Perfusion-weighted imaging in vestibular schwannoma: the influence that cystic status and tumor size have on perfusion profiles / Perfusão por ressonância magnética em schwannoma vestibular: influência do tamanho e estádio cístico no perfil da perfusão

Abstract Objective: The perfusion profile of vestibular schwannomas (VSs) and the factors that influence it have yet to be determined. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with sporadic VS were analyzed by calculating parameters related to the extravascular extracellular space (EES)—the volume transfer constant between a vessel and the EES (Ktrans); the EES volume per unit of tissue volume (Ve); and the rate transfer constant between EES and blood plasma (Kep)—as well as the relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and by correlating those parameters with the size of the tumor and its structure (solid, cystic, or heterogeneous). Results: Although Ktrans, Ve, and Kep were measurable in all tumors, rCBV was measurable only in large tumors. We detected a positive correlation between Ktrans and rCBV (r = 0.62, p = 0.031), a negative correlation between Ve and Kep (r = -0.51, p = 0.021), and a positive correlation between Ktrans and Ve only in solid VSs (r = 0.64, p = 0.048). Comparing the means for small and large VSs, we found that the former showed lower Ktrans (0.13 vs. 0.029, p < 0.001), higher Kep (0.68 vs. 0.46, p = 0.037), and lower Ve (0.45 vs. 0.83, p < 0.001). The mean Ktrans was lower in the cystic portions of cystic VSs than in their solid portions (0.14 vs. 0.32, p < 0.001), as was the mean Ve (0.37 vs. 0.78, p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the solid and cystic portions for Ktrans (r = 0.71, p = 0.048) and Kep (r = 0.74, p = 0.037). Conclusion: In VS, tumor size appears to be consistently associated with perfusion values. In cystic VS, the cystic portions seem to have lower Ktrans and Ve than do the solid portions.

Resumo Objetivo: O perfil de perfusão do schwannoma vestibular (SV) não tem sido estudado, nem os fatores que o influenciam. Materiais e Métodos: Vinte pacientes com SV esporádico foram analisados usando Ktrans, Ve, Kep e rCBV e correlacionados com tamanho e estádio cístico. Resultados: Ktrans, Ve e Kep foram medidos em todos os casos. rCBV só foi possível em tumores grandes. Ktrans e rCBV estavam correlacionados positivamente (r = 0,62, p = 0, 0 31 ) . Ve e Kep estavam negativamente correlacionados (r = -0,51, p = 0,021). Ktrans estava correlacionado positivamente com Ve em SVs sólidos (r = 0,64, p = 0,048). Em SVs pequenos, Ktrans foi menor (0,13 vs 0,029, p < 0,001), Kep foi maior (0,68 vs 0,46, p = 0,037) e Ve foi menor (0,45 vs 0,83, p < 0,001) que nos SVs grandes. Ktrans e Ve foram menores dentro dos cistos que nas porções solidas dos SVs císticos (0,14 vs 0,32, p < 0,001; 0,37 vs 0,78, p < 0.001, respectivamente). Foi encontrada correlação positiva em Ktrans (r = 0,71, p = 0,048) e Kep (r = 0,74, p = 0,037) entre as áreas sólidas e císticas. Conclusão: Nos SVs, o tamanho está consistentemente associado com os valores da perfusão. Nos SVs císticos, as porções císticas parecem ter valores menores de Ktrans e Ve do que nas porções sólidas.

Carcinoma epidermoide en senos paranasales con epistaxis / Epidermoid carcinoma in paranasal sinuses with epistaxis pretends vestibular schwannoma

El carcinoma epidermoide es un tumor maligno, infiltrante y destructor, que origina metástasis por vía linfática, hemática e invasión directa; en la zona nasosinusal es relativamente poco frecuente. Objetivo: identificar las características clínicas de esta patología para el correcto abordaje y tratamiento. Presentación de caso clínico: paciente femenina con carcinoma epidermoide en senos paranasales, 36 años, procedente de Villa de San Antonio, Honduras. En febrero de 2016 acude al Hospital Colonial de Comayagua por una obstrucción nasal derecha, concomitante epistaxis recurrente con coágulos del lado derecho. Posteriormente se presentaron dos episodios graves de epistaxis; después es referida a la Consulta Externa del Hospital Escuela Universitario, donde se encontró a la exploración física: órbita inflamada del ojo derecho, acompañada de pérdida de la sensibilidad superficial y profunda del lado derecho de la cara. Se realizó estudio histopatológico, que reportó tejido conectivo infiltrado por nidos neoplásicos con características malignas, formando agregados con apariencia epitelial. Se diagnosticó carcinoma epidermoide en fosa nasal derecha y región pterigomaxilar. Finalizados los procedimientos quirúrgicos recibió a 37 días de radioterapia profiláctica, con control posterior en oncología del Hospital General San Felipe. Conclusión: ante un paciente que presenta sangrado nasal constante con obstrucción, lagrimeo y una masa en senos paranasales, se debe sospechar de una patología neoplásica de acuerdo a los tipos más frecuentes en el área anatómica de origen; por lo tanto, una vez identificado, se debe realizar biopsia y marcadores tumorales para establecer de forma oportuna diagnóstico, pronóstico, presencia de metástasis y el tratamiento a seguir.

Outcome of different facial nerve reconstruction techniques / Resultados de diferentes técnicas de reconstrução do nervo facial

Abstract Introduction: There is no technique of facial nerve reconstruction that guarantees facial function recovery up to grade III. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different facial nerve reconstruction techniques. Methods: Facial nerve reconstruction was performed in 22 patients (facial nerve interpositional graft in 11 patients and hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer in another 11 patients). All patients had facial function House-Brackmann (HB) grade VI, either caused by trauma or after resection of a tumor. All patients were submitted to a primary nerve reconstruction except 7 patients, where late reconstruction was performed two weeks to four months after the initial surgery. The follow-up period was at least two years. Results: For facial nerve interpositional graft technique, we achieved facial function HB grade III in eight patients and grade IV in three patients. Synkinesis was found in eight patients, and facial contracture with synkinesis was found in two patients. In regards to hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer using different modifications, we achieved facial function HB grade III in nine patients and grade IV in two patients. Facial contracture, synkinesis and tongue atrophy were found in three patients, and synkinesis was found in five patients. However, those who had primary direct facial-hypoglossal end-to-side anastomosis showed the best result without any neurological deficit. Conclusion: Among various reanimation techniques, when indicated, direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal anastomosis through epineural suturing is the most effective technique with excellent outcomes for facial reanimation and preservation of tongue movement, particularly when performed as a primary technique.

Resumo Introdução: Não existe uma técnica de reconstrução do nervo facial que garanta a recuperação da função facial até o grau III. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e segurança de diferentes técnicas de reconstrução do nervo facial. Método: Ao todo, 22 pacientes foram submetidos a reconstrução do nervo facial (enxerto com interposição do nervo facial em 11 pacientes e com transferência do nervo hipoglosso facial em 11 pacientes). Todos os pacientes apresentavam função facial de grau VI (de acordo com a classificação de House-Brackmann - HB) causada por trauma ou pela ressecção de um tumor. A reconstrução do nervo principal foi efetuada, exceto em sete pacientes, nos quais a reconstrução foi realizada entre duas semanas a quatro meses após a cirurgia inicial. O período de acompanhamento foi de, no mínimo, dois anos. Resultados: Para a técnica de enxerto com interposição de nervo facial, o grau de função facial obtido foi HB III em oito pacientes e HB IV em três pacientes. Sincinesia foi observada em oito pacientes e contratura facial com sincinesia em dois pacientes. Em relação à transferência do nervo hipoglosso facial com o uso de diferentes modificações, obtivemos função facial HB grau III em nove pacientes e HB grau IV em dois pacientes. Contratura facial, sincinesia e atrofia lingual foram observadas em três pacientes e sincinesia observada em cinco pacientes. No entanto, aqueles submetidos a anastomose primária direta hipoglosso-facial término-lateral apresentaram o melhor resultado, sem qualquer déficit neurológico. Conclusão: Entre as várias técnicas de reanimação, sempre que possível, a anastomose direta término-lateral hopoglosso-facial por meio de sutura epineural é a técnica mais eficaz, com excelentes resultados para reanimação facial e preservação do movimento da língua, especialmente quando realizada como técnica primária.

Outcome of different facial nerve reconstruction techniques.

INTRODUCTION: There is no technique of facial nerve reconstruction that guarantees facial function recovery up to grade III. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different facial nerve reconstruction techniques. METHODS: Facial nerve reconstruction was performed in 22 patients (facial nerve interpositional graft in 11 patients and hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer in another 11 patients). All patients had facial function House-Brackmann (HB) grade VI, either caused by trauma or after resection of a tumor. All patients were submitted to a primary nerve reconstruction except 7 patients, where late reconstruction was performed two weeks to four months after the initial surgery. The follow-up period was at least two years. RESULTS: For facial nerve interpositional graft technique, we achieved facial function HB grade III in eight patients and grade IV in three patients. Synkinesis was found in eight patients, and facial contracture with synkinesis was found in two patients. In regards to hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer using different modifications, we achieved facial function HB grade III in nine patients and grade IV in two patients. Facial contracture, synkinesis and tongue atrophy were found in three patients, and synkinesis was found in five patients. However, those who had primary direct facial-hypoglossal end-to-side anastomosis showed the best result without any neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: Among various reanimation techniques, when indicated, direct end-to-side facial-hypoglossal anastomosis through epineural suturing is the most effective technique with excellent outcomes for facial reanimation and preservation of tongue movement, particularly when performed as a primary technique.

Vestibular schwannoma: 825 cases from a 25-year experience

Introduction: Acoustic nerve tumors have been recognized as a clinico-pathologic entity for at least 200 years, and they represent 90% of cerebellopontine angle diseases. Histologically, the tumors are derived from Schwann cells of the myelin sheath, with smaller tumors consisting of elongated palisade cells, while in large tumors, cystic degeneration can be found in the central areas, possibly due to deficient vascularization. We retrospectively reviewed 825 cases of vestibular schwannomas, reported between January 1984 and August 2006, in which the patients underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Objective: To evaluate signs, symptoms, aspects of clinical diagnosis, including the results of audiological and imaging studies, and surgical techniques and complications. Methods: A retrospective chart review. The medical records of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for schwannoma during the period indicated were reviewed. Results and Conclusion: Hearing loss was the first symptom reported in almost all cases, and tumor size was not proportional to the impairment of the auditory threshold. The surgical techniques allowed safe preservation of facial function. In particular, the retrolabyrinthine route proved useful in small tumors, with 50% preservation of hearing...

Diagnóstico por neuroimagen de Neurofibromatosis tipo 2. Reporte de un caso clínico / Diagnostic imaging of neurofibromatosis type 2. Report of a case

La neurofibromatosis tipo 2, es una patología poco frecuente caracterizada por presentar tumores cerebrales de tipo benigno los cuales están centralmente localizados. Debido a que crecen lentamente, éstos pueden estar inertes durante muchos años antes de empezar a presentar síntomas. La presencia de schwannomas vestibulares bilaterales o unilaterales, es el patrón médico para diagnosticar la NF2 acompañándose también de meningioma, glioma y cataratas subcapsulares. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 80 años de sexo femenino que presenta un cuadro clínico de 4 meses de evolución de inicio progresivo, caracterizado por cefalea tipo opresiva en región frontal, pérdida paulatina de la audición, tinnitus, dismetría, déficit motor, paraparesias, estados de confusión, acompañados de náuseas y vómitos en varias oportunidades. Se realizaron estudios de imágenes donde la TAC reportó masa tumoral frontal izquierda, lesión mixta en fosa posterior derecha e hidrocefalia supratentorial con edema transependimario. La RMN reportó imagen compatible con meningioma de la fosa cerebral izquierda anterior y neurinoma acústico derecho con importante efecto de masa sobre el tronco encefálico y cuarto ventrículo. Se decide realizar la resección de ambos tumores en dos tiempos quirúrgicos; finalmente el examen de patología reporta meningioma y schwannoma acústico.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a pathology characterized by presenting benign cerebral tumors centrally located. Due to slow growing, they may be inert for many years before symptoms begin. The presence of bilateral or unilateral vestibular schwannomas, is the patron to diagnose NF-2 also see a meningioma, glioma and subcapsular cataracts. We enter the clinical case of a 80 year-old patient, received presenting a clinical diagnosis of 4 months of evolution of progressive start, characterized by oppressive migraine in the front-end area, progressive lost of the hearing, tinnitus, dysmetria, motor deficit, paraparesias, lost of the memory, states of confusion, accompanied by nauseate and vomits in different opportunities. Imaging studies were performed where the TAC reported left frontal tumor, and mixed lesion in right posterior fossa, supratentorial hydrocephalus edema reported transependimario and MRI image compatible with meningioma of the left anterior cranial fossa with significant mass effect and right acoustic neuroma with significant mass effect on the brain stem and fourth ventricle. It was decided to perform resection of both tumors in two surgical sessions; finally the pathology is confirmed compatible with meningioma and acoustic neuroma.