Embolization as stand-alone strategy for pediatric low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolization as first-line stand-alone strategy for the treatment of low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) (Spetzler Martin [SM] grade I and II) in pediatric patients. In addition, we assessed the predictors of procedure-related complications and radiographic complete obliteration in a single session. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a single center retrospective cohort study of all pediatric (≤18 years) patients who underwent embolization as a stand-alone strategy for low-grade bAVMs between 2010 and 2022. Safety was measured by procedure-related complications and mortality. Efficacy was defined as complete angiographic obliteration after the last embolization session. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (41 females; median age 14 years) underwent a total of 102 embolization sessions. There were 24 (35%) SM grade I lesions and 44 (65%) grade II. Six procedure-related complications (5.8% of procedures) were observed and no deaths were reported. All the complications were intraoperative nidus ruptures. A single draining vein was the only significant predictor of procedure-related complications (OR=0.10; 95% CI 0.01 - 0.72; p=0.048). Complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in 44 patients (65%). In 35 patients (51%) the bAVM was completely occluded in one session. The bAVM nidal size was a predictor of complete obliteration in one session (OR=0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.80; p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment as a stand-alone strategy for pediatric low-grade bAVMs is an adequate first-line approach in high volume centers with endovascular expertise. Nidal size evaluation is relevant in order to optimize patient selection for embolization as a stand-alone treatment modality.

Single-center experience with endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with intent to cure in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the incidence of technical complications and immediate complete angiographic occlusion, identify associated factors with failure of complete occlusion and identify predictors of technical complications in a single-center experience of pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVM) treated with endovascular treatment with intent to cure. METHODS: Patients between 1 and 18 years of age undergoing endovascular embolization between 2011 and 2020 were included. RESULTS: A total of 120 embolizations were performed in 69 patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was intracerebral hemorrhage (76.8%). Immediate obliteration of the malformations was achieved in 40 (58%) cases. The technical complication rate was 15%. AVM nidus size between 3 and 6 cm (OR: 3.91; 95% CI 1.1-13.85; p = 0.035) and the presence of multiple feeders (OR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.41-18.28; p = 0.074) were predictive of failure of immediate complete occlusion. The location of the temporal lobe (OR: 7.83; p = 0.048), deep venous drainage (OR: 4.67; p = 0.112), and the presence of an intranidal aneurysm (OR: 3.58; p = 0.134) were predictors of technical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Embolization of pediatric AVMs with intent to cure shows a high rate of technical complications and acceptable immediate occlusion rates. Nidus size and the presence of multiple feeders were predictive of failure of complete occlusion, while temporal lobe location, deep venous drainage, and the presence of an intranidal aneurysm were predictors of technical complications. Further studies are needed to determine the best therapeutic approach in the pediatric population.

Early Outcomes and Complications of Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are the commonest cause of hemorrhagic stroke in children. Endovascular embolization is a feasible treatment modality, but cure rates are heterogenous from one series to another. We aimed to describe the immediate obliteration rates and periprocedural complications of embolization of pediatric AVMs. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, participants below 18 years of age with AVMs treated by the same neurosurgeon at a single center were included. The clinical features, immediate angiographic results, and periprocedural complications were retrospectively collected from the clinical records. RESULTS: Thirty-four embolization sessions were performed on 20 children (12 females with a mean age of 13). Intracranial hemorrhage was the most common presentation (75%), and the majority were frontal (30%) and basal ganglia (30%) lesions. An immediate complete angiographic obliteration was achieved in 9 patients (45%) with low-grade lesions (Spetzler-Martin grade I and II). NBCA was the most common embolic agent used (52.9%). Complications were reported in 3 (8.8%) out of 34 sessions. Two of them were intraoperative perforations with clinical consequences. A slight cortical hemorrhage during the procedure was observed in 1 patient without clinical repercussions. DISCUSSION: This single-surgeon single-center experience suggests that endovascular treatment is a safe and efficient treatment for pediatric AVMs. Pediatric prognostic scores for a suitable selection of candidates are needed. Further studies are required to validate these results.

Three-Dimensional Morphometric Analysis of Anterior Cerebral Circulation Aneurysms.

This article assesses the association between anterior circulation morphometry and the presence of intracranial aneurysm using three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). A retrospective analysis at a Peruvian academic medical center between December 2018 and February 2020 identified 206 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms and matched controls who underwent 3DRA. Angiographic images were obtained per standard of care, and measurements of the vasculature were performed using 3DRA vascular automated software. A total of 163 aneurysms and 43 control angiograms were evaluated. Women represented 82.5% of the cases and the mean age was 55.9 years (standard deviation ± 14.2). In multivariate analysis, five specific features were found to be statistically significant predictors for presence of an anterior circulation aneurysm: female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.71; p = 0.048), C-shape of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (OR = 2.73; p = 0.018), distal internal carotid artery (ICA) diameter (OR = 3.42; p = 0.012), ICA bifurcation angle (OR = 1.02; p = 0.036), and length of the carotid siphon (OR = 1.08; p = 0.047). Features detected on 3DRA suggest morphological characteristics of the ICA and MCA may be predictive for intracranial aneurysm. Our findings build from prior reports by demonstrating five specific patient and imaging features associated with anterior circulation aneurysms. While 3DRA is the standard of care in many settings, medical centers with resource limitations may not have access to this technique. The demographic and morphological features identified in our study may have correlates that if detected on contrast computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging studies, may be used to help screen for a higher level of care in select patients.

Transvenous embolization of a ruptured thalamic arteriovenous malformation supplied by the tuberothalamic artery.

Background: Basal ganglia and thalamic arteriovenous malformations (AVM) represent 10% of all AVM. They are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to their high hemorrhagic presentation and eloquence. Radiosurgery has been the first line treatment, whereas surgical removal and endovascular therapy are possible in selected cases. Deep AVM with small niduses and a single draining vein can achieve cure with embolization. Case Description: A 10-year-old boy with sudden headache and vomiting underwent a brain computed tomography scan that showed a right thalamic hematoma. Cerebral angiography revealed a small ruptured right anteromedial thalamic AVM with a single feeder arising from the tuberothalamic artery and a single drainage to the superior thalamic vein. Transvenous approach using precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid 25%® achieved a complete obliteration of the lesion in a single-session. He was discharged home without neurological sequelae and maintained clinically intact at follow-up. Conclusion: Transvenous embolization of deep-located AVM as a primary treatment is curative in selected cases, with complication rates comparable to other therapeutic strategies.

Safety and radiologic clearance of chronic subdural hematoma after endovascular embolization using SQUID 18 in patients older than 80 years.

The aim of the study was to evaluate radiographic clearance and clinical outcomes in patients over age 80 who undergo SQUID 18 embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). From April 2020 to October 2021, data were obtained from patients with cSDH who underwent MMA embolization at our institution. Clinical and radiological data including pre-operative and last follow-up CT scans were analyzed. Six embolization procedures were performed in five patients using SQUID 18, a liquid embolic agent. The median age was 83 years, and three subjects were female. Two of the six cases were recurrent hematomas. MMA embolization was achieved in 100% of cases. The median diameter of the hematoma at admission was 20 mm and at last follow-up was 5.3 mm, demonstrating statistically significant radiographic clearance (P = 0.043). There were no intra or post-operative complications. Mortality was not noted during observation period. SQUID MMA embolization safely and significantly reduced the hematoma diameter and offers an alternative treatment in patients older than 80 years with cSDH.

Endovascular trends in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in a Peruvian reference center.

Objectives: Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has evolved in recent years and is currently the preferred treatment worldwide. We analyzed the trends in the number of patients, number of aneurysms, aneurysm characteristics, and techniques used in a pure endovascular cohort of patients treated in a reference center. Materials and Methods: Between 2010 and 2020, a retrospective data collection of patients who underwent endovascular intervention of IAs was performed. We used the Mann-Kendal test to evaluate the trends. In addition, the moving-average technique was used to assess smoother curves. Results: Eight hundred and forty-five aneurysms were treated in 765 patients, the mean age was 53.9 ± 14.6 years and 81% were women. The number of patients (P = 0.016) and aneurysms (P = 0.003) increased significantly. Unruptured (P = 0.029) and posterior communicating artery aneurysms increased their frequency of treatment (P = 0.042). Balloon remodeling (P = 0.01) and the use of flow diverters showed a positive trend (P = 0.016). Conclusion: There have been an increased number of patients and aneurysms treated endovascularly at our institution, including unruptured and posterior communicating aneurysms. Advanced endovascular techniques also increased. Comparative studies including surgical cases must be done in our region to determine the best approach.

Initial Experience Using the Transradial Approach for Endovascular Treatment of Vascular Pathologies: Safety and Feasibility.

Background Endovascular treatment of vascular pathologies through the transradial approach has been increasingly used and has demonstrated a low rate of complications. Objective To report our initial experience in the endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases with the transradial approach and to determine its safety and feasibility. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent the transradial approach for endovascular treatment of aneurysms and vascular malformations were reviewed at a single institution. Technical success, fluoroscopy time, and access-related complications were analyzed. Results Eight patients underwent endovascular treatment with the transradial approach. One arteriovenous fistula, one superficial temporal artery aneurysm, three arteriovenous malformations, and four aneurysms were treated successfully. The radial artery was successfully approached and a 6-F sheath was used in all the cases. Navigation of guiding catheters (5 and 6 F) was done without complications. The most commonly approached artery was the right internal carotid artery, followed by the right vertebral artery. Postoperative vasospasm was identified in three patients. Mean fluoroscopy time was 34.7 minutes. Conversion to transfemoral approach was not required. No postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions In our initial experience, the transradial approach is a safe and feasible alternative for the endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies.

Safety and Effectiveness of the Flexible Cervical Implant: Preliminary Short-Term Clinical Results.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Flexible Cervical Implant in 1- or 2-level cervical segments. METHODS: Retrospective data collection was carried out on consecutive patients who underwent the implantation of the Flexible Cervical Implant in a local private health institution. Demographics, clinical pictures, magnetic resonance images, x-ray images, technical considerations, and postoperative clinical results were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve patients were treated with 15 implants. The mean age was 57.5 years (range 28-81), and 6 patients were males. The most common level was C5/C6 (7 cases). Radicular pain was the main symptom in all patients. Short-term postoperative clinical outcomes showed improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The median VAS score for radicular pain improved from 6 to 2 (P < 0.001), whereas the median NDI showed a significant improvement from 25 to 5 (P < 0.001). No implant-related complications were reported. The mean follow-up was 7.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed Flexible Cervical Implant was safe and effective in terms of morbidity and improvement in clinical outcomes. This new cervical artificial disk is promising, and further long-term clinical and radiologic follow-up is needed to determine its benefits.

Endovascular treatment of medium and large intracranial aneurysms with large volume coils: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Large volume coils are an alternative to conventional coils for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. However, there are no published reports documenting occlusion and complication rates in medium and large intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, we present our results in this subgroup of aneurysms. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with Penumbra coils 400 in aneurysms ≥7 mm was performed. Demographics, aneurysm features, procedural details, intraoperative complications, clinical outcomes, and occlusion rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included for analysis, and a total of 33 intracranial aneurysms were analyzed. Mean age was 57.6 years (SD ± 12.4) and 85% of the patients were women. Large aneurysms represented 46% of cases. Paraclinoid (55%) followed by posterior communicating (30.3%) aneurysms was the most frequently treated. Ruptured and saccular aneurysms were found in 49% and 63% of the cases, respectively. The mean aneurysmal dimensions were 14.2 mm width, 11.9 mm length, 5.4 mm neck, and 2.4 dome-to-neck ratio. A dome-neck ratio <2 was identified in 39% of cases. The mean number of coils per aneurysm was 4.8. Immediate modified Raymond-Roy Grades 1, 2, and 3A were achieved in 15%, 21%, and 64%, respectively. Twenty-six patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 11 months, with an adequate occlusion of 92% and a good clinical outcome (modified Rankin score ≤2) in 96% of patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment with PC400 coils is an effective and safe option for medium and large intracranial aneurysms with high occlusion rates, few complications, and good clinical outcomes at follow-up.

Curative Embolization for Pediatric Spetzler-Martin Grade III Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade III arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent a gray zone due to their high variability in location, size, and angioarchitecture. In addition, there is a lack of information on curative embolization in the pediatric population, especially in this subgroup of lesions. Here we present our experience treating grade III AVMs by curative embolization in pediatric patients. METHODS: Clinical and angiographic data from pediatric patients with grade III SM AVMs were retrospectively collected between 2011 and 2020 in a referral institution. We grouped the AVMs into subtypes according to size (S), venous drainage (V), and eloquence (E) and obtained subtypes: IIIA (S1V1E1), IIIB (S2V1E0), IIIC (S2V0E1), and IIID (S3V0E0). RESULTS: A total of 61 embolization sessions were performed in 35 pediatric patients. There were 25 females (64%), and the mean age was 12.2 years (range 5-18). Complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 16 patients (47%). In 13 patients (37%), the AVM was occluded with a single embolization session and most (12/13) had small lesions (IIIA subtype). Among the 19 patients with incomplete occlusion, most (58%) had large lesions (IIIB, IIIC, and IIID). Large AVMs (IIIB, IIIC, and IIID) underwent 36 sessions; however, only 3 patients (21%) achieved complete occlusion in 11 sessions. Eight intraoperative complications (13% procedures) occurred mainly in ruptured AVMs (7/8) and eloquent zones (7/8). CONCLUSIONS: Curative embolization for SM grade III AVMs in children carries a high complication rate, especially in small, ruptured, and eloquent lesions. In addition, acceptable immediate complete angiographic occlusion rates were achieved, especially in small AVMs.

Embolización de aneurismas intracraneales múltiples en sesión única

Objetivo: Determinar los resultados clínicos y angiográficos en pacientes con aneurismas intracraneales múltiples tratados endovascularmente en una única sesión. Materiales y Métodos: Se incluyó a todos los pacientes mayores de 18 años con aneurismas múltiples (≥2), rotos o no rotos, tratados con terapia endovascular en una única sesión entre 2019 y 2021. Se recolectaron los datos clínicos y angiográficos. Se determinó la tasa de oclusión inmediata y del seguimiento. La escala de Rankin modificado se usó para valorar el resultado clínico. Resultados: Se trataron 25 pacientes, de los cuales 14 se presentaron con hemorragia subaracnoidea. Se diagnosticaron un total de 78 aneurismas, de los cuales 59 aneurismas fueron tratados. La localización más frecuente fue el segmento oftálmico. La altura máxima promedio fue de 5.2mm, lo cual tuvo diferencia estadística significativa con el estado de ruptura (p ≤ 0.02). El principal tipo de tratamiento endovascular fue la técnica de remodeling en el 39 % de casos. El Raymond Roy inmediato fue I en el 60 % y IIIa en el 35 % de casos. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 24 % y de mortalidad fue del 8 %. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endovascular en una única sesión es una opción efectiva y segura en casos de aneurismas intracraneales múltiples en nuestra institución con tasa de oclusión y complicaciones aceptable.

Objective: To determine clinical and angiographical outcomes in patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms who underwent endovascular therapy in a single session. Materials and Methods: Patients older than 18 years with multiple (≥2) ruptured or non-ruptured aneurysms were included, and all of them underwent endovascular therapy in a single session between 2019 and 2021. Clinical and angiographic data was collected. Immediate occlusion and follow-up data were collected. Rankin modified scale was used for assessing clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-five patients were treated, and fourteen had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Seventy-eight aneurysms were diagnosed, and 59 of them were treated. The most frequent location was at the ophthalmic segment. Maximum average height was 5.2- mm, which showed significant statistical difference with a ruptured condition (p≤0.02). The main modality for endovascular therapy was the remodeling technique, which was used in 39% of all cases. Immediate Raymond Roy staging was I in 60% of all cases, and IIIa in 35% of all cases. Complication rate was 24%, and mortality rate was 8%. Conclusions: Single session endovascular therapy is an effective and safe option for cases of multiple intracranial aneurysms in our institution. Occlusion and complication rates were acceptable.

Utilidad de la angiografía intra-operatoria en el tratamiento quirúrgico de malformaciones arteriovenosas y aneurismas intracraneales

Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la angiografía intraoperatoria (AIO) para detectar lesiones residuales en casos de resección quirúrgica de malformaciones arteriovenosas (MAV) y aneurismas intracraneales. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, tipo serie de casos. Entre noviembre de 1993 y abril de 2001, se diagnosticaron 778 pacientes con patología vascular cerebral, de los cuales 477 fueron sometidos a cirugía. Se empleó AIO en 119 casos y se analizaron las variables clínicas y radiológicas. Resultados: Se analizaron 119 casos, 105 (88,2%) con MAV y 14 (11,8%) con aneurisma. La edad promedio fue de 35 años (rango 6 - 69) y el sexo masculino representó el 52% de los casos. La asociación entre MAV y aneurisma se encontró en 17 casos (14,3%). El aneurisma más frecuente fue el paraclinoideo gigante (71,3%), mientras que las MAV supratentoriales y Spetzler-Martin grado 3 representaron el 83,8% y 73,3% de los casos, respectivamente. Se demostró lesión residual en 7 casos, de los cuales 5 fueron nido residual de MAV y 2 casos aneurisma remanente. Las complicaciones relacionadas a la AIO fueron del 3,4% y mortalidad del 2,5%. Conclusiones: La AIO es una técnica útil para detectar lesiones residuales en patología vascular cerebral sometidas a cirugía abierta.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the utility of intraoperative angiography (IOA) to detect residual lesions after surgical repair of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and intracranial aneurysms (ICA). Methods: This is a case series including 778 patients from November 1993 to April 2001; of which 477 underwent surgical intervention. IOA was used in 119 cases. Results: A total of 119 cases were analyzed, 105 patients with AVM (88.2%) and 14 with an aneurysm (11.8%). The mean age was 35 years (range 6 - 69) and males represented 52% of the cases. Both AVM and aneurysms occurred in 17 cases (14.3%). Giant paraclinoid aneurysm was the most common aneurysm (71.3%), whereas supratentorial and grade 3 Spetzler-Martin AVM represented 83.3% and 73.3% of the cases, respectively. A residual lesion was was detected in 7 cases, of which 5 were residual nidus of an AVM and 2 remnant aneurysms. IOA-related complications occurred in 3.4% and mortality was 2.5%. Conclusions: IOA is a useful technique to detect residual cerebro-vascular lesions after open surgeries

Predictores de mortalidad intrahospitalaria y de mal pronóstico funcional en pacientes sometidos a evacuación quirúrgica de hemorragia intracerebral / Predictors of in-hospital mortality and poor functional outcomes in patients who underwent surgical evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage

RESUMEN Objetivo : Determinar predictores de mortalidad intrahospitalaria y mal pronóstico funcional en pacientes sometidos a cirugía por hemorragia intracerebral. Materiales y métodos : Se analizaron las historias clínicas, reportes operatorios y tomografías cerebrales de pacientes con hemorragia intracerebral desde marzo 2018 hasta marzo de 2020. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística univariado y multivariado para determinar predictores independientes de mortalidad intrahospitalaria y mal pronóstico funcional al alta. Resultados : La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 33,7 % (n = 31 pacientes). Predictores independientes de mortalidad fueron el sexo femenino (OR = 3.01; p = 0.031) y un Glasgow < 8 puntos al ingreso (OR = 3.19; p = 0.031). Un mal pronóstico funcional luego de la intervención se encontró en 77 pacientes (83,7 %). Predictores independientes de mal pronóstico funcional fueron una Escala de Rankin modificada > 3 (OR = 15.5; p = 0.01) y déficit motor pre-operatorio (OR = 8.95; p = 0.042). Conclusiones : En pacientes con diagnóstico de hemorragia intracerebral tratados con cirugía se encontró una alta mortalidad y morbilidad. El sexo femenino y factores clínicos como el estado de conciencia y el estado funcional al ingreso fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad intrahospitalaria y mal pronóstico funcional.

ABSTRACT Objective : To determine predictors of in-hospital mortality and poor functional prognosis in patients undergoing surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage. Materials and Methods : Clinical records, operative reports, and cerebral CT scans of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from March 2018 to March 2020 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for determining independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and poor functional prognosis at discharge. Results : In-hospital mortality was 33.7% (n= 31 patients). Independent predictors for mortality were female sex (OR= 3.01, p= 0.031) and Glasgow score <8 on admission (OR= 3.19, p= 0.031). A poor functional prognosis after the intervention was found in 77 patients (83.7%). Independent risk factors for a poor functional prognosis were score >3 in the modified Rankin scale (OR= 15.5; p= 0.01), and preoperative motor deficit (OR= 8.95; p= 0.042). Conclusions : In patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who were surgically treated, high morbidity and mortality rates were found. Female sex and clinical factors, such as consciousness condition and functional status on admission were independent predictors for in-hospital mortality and poor functional prognosis.

Aneurisma tipo blister roto con manejo satifactorio con la técnica de remodelado - Reporte de un caso

Introducción : Los aneurismas tipo blíster son aneurismas pequeños, complejos, menores de 3mm, con alta tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad, así como de resangrado y recurrencia. Son difíciles de tratar y se han propuesto técnicas microquirúrgicas y endovasculares, siendo estas últimas las de menor tasa de complicaciones. Caso Clínico : Mujer de 74 años, ingresa con 6 horas de evolución de trastorno de sensorio brusco. La tomografía muestra hemorragia subaracnoidea difusa a predominio izquierdo. Se le realiza una angiografía cerebral que evidencia un aneurisma blíster de la trifurcación de la arteria cerebral media izquierda. Se emboliza con técnica de remodeling y coils, logrando obliterar la totalidad del aneurisma. Conclusión : Los aneurismas tipo blíster son aneurismas complejos y raros, siendo la terapia endovascular una alternativa segura y eficaz con menor tasa de complicaciones.

Introduction : Blister-like aneurysms are small, complex, smaller than 3mm, with high rate of morbidity and mortality, as well as rebleeding and recurrence. They are difficult to treat and microsurgical and endovascular techniques are current treatment modalities. Endovascular technique has the lowest rate of complications. Clinical case : 74-year-old woman, admitted with 6 hours of sudden sensory disorder. The CT scan shows diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage predominantly on the left side. A cerebral angiography showed a blister-like aneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery trifurcation. The patient was treated with coiling and remodeling technique, achieving a complete occlusion. Conclusion : Blister-like aneurysms are complex and rare, whereas endovascular therapy is a safe and effective alternative with low complication rate.

Aprendizaje remoto para procedimientos neuro-endovasculares durante la pandemia COVID-19 / Remote learning for neuro-endovascular procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN Durante la pandemia COVID-19 se ha incrementado el uso de la telemedicina y de plataformas virtuales en el campo de la medicina, por ello, en nuestra institución contamos con un sistema multicámara que permite la visualización en vivo de procedimientos endovasculares. Se realizaron once casos de aneurismas, malformaciones arteriovenosas y hematomas subdurales crónicos que fueron tratados y transmitidos en vivo sin problemas técnicos a través de la plataforma Zoom®. El tiempo promedio de transmisión y del número de participantes fue de 2.5 horas y 6 participantes, respectivamente. En todos los casos se discutió la técnica empleada y las complicaciones ocurridas. El aprendizaje remoto con plataformas en línea es hoy en día una herramienta importante, pero no un sustituto del aprendizaje práctico para procedimientos endovasculares. Recomendamos su implementación durante la pandemia de COVID-19 como un sustituto temporal, especialmente para los médicos en entrenamiento que no tienen acceso a intervenciones endovasculares avanzadas.

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemics there has been a substantial increase in the use of telemedicine and virtual platforms in the medical field. For this reason, we have in our institution a multi- camera system that allows us live visualizing endovascular procedures. Eleven cases dealing with aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and chronic subdural hematomas were treated and broadcasted live with no technical problems using the Zoomâ platform. The average time for transmissions was 2.5 hours, and the average number of participants was 6 persons. The used technique and occurring complications were discussed for all cases. Remote learning using online platforms is nowadays a very important tool, but it is not a substitute for practical learning when performing endovascular procedures. We recommend to implement such techniques during COVID-19 pandemics as a temporary substitute for live learning, particularly for young in-training physicians who may not have access to advanced endovascular interventions.

Abordaje transradial para angiografía cerebral diagnóstica: primera experiencia en un hospital de la seguridad social / Transradial approach for diagnostic cerebral angiography: first experience in a social security hospital

RESUMEN El abordaje transradial está ganando territorio en el campo neuroendovascular para procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Menos complicaciones, menor tiempo hospitalario y mayor confort del paciente son características de este abordaje. Sin embargo, la transición del abordaje femoral clásico al abordaje radial es difícil de lograr en instituciones con protocolos establecidos. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial utilizando el abordaje transradial para angiografía cerebral diagnóstica realizados exitosamente logrando la cateterización de todos los vasos supra-aórticos.

ABSTRACT The transradial approach for diagnostic cerebral angiography is aiming to become the standard technique in the neuroendovascular field for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Some characteristics for this approach include less complications, shorter hospital stay and more comfort for patients. However, transitioning from the classical femoral approach to the radial approach is difficult to achieve in facilities with well-established protocols. We report our initial experience using the transradial approach for diagnostic cerebral angiography, where all supraaortic blood vessels were successfully catheterized.

Uso de la embolización de la arteria meníngea media en recidiva de hematoma subdural crónico / Use of embolization of the middle meningeal artery in chronic subdural hematoma recurrence

RESUMEN El hematoma subdural crónico (HSDC) es una patología neuroquirúrgica frecuente, con una recurrencia de hasta el 30% de los casos. La embolización de la arteria meníngea media (AMM) es una estrategia de manejo adyuvante para disminuir la recidiva, especialmente en pacientes con factores de riesgo para recurrencia, y tiene una baja tasa de complicaciones. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 83 años con antecedente de anticoagulación, que es admitido en centro sanitario por presentar hemiparesia derecha, disartria y alteración de la marcha, con un tiempo de enfermedad de una semana. Se realizó trepanación y evacuación del HSDC sin complicaciones. Un mes después retornó por recidiva del HSDC, por lo que se realizó trepanación y evacuación adecuada del HSDC, seguida de embolización de la AMM ipsilateral. El control a los dos meses mostró ausencia de recidiva, con mejoría neurológica del paciente. Concluimos que la embolización de la AMM fue un tratamiento adyuvante eficaz para disminuir la recidiva del HSDC y podría estar indicada en pacientes con factores de riesgo asociados a la recurrencia.

ABSTRACT Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequent neurosurgical condition, which may develop recurrence in up to 30% of all cases. Embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is an adjuvant management strategy for reducing recurrence, especially in patients with risk factors, and it has a low complication rate. We present the case of an 83-year old male with history of anticoagulation, who was admitted in a healthcare facility because of right hemiparesis, dysarthria and gait impairment, and he had been sick for one week. A trepanation and CSDH evacuation were uneventfully performed. One month later, the patient was brought back because of CSDH recurrence, so another trepanation and adequate CSDH evacuation were performed, followed by embolization of the ipsilateral MMA. A control assessment after two months revealed absence of recurrence and neurological improvement. We conclude that MMA embolization was an efficacious adjuvant therapy aiming to reduce CSDH recurrence, and this procedure may be indicated in patients with risk factors for recurrence.