Pituitary surgery in elderly patients: a safe and effective procedure.

PURPOSE: The incidence of pituitary adenoma (PA) increases with age. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in elderly patients is often considered to have greater risk compared to the younger population. The aim of this study is to compare surgical results, evolution and postoperative complications between elderly and young patients undergoing TSS. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients undergoing TSS between 2011 and 2018 in our institution. Patients were divided into two cohorts: elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly (<65 years). Characteristics and outcomes of both groups were compared at diagnosis, before surgery and for an average of 5.9 years of postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five patients were included, 53 patients were ≥65 years (42%). The elderly patients were more likely to have non-functioning PA (NFPA) (90.5% vs. 45.8%, p: <0.01), a higher proportion of macroadenomas (92.4% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.029) and greater extrasellar extension (88.7% vs. 68.1%, p = 0.007). The elderly group also had more compressive symptoms (54.7% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.035) and hypopituitarism (66% vs. 47.2%, p = 0.029). Overall, surgical and endocrinological outcomes between the two groups were similar. Inpatient mortality in the elderly group was 1.8%. Regarding long-term outcomes, elderly patients had more postoperative hypopituitarism (67.9% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.03) with no differences in permanent diabetes insipidus, less residual tumours (24.5% vs. 40.3%, p = 0.019) and a higher rate of remission after surgery (71.7% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.034). When only NFPA cases were compared, the only significant difference was a higher frequency of macroadenomas in the elderly group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the safety and efficacy of TSS in elderly patients with PA. Age should not be considered an exclusion criterion for TSS given that successful results can be achieved if an experienced pituitary team is available.

[Isolated paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve due to atlanto-occipital joint cysts]. / Paralisis aislada del nervio hipogloso ocasionada por quistes occipitoatloideos.

TITLE: Paralisis aislada del nervio hipogloso ocasionada por quistes occipitoatloideos.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks in the anterior skull base: a surgical challenge.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effective closure rate for spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks with functional endoscopic sinus surgery and identify patient characteristics that may be associated with a need for additional therapy. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of patients with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks was performed. Data on the nature of presentation, patient body mass index, defect location and size, intracranial pressure, clinical follow up, and complications were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients had spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks with evidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The most common sites were the cribriform plate, followed by the ethmoid roof and sphenoid lateral pterygoid recess. All patients underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery to repair the defect. Post-operatively, all patients underwent lumbar drainage and acetazolamide therapy. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks represent a surgical challenge because of their high recurrence rates. The most important factor for obtaining a successful repair in these patients is reducing their intracranial pressure through nutritional, medical or surgical means.

Paraganglioma de cauda equina / Paraganglioma of the cauda equina

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Linfomas primarios del sistema nervioso central / Primary central nervous system lymphoma

Introducción: Los linfomas primarios del sistema nervioso central son una variedad poco frecuente de linfomas no hodgkinianos que constituyen alrededor del 4%de los tumores del sistema nervioso central. Pacientes y métodos: realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de 24 pacientes diagnosticados de linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central entre enero de 1990 y diciembre de 2010. Todos los pacientes fueron diagnosticados con resonancia magnética y confirmados quirúrgicamente. Resultados: De los 24 pacientes analizados, 4 presentaban inmunodeficiencia. La media de edad era de 59,3 anos (intervalo 13-79) y la relación entre varones y mujeres de 1 a 1,1. El deterioro cognitivo (33,4% de los pacientes) y la cefalea (22,5%) fueron los signos de presentación más frecuentes. El diagnóstico se realizó en 13 casos (54%) tras llevar a cabo una craneotomía y en los otros 11 (46%) mediante biopsia estereotáctica. La distribución histoló- gica mostró que 22 casos (91,6%) eran linfomas tipo B, un caso un linfoma anaplásico de células gigantes y el otro correspondió a un linfoma de células T. La supervivencia media fue de 12,8 meses y a un ano˜ del 37,5%. Conclusiones: Los linfomas cerebrales primarios se presentan alrededor de la sexta década dela vida y clínicamente se manifiestan con deterioro cognitivo, cefalea y déficits neurológicos focales. El 75% de los pacientes (18 casos) presentaban únicamente una lesión intracraneal y elrestante 25% (6 pacientes) entre 2 y 4 lesiones. El estado clínico preoperatorio constituye el factor pronóstico más importante (AU)

Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare subtype of extranodal nonHodgkin lymphoma that accounts for 4% of central nervous system tumours Patients and methods: Retrospective review of 24 patients diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma between 1990 and 2010. All patients were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and the diagnosis was confirmed surgically. Results: Ofthe 24 patients analysed, all except 4 were immunocompetent. Median age at diagnosis was 59.3 years (range 13-79) and the sex ratio (male to female) was 1:1.1. Cognitive decline (in 33.4%) and headache (in 25%) were the most common complaints. Diagnosis was performed In 13 cases (54%) following craniotomy and in the other 11 cases (46%) after stereotactic biopsy. Breakdown by pathology was as follows: 22 cases of B-cell lymphoma (91.6%), 1 case of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, and 1 case of T-cell lymphoma. Mean survivaltime was 12.8 months with an overall 1-year survival rate of 37.5%. Conclusions: Primary central nervous system lymphoma often presents in the sixth decadewith cognitive decline, headache, and focal neurological deficits. A single intracranial lesión was present in 75% of the patients (18 cases), and the remaining 25% (6 cases) had between 2 and 4 lesions. Preoperative clinical status was the mostimportantfactor determining prognosis (AU)

Primary central nervous system lymphoma.

INTRODUCTION: Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a rare subtype of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for 4% of central nervous system tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 24 patients diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphoma between 1990 and 2010. All patients were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and the diagnosis was confirmed surgically. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients analysed, all except 4 were immunocompetent. Median age at diagnosis was 59.3 years (range 13-79) and the sex ratio (male to female) was 1:1.1. Cognitive decline (in 33.4%) and headache (in 25%) were the most common complaints. Diagnosis was performed In 13 cases (54%) following craniotomy and in the other 11 cases (46%) after stereotactic biopsy. Breakdown by pathology was as follows: 22 cases of B-cell lymphoma (91.6%), 1 case of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, and 1 case of T-cell lymphoma. Mean survival time was 12.8 months with an overall 1-year survival rate of 37.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Primary central nervous system lymphoma often presents in the sixth decade with cognitive decline, headache, and focal neurological deficits. A single intracranial lesion was present in 75% of the patients (18 cases), and the remaining 25% (6 cases) had between 2 and 4 lesions. Preoperative clinical status was the most important factor determining prognosis.

Tratamiento mínimamente invasivo del hematoma subdural crónico del adulto. Resultados en 116 pacientes / Minimally invasive treatment of chronic subdural haematoma in adults: results in 116 patients

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[Chronic subgaleal hematoma in a child. Case report]. / Hematoma subgaleal crónico en un lactante. Presentación de un caso.

Neonatal subgaleal hematomas are under-diagnosed collections of blood beneath the galea, often caused by certain obstetric procedures such as use of forceps or vacuum. They generally have low volume and often resolve spontaneously. Occasionally, they can achieve a large volume and may endanger the live of the affected newborns. Rarely, they become chronic and exceptionally they may require surgical treatment. We report the case of a child under one year of age who was referred to our department because of a subgaleal hematoma secondary to vacuum-assisted delivery that required surgical treatment.

[Intracranial meningiomas: I. Epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis and prognostic factors]. / Meningiomas intracraneales: I. Epidemiologia, etiologia, patogenesis y factores pronosticos.

INTRODUCTION: Meningiomas are the most frequent group of intracranial tumours, accounting for around a third of all primary brain tumours. In most cases, they are benign neoplasms that start in the cells of the arachnoid mater and may be located in the intracranial and spinal cavities. AIM: To perform a review of the information available on intracranial meningiomas that allows us to update current know-ledge on the subject. DEVELOPMENT: The review of the literature covers different aspects of intracranial meningiomas, including their epidemiology, histology, risk factors, neurogenetics, diagnostic techniques and prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial meningiomas are, today, the leading group of intracranial tumours. Although most of them are histologically benign, recurrence rates range between 10% and 20%, even after performing complete resections. Knowledge of risk factors and the genetic disorders that they present will make it easier in the future to introduce customised treatments to fit each case.

[Pituitary apoplexy. A review]. / Apoplejía pituitaria. Revisión del tema.

Pituitary apoplexy constitutes a syndrome that is characterized by the ischemic infarction or hemorrhage into a pituitary tumour. Clinically the patient develops sudden headache, meningismus, visual disturbances, even blindness, and occasionally decrease in level of consciousness. To diagnose it is basic to perform a cerebral MRI. Treatment consists in urgent sellar decompression by transsphenoidal surgery and substitute therapy with steroids.

Apoplejía pituitaria. Revisión del tema / Pituitary apoplexy. A review

La apoplejía pituitaria es un síndrome caracterizadopor una necrosis o hemorragia en el seno deun tumor hipofisario. Clínicamente cursa con cefalearepentina, signos de irritación meníngea, alteracionesen la agudeza visual, incluso ceguera y en ocasiones disminucióndel nivel de conciencia. Para el diagnósticoes fundamental la realización de pruebas radiológicas,siendo la de elección la resonancia magnética. El tratamientoconsiste en la descompresión quirúrgica sellartransesfenoidal urgente y terapia sustitutiva con altasdosis de corticoides (AU)

Pituitary apoplexy constitutes a syndrome that ischaracterized by the ischemic infarction or hemorrhageinto a pituitary tumour. Clinically the patient developssudden headache, meningismus, visual disturbances,even blindness, and occasionally decrease in level ofconsciousness. To diagnose it is basic to perform a cerebralMRI. Treatment consists in urgent sellar decompressionby transsphenoidal surgery and substitutetherapy with steroids (AU)

[Intracranial gangliogliomas. A review of a series of 20 patients]. / Gangliogliomas intracraneales. Revisión de una serie de 20 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: A ganglioglioma is a type of primary central nervous system low grade tumour composed of mixed populations of glial and neuroepithelial elements. They accounts for 0.4 to 2% of all intracranial tumours and appear more commonly in children and young adults. Seizures, which are the most important symptom in these tumours, improve significantly after surgical excision. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2008, 20 patients with (12 adults and 8 children) with intracranial ganglioglioma were treated at our hospital. Clinical information obtained by chart review included sex, age at onset of symptoms, clinical history, results of neurological examination, tumour location, CT and MRI appearance, surgical results and follow-up. All patients underwent tumour resection and the extent of surgery was determined from the surgical reports and postoperative imaging studies. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 26.4 years (range, 1-75 years), and the female to male ratio was 1.5:1. Except in one case, all patients had seizures with a median duration before diagnosis of 7.4 years (range 1-29). Seventeen tumours were located in the temporal lobe (9 right and 8 left). Macroscopically complete excision was performed in 17 patients and subtotal in the remaining 3. There were 4 cases of recurrence treated by surgery and radiotherapy being added in one case. The mean follow up was 8.5 years (range 22 months-14 years) and disease free survival at 5 years was 85% and an overall survival of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: The seizures, which are the most frequent symptoms, significantly improved after surgical removal. Surgery is the first choice of therapy in these tumours, and in the presence of subtotal resection or tumour recurrence the best indication for treatment is repeat surgery. Radiotherapy should be reserved only for malignant forms.

Hematoma subgaleal crónico en un lactante. Presentación de un caso / Chronic subgaleal hematoma in a child. Case report

Los hematomas subgaleales neonatales son colecciones sanguinolentas, localizadas entre la galea y el tejido conectivo epicraneal; con frecuencia son infradiagnosticados, y en la mayoría de las ocasiones guardan relación con determinados procedimientos obstétricos como el uso de fórceps o ventosa. En general tienen poco volumen y suelen solucionarse espontáneamente. Ocasionalmente pueden alcanzar gran tamaño y ponen en riesgo la vida del recién nacido; excepcionalmente tienden a la cronificación siendo necesario para su tratamiento emplear procedimientos quirúrgicos. Exponemos el caso de una paciente menor de un año de edad que presenta un hematoma subgaleal secundario a parto asistido con ventosa y que precisó tratamiento quirúrgico (AU)

Neonatal subgaleal hematomas are underdiagnosed collections of blood beneath the galea, often caused by certain obstetric procedures such as use of forceps or vacuum. They generally have low volume and often resolve spontaneously. Occasionally, they can achieve a large volume and may endanger the live of the affected newborns. Rarely, they become chronic and exceptionally they may require surgical treatment. We report the case of a child under one year of age who was referred to our department because of a subgaleal hematoma secondary to vacuumassisted delivery that required surgical treatment (AU)

[Intracranial injury caused by captive bolt gun]. / Lesiones intracraneales originadas con pistola de bala cautiva.

Guns bullet or captive bolt is used as a weapon for stunning animals as a prelude to sacrifice. Placed in front of it induce an immediate loss of consciousness, thus achieving a "humanization" of process. It's use for suicide is rare, almost exclusively of people who have access to them because of their occupation, causing severe injuries to the brain. We analyse three cases presented in our service. One of them dies as a result of injuries.

Lesiones intracraneales originadas con pistola de bala cautiva / Intracranial injury caused by captive bolt gun

Las pistolas de bala cautiva o clavija perforadora son empleadas para aturdir al animal como paso previo al sacrificio. Colocadas en la frente del mismo inducen una inmediata perdida de consciencia, logrando así una “humanización” del proceso. Su uso con fines suicidas es raro, casi exclusivo de personas que tienen acceso a las mismas dada su ocupación laboral, causando graves lesiones a nivel cerebral. Analizamos tres casos que se presentaron en nuestro servicio. Uno de ellos fallece como consecuencia de las lesiones ocasionadas (AU)

Guns bullet or captive bolt is used as a weapon for stunning animals as a prelude to sacrifice. Placed in front of it induce an immediate loss of consciousness, thus achieving a "humanization" of process. It´s use for suicide is rare, almost exclusively of people who have access to them because of their occupation, causing severe injuries to the brain. We analyse three cases presented in our service. One of them dies as a result of injuries (AU)

[Filum terminale ependymomas. Analysis of a serie of 20 consecutive cases]. / Ependimomas del filum terminal. Análisis de 20 casos consecutivos.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the clinical, radiological and surgical outcome of a series of filum terminale ependymomas. Patients and methods. This retrospective study involved 20 patients with 21 ependymomas of the filum terminale encountered during a 21 year period (1988- 2008). All patients were diagnosed using MRI and surgically treated. RESULTS: the male: female ratio was 1:1.5, and the mean age at diagnosis was 44.8 years (range 15-64). First symptom included radicular pain (12 cases) and lumbar pain in the other 8 cases, with average symptom duration of 8.7 years (range 0-6-32). All patients underwent open biopsy, seventeen tumours received gross-total resection and 4 received subtotal resection. Histologically, 20 tumours were myxopapillary ependymomas (grade I) and 1 case a grade II ependymoma. The mean follow-up period was 8 years (range 1-18 years). CONCLUSIONS: filum terminale ependimomas are slow growing tumours of the cauda equina with a high incidence in young adults. The most common presentation is with low back pain long time evolution. Although ependymomas of the filum terminale are thought to be benign, local recurrence is not uncommon.

Ependimomas del filum terminal. Análisis de 20 casos consecutivos / Filum terminale ependymomas. Analysis of a serie of 20 consecutive cases

Objetivos. Analizar las características clínicas,radiológicas y los resultados quirúrgicos de una serie de ependimomas del filum terminal. Pacientes y método. Se estudia retrospectivamente 20 pacientes con 21 ependimomas del filum terminal tratados durante un período de 21 años (1988-2008).Todos los pacientes fueron diagnosticados con resonancia magnética e intervenidos quirúrgicamente. Resultados. La relación varón-mujer fue de 1:1.5 yla media de edad al diagnóstico de 44.8 años (rango 15-64). El primer síntoma fue dolor radicular (12 casos) y lumbalgia en los 8 restantes, con una duración mediade la sintomatología antes del diagnostico de 8.7 años(rango 0.6-32). Todos los pacientes fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente realizándose resección completa de 17 tumores y subtotal de 4. Histológicamente 20 tumoresfueron ependimomas mixopapilares (grado I ) y un caso grado II. El período de seguimiento fue de 8 años (rango1-18).Conclusiones. Los ependimomas del filum terminal, son tumores de crecimiento lento con una mayor incidencia en adultos jóvenes. La forma de presentación más habitual es con dolor lumbar con un largo tiempo de evolución. Aunque la mayoría son tumores de bajo grado histológico, tienen una especial tendencia a crecer y las recidivas locales no son raras (AU)

Objective. To analyze the clinical, radiological and surgical outcome of a series of filum terminale ependymomas. Patients and methods. This retrospective study involved 20 patients with 21 ependymomas of the filumterminale encountered during a 21 year period (1988-2008). All patients were diagnosed using MRI and surgicallytreated. Results. The male: female ratio was 1:1.5, and the mean age at diagnosis was 44.8 years (range 15-64).First symptom included radicular pain (12 cases) and lumbar pain in the other 8 cases, with average symptom duration of 8.7 years (range 0-6-32). All patients underwent open biopsy, seventeen tumours received gross-total resection and 4 received subtotal resection. Histologically, 20 tumours were myxopapillary ependymomas(grade I) and 1 case a grade II ependymoma.The mean follow-up period was 8 years (range 1-18years).Conclusions. Filum terminale ependimomas are slow growing tumours of the cauda equina with a highincidence in young adults. The most common presentation is with low back pain long time evolution. Although ependymomas of the filum terminale are thought to be benign, local recurrence is not uncommon (AU)