Tumor de nervio periférico: una localización poco habitual / Peripheral nerve tumor: an unusual location

Benign tumors of peripheral nerves called Schwannomas or neurilemomas, correspond to a rare pathology, represent 5% of all tumors of the upper extremity, and affects, mainly, the ulnar nerve. The incidence of Schwannoma in the literature for the radial nerve is not clearly established given the infrequency of its presentation, there are only reports of isolated cases The following publication presents the case of a male patient with a radial nerve schwannoma. Clinically, presents increased painful volume on palpation, well delimited, of soft consistency in the distal third of the right arm of 3 years of evolution, without history of previous trauma, without irradiation, or paresthesia, with preservation of motor and sensory function of radial, median and ulnar nerve. Considering that the involvement of the radial nerve is very low frequency, a review is carried out in PubMed, in the last 10 years, there are only 9 studies, grouped in case reports and imaging studies for diagnosis.

Hiperqueratosis plantar / Plantar hyperkeratosis

RESUMEN La hiperqueratosis es un trastorno caracterizado por el engrosamiento de la capa externa de la piel, que está compuesta de queratina, una fuerte proteína protectora. Puede ser causada por fricción, conllevando la aparición de callosidades, inflamación crónica, eccema o trastornos genéticos, como la ictiosis ligada al cromosoma X. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 47 años, que acudió al Servicio de Ortopedia por lesión escamosa a nivel de ambas regiones plantares con dificultad para la marcha. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue el empleado en este paciente para la obtención de la biopsia exerética. La evolución fue favorable en el postoperatorio mediato e inmediato, y el paciente se incorporó de forma rápida a su vida normal. Con este caso se identificaron las características clínicas de la hiperqueratosis plantar, así como el uso de la biopsia exerética como estándar de oro para el diagnóstico positivo en los tumores periféricos. Un diagnóstico adecuado por el médico inicial, la interrelación del Servicio de Ortopedia con la consulta de tumores periféricos, y el tratamiento quirúrgico seleccionado, constituyen factores determinantes en la evolución favorable de los pacientes con este diagnóstico (AU).

ABSTRACT Hyperkeratosis is a disorder characterized by thickening of the outer layer of the skin, which is composed of keratin, a strong protective protein. It can be caused by friction, leading to callosities, chronic inflammation, eczema or genetic disorders such as X chromosome-linked ichthyosis. We presented the case of a patient, aged 47 years, who attended the Orthopedic Service for scaly lesion at the level of both plantar regions with difficulties to walk. Surgical treatment was used in this patient to obtain an exeretic biopsy. The evolution was favorable in both the mediate and immediate postoperative period, and the patient quickly returned to his normal life. This case identified the clinical characteristics of plantar hyperkeratosis and the use of exeretic biopsy as a gold standard for positive diagnosis in the peripheral tumors. An adequate diagnosis by the initial physician, the interrelation of the orthopedic service with the consultation of peripheral tumors, and the chosen surgical treatment are determining factors in the favorable evolution of patients with this diagnosis (AU).

Gangliocytic Paraganglioma of the Filum Terminale. A Rare Entity

Paragangliomas are rare, benign and slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors that can arise from the adrenal medulla (85­90%) or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia. In the central nervous system (CNS), they can be found at several sites, but more often at the cauda equina and filum terminale region, where they account for between 2.5 and 3.8% of total tumor cases of that region. There are only 8 cases described in the literature that mention the presence of the gangliocytic variant of this entity at the filum terminale. We present the case of a 41-year-old man with chronic lumbar pain refractory to medical treatment, without any associated neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intradural, extramedullar oval lesion with regular contours and homogeneous caption of contrast at L1 level. He was submitted to surgical treatment, with complete resection of the lesion. The histological analysis revealed a gangliocytic paraganglioma of the filum terminale. At 5 years of follow-up, he remains asymptomatic and without any signs of relapse. These are lesions with an overall good prognosis with gross total resection. Although the recurrence rate is extremely low, prolonged observation is recommended due to the slow-growing nature of the tumor, being estimated that between 1 and 4% can recur even after gross total removal.

Schwanoma Maligno de Nervo Periférico Metastático para Pulmão e Glândula Adrenal: Relato de Caso / Metastatic Peripheral Nerve Malignant Schwannoma of Lungs and Adrenal Gland: Case Report / Schwannoma Maligno Metastásico de Nervio Periférico para Pulmones y Glándula Suprarrenal: Reporte de Caso

Introdução: O schwanoma é um tumor pouco frequente que se origina das células de Schwann que recobrem os prolongamentos nervosos. A malignidade desses tumores é ainda mais rara, correspondendo a 5-10% de todos os sarcomas. O prognóstico é reservado, mesmo após completa ressecção cirúrgica. Relato do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 79 anos, apresentou-se com lesão crostosa em perna esquerda com dois meses de evolução. A biópsia da lesão inicialmente revelou sarcoma pleomórfico, mas seu padrão imuno-histoquímico confirmou tumor maligno da bainha do nervo periférico. O tumor desenvolveu metástase linfonodal, pulmonar e adrenal dentro de poucos anos após o diagnóstico inicial. A ressecção do tumor adrenal não foi possível. O paciente desenvolveu síndrome paraneoplásica e teve piora do estado clínico, evoluindo a óbito. Conclusão: Tendo em vista a forma inespecífica do aparecimento do tumor e sua agressividade, é importante ressaltar o papel da ressecção cirúrgica ampla no seu tratamento. Além disso, fica evidente a necessidade de novos relatos desse tipo de neoplasia para melhor definição de uma conduta mais apropriada, principalmente em casos de recorrência ou disseminação metastática

Introduction: Schwannoma is a rare type of tumor which grows from Schwann cells, that protect nerve extensions. The malignancy of these tumors is even rarer, corresponding to 5-10% of all sarcomas. The prognosis is dismal, even after complete surgical resection. Case report: A 79-year-old male patient presented with a crusted lesion in his left leg with two months of evolution. Initially, the biopsy of the lesion revealed pleomorphic sarcoma, but its immunohistochemical pattern was peripheral nerve sheath malignant tumor. The tumor developed lymph node, lung, and adrenal metastasis within a few years after the first diagnosis. Adrenal tumor resection was not possible. The patient developed paraneoplastic syndrome and his clinical status worsened, progressing to death. Conclusion: In view of the nonspecific form of tumor appearance and its aggressiveness, it is important to highlight the role of wide surgical resection in its treatment. In addition, it is clear that new case reports of this type of neoplasia are necessary for better definition of more appropriate conducts, especially in recurrence or metastatic cases

Introducción: El schwannoma es un poco común, el cual se origina en las células de Schwann, que cubren las extensiones nerviosas. La malignidad de estos tumores es aún más rara, y representa 5-10% de todos los sarcomas. El pronóstico es reservado, incluso después de una resección quirúrgica completa. Relato del caso: Varón de 79 años que presenta una lesión costrosa en la pierna izquierda a los dos meses de evolución. La biopsia de la lesión reveló inicialmente un sarcoma pleomórfico, pero su patrón inmunohistoquímico era un tumor maligno de la vaina del nervio periférico. El tumor desarrolló metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos, pulmones y suprarrenales pocos años después del diagnóstico. La resección del tumor suprarrenal no fue posible. El paciente desarrolló síndrome paraneoplásico y empeoró el estado clínico, progresando hasta la muerte. Conclusión: Dada la forma inespecífica de aparición del tumor y su agresividad, es importante destacar el papel de la resección quirúrgica amplia en su tratamiento. Además, existe una clara necesidad de nuevos informes de este tipo de neoplasias para definir mejor un abordaje más adecuado, especialmente en casos de recurrencia o diseminación metastásica

Retrospective Analysis of 20 Patients Affected by Schwannomas in the Upper and Lower Limbs / Análise retrospectiva de 20 pacientes acometidos por schwannoma nos membros superior e inferior

Abstract Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile and evolution of 20 patients diagnosed with upper- and lower-limb schwannomas. Methods A group of patients was defined for a retrospective evaluation comprising the period between February 2002 and June 2018, in which we studied and evaluated 20 medical records of patients undergoing surgery due to schwannoma; the diagnosis was confirmed by an anatomopathological examination. Results Male and female patients were equally affected. The average age was 50.85 years, ranging from 12 to 77 years. There was a predominance of the upper limb and of the flexor face. The most affected nerve was the ulnar nerve. In total, 6 (30%) patients had transient postoperative complications. No cases of tumor recurrence were identified. Conclusion Schwannoma is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose lesion. It should always be considered as a hypothesis when facing a soft-tissue tumor affecting the limbs. The Tinel sign should be regarded, given its higher correlation with complications. The patients should be informed of the possible postoperative complications, which are frequent but usually transient.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a evolução de 20 pacientes diagnosticados com schwannoma nos membros superiores e inferiores. Métodos Definiu-se um grupo de pacientes para avaliação retrospectiva, compreendendo o período entre fevereiro de 2002 e junho de 2018, no qual foram estudados e avaliados 20 prontuários de pacientes submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico devido a schwannoma; a confirmação diagnóstica foi feita pelo exame anatomopatológico. Resultados Tanto os pacientes do sexo masculino quanto do feminino foram igualmente acometidos, e a média de idade foi de 50,85 anos, variando de 12 a 77 anos. Houve predomínio do membro superior e da face flexora. O nervo mais acometido foi o ulnar, e 6 (30%) pacientes apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias transitórias. Não foi identificado nenhum caso de recidiva tumoral. Conclusão O schwannoma é uma lesão rara e de difícil diagnóstico. Deve sempre ser considerada como hipótese quando se estiver diante de um tumor de partes moles acometendo os membros. O sinal de Tinel deve ser levado em consideração por conta de sua maior correlação com as complicações. Os pacientes devem ser informados quanto às possíveis complicações pós-operatórias, que são frequentes, mas, geralmente, transitórias.

Epidemiology and Estimated Cost of Microsurgical Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Tumor Conducted by the Brazilian Unified Health Care System (2008­2016)

Introduction Primary nerve tumors correspond to 5% of the soft tissue neoplasms affecting the upper limbs, with benign lesions being more frequent than malignant lesions. Objective To describe the epidemiological data of the microsurgical treatment of peripheral nerve tumors performed by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS, in the Portuguese acronym), with the code 0403020131, from 2008 to 2016, regarding the number of annual procedures, hospital and professional expenses, the average duration of hospital stay, and the number of deaths. Methods This is a descriptive epidemiological study whose data were obtained by consulting the database provided by the Health Informatics Department of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym). Results/Discussion A total of 6,012 procedures were performed during the period studied, with an average of 688 procedures per year. The average hospital stay was of 2.13 days. There was nomortality rate. The average annual cost of the professional was BRL 50,091.45; and the average hospital expenses were BRL111,887.94. Conclusion The microsurgical treatment of peripheral nerve tumors is a safe surgical procedure with zero mortality rate and short hospital stay. There was no national data on tumors of this nature in the medical literature.

Benign tumors affecting the median nerve. Case series report of diagnostic and surgical strategies / Tumores benignos que afetam o nervo mediano. Relato das estratégias cirúrgicas e diagnósticas na série de casos

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the strategies adopted in this institution to diagnose and treat patients with benign tumors affecting the median nerve. Methods: A retrospective chart review study of all patients operated on between 2010 and 2015. Histology, symptoms, complementary exams, surgical techniques performed, and demographic characteristics were analyzed. Results: Fifty-four patients were included in the study. There were three neurofibromas, six schwannomas, 15 lipofibromatous hamartomas, three hemangiomas, 12 lipomas, one benign fibrohistiocytoma, and 14 synovial cysts. Complete tumoral resection was performed in 32 cases, partial resection in five, segmented nerve resection in one, nerve decompression in eight, and amputation for macrodactyly in eight. Conclusions: The most important recommendations on treating benign tumors of the median nerve are related to the clinical symptoms, tumoral growth, and tumoral nature. The surgical approach resulted in good function for 60% of the patients. However, lipofibromatous hamartomas, hemangiomas, and neurofibromas were associated with preoperative functional deficit. It may be inferred that the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors should be performed earlier.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as estratégias adotadas nesta instituição para o diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com tumores benignos que afetam o nervo mediano. Métodos: Um estudo de revisão retrospectivo foi feito com todos os pacientes operados entre 2010 e 2015. Foram analisados histologia, sintomas, exames complementares, técnicas cirúrgicas aplicadas e características demográficas. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 54 pacientes. Observaram-se três casos de neurofibromas, seis schwannomas, 15 hamartomas lipofibromatosos, três hemangiomas, 12 lipomas, um fibro-histiocitoma benigno e 14 cistos sinoviais. Em 33 casos, foi feita ressecção tumoral completa; em cinco, ressecção parcial; em um, ressecção segmentar de nervo; em oito, descompressão de nervo; e em oito, amputação de macrodactilia. Conclusões: As recomendações mais importantes no que diz respeito ao tratamento de tumores benignos do nervo mediano estão relacionadas aos sintomas clínicos, ao crescimento tumoral e à natureza tumoral. A abordagem cirúrgica levou a bons resultados funcionais em 60% dos pacientes. No entanto, hamartomas lipofibromatosos, hemangiomas e neurofibromas foram associados ao déficit funcional pré-operatório. Pode-se inferir que o diagnóstico e o tratamento desses tumores devem ser feitos de forma precoce.

Peripheral nerve tumor, a differential diagnosis with primary neural leprosy: five case reports / Tumor de nervo periférico, diagnóstico diferencial com hanseníase neural primária: relato de cinco casos

From December 1999 to May 2015, five patients with nerve tumors were sent to Lauro de Souza Lima Institute. It was suspected that they suffered from primary neural leprosy towards the tuberculoid clinical form, a prevalence of 4.5:10000 among the new patients assessed during the study period. All of the patients had similar clinical conditions characterized by mononeuropathy with nerve tumor associated with pain, absence of skin lesions and positive Mitsuda reaction. The authors report the main clinical characteristics and complementary tests: immunologic investigation of Mitsuda's reaction and the antigen Phenolic GlicoLipid-1 test (PGL-1), bacilloscopic index, neurophysiologic study and image procedures. All patients were submitted to tumor resection and anatomopathological study. Four out of the five patients were diagnosed with peripheral nerve tumor (one of them with malignant schwannoma, two of them with benign schwannomas and the other with neural fibrolipoma), whereas the fifth patient was diagnosed with tuberculoid leprosy.

No período de dezembro de 1999 a maio de 2015, foram encaminhados ao Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima (ILSL) cinco pacientes com tumoração em nervos suspeitos de hanseníase neural primária (HPN) da forma clinica tuberculoide, uma prevalência de 4,5/10000 entre os casos novos atendidos nesse período. Todos os pacientes apresentavam quadro clínico semelhante caracterizado por mononeuropatia com tumoração do nervo associada à dor, ausência de lesões de pele e reação de Mitsuda positiva. Os autores relatam as principais características clinicas e os exames complementares: investigação imunológica da reação de Mitsuda e o teste do antigeno Glicolipídeo-Fenólico-1, índice baciloscópico, avaliação neurofisiológica e estudos de imagem. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a ressecção cirúrgica do tumor e estudo anatomopatológico. Dentre os cinco pacientes, quatro foram diagnosticados como tumor de nervo periférico (um Schwannoma maligno, dois Schwannomas benignos e um fibrolipoma neural) e um como hanseníase tuberculoide.

Presentación atípica de meningioma de células claras en cauda equina sin implantación dural / Atipic presentation of nondura-based clear cell meningioma in cauda equina

Introducción: El Meningioma de Células Claras (MCC) es un raro subtipo de meningioma. Se han descrito más de 100 casos de MCC a nivel mundial, de ellos sólo se han publicado 17 con duramadre indemne, presentándose generalmente en mujeres jóvenes. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico inusual y atípico, conociendo manejo y pronóstico. Presentación del caso: Se trata de un varón de 75 años con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y leucemia linfoide crónica en tratamiento, que consultó por dolor polirradicular y paresia de extremidades inferiores con posterior compromiso esfinteriano. La resonancia nuclear magnética de columna evidenció un tumor intradural a nivel de L1-L3. Se realizó exéresis tumoral bajo neuromonitoreo, observándose un tumor amarillo-grisáceo adyacente al cono medular y a la cauda equina, sin afección de la duramadre. El estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico demostraron MCC. El paciente evolucionó con regresión completa de su sintomatología preoperatoria. Discusión: En la cauda equina, incluso sin implantación dural, debe plantearse la posibilidad de un meningioma, enfatizando en la resección completa de la lesión a causa del fuerte factor predictor de recidiva.

Introduction: The Clear Cell Meningioma (CCM) is a rare subtype of meningioma. Have been reported more than 100 cases of CCM in the world, of which only 17 cases are nondura-based CCM, more frequently in young women. The aim is to present an unusual case knowing management and prognosis. Case report: This is a man of 75 years old with a history of hypertension and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in treatment, who consulted for polirradicular pain and paresis of lower extremities with subsequent sphincteric compromise. The magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal tumor in L1-L3. Tumor resection was per-formed under neuromonitoring and observed a nondura-based tumor adjacent to the medullary cone and the cauda equina. The histological and immunohistochemical study showed CCM. The patient developed complete regression of preoperative symptoms. Discussion: In horsetail, even without dural implantation, it should consider the possibility of a meningioma, emphasizing in the complete resection of the lesion given strong predictor factor of recurrence

Management of desmoid-type fibromatosis involving peripheral nerves / Tratamento da fibromatose tipo desmoide envolvendo nervos periféricos

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is an uncommon and aggressive neoplasia, associated with a high rate of recurrence. It is characterized by an infiltrative but benign fibroblastic proliferation occurring within the deep soft tissues. There is no consensus about the treatment of those tumors. We present a surgical series of four cases, involving the brachial plexus (two cases), the median nerve and the medial brachial cutaneous nerve. Except for the last case, they were submitted to multiple surgical procedures and showed repeated recurrences. The diagnosis, the different ways of treatment and the prognosis of these tumoral lesions are discussed. Our results support the indication of radical surgery followed by radiotherapy as probably one of the best ways to treat those controversial lesions.

A fibromatose do tipo desmoide é uma lesão tumoral agressiva e rara, associada a alto índice de recorrência. É caracterizada pela fibroblástica infiltrativa, porém benigna, que ocorre no interior de tecidos moles profundos. Não existe consenso com relação ao tratamento desses tumores. Apresentamos uma série cirúrgica de quatro casos comprometendo o plexo braquial (dois casos), o nervo mediano e o nervo cutâneo medial do braço. Com exceção do último caso, todos foram submetidos a múltiplos procedimentos cirúrgicos e apresentaram recorrências repetidas. São discutidos o diagnóstico, as diferentes formas de tratamento e o prognóstico dessas lesões tumorais. Nossos resultados apoiam o conceito de que cirurgia radical seguida por radioterapia é uma das melhores formas de se tratar essas controvertidas lesões.

Biópsia do nervo sural: técnica, indicações e resultados / Sural nerve biopsy: technique, indications and results

A biópsia de nervo pode ser útil no diagnóstico de neuropatias periféricas quando não forpossível determinar a causa por métodos convencionais como eletromiografia ou testes desensibilidade. Nós revisamos as indicações desse procedimento, descrevemos a técnica ediscutimos os resultados.

A sural nerve biopsy may be useful to enable the clinician to diagnose of peripheral neuropathy,when no clear underlying cause has been determined with conventional assessmentsuch as electrophysiology or quantitative sensory testing. We review the indications of thisprocedure, describe the technique, and discuss the results.

Osteomalácia oncogênica: cintilografia com sestamibi-99mTc na localização do tumor / Oncogenic osteomalacia: localization of underlying peripheral tumor with99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy

A osteomalácia oncogênica hipofosfatêmica (OOH) é uma síndrome paraneoplásica induzida por tumor, de tecidos mole ou ósseo. Apresenta-se com dor e fraturas, acompanhada de hipofosfatemia, hiperfosfatúria e concentrações plasmáticas de 1,25(OH)2D3 inapropriadamente normais/diminuídas. Após a remoção do tumor, a completa resolução das anormalidades clínicas e bioquímicas é sua maior característica. Uma mulher de 44 anos de idade é descrita no caso com dificuldade para caminhar por causa de dores nos membros inferiores, fraqueza muscular generalizada e hipofosfatemia com relativa hiperfosfatúria. A cintilografia de corpo total com sestamibi-99mTc mostrou acúmulo do radiofármaco no terço superior de coxa esquerda onde pequeno tumor foi detectado no exame pelo ultra-som. Com a retirada do tumor, um lipoma, os sintomas melhoraram após um mês, com recuperação completa ao redor do quarto mês. Neste caso, a cintilografia de corpo inteiro com sestamibi-99mTc foi decisiva na localização do tumor causador da osteomalácia oncogênica.

Oncogenic osteomalacia is a paraneoplastic syndrome usually induced by bone or soft tissue tumors. It is presented by the development of pain and fractures with hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, and inappropriate normal/low plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration. After the removal of the tumor the complete resolution of all biochemical and clinical abnormalities is the main characteristic. A case of a 44-year-old female with difficulty in walking due to leg pain and generalized muscle weakness and hypophosphatemia, with relative hyperphosphaturia, is described. A whole-body 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy showed accumulation in the left thigh region, and a small tumor was detected by ultrasound examination. By removal of the tumor, a lipoma, the symptoms improved significantly after a month, with complete recovery by the fourth month. In this case, 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy was useful in identifying the location of the tumor, which caused oncogenic osteomalacia.

Microcarcinomas papilares de tiroides no incidentales / Non-incidental papillary microcarcinomas of the thyroid

El significado clínico de los microcarcinomas papilares de tiroides sigue siendo controvertido. La alta prevalencia en autopsias e incidental en tiroidectomías por patología benigna indican un comportamiento clínico indolente. Sin embargo, algunos desarrollan metástasis ganglionares y recurrencia local. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar características clínicas y patológicas de microcarcinonas papilares de tiroides no incidentales (MPT-NI). Se analizaron 18 pacientes con diagnóstico de microcarcinomas (tumor < 1cm) MPTNI con expresión nodular o metastásica. Se evaluaron características clínicas, histopatológicas, pronósticas y evolutivas. De los 18 pacientes con MPT-NI, 12 manifestaron expresión ganglionar inicial. En los 6 restantes, los nódulos tiroideos fueron palpables con PAAF (punción aspiración con aguja fina) positiva. La multicentricidad e infiltración extratiroidea se asoció con metástasis ganglionares en todos los casos. De los 9 diagnósticos por PAAF de metástasis ganglionares, 7 fueron quísticas. En los estudios histológicos el 83.3% de los nódulos fueron no encapsulados, con patrón de papilar clásico predominante. En la evolución, la recurrencia se manifestó en el 46% de los pacientes N1 o con metástasis ganglionar inicial, en nódulos < 4 mm. La infiltración extratiroidea estuvo presente en el 66% de los casos con recurrencia. No manifestaron recurrencia los pacientes sin compromiso ganglionar (N0) o infiltrativo capsular o extratiroideo. En el seguimiento de 10 a 122 meses todos los pacientes se encuentran libres de enfermedad demostrable. Estos resultados sugieren dos grupos de microcarcinomas tiroideos no incidentales, aquellos sin riesgo de evolución intratiroideos -N0- y con riesgo de recurrencia extratiroideos -N1-.

The clinical significance of papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland keeps being controversial. Its high prevalence in autopsies and as incidental findings in thyroidectomy specimens for benign pathology indicate an indolent clinical behavior. Nevertheless some of the microcarcinomas develop lymph node metastasis and local recurrence. To determine the clinical and pathological characteristics of non-incidental papillary microcarcinomas of the thyroid (PTM -NI). 18 patients with diagnosis of non-incidental papillary microcarcinoma (tumor < 1cm) with nodular expression in the thyroid gland or with lymph node metastasis have been studied. Initial diagnosis, prediction factors and evolution have been evaluated. Of 18 patients with PTM-NI, 12 demonstrated lymph node metastasis. 6 patients had positive fine needle aspiration (FNA) of palpable thyroid nodules. Multifocality and extraglandular extension were associated with lymph node metastasis. Seven of the nine metastatic lymph nodes diagnosed by FNA were cystic. Histologically 83.3% of the nodules in the thyroid were non-encapsulated and showed papillary growth pattern. Multifocality and extrathyroid infiltration were associated with lymph node metastasis at presentation. 46% of the patients with thyroid nodules < 4 mm and lymph node involvement (N1) showed recurrence/persistence. The non-incidental intrathyroideal papillary microcarcinoma without capsular involvement, extraglandular extension or lymph node metastasis (N0) did not demonstrate recurrence. These results suggest two groups of non- incidental papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid (PMT-NI), one intraglandular without risk of evolution -N0- and other extraglandular at risk of recurrence -N1-.

Aspectos histoquímicos e imunoistoquímicos nos neoplasmas do sistema nervoso periférico / Histochemical and immunohistochemical features of peripheral nerve neoplasms

Doze casos de tumores do sistema nervoso periférico, sete schwannomas e cinco neurofibromas foram diagnosticados entre 1964 e 2004, em caninos e bovinos. Histologicamente, as células predominantes nos schwannomas eram fusiformes organizavam-se em paliçada ou em feixes aleatórios. Nos neurofibromas as células neoplásicas eram fusiformes e se originavam da periferia dos nervos formando ninhos e feixes. O tecido conjuntivo era mais abundante nos neurofibromas e os colágenos dos tipos I e III eram os principais constituintes desses neoplasmas. Os neurofibromas foram caracterizados por uma concentração alta e difusa de mastócitos, provavelmente devido à origem das células neoplásicas do perineuro e epineuro. A coloração de AgNOR não se mostrou eficiente como indicador de prognóstico nos neoplasmas analisados. Imunoistoquímicamente houve forte marcação para vimentina (100 por cento) e S100 (100 por cento) em ambos os tipos de tumor. A maioria dos schwannomas (75 por cento) foi positiva para a proteína ácida fibrilar glial; os neurofibromas só apresentaram marcação nas células de Schwann dos fascículos nervosos

A retrospective study of peripheral nerve tumors was made from 1964 to 2004. The tumors summed up 12, being seven schwannomas and five neurofibromas. Schwannomas were composed of spindle-shaped cells either in a palisading pattern or random bundles loosely textured and neurofibromas by spindle cells. The connective tissue components were more prevalent in neurofibromas with a characteristic deployment of collagens type I and III. In AgNOR techniques, both benign and malignant schwannomas and neurofibromas did not show differences. Mast cells stained by toluidine blue were more prevalent in neurofibromas which are rich in reactive endoneurium. Schwannomas (100 percent) and neurofibromas (100 percent) were positive for vimentin and S100 protein, so they prove to be reliable for the diagnosis of peripheral nerve tumors. GFAP marked cells were found in three schwannomas and in Schwann cells within neurofibromas

Abnormal dip phenomenon: a characteristic electrophysiological marker in interdigital neuropathy of the foot

OBJECTIVE: The nerve conduction findings in interdigital neuropathy of the foot (IDN; Morton's neuroma) have rarely been reported. We analyzed the nerve conduction data in 23 patients with suspected IDN studied between 1982 and 2002. METHOD: Diagnosis of IDN was made on the basis of clinical features. All patients underwent routine nerve conduction studies and a near-nerve needle sensory nerve conduction study of the interdigital nerves by Oh's method in the symptomatic foot. RESULTS:Of the 23 patients, the diagnosis of definite IDN was made in 13 cases and of possible NDN in the others cases. Nineteen were females. Twenty two patients had only one nerve affected. One patient had two nerves affected. The III-IV interdigital nerve was affected in 17 cases and the II-III interdigital nerve in 7 cases. The near-nerve needle nerve conduction showed abnormality in the affected interdigital nerves in all definite IDN cases and confirmed the diagnosis of IDN in 10 cases by the abnormal dip phenomenon (a selective decrease of 50 percent or more in the sensory CNAP amplitude of the affected nerve compared with that of the preceding interdigital nerve). In 11 possible IDN cases, IDN was identified by the abnormal dip phenomenon. CONCLUSION: The near-nerve needle sensory nerve conduction of the interdigital nerves is a highly sensitive diagnostic test, and abnormal dip phenomenon is the most characteristic electrophysiological marker for the diagnosis of IDN.

OBJETIVO: Os achados da condução nervosa na neuropatia interdigital do pé (NIP) têm sido raramente descritos. Nós analisamos os dados da condução nervosa de 23 pacientes com suspeita de NIP entre 1982 e 2002. MÉTODO: O diagnóstico de NIP foi clínico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a estudos de condução nervosa de rotina e ao estudo de condução sensitiva dos nervos interdigitais com agulha justa-neural pelo método de Oh. RESULTADOS: Dos 23 pacientes, o diagnóstico de NIP foi definitivo em 13 casos é possível nos demais. Dezenove pacientes eram mulheres e 22 tinham somente um nervo afetado. Apenas um paciente teve dois nervos comprometidos. O nervo interdigital III-IV foi afetado em 17 casos e o nervo interdigital II-III em 7 casos. A condução nervosa justa-neural foi anormal nos nervos interdigitais acometidos em todos os casos definitivos e confirmou o diagnóstico de neuropatia interdigital em 10 casos pelo fenômeno da diminuição de amplitude anormal (uma diminuição seletiva de 50 por cento ou mais da amplitude do PANS do nervo afetado quando comparado com o nervo anterior. Em 11 casos possíveis, a neuropatia interdigital foi identificada pelo fenômeno da diminuição de amplitude anormal. CONCLUSÃO: A condução nervosa sensitiva justa-neural dos nervos interdigitais do pé é um teste diagnóstico altamente sensível e o fenômeno da diminuição da amplitude anormal é o marcador eletrofisiológico mais característico para o diagnóstico de neuroma de Morton.

Tratamento do neuroma de Morton via plantar: avaliação retrospectiva dos resultados cirúrgicos / Norton's neuroma treatment through plantar port: retrospective assessment of surgical outcomes

Com a finalidade de avaliar a eficácia da técnica cirúrgica, envolvendo a neurectomia por via plantar, transversa, fora da zona de carga, em portadores de neuroma de Morton, 217 pacientes foram submetidos a este tratamento.Um total de 264 pés foram observados, sendo 32,2 por cento no pé direito, 46,1 por cento no pé esquerdo e 21,7 por cento bilateralmente.Quanto ao sexo, foram observadas ocorrências de 86,6 por cento no sexo feminino e 13,4 por cento masculino.Quanto a localização, 83,5 por cento (220 neuromas) estavam presentes no terceiro espaço interdigital, 7,5 por cento no segundo espaço, com presença de bilateralidade em 47 pacientes.O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 7,5 anos, variando de 4 a 216 meses, com resultado satisfatório e regulares em 95,8 por cento dos pacientes no total, com apenas 11 pacientes (4,2 por cento) insatisfeitos com o tratamento de forma global.Os autores concluem, por tanto, que a neurectomia por via plantar transversa é uma opção satisfatória, com boa visibilização anatômica do neuroma, evoluindo com boa cicatrização, retorno precoce às atividades e satisfação do paciente com o resultado alcançado.

With the objective of assessing the effectiveness of the surgical technique involving neurectomy through plantar, cross-sectional port out of the load zone in individuals with MortonÆs neuroma, 217 patients were submitted to this treatment. A total of 264 feet were observed, being 32.2 percent right feet, 46.1 percent left feet, and 21.7 percent bilaterally. Regarding gender, 86.6 percent of the occurrences were seen in women, and 13.4 percent in men. Regarding the site, 83.5 percent (220 neuromas) were present at the third interdigital space, 7.5 percent at the second space, and 47 patients presented it bilaterally. The average follow-up time was 7.5 years, ranging from 4 to 216 months, with satisfactory and fair outcomes in 95.8 percent of all patients, with only 11 patients (4.2 percent) not satisfied with the overall treatment. The authors conclude, therefore, that neurectomy through cross-sectional plantar port is a satisfactory option, with good anatomical view of the neuroma, evolving well to healing, early return to activities and patient satisfaction with the outcome achieved.