Giant transit thrombus-From right to left.

Pulmonary embolism can be associated with paradox embolism requiring immediate surgical therapy regardless of hemodynamic status. Here we present images illustrating a giant transit thrombus as a concomitant finding in a patient with pulmonary artery embolism.

Revisión sistemática de las características y pronóstico de los sujetos que sufren un ictus criptogénico no lacunar de mecanismo embólico / A systematic review of the characteristics and prognosis of subjects who suffer an embolic stroke of undetermined source

Introducción. Recientemente ha surgido el concepto de ictus criptogénico no lacunar de mecanismo embólico - del inglés embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS)- para caracterizar mejor a los pacientes con ictus criptogénico. Pacientes y métodos. Se realiza una revisión sistemática de los estudios publicados desde 2014 hasta la actualidad, valorando la epidemiología, las características clínicas y el pronóstico de los pacientes con ESUS y su proporción entre los pacientes con ictus criptogénico. Resultados. Se identificaron 10 estudios con un total de 14.810 pacientes. La frecuencia de ESUS varió entre el 6 y el 42%. Se observó un porcentaje elevado de pacientes con ictus criptogénico que cumplían los criterios de ESUS (37-82%). La edad media de estos pacientes era de 65-68 años. La gravedad media del ictus, medida por la National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, se estableció en 3-7 puntos. Se observó una alta variabilidad en la proporción de fibrilación auricular (detectada durante el seguimiento) relacionada con la técnica de monitorización del electrocardiograma. En cinco estudios, hasta en uno de cada dos pacientes se observó alguna fuente de cardioembolismo menor, la más frecuente, la persistencia del foramen oval permeable. El riesgo de recurrencia fue del 5-14,5%. Conclusión. La aplicación de los nuevos criterios de ESUS define mejor a los pacientes con ictus criptogénico. La aplicación del concepto de ESUS exige no sólo una monitorización de electrocardiograma adecuada, sino exploraciones complementarias de rutina para descartar la presencia de fuentes de cardioembolismo menor y de otras fuentes de embolismo diferentes a la fibrilación auricular

Introduction. The concept of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) has recently appeared to better characterize patients with cryptogenic stroke. Patients and methods. A systematic review of studies published since 2014 was performed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features and prognosis of patients with ESUS and their proportion among patients with cryptogenic stroke. Results. Ten studies were identified with a total of 14,810 patients. The frequency of ESUS varied between 6% and 42%. We observed a high percentage of patients with cryptogenic stroke who met ESUS criteria (37-82%). The mean age of these patients was 65-68 years. The mean severity of the stroke, as measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, was found to be 3-7 points. A high degree of variability was seen in the proportion of atrial fibrillation (detected during follow-up) related to the electrocardiogram monitoring technique. In five studies, some minor source of cardioembolism was observed in one out of every two patients, the most frequent being the persistence of patent foramen ovale. The risk of recurrence was 5-14.5%. Conclusion. The application of the new ESUS criteria provides a better definition of patients with cryptogenic stroke. Applying the concept of ESUS requires not only adequate electrocardiogram monitoring, but also routine complementary examinations to rule out the presence of minor sources of cardioembolism and other sources of embolism other than atrial fibrillation

Transcatheters for closure of patent foramen ovales.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is considered clinically beneficial and even cost-effective over medical therapy in secondary prevention of stroke due to paradoxical embolism. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors discuss both anatomical and technical details and constructive concepts of current devices used for PFO closure. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Right atrial and interatrial septum anatomy is more complex than usually thought and a unique prosthesis that fits properly to all the possible morphologies is far from being designed. Existing devices can be classified into suture-like devices, metal disk occluders and mixed metal/tissue occluders depending on the mechanism of closure and the amount of metal/tissue components. Moreover, during recent years, nothing-behind technology has been introduced and will be closely watched as a future option.

New method to predict need for Rashkind procedure in fetuses with dextro-transposition of the great arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal congenital heart disease classification systems distinguish between critical dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) with restriction of the foramen ovale (FO) (which requires a Rashkind procedure within the first 24 h following delivery) and d-TGA for which surgery is planned (after prostaglandin perfusion or Rashkind procedure later than 24 h after delivery). However, current prenatal diagnostic criteria for postnatal FO restriction in d-TGA are inadequate, resulting in a high false-negative rate. We aimed to identify echocardiographic features to predict the urgent need for Rashkind procedure. METHODS: We identified retrospectively 98 patients with singleton pregnancy diagnosed prenatally with fetal d-TGA at two European centers from 2006 to 2013. Two groups were compared: (1) those in whom the Rashkind procedure was performed within the first 24 h postnatally; and (2) those who did not undergo a Rashkind procedure before cardiac surgery. Exclusion criteria were: (1) no fetal echocardiography within 3 weeks prior to delivery (n = 18); (2) delivery before 37 weeks of gestation (n = 6); (3) improper or lack of measurement of pulmonary vein maximum flow velocity (n = 10); (4) lack of neonatal follow-up data (n = 9); (5) Rashkind procedure performed more than 24 h after delivery (n = 4). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria: 29 who underwent the Rashkind procedure and 22 who did not. There were no differences between these two study groups in terms of maternal age, gestational age at time of fetal echocardiography, fetal biometric measurements, estimated fetal weight, rate of Cesarean delivery, newborn weight or Apgar score at 1 min. There were also no differences during prenatal life between the two groups in terms of fetal cardiac size (heart area/chest area ratio), rate of disproportion between left and right ventricle, FO diameter and maximum velocity of flow through the FO. However, the pulmonary vein maximum velocity was significantly higher in the group requiring a Rashkind procedure (47.62 ± 7.48 vs 32.21 ± 5.47 cm/s; P < 0.001). The cut-off value of 41 cm/s provided maximum specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%) at only a slight cost of sensitivity (82%) and NPV (86%). The prenatal appearance of the FO also differed between the groups, the FO valve being flat in 52% of those requiring a Rashkind procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses with d-TGA, prenatal sonographic findings of increased pulmonary venous blood flow and flattened FO valve were associated with the need for a Rashkind procedure within the first 24 h postnatally; these echocardiographic features could be used to predict prenatally a need for the procedure following delivery. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Centrilobular nodules in high resolution computed tomography of the lung in IPAH patients - preliminary data concerning clinico-radiological correlates.

INTRODUCTION: Inhomogeneity of lung attenuation pattern is observed in high resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) in some IPAH patients despite lack of interstitial lung disease. Such radiological changes are described either as ill-defined centrilobular nodules (CN) or as focal ground glass opacities (FGGO). There is no consensus in the literature, whether they indicate the distinct type of IPAH, or pulmonary venoocclusive disease (PVOD) with subtle radiological changes. Thus the aim of the present pilot study was to assess the frequency and clinical significance of inhomogenic lung attenuation pattern in IPAH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 52 IPAH patients (38 females, 14 males, mean age 41 years ± 15 years), entered the study. All available chest CT scans were reviewed retrospectively by the experienced radiologist, not aware about the clinical data of the patients. RESULTS: CN were found in 10 patients (19%), FGGO - in 12 patients (23%). No lymphadenopathy or interlobular septal thickening suggestive of PVOD were found. The significant differences between CN and the remaining patients included: lower mean age - 31 and 43.5 years, (p = 0.02), lack of persistent foramen ovale (PFO) - 0% and 43% (p = 0.03), and higher mean right atrial pressure (mRAP) - 12.5 mm Hg and 7.94 mm Hg (p = 0.01). No significant survival differences were observed between the groups of CN, FGGO and the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Centrilobular nodules in IPAH were combined with lack of PFO, higher mRAP and younger age of patients.

Hemodynamic consequences of a restrictive ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale in fetal transposition of the great arteries.

D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is the most commonly diagnosed cyanotic congenital heart disease presenting in the neonatal period. The survival after an arterial switch operation, with freedom from adverse cardiovascular events, has been reported to be as high as 93% at 25 years. However, despite excellent surgical outcomes, there continues to be significant preoperative morbidity and potential mortality due to compromise in the delivery room from foramen ovale closure requiring urgent balloon atrial septostomy for stabilization in the first minutes of life. The prenatal diagnosis of D-TGA using fetal echocardiography has aided in the perinatal management and delivery planning of these infants, lowering preoperative morbidity and mortality and preventing delivery room compromise. Fetuses with D-TGA have more highly oxygenated blood supplying the pulmonary arteries and ductus arteriosus which likely results in ductal constriction and increased pulmonary blood flow. This may be the cause of foramen ovale restriction or closure in-utero, which then increases the risk for postnatal compromise at delivery. Theories regarding the cause of the abnormal pulmonary vasculature that may be seen in D-TGA, including aorto-pulmonary collateral formation, have been proposed but to our knowledge, observation of the ultrasound findings throughout mid and late gestation describing the progression of the abnormal fetal physiology have not been previously described. We present a case of D-TGA in which serial assessment using fetal echocardiography enabled observation of the in-utero progression of disease, predicting postnatal compromise and facilitating the planning of life-saving specialized delivery room care and intervention.

Síndrome platipnea-ortodeoxia cardiaco: una causa «misteriosa» de hipoxemia / Cardiac platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: A «mysterious» cause of hypoxemia

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Computed Tomography Imaging Measurement for Safer Cavernous Sinus Biopsy.

The aim of this study was to measure the relative location between foramen ovale and internal carotid artery. The results can guide surgeons to avoid damaging internal carotid artery in cavernous sinus biopsy. One hundred twenty people (73 men and 47 women) were involved in this study anonymously. Five parameters of both sides were measured on 2 planes. This study provides data for safer cavernous sinus biopsy.

Morphologic study of foramen oval region on surgery approach for trigeminal neuralgia.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a complex refractory neurologic disease. The foramen ovale puncture performs an important role in nerve anesthesia, balloon compression, focal gamma radiation, microvascular decompression, and radiofrequency nerve rhizotomy when the drug does not work. In this study, we provide some information about foramen oval region. Measuring the point at the distance of 2 cm beneath the zygomaxillare, which is close to the percutaneous insertion point and the center of foramen ovale and foramen spinosum separately, hoping to provide relatively accurate data for clinical treatment and avoiding some side injury of the puncture with computed tomography or x-ray navigation.

The epidural approach to the Meckel's cave: a how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's cave (MC) is a meningeal cleft lying in the middle fossa laterally to the cavernous sinus. Tumours that develop inside the MC may require a surgical resection. The authors describe the surgical technique of the intracranial epidural approach to the MC. METHODS: Based upon anatomical dissection showing the relevant surgical anatomy, and illustrated by the video of an operated case, the authors detail the surgical procedure. The key point is to shave the floor of the middle fossa and skeletonize the superior orbital fissure, rotundum and ovale foramen in order to delineate the plane of dural elevation and expose the lateral wall of the MC. The rules of exposure and resection of the tumour are then shown. Variations and limitations of the approach are discussed. CONCLUSION: Conducted in a stepwise manner and following relevant landmarks, the epidural anterolateral approach offers a safe and reliable exposure to the diseases that develop within the MC.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx with spread along the trigeminal nerve.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx is a rare diagnosis that is often misinterpreted as carcinoma or lymphoma. It has been referred to as a tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion, idiopathic pseudotumor, and fibrosing inflammatory pseudotumor. We present a rare case of a 40-year-old African American female from Kenya with inflammatory pseudotumor of the nasopharynx with perineural spread of disease along the trigeminal nerve to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of such an uncommon entity.

Right-to-left atrial shunting associated with aortic root aneurysm: a case report of a rare cause of platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome.

Platypnea-orthodeoxia is a rare syndrome characterised by dyspnoea and hypoxaemia worsened on upright posture. We report the case of a 76 year-old man treated for lung adenocarcinoma who had developed severe hypoxaemia due to right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Diagnosis was suspected by systemic uptake of isotope during lung scintigraphy performed to exclude pulmonary embolism. Arterial blood gas analysis in supine and upright positions demonstrated orthodeoxia. Contrast-enhanced transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a slightly redundant atrial septum and large right-to-left shunt through a PFO despite normal pulmonary pressure. Chest computed tomography and echocardiography showed a 59-mm aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. The opening of the PFO seemed to be the result of mechanical deformation of the atrial septum by aortic root dilatation. Transcatheter closure of the atrial defect has provided excellent results, including a rapid increase in systemic saturation and improvement of symptoms without any complications.

Imaging features of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, including a new finding: widening of the foramen ovale.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a clinical disorder of unknown etiology manifesting with increased intracranial pressure in the absence of hydrocephalus, an underlying mass lesion, and demonstrating normal cerebrospinal fluid composition. IIH may exhibit several non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. PURPOSE: To introduce widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: IIH is a syndrome which may exhibit several previously described non-specific imaging findings including: an empty sella, posterior globe flattening, tortuosity of the optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath distention. We hypothesize that chronically elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure can lead to osseous erosions and we propose widening of the foramen ovale as a new imaging marker for IIH. RESULTS: Average foramen ovale sizes were increased in patients with IIH compared to controls (30.03 ± 7.00 mm(2) vs. 24.21 ± 5.97 mm(2), P < 0.001). For a cut-off value of 30 mm(2), the sensitivity of FO area to detect IIH was 50%, with 81% specificity. Classic findings were significantly more common in patients with IIH compared to controls including: empty sella (65.9% vs. 0%), posterior globe flattening (65.9% vs. 4.5%), vertical tortuosity of the optic nerve (54.5% vs. 9.1%), and optic nerve sheath distention (52.3% vs. 11.4%, all P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the association of several classic imaging findings with IIH and supports widening of the foramen ovale as an additional imaging marker which may be incorporated into the evaluation of patients suspected to have this condition.

[Cerebral air embolism complicating talc pleurodesis: case report]. / Embolie gazeuse cérébrale compliquant une pleurodèse au talc : à propos d'un cas.

Cerebral air embolism is a severe complication which can occur during many invasive medical procedures. Its prognosis depends on early diagnosis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We report a case of cerebral air embolism which occurred during a talc pleurodesis within a chest tube, in chest postoperative period. After early and appropriate treatment, we observed a significant functional recovery.

Premature closure of the foramen ovale secondary to congenital aortic valvular stenosis in a stillborn.

Premature closure of the foramen ovale is a rare and deleterious condition that can occur as an isolated defect or in association with other congenital and cardiovascular anomalies. We report on the pathologic findings in a 22-week stillborn male fetus with premature closure of the foramen ovale, severe aortic valve stenosis, cardiomegaly, intact atrial and ventricular septa, hypoplasia of the ascending aorta, and hypoplastic aortic arch with a preductal coarctation ridge. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second report on this rare constellation of complex congenital cardiac defects.

Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and 68Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography for imaging skull base meningiomas with infracranial extension treated with stereotactic radiotherapy--a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) with (68)Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography ((68)Ga-DOTATOC-PET) were compared retrospectively for their ability to delineate infracranial extension of skull base (SB) meningiomas treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients with 56 meningiomas of the SB underwent MRI, CT, and (68)Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT prior to fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. The study group consisted of 16 patients who had infracranial meningioma extension, visible on MRI ± CT (MRI/CT) or PET, and were evaluated further. The respective findings were reviewed independently, analyzed with respect to correlations, and compared with each other. RESULTS: Within the study group, SB transgression was associated with bony changes visible by CT in 14 patients (81%). Tumorous changes of the foramen ovale and rotundum were evident in 13 and 8 cases, respectively, which were accompanied by skeletal muscular invasion in 8 lesions. We analysed six designated anatomical sites of the SB in each of the 16 patients. Of the 96 sites, 42 had infiltration that was delineable by MRI/CT and PET in 35 cases and by PET only in 7 cases. The mean infracranial volume that was delineable in PET was 10.1 ± 10.6 cm(3), which was somewhat larger than the volume detectable in MRI/CT (8.4 ± 7.9 cm(3)). CONCLUSIONS: (68)Ga-DOTATOC-PET allows detection and assessment of the extent of infracranial meningioma invasion. This method seems to be useful for planning fractionated stereotactic radiation when used in addition to conventional imaging modalities that are often inconclusive in the SB region.

Prevalencia y características morfométricas del foramen venoso en cráneos del Noreste de México / Prevalence and morphometric characteristics foramen venosum in Northeastern Mexico skulls

El foramen venoso es una estructura inconstante que se encuentra posterior al foramen redondo y medial al foramen oval, y da paso a una vena que anastomosa al plexo venoso pterigoideo con el seno cavernoso. La existencia de éste foramen puede ser motivo de complicaciones clínicas, entre ellas que es una potencial vía de acceso al seno cavernoso de trombos infectados y constituye una posible falsa vía durante la rizotomía percutánea del trigémino pudiendo puncionar la vena y ocasionar hematomas subdurales. Se utilizó la colección de cráneos del Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina UANL. Se observó la frecuencia y se midieron los siguientes parámetros del foramen: Ancho y largo; en la cara interna de la base del cráneo se midieron las distancias a: foramen redondo, foramen oval, plano sagital mediano y entre forámenes venosos; en la cara externa de la base del cráneo se midieron las distancias con: foramen oval, plano sagital medio y entre los forámenes venosos. Las medidas fueron llevadas a cabo por tres observadores distintos a través de medición directa con vernier y con microfotografías con escalas milimétricas. Se encontró una frecuencia del 20 por ciento con medidas medias de 1,66mm de largo, 1,06mm de ancho; en la cara interna de la base del cráneo: 11,31mm de distancia al foramen redondo, 4,13mm al foramen oval, 17,75mm al plano sagital medio y 31,91mm entre los forámenes; en la cara externa de la base: 2,50mm al foramen oval, 19,54mm al plano sagital medio y 36,05mm entre forámenes venoso. La distancia al foramen oval varía en la cara interna y la cara externa de la base del cráneo debido a un trayecto oblicuo del foramen que tiende a aproximarse al foramen oval y por tanto a separarse del plano sagital medio. Los forámenes derechos fueron generalmente más grandes.

Foramen venosum (foramen Vesalius) is an inconstant structure which is located posterior to the foramen rotundum and medial to the foramen ovale, and it gives pace to an emissary vein that communicates the plexus pterigoideus and the sinus cavernosus. The existence of this anatomical structure can be of interest in certain procedures like percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy where this foramen can be the cause of a false pathway and be punctured causing a subdural hematoma. It also can be an access to the sinus cavernosus for infected thrombus coming from dental and facial infections. For this study the skull collection of the Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine UANL, was used. We observed the frequency and measured the following parameters: Length and width; in the basis cranii we measured: Distances to the foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, planum medianum and between two foramina venosum (one on each side). In basis cranii externa we measured: distances to foramen ovale, planum medianum, and between two foramina venosum. Three independent observers blinded among them, measured the parameters using a Vernier and microphotographs with milimetrical scales. A 20 percent frequency was found and the following median measures: Length 1.66mm, width 1.06mm; basis cranii: distance to foramen rotundum 11.31mm, distance to foramen ovale 4.13mm, distance to planum medianum 17.75mm and 31.91mm between both foramina venosum. Basis cranii externa: distance to foramen ovale 2.49mm, distance to planum medianum 19.54mm and distance between foramenina venosum 36.05. The distance to the foramen ovale varies between basis cranii and basis cranii externa because the foramen has an oblique trajectory and it approximates to the foramen ovale (from superior to inferior) and separates from the planum medianum. It was found bilaterally only in one skull. There are differences between the left and right foramens, the latter being generally larger.

Benefits and pitfalls of percutaneous biopsy for cavernous sinus tumors through the foramen ovale: two case reports.

Case 1, a 61-year-old female presented with paresthesia of her right upper lip. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with contrast material revealed an enhanced mass in the right Meckel's cave, which included the lateral and posterior parts of the cavernous sinus and surrounded the right internal carotid artery. To establish the best surgical strategy, a percutaneous biopsy through the foramen ovale was performed, and the histological examination indicated that the tumor was a transitional meningioma. We performed combined treatment with microsurgery and radiosurgery. Case 2,a 66-year-old female presented with paresthesia of the right side of her face. MR images with gadolinium revealed an abnormal enhanced mass at the right Meckel's cave, and a CT scan with a bone window showed a large foramen ovale in the right side. We performed a percutaneous biopsy using the same method, but this tumor was too hard to sample through the needle. Although this manipulation has the major advantage of establishing the best therapeutic strategy and avoiding unnecessary surgery, special care should be taken for hard tumors, especially for those aspirated by needle biopsy.