Executive summary of the expert consensus document from the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery and the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition: Clinical recommendations on the perioperative management of pituitary tumors.

Pituitary tumors (PT) account for 15% of intracranial tumors affect 10.7%-14.4% of the population although the incidence of clinically relevant PT is 5.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Surgical treatment is indicated in PTs with hormone hypersecretion (except for prolactin-producing PTs) and those with local compressive or global neurological symptoms. Multidisciplinary care, is essential for patients with PTs, preferably delivered in a center of excellence and based on a well-defined care protocol. In order to facilitate and standardize the clinical procedures for this type of tumor, this document gathers the positioning of the Neuroendocrinology Knowledge Area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC) on the management of patients with PTs and their preoperative, surgical and postoperative follow-up.

Executive summary of the expert consensus document from the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery and the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition: clinical recommendations on the perioperative management of pituitary tumors.

Pituitary tumors (PT) account for 15% of intracranial tumors affect 10.7-14.4% of the population although the incidence of clinically relevant PT is 5.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Surgical treatment is indicated in PTs with hormone hypersecretion (except for prolactin-producing PTs) and those with local compressive or global neurological symptoms. Multidisciplinary care, is essential for patients with PTs, preferably delivered in a center of excellence and based on a well-defined care protocol. In order to facilitate and standardize the clinical procedures for this type of tumor, this document gathers the positioning of the Neuroendocrinology Knowledge Area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC) on the management of patients with PTs and their preoperative, surgical and postoperative follow-up.

Presurgical predictive factors of surgical remission in Cushing's disease. Study of 32 cases.

PURPOSE: Identify presurgical factors associated with surgical remission in Cushing's disease (CD). METHODS: All the patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's Syndrome in follow-up at our centre between 2014-2021 (n=40) were identified. Those patients with CD diagnosis who underwent transsphenoidal surgery by the same neurosurgeon (n=32) were included. Surgical remission was defined as plasma cortisol <1.8µg/dl and normal or low urinary free cortisol (UFC) after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent (n=20) were women, and the mean age at diagnosis was 42.3±17.9 years. Six patients had macroadenomas, 17 had microadenomas, and in the other 9 patients, no pituitary lesion was identified on the MRI. Seven patients were previously operated on in another centre. Surgical remission was achieved in 75% (n=24). Only three patients experienced recurrence. No association between pre-surgical demographic (age, sex, comorbidities) or hormonal (UFC, ACTH, late-night salivary cortisol levels) characteristics and the probability of surgical remission was observed. The only variable associated with a greater chance of remission was the presurgical visualisation of the adenoma on MRI (OR 8.3, P=0.02). It was also observed that patients with a history of a previous pituitary surgery had a lower tendency to achieve remission, although statistical significance was not reached (OR 0.17, P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, 75% of patients with CD achieved biochemical cure after the intervention. Surgical remission was up to eight times more frequent in those patients in whom the adenoma was visualised before the intervention, but no other presurgical predictive factors of cure were identified.

Preoperative 3D volume reconstruction of the posterior wall of the sphenoid sinus with Horos: A free, simple and reliable tool in endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to create computer-aided design models of the sphenoid sinus with a free-source software in order to perform a preoperative planning during trans-sphenoidal endoscopic surgery (TES) and clarify the three-dimensional anatomical features of the sphenoid sinus and its surrounding structures. METHODS: For each patient a 3D volume rendering of the sphenoid sinus was obtained from a thin slice head and maxilla-facial CT scan using a free-source DICOM viewer. The 3D models obtained preoperatively were examined preoperatively by six neurosurgeons in order to identify the boundaries of the sella. RESULTS: For the main anatomical landmark, all of the observers were able to recognize the anatomical structure at a rate ranging from 80 to 98%, 28 to 60% and 25 to 58% for expert (n=3), inexpert (n=3) and the entire group of observers (n=6), respectively. The analysis of the data shows that both observation groups presented a lower recognition rate of the following parameters: right and left medial and lateral optocarotid recesses and tumor prominence, however, the sellar prominence, clival recess, planum sphenoidalis, right and left ICA prominence, right and left optic prominences represent the main anatomical landmarks to be recognized during TES immediately before the opening of the sellar floor. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a preoperative 3D imaging is not in itself a novelty in the literature, however the fact that a simple tool obtained with a free-source software like Horos can represent a considerable help in surgical practice without resorting to the use of more complex software and expensive represents the real utility of this work.

Evaluation of a perioperative steroid coverage after pituitary surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Serum cortisol levels within the first days after pituitary surgery have been shown to be a predictor of post-surgical adrenal insufficiency. However, the indication of empirical glucocorticoids to avoid this complication remains controversial. The objective is to assess the role of cortisol in the early postoperative period as a predictor of long-term corticotropic function according to the pituitary perisurgical protocol with corticosteroid replacement followed in our center. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients who underwent surgery in a single center between December 2012 and January 2020 for a pituitary adenoma were included. Of these, 54 patients with previous adrenal insufficiency (AI), Cushing's disease, or tumors that required treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids (GC) were excluded. A treatment protocol with glucocorticoids was established, consisting of its empirical administration at rapidly decreasing doses, and serum cortisol was determined on the third day after surgery. Subsequent adrenal status was assessed through follow-up biochemical and clinical evaluations. RESULTS: Out of the 64 patients treated, there were 56 macroadenomas and 8 microadenomas. The incidence of adrenal insufficiency after pituitary surgery was 4.7%. The optimal cut-off value that predicted an adequate corticotropic reserve, taking into account the best relationship of specificity and sensitivity, was ≥4.1 µg/dl for serum cortisol on the third day (sensitivity 95.1%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSION: Serum cortisol on the third day predicts the development of adrenal insufficiency. We suggest a cortisol cut-off point of ≥4.1 µg/dl on postoperative on the third day after surgery as a predictor of the adrenal reserve in the long-term.

A rare case of a secondary pituitary abscess arising in a craniopharyngioma with atypical presentation and clinical course.

Pituitary abscesses are very uncommon. They are divided into primary, arising within a healthy gland, and secondary, observed with an underlying pre-existing lesion. Here we present the eighth case reported of a secondary abscess within a craniopharyngioma. A 59-year-old-woman presented with a 3-week history of headache, and fever. Physical examination was unremarkable. An Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a pituitary lesion suggestive of a chronic inflammatory process. She was diagnosed with lymphocytic meningitis with hypophysitis and she was treated with corticosteroids. Two months later she presented with headache and fever again. Control MRI showed enlargement of the pituitary lesion. Therefore, a transsphenoidal biopsy was performed. During the procedure, purulent material was released. Histological study demonstrated a craniopharyngioma and meningeal inflammation. Empiric antibiotics were started. Three months post-operatively, a follow-up MRI showed a suspect minimal residual mass. Secondary pituitary abscesses are rare. The key to successful management is a high index of suspicion. Transsphenoidal surgical evacuation plus antibiotics is the mainstay of treatment. Although most symptoms resolve, endocrinopathies improve only rarely.

Nariz en silla de montar poscirugía transesfenoidal de hipófisis. Reconstrucción con cartílago costal / Saddle nose after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Reconstruction with rib cartilage

Durante los últimos años, la cirugía endoscópica transesfenoidal se ha convertido en el procedimiento quirúrgico de elección para el tratamiento de tumores hipofisarios. La técnica de abordaje actual es el resultado de una evolución histórica de vía por craneotomía a vía endonasal con ingreso a través del seno esfenoidal. Aunque la cirugía de tumores hipofisarios vía transesfenoidal endoscópica ha permitido disminuir las complicaciones graves asociadas a los abordajes externos, no está exenta de complicaciones, como la fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo. A nivel del abordaje nasal, hay escasas descripciones de complicaciones y el compromiso del cartílago septal con deformidad en silla de montar no es una complicación documentada. Se presenta un caso de rinodeformidad en silla de montar poscirugía transesfenoidal de hipófisis en una paciente de 32 años a quien se le practicó una reconstrucción nasal con cartílago costal autólogo. En nuestra búsqueda bibliográfica es el primer caso registrado en Iberolatinoamérica

In recent years, transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery has become the surgical procedure of choice for the treatment of pituitary tumors. The current approach technique is the result of an historical evolution from craniotomy surgery to an endonasal procedure with entry through the sphenoid sinus. Although endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery has made it possible to reduce serious complications associated with external approaches, it is not without complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistula. At the level of the nasal approach, there are few descriptions of complications and involvement of the septal cartilage with saddle deformity is not a documented complication. We present a case of saddle rhinodeformity after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in a 32-year-old patient who underwent nasal reconstruction with autologous costal cartilage. In our bibliographic search, it is the first case registered in IberoLatin America.

Presurgical predictive factors of surgical remission in Cushing's disease. Study of 32 cases.

PURPOSE: Identify presurgical factors associated with surgical remission in Cushing's disease (CD). METHODS: All the patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing's Syndrome in follow-up at our centre between 2014-2021 (n=40) were identified. Those patients with CD diagnosis who underwent transsphenoidal surgery by the same neurosurgeon (n=32) were included. Surgical remission was defined as plasma cortisol <1.8µg/dl and normal or low urinary free cortisol (UFC) after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent (n=20) were women, and the mean age at diagnosis was 42.3±17.9 years. Six patients had macroadenomas, 17 had microadenomas, and in the other 9 patients, no pituitary lesion was identified on the MRI. Seven patients were previously operated on in another centre. Surgical remission was achieved in 75% (n=24). Only three patients experienced recurrence. No association between pre-surgical demographic (age, sex, comorbidities) or hormonal (UFC, ACTH, late-night salivary cortisol levels) characteristics and the probability of surgical remission was observed. The only variable associated with a greater chance of remission was the presurgical visualisation of the adenoma on MRI (OR 8.3, P=0.02). It was also observed that patients with a history of a previous pituitary surgery had a lower tendency to achieve remission, although statistical significance was not reached (OR 0.17, P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, 75% of patients with CD achieved biochemical cure after the intervention. Surgical remission was up to eight times more frequent in those patients in whom the adenoma was visualised before the intervention, but no other presurgical predictive factors of cure were identified.

Lesiones sincrónicas selares: adenoma hipofisario y quiste de la bolsa de Rathke / Collision sellar lesions: pituitary adenoma and Rathke cleft cyst

Resumen El quiste de la bolsa de Rathke (QBR) es una entidad benigna de crecimiento lento que proviene del remanente del ectodermo primitivo. Presenta un origen común con los adenomas hipofisarios (AH), sin embargo, la presentación sincrónica de un AH y un QBR es infrecuente. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 41 años con enfermedad de Cushing. Se realizó resonancia magnética con el hallazgo de dos lesiones en región selar. Se hizo un abordaje transnasal endoscópico, con exéresis completa de ambas. El informe de anatomía patológica reveló un AH corticotropo y un QBR. Tuvo una remisión clínica analítica endocrinológica a los seis meses postquirúrgicos. Ante el hallazgo de una imagen quística a nivel selar concomitante con un adenoma hipofisario, debe ser considerada la posibilidad diagnóstica de un QBR.

Abstract Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) are a slow-growing, benign, cystic lesions that arises from the remnants of the primitive ectoderm and Rathke's pouch. They present a common origin with pituitary adenomas (PA), however, the concomitant presentation of a PA and a RCC rarely occur. We present a case of a 41-year-old female with Cushing's disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two synchronic lesions in the sellar region. An endoscopic transnasal approach was performed, with complete excision of both. The histological studies revealed an ACTH secreting PA and a RCC. The patient presented clinical and endocrinological remission six months after surgery. With the presence of cystic lesion at the sellar region, and the concomitant finding of a pituitary adenoma, RCC should be considered.

A rare case of a secondary pituitary abscess arising in a craniopharyngioma with atypical presentation and clinical course.

Pituitary abscesses are very uncommon. They are divided into primary, arising within a healthy gland, and secondary, observed with an underlying pre-existing lesion. Here we present the eighth case reported of a secondary abscess within a craniopharyngioma. A 59-year-old-woman presented with a 3-week history of headache, and fever. Physical examination was unremarkable. An Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a pituitary lesion suggestive of a chronic inflammatory process. She was diagnosed with lymphocytic meningitis with hypophysitis and she was treated with corticosteroids. Two months later she presented with headache and fever again. Control MRI showed enlargement of the pituitary lesion. Therefore, a transsphenoidal biopsy was performed. During the procedure, purulent material was released. Histological study demonstrated a craniopharyngioma and meningeal inflammation. Empiric antibiotics were started. Three months post-operatively, a follow-up MRI showed a suspect minimal residual mass. Secondary pituitary abscesses are rare. The key to successful management is a high index of suspicion. Transsphenoidal surgical evacuation plus antibiotics is the mainstay of treatment. Although most symptoms resolve, endocrinopathies improve only rarely.

Glioma del nervio óptico en paciente adulto con presentación hemorrágica tratado mediante abordaje endoscópico transesfenoidal extendido / Optic nerve glioma in an adult patient with hemorrhagic presentation treated by an extended transsphenoidal endoscopic approach

El glioma del nervio óptico es una entidad de muy baja incidencia en pacientes adultos, lo cual impide tener suficiente información sobre historia natural y conducta terapéutica en este grupo etario. En el presente artículo comunicamos el caso de un paciente de 27 años de edad con compromiso agudo del nervio óptico izquierdo debido a hemorragia intra tumoral, forma de presentación muy poco común en este tipo de tumores. Se realizó la resección mediante un abordaje endoscópico transesfenoidal extendido, con preservación funcional de la vía óptica contralateral. La anatomía patológica confirmó astrocitoma pilocítico positivo para el rearreglo KIAA 1549-BRAF. y negativo para la mutación BRAF V600E. Teniendo en cuenta la histopatología y biología molecular en este caso, la estabilidad visual contralateral y la resección quirúrgica amplia, se decidió no realizar tratamiento adyuvante con radioterapia o quimioterapia. El objetivo de esta conducta fue evitar lesiones adicionales sobre el quiasma, nervio óptico contralateral y/o hipotálamo. Dada la escasa información existente en la literatura médica, el reporte de este caso podría contribuir con información adicional en el manejo y conducta terapéutica de este tipo de lesiones.

The optic nerve glioma is a very uncommon entity in adult patients, with little information about its natural history and therapeutical management. We report the case of a 27-year-old patient with acute involvement of the left optic nerve due to intratumoral hemorrhage, a very uncommon form of presentation in this type of tumor. Resection was performed using an extended transsphenoidal endoscopic approach, with functional preservation of the contralateral optic pathway. The histopathology confirmed positive pilocytic astrocytoma with KIAA 1549-BRAF rearrangement and without BRAF V600E mutation. Considering the histopathology and molecular biology, the contralateral visual stability and the wide surgical resection, it was decided not to perform further treatment. The purpose of this decision was to avoid additional damage to the chiasm, contralateral optic nerve and/or hypothalamus. Given the limited data available in medical literature, the report of this case could contribute with additional information on the management and therapeutic approach of this type of tumors

Tratamiento quirúrgico de los adenomas hipofisarios en el Noroeste Argentino / Surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas in the Argentine Northwest

Introducción: Los tumores de hipófisis representan aproximadamente un 10% de los tumores intracraneales. Los adenomas hipofisarios son ampliamente la lesión selar más frecuente. Es fundamental que se conformen equipos capaces de tratar holísticamente esta patología en las distintas regiones de nuestro vasto territorio. El propósito del presente trabajo es presentar nuestra experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de los adenomas hipofisarios en el Noroeste Argentino. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes operados por adenomas selares, desde enero de 2013 hasta abril de 2019, en la provincia de Tucumán, por el autor Senior. Resultados: Se analizaron 211 pacientes operados de adenomas pituitarios. En el 75% (n=158) las resecciones fueron totales y en el 25% (n=53) fueron resecciones subtotales. De los 88 pacientes con macroadenomas no funcionantes y déficit visual, el 94% (n=83) presentó mejoría visual en el postoperatorio. De los 52 pacientes con acromegalia, un 75% (n=39) presentó remisión bioquímica completa postquirúrgica. De los 26 pacientes con enfermedad de Cushing, un 81% (n=21) presentó remisión bioquímica completa postquirúrgica. De los 21 pacientes con prolactinomas, un 71% (n=15) normalizaron los niveles de prolactina en el postoperatorio. Conclusión: Los resultados en el tratamiento quirúrgico de los adenomas hipofisarios de la presente serie son comparables a los reportados por centros especializados internacionales. Debemos formar equipos capaces de tratar esta patología en las distintas regiones de la Argentina.

Background: Pituitary tumors account for 10% of intracranial tumors. Pituitary adenomas are the most common selar lesion. It is essential that teams be formed capable of treating this pathology holistically in the different regions of our vast territory. The purpose of this article is to present our experience in the surgical management of pituitary adenomas in the Northwest of Argentine. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was done studding patients operated from pituitary adenomas, from January 2013 to April 2019, in Tucumán, by the Senior Author. Results: We analyzed 211 patients operated from pituitary adenomas, of which 75% (n=158) had gross total resections and 25% (n=53) had subtotal resections. Of the 88 patients with non-functioning macroadenomas and visual deficit, 94% (n=83) presented visual improvement after surgery. Of the 52 patients with acromegaly, 75% (n=39) presented complete biochemical remission after surgery. Of the 26 patients with Cushing's disease, 81% (n=21) presented complete biochemical remission after surgery. Of the 21 patients with prolactinomas, 71% (n=15) normalized prolactin levels after surgery. Conclusion: Our results in the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas are comparable to those reported by international specialized centers. We must form teams capable of treating this pathology in the different regions of Argentina

Postoperative CSF leakages after transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: Analysis of a series of 302 surgical procedures. / Fístulas posquirúrgicas de líquido cefalorraquídeo tras cirugía transesfenoidal de adenomas hipofisarios: análisis de una serie de 302 intervenciones.

INTRODUCTION: Transsphenoidal surgical removal is the preferred treatment of most pituitary adenomas. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is the leading cause of morbidity after this procedure, with an incidence rate that varies from 0,5-15% in the main published series. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to establish the incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in a sample of surgeries performed at the University Hospital of La Ribera by the same surgical team. The secondary objectives were to: ascertain the distinctive features between patients with and without postoperative CSF leakage, identify risk factors for their development, evaluate the relationship between the surgical technique for closing the sella turcica and the onset of postoperative CSF leakage and evaluate different treatment regimens for this complication. METHODS: The data of 302 consecutive transsphenoidal surgical procedures for pituitary adenoma removal which were performed between 1999 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in our series was 2,3% (in accordance with similar published studies). It was possible to correlate intraoperative CSF leakage with two variables: pituitary macroadenoma and tumors with suprasellar extension (P<.005). This correlation did not exist for postoperative CSF leakage. We found a statistically significant correlation between intraoperative and postoperative CSF leakage (P<.005). Due to the low incidence of postoperative CSF leakage in our series, it was not possible to identify risk factors for its development.

Referencias anatómicas óseas en tomografía computada para el abordaje transesfenoidal a la base de cráneo / Anatomical bone landmarks in computed tomography for the transsphenoidal approach to the skull base

Objetivo: Aportar valores teóricos promedio de referencias anatómicas en tomografía computada con el fin de optimizar los abordajes transesfenoidales a la base de cráneo. Materiales y Métodos: Se desarrolló un diseño descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal y observacional de cien estudios de tomografía computada de macizo facial y base de cráneo. Mediante planillas de registro diseñadas ad Hoc, se confeccionó la base de datos considerando: sexo, edad, línea media, posición del rostrum esfenoidal y de la silla turca, posición de los ostium esfenoidales, presencia de las paredes óseas del seno esfenoidal, distancia entre las arterias carótidas internas y los nervios ópticos, neumatización de los recesos óptico-carotídeos, neumatización del seno esfenoidal, dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, número de tabiques intra-seno esfenoidal y su sitio de inserción posterior. Resultados: El rostrum esfenoidal es el mejor reparo de línea media para los abordajes transesfenoidales a la región selar. Los tabiques internos no deben considerarse como reparos de línea media seguros. Los ostium esfenoidales se localizan laterales a la línea media y conforman un sitio seguro para iniciar la apertura de la pared anterior del seno esfenoidal. Las paredes óseas laterales del seno esfenoidal no siempre están presentes a nivel de las prominencias carotídeas y ópticas. El canal de trabajo para abordar la silla turca está determinado por la distancia entre ambas arterias carótidas internas, siendo en promedio de 11,24 mm. Conclusión: La tomografía computada permite obtener un conocimiento de la anatomía del seno esfenoidal preciso para la planificación de un abordaje transesfenoidal a la silla turca o extendida a la base de cráneo.

Objective: To provide average theoretical values for anatomic references in computed tomography (CT) images and, thereby, improve the transsphenoidal approach to the skull base. Methods and Materials: A descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted of 100 CT evaluations of facial bones and the skull base. A database was created using ad hoc registration forms, entering data on patient gender and age, midline, position of the sphenoid rostrum, position of the sella, position of the sphenoid ostium, presence of the bony walls of the sphenoid sinus relative to the carotid and optic prominences, distance from the internal carotid arteries, distance between the optic nerves, pneumatization of the optic-carotid recesses, pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus, dimensions of the sphenoid sinus, and the number and posterior insertion sites of sphenoid septa. Results: The sphenoid rostrum was found to be the best midline reference for transsphenoidal approaches to the sellar region. Internal septa should not be considered safe midline references. The sphenoid ostium are located laterally to the midline, and are a safe site at which to initiate the opening of the anterior wall of the sphenoid sinus in the mid-caudal direction. The lateral bony walls of the sphenoid sinus are not always present at the carotid and optic prominence levels. The working channel to approach the sella is determined by the distance between the internal carotid arteries, the average distance being 11.24 mm. Conclusions: Computed tomography reveals the anatomy of the sphenoid sinus and sellar region and, thus, facilitates the trans-sphenoidal approach to the skull base.

The septation of the sphenoidal air sinus: a cadaveric study / Septación del seno esfenoidal: investigación cadavérica

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sphenoidal sinus septation in a select South African population, and document the relation of the number and location of the septa to the structures intimately related to the sinus. The intersinus and intrasinus septa of the sinus, the number and attachments of the septa were recorded from forty five cadaveric head specimens. The sphenoidal sinus intersinus septa were recorded as follows: Type 0 (absent septum) in 7.5 %, Type 1 (single septum) in 65 % and Type 2 (double septa) in 22.5 % of cases. The incidence of intersinus septa deviating to the left was prevalent; hence, the right sphenoidal sinus was dominant. The occurrence of intrasinus septa was observed in 93.3 % of cases, with a higher prevalence in males. The intrasinus septa formed cave like chambers on the sinus walls in 65.6 % cases. Incidences of the intersinus septa attaching to sella turcica (ST) (46.25 %) were prevalent compared to cases where they attached to the internal carotid artery (ICA) (6.25 %), maxillary (MN) (1.25 %) and vidian (VN) (1.25 %) nerves. However, the intrasinus septa attached more to the ICA (52.63 %) compared to their attachment to the other neurovascular structures (ST - 26.32 %; MN - 5.36 % and VN - 2.63 %). Surgeons need to be aware of the complex anatomical variations of the sphenoidal sinus septation when performing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgeries.

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar la septación del seno esfenoidal en una población sudafricana y documentar la relación del número y la ubicación de los septos en relación a las estructuras íntimamente relacionadas con el seno. Los septos interseno e intraseno del seno, el número y las uniones de los septos se registraron a partir de cuarenta y cinco cadáveres. El septo interseno del seno esfenoidal se registró de la siguiente manera: Tipo 0 (tabique/septo ausente) en el 7,5 %, Tipo 1 (tabique/septo único) en el 65 % y Tipo 2 (tabiques/septos dobles) en el 22,5 % de los casos. La incidencia de septos intersenos desviados hacia la izquierda fue prevalente. Por lo tanto, el seno esfenoidal derecho fue dominante. La ocurrencia de septo intraseno se observó en el 93,3 % de los casos, con una mayor prevalencia en varones. Los septos intrasenos formaron cámaras, como cuevas, en las paredes del seno en un 65,6 % de los casos. La incidencia de septos intersenos que se adhieren a la silla turca (ST) (46,25 %) fueron prevalentes en comparación con los casos en que se unieron a la arteria carótida interna (ACI) (6,25 %), al nervio maxilar (NM) (1,25 %) y nervio vidiano (NV) (1.25%). Sin embargo, los septos intersenos se adhirieron más a la ACI (52,63 %) en comparación con su unión a otras estructuras neurovasculares (ST - 26,32 %; NM -5,36 % y NV - 2,63 %). Los cirujanos deben ser conscientes de las complejas variaciones anatómicas de la tabicación del seno esfenoidal cuando se realizan cirugías transesfenoideas endonasales endoscópicas.

Evolución de pacientes con adenoma hipofisario después de resección quirúrgica vía transesfenoidal en Hospital Teodoro Maldonado / Evolution of patients with pituitary adenoma after transsphenoidal surgical resection in Hospital Teodoro Maldonado

Los adenomas hipofisarios son tumores cerebrales benignos considerados como el tercer grupo de lesiones intracraneales en frecuencia tras los meningiomas y los gliomas. El tratamiento de esta patología puede ser clínico o quirúrgico, dependiendo del tipo de tumor. El tratamiento quirúrgico puede ser realizado por dos vías: transcraneal o transesfenoidal, la misma que puede ser por abordaje sublabial, transeptal o transnasal con uso de microscopio o endoscopio. Los resultados posquirúrgicos son objetivables a través de la revisión de historias clínicas para valorar sintomatología, niveles hormonales prequirúrgicos y posquirúrgicos, complicaciones para evidenciar los resultados de esta técnica. Objetivos: Determinar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico por vía transesfenoidal utilizando abordaje transnasal endoscópico y transeptal microscópico en pacientes con adenomas hipofisarios. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional, en el que se analizan 25 pacientes, que fueron hospitalizados para intervención neuroquirúrgica en el periodo comprendido entre enero 2014 a junio 2016 del Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo. Resultados: Se analizaron 25 pacientes que fueron intervenidos por adenoma hipofisario por vía transesfenoidal, de los cuales 14 fueron mujeres y 11 varones. El rango de edad estuvo comprendido entre 13 y 79 años, con una media de 50 años. Según la clasificación por su tamaño, 3 pacientes presentaron microadenoma y 22 macroadenoma; 7 pacientes con adenoma hipofisario funcionante y 18 pacientes con adenoma hipofisario no funcionante. El 60 % de pacientes tuvo mejoría en la visión. En los adenomas hipofisarios funcionantes los niveles hormonales disminuyeron en 6 pacientes y en 1 paciente incrementó. Las complicaciones posquirúrgicas se presentaron en 6 pacientes, que representan un 24 % de pacientes; 2 presentaron fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo, 2 pacientes empeoraron su sintomatología visual, 1 paciente desarrolló diabetes insípida y 1 paciente falleció en el posquirúrgico mediato. Conclusiones: El procedimiento transesfenoidal sea transeptal micróscopica o transnasal endoscópica son abordajes eficaces para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los pacientes con adenoma hipofisario.

Pituitary adenomas are benign brain tumors considered the third group of intracranial lesions in frequency after meningiomas and gliomas. The treatment of this pathology may be clinical or surgical depending on the type of tumor. Surgical treatment can be performed by 2-way transcranial or transsphenoidal, which can be by sublabial, transseptal or transnasal approach using a microscope or endoscope. The postoperative results are objectivable through the review of clinical histories to evaluate symptoms, pre-surgical and postsurgical hormone levels, complications to evidence the results of this technique. Objectives: To determine the results of transsphenoidal surgical treatment using transnasal endoscopic and microscopic transeptal approach in patients with pituitary adenomas. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective, observational study in which 25 patients were analyzed, who were hospitalized for neurosurgical intervention in the period between 2014 and June 2016 of the Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo. Results: We analyzed 25 patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma, 14 of whom were women and 11 men. The age range was between 13 and 79 years, with an average of 50 years. According to the classification by their size 3 patients presented microadenoma and 22 macroadenoma; 7 patients with functioning pituitary adenoma and 18 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Sixty percent of patients had improvement in vision. In functional pituitary adenomas, hormonal levels decreased in 6 patients and in 1 patient increase. Postoperative complications were presented in 6 patients representing 24% of patients, 2 had cerebrospinal fluid fistula, 2 patients worsened their visual symptomatology, 1 patient developed diabetes insipidus and 1 patient died in the postoperative period. Conclusions: The transsphenoidal procedure is transosseous or endoscopic transnasal micróscopica are effective approaches for the surgical treatment of patients with pituitary adenoma.

[Endonasal endoscopic surgery in pituitary adenomas: Surgical results in a series of 86 consecutive patients]. / Cirugía endoscópica endonasal en adenomas hipofisarios: resultados quirúrgicos en una serie de 86 pacientes consecutivos.

INTRODUCTION: The endoscopic endonasal approach has become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to present the results obtained in our hospital in purely endoscopic surgery of pituitary adenomas. METHODS: From February 2011 to August 2016, we conducted a prospective study on a series of 86 patients with pituitary adenoma, all of whom underwent surgery with a purely endoscopic endonasal approach. The 'four hands-two nostrils' technique was performed in all cases by a surgical team composed of an ENT surgeon and a neurosurgeon. Mean follow-up was 32 months. All patients were evaluated according to clinical, radiological and endocrinological criteria. RESULTS: In our series, 53% were women and 47% men. The age ranged from 14 to 84 years of age, with a mean of 54 years of age. The most common initial symptom was visual deficit (42%), followed by hormonal hyperfunction (21%), with acromegaly being the most common clinical syndrome. The most common tumours were non-functioning tumours (73%), while GH-secreting tumours (65%) were the most common functioning adenoma. Regarding tumour size, 76% were macroadenomas, 11% microadenomas and 13% giant adenomas. Approximately 63% of the adenomas exhibited suprasellar extension and 37% involved invasion of the cavernous sinus (Knosp grade ≥3). Total excision was achieved in 77% of the cases. After the intervention, visual improvement was achieved in 91% and remission of endocrine hyperfunction in up to a 73% of cases. The most common complication was anterior pituitary insufficiency of at least one axis (9%). There were no cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of surgical quality, our results are similar to those of published series, and demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the endoscopic endonasal approach as the surgical treatment of choice for pituitary adenomas. However, further studies with a higher sample size are necessary to obtain clinically significant results.

Transpalatine Route for the Correction of Transsphenoidal Encephalocele in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction Transsphenoidal encephalocele is a rare neural tube defect characterized by the herniation of meninges and eventually of parts of the brain through a bony defect in the sphenoid bone. The clinical presentation is variable, and surgical treatment is controversial. Case Report This report describes the case of an 8-month-old female child diagnosed with transsphenoidal encephalocele. The child presented with obstruction of the upper airways and was fed via a nasogastric tube but did not present changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis. The patient underwent surgery with the transsphenoidal­transpalatine route, with an excellent outcome and without fistulas or infections. Conclusions Although transsphenoidal encephalocele is a rare congenital anomaly, the transsphenoidal­transpalatine route for the correction of this type of encephalocele is a safe option and produces a favorable outcome in pediatric patients.

Introdução A encefalocele transesfenoidal é um defeito do tubo neural raro, caracterizado por herniação de meninges e eventualmente partes do cérebro através de uma falha óssea no osso esfenoide. A apresentação clínica é variável e o tratamento cirúrgico é controverso. Relato de Caso No presente trabalho descrevemos o caso de uma criança de 8 meses, sexo feminino, com diagnóstico de encefalocele transesfenoidal. Apresentava-se com obstrução de vias aéreas superiores, alimentando-se por sonda nasoenteral e sem alterações do eixo hipotálamo-hipofisário. Tratada com cirurgia via transesfenoidal transpalatal, evoluiu com excelente resultado, sem fístulas e sem infecções. Conclusões Embora a encefalocele transesfonoidal seja uma anomalia congênita rara, a via transpalatina-transesfenoidal para correção deste tipo de encefalocele é uma opção segura e produz um resultado favorável no paciente pediátrico.

Endoscopic and Microsurgical Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus ­ Anatomical Review

Cavernous sinus surgery has always represented a surgical challenge due to the great importance of the surrounding anatomical structures and to the high morbidity associated to it. Although the anatomy of this region has been extensively described, controversy remains related to the best treatment and approaches for different kinds of lesions. In this article, a literature review was performed on the surgical anatomy and approaches to the cavernous sinus.

A cirurgia da região do seio cavernoso sempre representou um desafio devido à grande importância das estruturas anatômicas e às altas taxas de morbidade associadas. Embora a anatomia da região tenha sido extensivamente descrita, permanece controverso o melhor tratamento e o acesso para diferentes tipos de lesão que acometem a região. Neste artigo foi realizada uma revisão de literatura focando a anatomia cirúrgica e os acessos à região do seio cavernoso.

Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries / Septações intraesfenoidais inseridas nas artérias carotídeas internas: uma relação frequente e arriscada nas cirurgias transesfenoidais

Abstract Introduction: When an expanded endonasal transsphenoidal surgical approach is performed, intrasphenoid septations must be completely resected. If these structures are close to the internal carotid artery (ICA), then their manipulation might cause vascular injury. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the internal carotid artery protuberance (ICAp). Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 421 patients were analysed. Intrasphenoid septations (classified as intersphenoid or accessory) and their relationship to the ICAp were described. Additionally, a sphenoid sinus classification was performed based on their degree of pneumatisation to determine whether a difference exists in the frequency of intrasphenoid septations inserted into ICAp with regard to sinus type. Results: The patient mean age was 39 ± 21.4 years. Overall, 219 patients (52%) had septations in the ICAp; 359 patients (85.3%) had intersphenoid septations; of the latter, 135 (37.6%) had septations in the ICAp. This frequency was higher among patients with sphenoid sinus type 4 or 5 (44.7% and 43.5%, respectively). Accessory septations were found in 255 patients (60.6%); 140 of these septations (54.9%) were in the ICAp. Among 351 patients with types 3, 4 or 5 sphenoid sinuses (i.e., only well-pneumatised sphenoid sinuses), 219 (62.4%) had septations in the ICAp. These frequencies are higher than those reported in most previous studies. Conclusion: The frequency of intrasphenoid septations in the ICAp found is considerable. It is higher among patients with more pneumatised sinuses. This finding justifies an appropriate pre-operative study, and careful attention must be paid during transsphenoidal surgery.

Resumo Introdução: Quando uma abordagem cirúrgica transesfenoidal endonasal ampliada é feita, septações intraesfenoidais devem ser completamente ressecadas. Se essas estruturas estiverem próximas à artéria carótida interna (ACI), a manipulação pode causar lesão vascular. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a frequência de septações intraesfenoidais na protuberância da artéria carótida interna (pACI). Método: Exames de tomografia computadorizada (TC) de 421 pacientes foram analisados. As septações intraesfenoidais (classificadas como interesfenoidais ou acessórias) e sua relação com a pACI foram descritas. Além disso, uma classificação do seio esfenoidal foi feita com base no seu grau de pneumatização para determinar se existe uma diferença na frequência de septações intraesfenoidais inseridas em pACI em relação ao tipo de seio. Resultados: Pacientes com idade média de 39 ± 21,4 anos foram incluídos. No geral, 219 pacientes (52%) apresentavam septações na pACI; 359 (85,3%) septações interesfenoidais; 135 (37,6%) septações na pACI. Essa frequência foi maior entre os pacientes com seio esfenoidal tipo 4 ou 5 (44,7 e 43,5%, respectivamente). As septações acessórias foram encontradas em 255 doentes (60,6%); 140 dessas septações (54,9%) estavam na pACI. Entre 351 pacientes com seios esfenoidais tipos 3, 4 ou 5 (isto é, apenas seios esfenoidais bem pneumatizados), 219 (62,4%) tinham septações na pACI. Essas frequências são superiores às relatadas na maioria dos estudos. Conclusão: A frequência de septações intraesfenoidais na pACI encontrada é considerável, é maior entre pacientes com seios mais pneumatizados. Esse achado justifica um estudo pré-operatório adequado e uma atenção especial deve ser dada durante a cirurgia transesfenoidal.