Cranio-vertebral transition assessment by magnetic resonance imaging in a sample of a northeast Brazilian population.

METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of craniometric parameters from individuals submitted to magnetic resonance at an outpatient imaging center between 2011 and 2012. RESULTS: Of 181 analyzed cases, the Welcker basal angle averaged 128.96º (SD 6.51), median distance between apex of the odontoid and Chamberlain's line was 2.27 mm (IQR -1.23-4.47) and the median clivus-canal angle was 150.5º (IQR 143.2-157.3). The Welcker basal angle was inversely correlated to the clivus-canal angle, and correlated to the distance between the apex of the odontoid and Chamberlain's line. CONCLUSION: There was a tendency to platibasia, basilar invagination and narrowing of the cranio-vertebral transition.

Cranio-vertebral transition assessment by magnetic resonance imaging in a sample of a northeast Brazilian population / Avaliação da transição crânio-vertebral por ressonância magnética em uma amostra da população do nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT Platybasia and basilar invagination are important alterations of the cranial-vertebral transition. Neuroimaging-based platybasia parameters include the Welcker basal angle, distance between the apex of the odontoid and Chamberlain's line, and the clivus-canal angle. This study aimed to measure and correlate these parameters in a sample from northeast Brazil. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of craniometric parameters from individuals submitted to magnetic resonance at an outpatient imaging center between 2011 and 2012. Results Of 181 analyzed cases, the Welcker basal angle averaged 128.96º (SD 6.51), median distance between apex of the odontoid and Chamberlain's line was 2.27 mm (IQR -1.23-4.47) and the median clivus-canal angle was 150.5º (IQR 143.2-157.3). The Welcker basal angle was inversely correlated to the clivus-canal angle, and correlated to the distance between the apex of the odontoid and Chamberlain's line. Conclusion There was a tendency to platibasia, basilar invagination and narrowing of the cranio-vertebral transition.

RESUMO Platibasia e invaginação basilar são importantes alterações da transição craniovertebral. Existem parâmetros importantes obtidos pela neuroimagem, como o ângulo basal de Welcker, distância do ápice do odontoide à linha de Chamberlain e o ângulo clivo-canal. Este estudo procurou medir e correlacioná-los em uma amostra do Nordeste Brasileiro. Métodos Estudo transversal com medidas de indivíduos submetidos a ressonância magnética craniana em um centro de diagnóstico por imagem entre 2011 e 2012. Resultados Dos 181 casos analisados, o ângulo basal de Welcker teve média 128.96º (DP 6.51), a distância do ápice do odontoide à linha de Chamberlain obteve mediana 2.27 mm (IIQ -1.23-4.47) e o ângulo clivo-canal mediano foi 150.5º (IIQ 143.2-157.3). O ângulo basal de Welcker foi inversamente correlacionado com o ângulo clivo-canal e diretamente correlacionado com a distância do ápice do odontoide à linha de Chamberlain. Conclusão Houve uma tendência a platibasia, invaginação basilar e estreitamento da transição craniovertebral, que poderiam ser influenciados pela natureza multirracial e por fatores antropológicos da população estudada.

The extended nasoseptal flap for coverage of large cranial base defects.

BACKGROUND: The nasoseptal flap (NSF) is commonly used to repair skull base defects via a transnasal endoscopic approach. The original description of the technique includes 2 parallel incisions that follow the sagittal plane of the septum. We describe a novel modification to the traditional NSF that allows coverage along the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. METHODS: In addition to the 2 sagittal incisions, a third incision is made between these coursing along the maxillary crest from the posterior edge to the midportion of the flap. This provides an extension that can be rotated further anteriorly. We report 4 adult patients with skull base defects too large and anterior to cover with a traditional NSF, on whom we successfully reconstructed with the extended flap. We also performed the technique on six cadaver heads (11 flaps) to provide average measurements of the extension. RESULTS: Our patients were successfully repaired with maintained flap survival. We were able to achieve an average of 1.9 cm, or 26.8%, of additional length on the cadaveric study. CONCLUSION: The relaxing incision described here creates a flap that allows for reconstruction of a larger range of skull base defects.

A tomographic study of the skull base in primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the existence of anatomic abnormalities in the skull base that could contribute to the origin of primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks (PSL). METHODS: Twenty PSL patients were compared with 20 healthy individuals. The following features were measured through an analysis of computed tomography scans: the angles of the petrosal bones and skull base in both the sagittal and coronal planes; the anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the anterior skull base, sella, and sphenoid sinus; the depth of the olfactory fossa; the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus; the position of the crista galli; and the state of the dorsum sellae. Body mass index (BMI) was compared. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups with respect to the angles and diameters of the anterior cranial fossa and the sphenoid sinus or the depth of the olfactory fossa. Pneumatization of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus was more frequent in the PSL group (55%) than in the control group (25%, p = 0.053). The dorsum sellae were eroded in 30% of the PSL patients but intact in all healthy subjects. PSL subjects showed higher sellae (1.0 versus 0.8 cm, p = 0.002). The average BMI of PSL patients was higher than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: Global alterations in the skull base of PSL patients were not found. The increase in the height of sellae and the erosion of its dorsum suggest intracranial hypertension. The higher BMI in the case group confirms the relation between obesity and PSL.

An unusual anatomic variation of the jugular foramen with doubled posterior condylar canal / Una variación anatómica inusual del foramen yugular con canal condilar posterior duplicado

A case of unusual anatomical variation of the jugular foramen (JF) with doubled posterior condylar canal (PCC) is reported. According to the presence of bridging, the JF can be defined as Type I (one septation, two compartments) on the right side and Type IV (three septations, four compartments) on the left side. The dome of the jugular fossa is present on the right, absent on the left. The jugular foramen shows a canal-like structure with an external and an internal opening. The lengths of the longest and widest axes of the JFs are measured as 21.93 x 16.56 mm on the right and 16.75 x 15.14 mm on the left side. The right JF is larger. The PCC is doubled on the right side and there is only one on the left side. It is essential not only to know compartments per se but also to know the structures passing through the compartments, in order to achieve desired surgical outcomes and avoid complications.

Es reportado el caso de una inusual variación anatómica del foramen yugular (FY), con el canal condilar posterior duplicado (CCP). De acuerdo con la presencia de los puentes, el FY se puede definir como Tipo I (una tabicación, dos compartimientos) en el lado derecho y Tipo IV (tres tabiques, cuatro compartimientos) en el lado izquierdo. El domo de la fosa yugular está presente en el lado derecho, y ausente en el izquierdo. El foramen yugular mostró una estructura igual a un canal con una apertura externa y otra interna. Las longitudes de los ejes más largos y anchos de la FY fueron 21,93x16,56mm al lado derecho y 16,75x15,14mm al lado izquierdo. El FY derecho fue más grande. El CCP se observó duplicado en el lado derecho y único en el lado izquierdo. Es esencial no sólo conocer los compartimientos en sí, sino también las estructuras que pasan a través de los compartimientos con el fin de lograr los resultados deseados y evitar las complicaciones quirúrgicas.

Tomographic assessment of the spine in children with spondylocostal dysotosis syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a detailed tomographic analysis of the skull base, craniocervical junction, and the entire spine in seven patients with spondylocostal dysostosis syndrome. METHOD: Detailed scanning images have been organized in accordance with the most prominent clinical pathology. The reasons behind plagiocephaly, torticollis, short immobile neck, scoliosis and rigid back have been detected. Radiographic documentation was insufficient modality. RESULTS: Detailed computed tomography scans provided excellent delineation of the osseous abnormality pattern in our patients. CONCLUSION: This article throws light on the most serious osseous manifestations of spondylocostal dysostosissyndrome.

Tomographic assessment of the spine in children with spondylocostal dysotosis syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a detailed tomographic analysis of the skull base, craniocervical junction, and the entire spine in seven patients with spondylocostal dysostosis syndrome. METHOD: Detailed scanning images have been organized in accordance with the most prominent clinical pathology. The reasons behind plagiocephaly, torticollis, short immobile neck, scoliosis and rigid back have been detected. Radiographic documentation was insufficient modality. RESULTS: Detailed computed tomography scans provided excellent delineation of the osseous abnormality pattern in our patients. CONCLUSION: This article throws light on the most serious osseous manifestations of spondylocostal dysostosissyndrome.

Clinical and radiographic presentation and preparation of the prototyping model for pre-surgical planning in Apert's syndrome.

Acrocephalosyndactyly, or Apert's syndrome, described nearly a century ago, is a craniofacial dysostosis, an autosomal dominant condition characterized by severe development disturbances of the craniofacial region including bilateral coronal synostosis associated with midface hypoplasia, exophthalmia, hypertelorism, symmetric syndactyly of the hands and feet, cone-shaped calvarium, pharyngeal attenuation and malocclusion. The aim of this study was to assess clinical and computed tomography (CT) imaging patterns of a non-operated patient with Apert's syndrome, correlating the cranium, face and the skull base bone abnormalities. Three-dimensional images were generated from spiral CT scans in order to produce a prototyping model in polyamide material. Clinical examination determined that syndactyly of the hands and feet, pseudocleft in the midline palate and midface hypoplasia were present. The surgical model allowed the analysis of some abnormalities regarding to calvaria morphology, nasal bones and maxilla, improving the criteria for a case diagnosis and surgical plan.

Meningites de repetição por malformação de base de crânio com fístula / Repeated meningitis due to skull base malformation with fistula

Objetivo: relatar caso de meningite de repetição secundária à malformação da base do crânio, com fístula liqu[orica para a cavidade nasal. Descrição: criança de 30 meses de idade chegou ao pronto-socorro em mau estado geral, com quadro de peneumonia aguda, desidratação, marasmo e aumento do perímetro cefálico. Apresentava antecedente de meningites de repetição, sendo um episódio aos sete meses de idade e três episódios no último ano, que levaram a sequelas neurológicas consideráveis. Streptococcus pneumoniae havia sido isolado em todos os quatro episódios anteriores. O paciente evoluiu com instabilidade hemodinâmica e óbito. à necropsia, identificou-se malformação de base de crânio, caracterizada por fístula liqu[orica com 3 mm de diâmetro, que comunicava a cavidade nasal e a base de crânio através da lâmina crivosa do osso etmóide. Tal anomalia permitiu o desenvolvimento das meningites de repetição, com déficit de drenagem liquórica e consequente hidrocefalia comunicante, hipertensão intracraniana e infartos isquêmicos cerebrais e cerebelares. As alterações cerebrais tiveram como repercussão um importante défict cognitivo, ventilatório e motor, que levaram ao desenvolvimento de marasmo, broncopneumonia com abscessos e sepse. Comentário: meningites de repetição associadas à rinorréia podem ser os únicos sinais de malformação de base de crânio com fístula. Embora rara, a presença de tal malformação deve ser cogitada e inclusa entre os diagnósticos diferenciais, em pacientes com quadros de meningites recorrentes.

Pseudo-Class III treatment with reverse traction: case report.

The pseudo-Class III can be defined as a functional reflex of an anterior positioning of the mandible, an acquired muscular position that simulates a mesiocclusion. The diagnosis and treatment plan of this condition must be based on a cephalometric evaluation that provides information about the relative contributions of the skeletal and dental components to the malocclusion. There is still great controversies about when is the best moment to start the Class III treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe a case report in which a Class III patient was successfully treated with reverse traction.

Tumores de la base del cráneo / Tumors of the skull base

En los últimos 20 años, y muy probablemente con el surgimiento de las nuevas técnicas de imágenes, como son la tomografía axial computarizada (TAC) y la resonancia magnética (IRM) se ha podido definir y esclarecer más exactamente la patología de la base del cráneo. Esta patología comprende a las malformaciones, al trauma, las infecciones y los tumores. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal el poder diferenciar y diagnosticar, mediante las herramientas existentes hoy en día, los diferentes tumores que existen a ese nivel.