Pharmaceutical equivalent 5-aminolevulinic acid fluorescence guided resection of central nervous system tumors: feasibility, safeness and cost-benefit considerations.

PURPOSE: 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) has been an essential tool in the 'standard of care' of malignant gliomas. Over the last two decades, its indications have been extended to other neoplasms, such as metastases and meningiomas. However, its availability and cost-benefit still pose a challenge for widespread use. The present article reports a retrospective series of 707 cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors submitted to FGR with pharmacological equivalent 5-ALA and discusses financial implications, feasibility and safeness. METHODS: From December 2015 to February 2024, a retrospective single institution series of 707 cases of 5-ALA FGR were analyzed. Age, gender, 5-ALA dosage, intraoperative fluorescence finding, diagnosis and adverse effects were recorded. Financial impact in the surgical treatment cost were also reported. RESULTS: there was an additional cost estimated in $300 dollars for each case, increasing from 2,37 to 3,28% of the total hospitalization cost. There were 19 (2,69%) cases of asymptomatic photosensitive reaction and 2 (0,28%) cases of photosensitive reaction requiring symptomatic treatment. 1 (0,14%) patient had a cutaneous rash sustained for up to 10 days. No other complications related to the method were evident. In 3 (0,42%) cases of patients with intracranial hypertension, there was vomiting after administration. CONCLUSION: FGR with pharmacological equivalent 5-ALA can be considered safe and efficient and incorporates a small increase in hospital expenses. It constitutes a reliable solution in avoiding prohibitive costs worldwide, especially in countries where commercial 5-ALA is unavailable.

Intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas: facial and hearing outcomes according to the location of the tumor in relation to the nerves of the internal auditory canal.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate whether the position of the nerves within the internal auditory canal (IAC) has any effect on preoperative and postoperative cochlear and facial nerve function in patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma (VS) resected through the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach. METHODS: Forty-four patients with sporadic intracanalicular VS, from a series of 710 patients with VS who underwent operations from January 1993 to April 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. The pattern of displacement of the cranial nerves and tumor within the IAC was recorded. Tumors were divided into 2 types: type T1A lesions had only anteriorly displaced nerves, and type T1B had posteriorly displaced vestibular nerves and anteriorly displaced facial and cochlear nerves. Differences in surgical outcomes between groups in terms of facial nerve function and hearing preservation were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five cases (79.5%) were T1A tumors and 9 were T1B (20.5%). Gross-total resection and anatomical preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves were achieved in all patients. Postoperatively, all patients with T1A VS maintained normal facial nerve function; however, among T1B VS patients, 6 (67%) retained House-Brackmann grade I, 2 worsened to grade II, and 1 worsened to grade III at 6 months (p = 0.006). The 27 T1A VS patients with serviceable hearing maintained this status, and an additional patient with nonserviceable hearing improved to serviceable hearing; among T1B VS patients, only 2 of the 5 patients with serviceable hearing remained as such, 2 evolved to nonserviceable hearing, and 1 lost hearing after surgery (p = 0.0022). T1B VS patients had a 24-fold risk of facial nerve deterioration (relative risk [RR] 25.2, 95% CI 1.42-448.57, p = 0.028) and a 32-fold risk of hearing deterioration (RR 32.7, 95% CI 1.93-553, p = 0.016) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In intracanalicular VS, postoperative cochlear and facial nerve function are directly related to the location of the tumor in relation to the nerves, with worse outcomes in cases where the tumor is located between the vestibular and facial-cochlear nerves.

Retrosigmoid Craniotomy and Intradural Variations: Role of Patient-Specific Preoperative Imaging to Identify Landmarks and Relevant Structures.

OBJECTIVE: There are several landmarks to safely identify the limits of the retrosigmoid approach and its intradural variations; however, there has been little discussion about how those landmarks may vary among patients. METHODS: Patient positions; surface landmarks for the retrosigmoid craniotomy; and structures to recognize for transmeatal, suprameatal, suprajugular, and transtentorial extensions were reviewed. RESULTS: The position of the dural sinuses in relation to the zygomatic-inion line and digastric notch line is readily identified on magnetic resonance imaging. For transmeatal drilling, the position of the semicircular canals, vestibular aqueduct, and jugular bulb is best evaluated on computed tomography. For suprameatal drilling, the labyrinth and the position and integrity of the carotid canal are relevant for planning the anterior extension of the approach. For transtentorial extension, it is desirable to identify incisural structures. For suprajugular drilling, the position of the jugular bulb, invasion of venous structures, and integrity of the roof of the jugular foramen must be checked preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The retrosigmoid approach is the workhorse of posterior skull base surgery. By recognizing patient-specific variations in known landmarks, the approach may be tailored prevent complications.

5-Aminolevulinic acid fluorescence in brain non-neoplastic lesions: a systematic review and case series.

Fluorescence-guided surgery with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is used to assist brain tumor resection, especially for high-grade gliomas but also for low-grade gliomas, metastasis, and meningiomas. With the increasing use of this technique, even to assist biopsies, high-grade glioma-mimicking lesions had misled diagnosis by showing 5-ALA fluorescence in non-neoplastic lesions such as radiation necrosis and inflammatory or infectious disease. Since only isolated reports have been published, we systematically review papers reporting non-neoplastic lesion cases with 5-ALA according with the PRISMA guidelines, present our series, and discuss its pathophysiology. In total, 245 articles were identified and 12 were extracted according to our inclusion criteria. Analyzing 27 patients, high-grade glioma was postulated as preoperative diagnosis in 48% of the cases. Microsurgical resection was performed in 19 cases (70%), while 8 patients were submitted to biopsy (30%). We found 4 positive cases in demyelinating disease (50%), 4 in brain abscess (80%), 1 in neurocysticercosis (33%), 1 in neurotoxoplasmosis, infarction, and hematoma (100%), 4 in inflammatory disease (80%), and 3 in cortical dysplasia (100%). New indications are being considered especially in benign lesion biopsies with assistance of 5-ALA. Using fluorescence as an aid in biopsies may improve procedure time, number of samples, and necessity of intraoperative pathology. Further studies should include this technology to encourage more beneficial uses.

Dorsal displacement of the facial nerve in vestibular schwannoma surgery.

The course of the facial nerve (FN) has been extensively investigated in patients with vestibular schwannomas (VSs). FN running dorsally to the tumor capsule accounts for less than 3% of the cases. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based fiber tracking helps to preoperatively identify the FN. During surgery, a higher risk of injury is associated with the dorsal location of the FN. The authors demonstrate the nuances and tricks to identify and preserve a dorsal displaced FN during resection of a large VS, T3b according to the Hannover classification, through the retrosigmoid-transmeatal approach. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2182.

Facial Nerve Adherence in Vestibular Schwannomas: Classification and Radiological Predictors.

Background Facial nerve palsy is one of the most frequent complications after resection of vestibular schwannomas (VS). Several mechanisms have been implicated in the poor postoperative facial nerve outcome. Adherence between the facial nerve and tumor capsule is one of the most relevant factors. There is no clear preoperative parameter permitting identification of these adhesions. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between the grade of adherence of the facial nerve to the tumor capsule and its functional outcome after VS resection. Methods A total of 26 patients with sporadic VS (tumor sized T3, T4A, and T4B according to Hannover classification) were evaluated. Grade of adherence of the facial nerve to the tumor capsule was checked during surgery and graduated according to a proposed scale into 1 to 3 different grades. Facial nerve function was assessed postoperatively and after 1-year follow-up. Size of tumor according to Hannover classification, presence of cystic components, "cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cleft sign," and the contour of tumor capsule were tested as radiological predictors of grade of adherence to the facial nerve. Results and Conclusion Only Grade 2 (11 cases) and 3 (15 cases) of adherence were seen in large VS. Lower grade of adherence was associated with good facial nerve outcome after 1-year follow-up ( p = 0.029). Presence of the "CSF cleft sign" and regular contour of tumor capsule were independent predictors of adherence. When both factors were associated, sensitivity and specificity of this method were 83 and 80%, respectively.

Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma during rivaroxaban treatment.

According to our research, this is the first case described in the literature of spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma secondary to the use of Xareltor. Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematomas are rarely described in the literature. They are associated with infectious diseases of the skull, coagulation disorders, vascular malformations of the dura mater and metastasis to the skull. Long-term post-marketing monitoring and independent reports will probably detect the full spectrum of hemorrhagic complications of the use of rivaroxaban.

Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma during rivaroxaban treatment / Hematoma epidural intracraniano espontâneo durante tratamento com rivaroxaban

Summary According to our research, this is the first case described in the literature of spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma secondary to the use of Xareltor. Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematomas are rarely described in the literature. They are associated with infectious diseases of the skull, coagulation disorders, vascular malformations of the dura mater and metastasis to the skull. Long-term post-marketing monitoring and independent reports will probably detect the full spectrum of hemorrhagic complications of the use of rivaroxaban.

Resumo Segundo nossa pesquisa, descrevemos o primeiro caso na literatura de hematoma epidural intracraniano espontâneo secundário ao uso de Xareltor. Hematomas epidurais intracranianos espontâneos raramente são descritos na literatura, sendo comumente associados a doenças infecciosas cranianas, distúrbios de coagulação, malformações vasculares da dura-máter e metástases cranianas. A elaboração de relatórios de monitoramento em longo prazo de pós-comercialização e relatórios independentes provavelmente irá detectar o espectro completo de complicações hemorrágicas do uso desse medicamento.

Embolization of a giant hypervascularized choroid plexus papilloma with onyx by direct puncture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus papilloma is a rare intracranial neoplasm derived from choroid plexus epithelium accounting for less than 1 % of all brain tumors. These tumors are highly vascularized, and tumor resection is difficult, especially in small children, due to severe intraoperative bleeding. Preoperative embolization is helpful to reduce intraoperative bleeding, but it may not be possible in small children or if the tumor has no suitable feeding vessels for embolization. METHODS: We present the case of a 2-year-old girl with a giant choroid plexus papilloma. An attempt of tumor resection was previously performed in another clinic, but the surgery was aborted due to massive intraoperative bleeding and only a biopsy was done. Angiography showed no suitable vessels for embolization. A new attempt of tumor removal was carried out, but again, severe intraoperative bleeding occurred and only a partial resection was possible. Intratumoral embolization with onyx through direct percutaneous puncture was performed. RESULTS: Radical tumor removal was possible after two additional surgeries. Intraoperative blood loss was 345 ml (first surgery = only partial removal), 250 ml (second procedure = 1/3 of tumor volume resected), and 250 ml (third surgery = total removal). The patient presented no additional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Intratumoral percutaneous embolization with onyx was very helpful in reducing intraoperative bleeding in this case. Safe radical tumor resection was possible. This technique may be useful for those surgeons dealing with highly vascularized tumors, especially in small children. No report of intratumoral embolization with onyx in cases of intracerebral tumors could be found in the literature.

Microsurgical training model with nonliving swine head. Alternative for neurosurgical education.

PURPOSE: This paper proposes a practical model of microneurosurgical training using a nonliving swine head. METHODS: Fresh porcine heads were obtained from butchery and dissected at our Laboratory of Microsurgery. Brain and skull base surgery were trained under microscopic magnification. RESULTS: Several neurosurgical procedures could be simulated in the nonliving pig model, including transcallosal approach to the lateral ventricle, lateral sulcus and middle fossa dissection, and posterior fossa surgery. CONCLUSION: The swine model perfectly simulates standard microneurosurgical procedures, and is a useful tool for developing and refining surgical skills.

Microsurgical training model with nonliving swine head. Alternative for neurosurgical education

PURPOSE: This paper proposes a practical model of microneurosurgical training using a nonliving swine head. METHODS: Fresh porcine heads were obtained from butchery and dissected at our Laboratory of Microsurgery. Brain and skull base surgery were trained under microscopic magnification. RESULTS: Several neurosurgical procedures could be simulated in the nonliving pig model, including transcallosal approach to the lateral ventricle, lateral sulcus and middle fossa dissection, and posterior fossa surgery. CONCLUSION: The swine model perfectly simulates standard microneurosurgical procedures, and is a useful tool for developing and refining surgical skills. .

Descompressão neurovascular para neuralgia do trigêmio em menina de 17 anos de Idade: Relato de caso / Neurovascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in 17-year-old Girl: A case report

A neuralgia do trigêmeo é geralmente uma doença de idosos. Raramente, a doença apresenta-se durante a infância. Porisso, procuramos explorar o papel da compressão vascular em pacientes pediátricos com neuralgia do trigêmeo refratária.Apresentamos um caso de compressão venosa relacionado à neuralgia do trigêmeo em uma menina de 17 anos de idade. Aveia petrosa superior foi relacionada ao conflito neurovascular, com resposta incomum para descompressão neurovascular eresolução completa dos sintomas no pós-operatório...

Trigeminal neuralgia in general is a disease of the elderly. Rarely, the disease presents during childhood. Therefore we sought toexplore the role of vascular compression in pediatric patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia. A case of venouscompression related to trigeminal neuralgia is presented in a 17-year-old girl. Upper petrous vein was found to be related to aneurovascular conflict with unusual response to neurovascular decompression with complete resolution of symptoms in postoperativeperiod...

Automedicação em universitários / Self-mediation among university

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A automedicação é uma prática comum na sociedade, no entanto, pode possibilitar agravo de doenças, interações medicamentosas e intoxicações, entre outros problemas de saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a prática de automedicação e os fatores associados entre universitários. MÉTODO: Foi realizado estudo transversal com 160 estudantes dos cursos de graduação em Medicina e Direito de uma Universidade do Sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se questionário semiestruturado com variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e perfil de utilização de medicamentos nos últimos três meses. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de automedicação entre os entrevistados foi de 72,5%. Houve associação entre automedicação e o aluno estar cursando medicina, ser filho de profissional de saúde, ter convênio médico e renda familiar superior a 10 salários mínimos. Constatou-se que a indicação do uso de medicamentos por parte de pessoas leigas prevalece na realização de automedicação. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos indicam a necessidade de intervenção junto à população em estudo, quanto ao uso racional dos medicamentos e a automedicação responsável.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Self-medication isa common practice in society, however, can aggravate diseases and cause poisoning and drug interactions, among other health problems. The objective this study was to assess the practice of self-medication and associated factors among university students. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 160 undergraduate students in medicine and law at a university in southern Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to identify sociodemographic and clinical variables, and medications used in the previous three months. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-medication among the respondents was 72.5%. There was an association between self medicationand the student enrollment in medicine, being theson or daughter of a health care provider, have medical insurance and family income above 10 minimum wages. Findings revealthat drugs indicated by non-professional people prevail in self medication. CONCLUSION: These data indicate the need for intervention to promote the rational use of drugs and responsible self-medication.

Comportamento de risco para HIV e DST entre professores universitários / Risk behavior to STD and HIV infection among university professors

Há aumento da infecção pelo HIV entre casais heterossexuais, mesmo em relações estáveis e fiéis. Objetivo: avaliar o comportamento sexual e de risco para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) e infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) entre professores universitários. Métodos:estudo transversal. Foram incluídos professores universitários da área da saúde de universidade do Sul do Brasil. Foi utilizado questionário auto aplicável e anônimo, com dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais e sexuais para infecção pelo HIV e DST, além de fatores de risco para doenças por via venosa. A análise estatística foi realizada com o uso do SPSS, versão 16.0. Resultados: foram estudados 184 docentes, sendo 55,4% mulheres. A média de idade foide 40,5 (DP ± 9,1) anos. Prática de sexo anal, maior número de parceiros, maior frequência de relações sexuais e infidelidade foram associados ao gênero masculino. Dos entrevistados, 31% se declararam infiéis; nas relações conjugais, apenas 19,8% utilizavam preservativo, e nas extraconjugais, 39,3%. O usode preservativo esteve associado à infidelidade. Entre outros fatores de risco, 39,1% compartilham objetos de higiene e uso pessoal, 3,8% submeteram-se a transfusão de sangue, 11,4% tinham tatuagem ou piercing e 31% sofreram acidente com material perfurocortante. Conclusão: a amostra estudada apresentarisco similar ao da população geral de contrair HIV e outras DST, por apresentar os fatores de risco: pouca adesão ao uso de preservativo, alta prevalênciade relações extraconjugais, uso de álcool antes das relações, prática de sexo anal, múltiplos parceiros durante a vida e ainda a ocorrência de acidentes perfurocortantes, devido à vulnerabilidade da profissão.

There is increased HIV infection among heterosexual couples, even in stable and faithful relationships. Objective: to assess sexual behaviorand risk to acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among health area faculty working at a university in southern Brazil. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted between December 2009 and March 2010. Health area faculty members working at a university in southern Brazil were included in the survey. Upon approval, anonymous and self-administered questionnaire was used, which included data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk sexual behavior for exposure to HIV and STDs, as well as additional risk factors to diseases acquired intravenously.Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS, version 16.0. Results: a total of 184 faculty members was studied; 55.4% were women. Mean age was 40.5 (SD ± 9.1) years. Anal sex, larger number of partners, higher sex frequency, and infidelity was associated with being male. Of the interviewees, 31%reported infidelity; only 19.8% used condoms in marital relations and 39.3% in extramarital sex. Condom use was associated with infidelity. Among otherrisk factors, 39.1% reported having shared personal hygiene objects, 3.8% had undergone blood transfusion, 11.4% had a tattoo or piercing, and 31% hadalready had work-related needlestick accidents. Conclusion: the sample studied is at risk of contracting HIV and other STDs because of poor or inconsistent condom use, high prevalence of extramarital relationships, alcohol use before sexual intercourses, anal sex, multiple partners, and high rates of work-relatedneedlestick injuries