Left common carotid artery agenesis with bovine origin of the left internal carotid artery.

The absence of the left common carotid artery, with separate origins of the external carotid and internal carotid arteries from the aortic arc is a well-described but extremely rare congenital anomaly. We present a unique case of agenesis of left common carotid artery depicted at MR angiography where the left internal carotid artery had a bovine origin (from the brachiocephalic trunk) and the left external carotid artery arose from the aortic arc. In addition, it is important to diagnose this anatomical variant especially prior to interventional procedures, as it could hinder the catheterization of these arteries.

Embolization through the thyrocervical trunk: vascular anatomy, variants, and a case series.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The thyrocervical trunk (TCT) is the second ascending branch of the subclavian artery. It is considered a 'border territory' between interventional vascular radiology and interventional neuroradiology because it gives rise to branches both cervical and to the upper limbs. We describe the TCT branches anatomy, the most frequent variants, and expose eight endovascular procedures performed through the thyrocervical trunk. METHODS: A retrospective review of all the interventional radiology procedures carried out through the TCT in our tertiary care center from August 2014 to January 2017 is presented. RESULTS: A total of eight endovascular procedures through the TCT including six preoperative embolizations: three paragangliomas, a cervical vertebral metastasis, a cervical vertebral aneurysmal bone cyst, and a very rare case of nerve root extradural cervical hemangioblastoma, as well as two emergency embolizations: a patient with a cervical traumatic active bleeding hematoma and a recurrent hemoptysis in a single ventricle patient. CONCLUSIONS: A correct knowledge of the vascular anatomy, anatomical variants, and anastomosis (especially with the anterior spinal artery) of the TCT is essential for a safe embolization, both preoperatively and on an emergency basis. In cases of recurrent hemoptysis and severe lower-neck injuries, the TCT should always be reviewed.

Parachordal fistula--a case report and a short review.

Arteriovenous shunts of the neck and facial region rarely involve the external carotid artery and its branches. Most cases are considered to be iatrogenic or related to trauma but congenital shunts are rare. Parachordal arteriovenous fistulae are a group of embryologically derived arteriovenous shunts caused by defects involving the notochord, giving rise to cranial and paraspinal shunts. In the cranial regions, these shunts involve exclusively the metameric arteries--maxillary, ascending pharyngeal, occipital and vertebral. Signs and symptoms are variable, depending on the feeding vessel but also on the characteristics of the draining pathway. We report the case of a 17-year-old male patient with a shunt between the right internal maxillary artery and right external jugular vein detected at the age of 6, not associated with trauma, which we decided to treat because of an enlargement of the right cardiac atrium detected on routine examination. Digital subtraction angiography was performed to characterize the shunt followed by partial embolization with ballooning, coiling and Onyx injection. Echographic control 6 months after the procedure was compatible with complete occlusion of the shunt. We also perform a short review on this extremely rare entity.

Transvenous Onyx embolization of a subependymal deep arteriovenous malformation with a single drainage vein: technical note.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon. Treatment options include embolization, radiosurgery and surgery, separately or combined, the final goal being complete occlusion of the malformation. We describe the case of a symptomatic small subependymal AVM with a single deep drainage vein previously treated unsuccessfully by radiosurgery and transarterial embolization. The AVM was successfully embolized transvenously using Onyx, achieving complete occlusion in a single treatment session.

Identification of Risk Factors for the Occurrence of Cement Leakage During Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Painful Osteoporotic or Malignant Vertebral Fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To identify fracture morphology-dependent risk factors for the occurrence of cement leakage during percutaneous vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Extravertebral cement leakage is the most frequently reported complication and represents a major risk after vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty. Despite the frequent occurrence of cement leakage and potentially dangerous complications and sequelae, there are few reports that examine its predictors. METHODS: Retrospective review of 194 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic or malignant vertebral fracture. The influences of several parameters that might affect the occurrence of cement leakage were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Cement leakage was assessed using computed tomography scanning and classified into 4 different types with different potential sequelae: through the basivertebral vein, through the segmental vein, through a cortical defect, and intradiscal leakage. RESULTS: Leakage of cement was detected in 209 of the 272 treated vertebrae (76.83%). The most common types of leakage detected were through the basivertebral vein (43.38%) and the segmental vein (42.27%). None of the evaluated variables showed a statistically significant effect. Only the absence of Kummell disease (P = 0.063) and a lower severity grade of collapse (P = 0.068) approached statistical significance. For basivertebral vein leakages, the location at the thoracolumbar level and the absence of Kummell disease (P < 0.05) were strong predictive factors for cement leakages. For segmental vein leakages, the odds decreased as the severity grade of collapse increased (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Each different vertebral fracture pattern has its own risk factors for cement leakage. For certain types of leakage, Kummell avascular necrosis as a protective factor and fracture severity grade with paradoxical effect have each demonstrated influence in the occurrence of cement leakage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Direct transforaminal Onyx embolization of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: technical note and report of five cases.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with retrograde leptomeningeal or cortical drainage are considered aggressive. Conventional treatment in these cases is possible surgically or with endovascular arterial injections of Onyx or cyanoacrylate, but there are still some cases where distal navigation is not possible due to tortuosity of the arterial feeders. We present five cases of direct transforaminal Onyx embolization where endovascular distal navigation could not be achieved.

Transvenous Onyx embolization of a subependymal deep arteriovenous malformation with a single drainage vein: technical note.

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are uncommon. Treatment options include embolization, radiosurgery and surgery, separately or combined, the final goal being complete occlusion of the malformation. We describe the case of a symptomatic small subependymal AVM with a single deep drainage vein previously treated unsuccessfully by radiosurgery and transarterial embolization. The AVM was successfully embolized transvenously using Onyx, achieving complete occlusion in a single treatment session.

Percutaneous onyx embolization of cervical paragangliomas.

Cervical paragangliomas are a group of vascular neoplasms arising from the extraadrenal neuroendocrine system. The present report describes a series of six cases of cervical paragangliomas successfully and safely embolized preoperatively by means of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer delivered by percutaneous needle punctures without the need for balloon protection. Although the results are promising, further studies are needed to confirm the superiority of this method versus other embolization techniques and embolic agents.

Biomechanical, histological and histomorphometric analyses of calcium phosphate cement compared to PMMA for vertebral augmentation in a validated animal model.

INTRODUCTION: Calcium phosphate cements (biocements) are alternative materials for use in vertebral augmentation procedures, and are a potential solution to problems associated with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cements. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the utility of percutaneously injected biocements compared with PMMA in a validated animal model of osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fortyseven augmentation procedures were performed on 11 osteoporotic sheep. 9 vertebrae were augmented with PMMA and 38 with a biocement. The animals were killed in four groups: at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after intervention. Radiological study and TC of the pieces were obtained to evaluate for leakage, cement diffusion, and integration. In total, 26 biomechanic studies and 27 histomorphometry analyses were performed, included control vertebrae. RESULTS: In 20.9% of the vertebrae, the hole was empty at sacrifice. The pattern of fracture was heterogeneous, and cement augmentation did not increase vertebral strength or decrease vertebral stiffness compared to control vertebrae, with neither PMMA or biocement. The rate of remodeling of the biocement was not predictable. In the single majority, there is peripheral remodeling, staying the volume of injected biocement stable. CONCLUSIONS: Even though this animal model may not be useful to analyze the biomechanical pattern of treated vertebrae, it demonstrates that the percutaneous use of biocements in vertebral augmentation techniques is not predictable. This is one reason not to recommend its use presently as a substitute for PMMA in vertebral reinforcement procedures.

[Diagnosis and treatment of head and neck paragangliomas. Uses of angiography and interventional radiology]. / Diagnóstico y control evolutivo de los paragangliomas de cabeza y cuello. Interés de la angiografía y procedimientos neurorradiológicos intervencionistas.

The present article aims to describe the current role of interventional neuroradiology in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck paragangliomas, based on our experience and a literature review. The cellular polymorphism of head and neck paragangliomas confers these tumors with their characteristics hypervascularization (angioarchitecture) with characteristic arteriographic signs and hemorrhage that justify presurgical embolization. The main indications of digital angiography in head and neck paragangliomas are to confirm diagnosis and identify functional involvement of the large cervical vessels, as well as their possible vascular replacement. Extensive carotid or jugular involvement may require excision of these vessels. Functional tests that allow the patency of the circle of Willis and/or that of the contralateral sigmoid sinus to be identified are required to predict post-treatment neurological complications. Although the treatment of choice of head and neck paragangliomas is complete excision, hypervascularization may complicate surgical resection. Presurgical embolization is used to facilitate treatment by reducing blood loss, shortening operating time and lowering postoperative neurological morbidity. Palliative embolization is indicated in patients with inoperable tumors. Currently, three interventional techniques can be used in the treatment of head and neck paragangliomas: endovascular embolization, direct percutaneous puncture, and placement of vascular stents. Although infrequent, the most severe complications are those related to embolism of the embolizing material. These complications are less frequent in highly specialized centers.

Diagnóstico y control evolutivo de los paragangliomas de cabeza y cuello. Interés de la angiografía y procedimientos neurorradiológicos intervencionistas / Diagnosis and treatment of head and neck paragangliomas. Uses of angiography and interventional radiology

El propósito de nuestro estudio es presentar, basándonos en nuestra experiencia y la revisión de la bibliografía realizada, el papel actual de la neurorradiología vascular-intervencionista en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los paragangliomas de cabeza y cuello (PgCC). El polimorfismo celular de los PgCC les confiere su característica “hipervascularización”(angio arquitectura) con signos arteriográficos patognomónicos y un carácter hemorrágico que justifica su embolización prequirúrgica. Las indicaciones fundamentales de la angiografía digital en los PgCC se establecen para confirmar su diagnóstico y comprender la afectación funcional de los grandes vasos cervicales, así como sus posibles suplencias vasculares. La extensa afectación carotídea o yugular puede hacer inevitable el sacrificio quirúrgico de estos vasos. Son necesarias pruebas funcionales que permitan conocer la permeabilidad del polígono de Willis y/o del seno sigmoide o contralateral para predecir complicaciones neurológicas postratamiento. Aunque el tratamiento de elección de los PgCC es su exéresis completa, la hipervascularización puede hacer complicada la resección quirúrgica. La embolización prequirúrgica es utilizada para facilitar el tratamiento reduciendo la pérdida de sangre, acortando el tiempo quirúrgico y disminuyendo la morbilidad neurológica posquirúrgica. La indicación paliativa de la embolización se establece en casos de tumores inoperables. En la actualidad, se dispone de3 técnicas intervencionistas utilizables en el tratamiento de los PgCC: la embolización endovascular, la punción percutánea directa y la colocación de endoprótesis vasculares. Aunque poco frecuentes, las complicaciones más graves son las relacionadas con el embolismo del material embolizante y, lógicamente, disminuyen en centros sanitarios de alto nivel y con una técnica arteriográfica depurada (AU)

The present article aims to describe the current role of interventional neuroradiology in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck paragangliomas, based on our experience and a literature review. The cellular polymorphism of head and neck paragangliomas confers these tumors with their characteristics “hypervascularization”(angio architecture) with characteristic arteriographicsigns and hemorrhage that justify presurgical embolization. The main indications of digital angiography in head and neck paragangliomas are to confirm diagnosis and identify functional involvement of the large cervical vessels, as well as their possible vascular replacement. Extensive carotid or jugular involvement may require excision of these vessels. Functional tests that allow the patency of the circle of Willis and/or that of the contralateral sigmoid sinus to be identified are required to predict post-treatment neurological complications. Although the treatment of choice of head and neck paragangliomas is complete excision, hypervascularization may complicate surgical resection. Presurgical embolization is used to facilitate treatment by reducing blood loss, shortening operating time and lowering postoperative neurological morbidity. Palliative embolization is indicated in patients with inoperable tumors. Currently, three interventional techniques can be used in the treatment of head and neck paragangliomas: endovascular embolization, direct percutaneous puncture, and placement of vascular stents. Although infrequent, the most severe complications are those related to embolism of the embolizing material. These complications are less frequent in highly specialized centers (AU)

Percutaneous vertebroplasty: functional improvement in patients with osteoporotic compression fractures.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, double-cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate conservative and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PV is an elective alternative to conservative management for the treatment of a painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture. METHODS: We performed a prospective study consisting of 101 consecutive patients who underwent PV and 27 patients who refused PV treatment and were managed conservatively. We used a data evaluation and outcomes system that was developed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention. RESULTS: Patients that elected for PV as a treatment of their fractures had significantly more pain and functional impairment before the procedure than the patients of the conservative group (P < 0.001). The pain, functional, and general health scores of the PV group were improved from the preoperative mean values (P < 0.001) in all postoperative periods. Compared with the conservative treatment group, there was a significant difference at month 3. However, no statistical differences on function were observed between these groups at 6 months and 1 year posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS: PV demonstrated a rapid and significant relief of pain and improved the quality of life. PV election for treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture after 6 weeks of conservative treatment was based on pain and functional impairment.

Predictors of outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of all percutaneous vertebroplasties performed in the authors' institution from November 1994 to June 2002. OBJECTIVE.: To determine the factors affecting the outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of persistent painful osteoporotic fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an efficient procedure to treat pain due to osteoporotic vertebral fracture. However, the patient population that is most likely to benefit from this procedure is uncertain, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for an ideal candidate have varied widely in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective review of 278 percutaneous vertebroplasty procedures for osteoporotic fractures at 423 levels was performed. Sociodemographic, clinical, radiologic, and procedural data were analyzed as parameters for prognosis significance by univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression to estimate the strength of influence of each variable. RESULTS: The presence of two or less symptomatic vertebrae (P < 0.03), the American Society of Anesthesiologists status I (P < 0.001), the presence of signal changes on magnetic resonance imaging (P < 0001), and the collapse of the vertebral body less than 70% (P < 0.001) were assessed as parameters for prognostic significance. Multivariate analysis also showed a significant correlation between the American Society of Anesthesiologists score and height loss of the vertebral body and the final outcome. The presence of signal changes on magnetic resonance imaging showed the highest odds ratio adjusted. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate patient selection is essential for achieving clinical success. Better results can be expected in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I and when the level managed is confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and the vertebral body height loss is less than 70%.

Subthalamic lesion and paroxysmal tonic spasms.

Paroxysmal dyskinesia due to a subthalamic lesion is a rare finding. We describe a patient with paroxysmal tonic spasms due to a well-defined lesion in the subthalamic area. In this case, we confirm the nonepileptic nature of the episode and collect with detail the clinical features by means of a video-electroencephalographic recording. We also report an excellent response to carbamazepine in subthalamic paroxysmal dyskinesias.

Vertebroplastia percutánea / Percutaneous vertebral reconstruction

En este articulo se realiza una revisión de los conceptos actuales sobre la utilización de la vertebroplastia en el tratamiento de diferentes patologías vertebrales. Aplicando los conocimientos adquiridos durante los últimos años y realizando una revisión bibliográfica de todo lo publicado hasta el momento, se describen las indicaciones, la técnica y las complicaciones de este procedimiento (AU)

Effects of fibroblast growth factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor on akinesia, F-DOPA uptake and dopamine cells in parkinsonian primates.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that produces progressive disability despite symptomatic treatment. Several strategies, including stereotaxic brain lesions, deep brain stimulation, transplants of dopamine cells and administration of neurotrophic factors, have been proposed to improve efficacy and to counteract the progression of the disease. We here report the effects of repetitive intracerebral infusion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and glial-derived neurotrophic factor, up to 1 year, in Cynomolgus monkeys with long standing asymmetric parkinsonism produced by unilateral intracarotid injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The treatment with neurotrophic factors was initiated when the parkinsonian deficits were stable, 6 months after the administration of MPTP. The evaluation of the response to the neurotrophic factors was performed by blind observers using: clinical scales that measured global motor deficit, motor ability in both hands, apomorphine-induced rotation, determination of the levels of monoamine metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid, and 6-F18-fluoro-l-DOPA (F-DOPA) uptake in the striatum and histology. Both factors, but bFGF more so, improve motor behavior, dopamine metabolism, striatal F-DOPA uptake, and the number of dopamine neurons. The procedure is well tolerated and provides a strong background for efficacy and safety of this treatment in patients with PD.