Craniotomia descompressiva: análise crítica baseada em relatos de caso / Decompressive cranotomy: critical analysis based on case reports

Entende-se por infarto maligno aquele que acomete mais da metade do território da artéria cerebral média, atingindo níveis de mortalidade de até 80%. A craniotomia descompressiva tem se mostrado como técnica operatória capaz de reduzir significativamente essas taxas. No entanto, persistem na literatura muitas dúvidas quanto à indicação do procedimento relacionadas a idade, hemisfério cerebral acometido, time cirúrgico e status neurológico pré-operatório. Analisamos 10 pacientes vítimas de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmicos extensos, tratados no hospital SEMPER-BH, levando-se esses fatores em consideração. Concluímos que a idade e o quadro neurológico prévio ao momento cirúrgico são os dois fatores mais importantes no prognóstico do paciente submetido à craniotomia descompressiva.

It is understood that malignant infarction affects more than half of the middle cerebral artery territory and reaches mortality rates up to 80%. A decompressive craniotomy has been recommended as the surgical technique that can significantly reduce these rates. However, many questions persist in the literature as the indication of the procedure related to age, hemisphere affected, surgical time and preoperative neurological status. We analyzed 10 patients who suffered extensive ischemic stroke treated in hospital SEMPER-BH taking these factors into consideration. We conclude that age and neurological status prior to the surgical time are the two most important factors in the prognosis of patients undergoing decompressive craniotomy.

Anatomic variation of thorax drainage: absence of accessory hemiazygos vein

Formed by the azygos, hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins, this system is responsible for the venous drainage of the thorax and partially of the abdomen. Abnormalities of this system are not uncommon, and many are referred to in literature. The complete agenesis of the accessory hemyazigos vein is associated with complete regression of the left posterior cardinal vein or atrophy of the left subcardinal vein. The reported case consists of the complete absence of the accessory hemiazygos vein, culminating in the drainage of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th left posterior intercostal veins directly into the azygos vein of a male cadaver. The importance of the theme is due to the necessity of recognizing patterns and frequencies of these variations when facing procedures addressing the mediastinum or the major vessels.

Sternalis muscle: an anatomic variation of the anterior chest wall

The sternalis muscle’s presence is an uncommon anatomic variation of the anterior chest wall’s musculature. It is insufficiently mentioned by the most of anatomical textbooks, although it has been well described by the literature. The study of this anatomic variation is extremely relevant, principally for the interpretation of image’s exams that approach this region. For this study’s achievement, 102 cadavers were dissected (97 of the male sex and 5 of the female sex). The study of the sternalis muscle avoids the expenses with exams and the indication of aggressive treatments in a wrong way.