy. RESULTS: There were 81 DAVF identified between 1975 and 2012. The cavernous sinus (CS) location was the most frequent one. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed an interobserver Kappa index of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. The odds ratio of aggressive presentation in the presence of cortical venous drainage (CVD) was 19.3 (2.8-132.4). No location, once adjusted by venous drainage pattern, showed significant association with an aggressive presentation. Endovascular transarterial treatment of cavernous sinus DAVF achieved symptomatic improvement of 78%, with a complication rate of 5%. The DAVF of non-CS locations, with CVD, treated surgically were angiographically shown cured in 100% of the cases, with no treatment-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CVD was significantly associated with aggressive presentations. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed little interobserver variability. Endovascular treatment for CS DAVF is safe and relatively effective. Surgical treatment of non-CS DAVF with CVD is safe, effective and the first choice treatment in our environment

Cerebral microarteriovenous malformations: a series of 28 cases.

OBJECT: Microarteriovenous malformations (micro-AVMs) are a rare subgroup of brain AVMs characterized by a nidus smaller than 1 cm. The authors' purpose in this study was to assess the clinical presentation, radiological features, therapeutic management, and outcome of these lesions. METHODS: All angiography studies performed at the authors' institution since 2000 for the diagnosis of AVM were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicoradiological findings, therapeutic management, and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients had presented with AVMs having a nidus diameter smaller than 1 cm or no clearly identifiable nidus but an early draining vein. All patients, except 2, presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and 12 patients had a focal deficit. Supratentorial hematomas were large (mean volume 25 ml), and in 8 patients hematomas were evacuated urgently. In 6 patients cerebral digital subtraction angiography studies were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic MR angiography revealed an AVM in 4 of these 6 patients. Treatment of the AVM consisted of surgery in 16 cases, radiosurgery in 6, and endovascular embolization in 2, and there were no posttreatment deficits. Four patients received no treatment because of their poor condition. The AVM was occluded at the follow-up in all patients treated with surgery or embolization and in 4 of the 6 patients treated with radiosurgery. The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score was good (GOS 4-5) in 23 patients (82%) and poor (GOS 3-2) in 5 (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with micro-AVMs generally present with large intracranial hemorrhages and neurological deficits. If the initial angiography is negative, then delayed or superselective angiography is recommended. Magnetic resonance imaging may reveal the existence of these lesions. Surgery is the treatment of choice for superficial micro-AVMs, and radiosurgery or embolization can be considered for deep lesions.

[Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae. Experience after 81 cases and literature review]. / Fístulas durales arteriovenosas intracraneales. Experiencia con 81 casos y revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical, radiological and therapeutic variables of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) treated at our institution, and to assess the validity of the Borden and Cognard classifications and their correlation with the presenting symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The DAVF identified were retrospectively analysed. They were classified according to their location, drainage pattern and the Borden and Cognard classifications. We recorded the different treatments, their complications and efficacy. RESULTS: There were 81DAVF identified between 1975 and 2012. The cavernous sinus (CS) location was the most frequent one. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed an interobserver Kappa index of 0.72 and 0.76 respectively. The odds ratio of aggressive presentation in the presence of cortical venous drainage (CVD) was 19.3 (2.8-132.4). No location, once adjusted by venous drainage pattern, showed significant association with an aggressive presentation. Endovascular transarterial treatment of cavernous sinus DAVF achieved symptomatic improvement of 78%, with a complication rate of 5%. The DAVF of non-CS locations, with CVD, treated surgically were angiographically shown cured in 100% of the cases, with no treatment-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CVD was significantly associated with aggressive presentations. The Borden and Cognard classifications showed little interobserver variability. Endovascular treatment for CS DAVF is safe and relatively effective. Surgical treatment of non-CS DAVF with CVD is safe, effective and the first choice treatment in our environment.

Volumetric analysis of subarachnoid hemorrhage: assessment of the reliability of two computerized methods and their comparison with other radiographic scales.

OBJECT: There were two main purposes to this study: first, to assess the feasibility and reliability of 2 quantitative methods to assess bleeding volume in patients who suffered spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and second, to compare these methods to other qualitative and semiquantitative scales in terms of reliability and accuracy in predicting delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and outcome. METHODS: A prospective series of 150 patients consecutively admitted to the Hospital 12 de Octubre over a 4-year period were included in the study. All of these patients had a diagnosis of SAH, and diagnostic CT was able to be performed in the first 24 hours after the onset of the symptoms. All CT scans were evaluated by 2 independent observers in a blinded fashion, using 2 different quantitative methods to estimate the aneurysmal bleeding volume: region of interest (ROI) volume and the Cavalieri method. The images were also graded using the Fisher scale, modified Fisher scale, Claasen scale, and the semiquantitative Hijdra scale. Weighted κ coefficients were calculated for assessing the interobserver reliability of qualitative scales and the Hijdra scores. For assessing the intermethod and interrater reliability of volumetric measurements, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used as well as the methodology proposed by Bland and Altman. Finally, weighted κ coefficients were calculated for the different quartiles of the volumetric measurements to make comparison with qualitative scales easier. Patients surviving more than 48 hours were included in the analysis of DCI predisposing factors and analyzed using the chi-square or the Mann-Whitney U-tests. Logistic regression analysis was used for predicting DCI and outcome in the different quartiles of bleeding volume to obtain adjusted ORs. The diagnostic accuracy of each scale was obtained by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Qualitative scores showed a moderate interobserver reproducibility (weighted κ indexes were always < 0.65), whereas the semiquantitative and quantitative scores had a very strong interobserver reproducibility. Reliability was very high for all quantitative measures as expressed by the ICCs for intermethod and interobserver agreement. Poor outcome and DCI occurred in 49% and 31% of patients, respectively. Larger bleeding volumes were related to a poorer outcome and a higher risk of developing DCI, and the proportion of patients suffering DCI or a poor outcome increased with each quartile, maintaining this relationship after adjusting for the main clinical factors related to outcome. Quantitative analysis of total bleeding volume achieved the highest AUC, and had a greater discriminative ability than the qualitative scales for predicting the development of DCI and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The use of quantitative measures may reduce interobserver variability in comparison with categorical scales. These measures are feasible using dedicated software and show a better prognostic capability in relation to outcome and DCI than conventional categorical scales.

Ruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysms in young people: report of three cases.

Intracranial arterial aneurysms in the pediatric population are rare. Among these, dissecting aneurysms are the most frequent, followed by saccular, infectious, and posttraumatic. It is widely known that aneurysmal rupture is uncommon in the first two decades of life. Spontaneous dissecting aneurysms (SDAs) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) affecting young individuals most frequently present as occlusive syndrome with ischemia, although bleeding and subarachnoid hemorrhage can also occur. Between March 2006 and January 2008, three young patients (20 months, 8 and 20 years old) were surgically treated for MCA SDA in the Neurosurgical Department of "12 de Octubre" Hospital of Madrid. These patients showed hemorrhage as primary radiological finding, and all of them underwent surgical operation. Aneurysms were always treated by trapping, with aneurysmectomy in one case, but no distal extra-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass was performed. In two cases, the histological examination of the aneurysm's wall evidenced signs of subintimal dissection with widespread disruption of the internal elastic lamina and media with neointima formation and intramural hemorrhage. Although bleeding is an uncommon presenting sign of SDAs, they should be suspected in young people showing hemorrhage at CT scan. Early surgical treatment and, if possible, preoperative neuroimaging evaluation of intracranial vessels should be performed to reduce the mortality in these patients despite a higher postoperative morbidity. From a technical point of view, surgical trapping of the aneurysm seems to be a reasonable treatment strategy especially in an emergency basis. However, whenever possible, an EC-IC bypass could help diminish the ischemic morbidity associated with these aneurysms.

Interhemispheric hygroma after decompressive craniectomy: does it predict posttraumatic hydrocephalus?

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of posttraumatic hydrocephalus in severely head-injured patients who required decompressive craniectomy (DC). Additional objectives were to determine the relationship between hydrocephalus and several clinical and radiological features, with special attention to subdural hygromas as a sign of distortion of the CSF circulation. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective study of 73 patients with severe head injury who required DC. The patients were admitted to the authors' department between January 2000 and January 2006. Posttraumatic hydrocephalus was defined as: 1) modified frontal horn index greater than 33%, and 2) the presence of Gudeman CT criteria. Hygromas were diagnosed based on subdural fluid collection and classified according to location of the craniectomy. RESULTS: Hydrocephalus was diagnosed in 20 patients (27.4%). After uni- and multivariate analysis, the presence of interhemispheric hygromas (IHHs) was the only independent prognostic factor for development of posttraumatic hydrocephalus (p<0.0001). More than 80% of patients with IHHs developed hydrocephalus within the first 50 days of undergoing DC. In all cases the presence of hygromas preceded the diagnosis of hydrocephalus. The IHH predicts the development of hydrocephalus after DC with 94% sensitivity and 96% specificity. The presence of an IHH showed an area under the receiver-operator characteristic of 0.951 (95% CI 0.87-1.00; p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Hydrocephalus was observed in 27.4% of the patients with severe traumatic brain injury who required DC. The presence of IHHs was a predictive radiological sign of hydrocephalus development within the first 6 months of DC in patients with severe head injury.

Spontaneous hemorrhage into a lumbar synovial cyst.

Lumbar synovial cysts frequently present with back pain, chronic radiculopathy and/or progressive symptoms of spinal canal compromise. These cysts generally appear in the context of degenerative lumbar spinal disease. Few cases of spontaneous hemorrhage into synovial cysts have been reported in the literature.